Faithful Citizenship 2006

Sixth in a Series

By Wisconsin Catholic Conference

	Stewardship Stewardship: A Way of Life is the diocesan call to acknowledge that all of life is a gift of God and to respond through prayer, service and sharing.

"The witness of scripture and our Catholic tradition teach that marriage, as instituted by God, is between one man and one woman. It is within this unique bond of mutual and reciprocal marital love that a man and a woman become one. This reciprocal love reflects the natural 'complementarity' between men and women. This complementarity blends the differences between men and women and enables them to cooperate physically, emotionally and psychologically. Complementarity is truly the gift through which a married couple becomes more than the sum of its parts." --Wisconsin Bishops, A Letter to Catholics in Wisconsin on Defining Marriage in Our State Constitution, 2006

On Nov. 7, Wisconsin voters will be asked to ratify a proposed amendment to the state constitution to define marriage as the union between one man and one woman. If a majority votes "Yes," the amendment will become part of the constitution.

What does the referendum say?

The referendum question reads as follows:

"Shall section 13 of article XIII of the constitution be created to provide that only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state and that a legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage of unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized in this state?"

	Resources For additional information on Church teaching on marriage and the Nov. 7 referendum visit the WCC website, www.wisconsincatholic.org, and click on "Elections 2006"
	Related articles: from Oct. 27, 2006 issue: • State referenda draw spirited discussions     Marriage, death penalty, spark mixed reactions • Eye on the Capitol --     Legislature acts to strengthen families     Families are most important for our society     as a whole • Find more election resources on our Links page.

Why are we amending the state constitution? Doesn't state law already address this?

Wisconsin law defines marriage as a union between a husband and wife, which is consistent with the traditional understanding of marriage. However, an amendment to the state constitution establishes a stronger legal recognition of the unique status of traditional marriage in this state. This additional protection is important, given judicial and legislative actions in other states that have altered the legal definition of marriage.

Why is it so important that marriage be preserved as the exclusive union of a man and a woman?

Millennia of human experience and ethical reflection show the family to be the foundation of society. The institution of marriage plays an essential role in the continuation of the human race, the full and proper development of each person and the establishment of a society rooted in personal dignity, social stability and mutual respect. Marriage is the foundation of the family. Thus, while marriage is a personal relationship, it also has public significance. (Unites States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Between Man and Woman: Questions and Answers About Marriage and Same-Sex Unions, 2003, #5).

Society needs the presence and contribution of males and females. Marriage is the primary pattern for male-female relationships. It has social value insofar as it models the way in which women and men can live interdependently and commit, for the whole of life, to seek the good of each other.

Why should marriage be a part of civil law?

Civil laws provide a structure within which we can live in harmony and peace and support our most cherished values. In a religiously pluralistic society we find common ground for legislation in the created order and in the natural moral law that follows on that reality.

To propose a new definition of marriage in which people of the same sex are "married," is to present a completely different understanding of human sexuality and its purpose.

Finally, "the marital union also provides the best conditions for raising children: namely, the stable, loving relationship of a mother and father present only in marriage. The state rightly recognizes this relationship as a public institution in its laws because the relationship makes a unique and essential contribution to the common good" (USCCB, Q&A, #5).

Does denying marriage to homosexual persons demonstrate unjust discrimination or lack of respect for them as persons?

No. Because a marriage and a same-sex union are essentially different realities, it is not unjust to treat them differently.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church urges that homosexual persons "be treated with respect, compassion, and sensitivity" (#2358). It also encourages "chaste friendships" (USCCB, Q&A, #6). Such friendships, whether between homosexual or heterosexual persons, are a great benefit to all. (See CCC, #2347)

However, respecting the dignity of homosexual persons does not conflict with upholding God's intent for marriage in which sexual relations have their proper and exclusive place.

The State can justly give married couples benefits and rights it does not extend to others. It would be wrong to redefine marriage as a means of providing benefits to those who cannot rightly claim marriage (USCCB, Q&A, #7).

Does the second part of the constitutional amendment eliminate some of the benefits already extended to "domestic partners" in this state?

No. The terms "civil union" or "domestic partnership" are not in the amendment. All the amendment does is prevent legal recognition of relationships identical to or substantially the same as marriage. Current laws that grant only some benefits to unmarried couples won't automatically be affected by the amendment.

The State Attorney General affirmed this stating that if the constitutional amendment were approved, "[t]he constitution would not further specify what is, or what is not, a legal status identical or substantially similar to marriage. Whether any particular type of domestic relationship, partnership or agreement between unmarried persons would be prohibited by this amendment would be left to further legislative or judicial determination"(Letter to Kevin Kennedy, State Elections Board, 8/4/06).

State law permits people to name whomever they want as beneficiaries of a will or a life insurance policy. A designee as an agent under a durable power of attorney or as a healthcare agent can be a person who is unmarried, and in fact, unrelated in any way. Businesses can, if they choose, extend employment benefits to individuals unrelated to employees. None of these are seen as identical to marriage.

(The Wisconsin Catholic Conference is the civil arm of the state's five diocesan bishops.)