News

Bishops react to results from election

By Wisconsin Catholic Conference

Wisconsin's Catholic bishops expressed their gratitude to voters for passage of the Marriage Amendment to the state constitution and their disappointment over passage of the advisory referendum on the death penalty.

In a statement on the marriage referendum from the Wisconsin Catholic Conference, John Huebscher, executive director, said: "In their votes yesterday, the people of Wisconsin reaffirmed their intention to preserve the one man, one woman institution of marriage in our state. The bishops are most grateful to all those who voted for the amendment.

"As stated previously, the bishops do not believe the amendment compels any government or any employer to roll back benefits they currently provide to their employees and the Catholic Conference will resist legislative efforts to do that.

"The challenges facing Wisconsin families are many and the bishops are committed to working within our communities and with our policy makers to strengthen marriage and to help all parents as they strive to raise and nurture the next generation. Anyone interested in pursuing such policies will find a willing partner in the Catholic community."

Concerning passage of the advisory referendum on the death penalty, Huebscher said:

"First of all, the bishops thank all who voted 'no' on the advisory referendum. They deeply appreciate their support for the value of human life.

"Though disappointing, the outcome was expected, given that the death penalty is generally popular in polling on the question. At the same time, polls have shown that more Wisconsinites support life in prison than the death penalty, when given the option. That will be critical in any coming debate on the question.

"More importantly, the referendum was only advisory. Wisconsin remains without the death penalty. The bishops are confident that efforts to restore it will fail as they have failed in the past. The bishops remain committed, therefore, to working with the legislature to prevent any bill that would restore capital punishment from coming to a vote. They urge all Wisconsinites to join us in vigorously opposing any such measure."