The United States Supreme Court has decided to rule on the constitutionality of same-sex marriage — a decision the US Catholic Bishops Conference sees as “a significant moment for our nation”.
The court’s ruling, which could have ramifications for marriage laws across the country, is not expected until next June.
The court has chosen to hear two cases challenging state and federal laws that define marriage as a union of a man and a woman.
One of the cases argues that Californian voters violated the federal constitution on 2008 when a referendum overrode a decision of the state’s Supreme Court allowing same-sex marriages.
The other case is against the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman for purposes of federal law. The Act received overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress and was signed into law by President Bill Clinton.
President Barack Obama, the first sitting US president to voice support for a redefinition of marriage, last year instructed the Department of Justice to stop defending the law in court.
Since the US elections last month, the number of states that authorise same-sex marriages has increased to nine.
“The US Supreme Court’s decision to hear these cases is a significant moment for our nation,” said Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, chairman of the bishops’ subcommittee for the promotion and defence of marriage.
“Marriage is the foundation of a just society, as it protects the most vulnerable among us, children,” he said. “It is the only institution that unites children with their mothers and fathers together.
“We pray for the court, that its deliberations may be guided by truth and justice so as to uphold marriage’s true meaning and purpose.”
Meanwhile, the bishops’ conference has announced a campaign of prayer and fasting for the “rebuilding of a culture favourable to life and marriage and for increased protections of religious liberty”.
Sources:
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
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