New Common Sense: Marriage and Faux Federalism

MARCH 26, 2013    |   Discover more at Heritage's First Principles webpage Marriage and Faux Federalism Some well-regarded commentators are hinting that conservatives should oppose the Defense of Marriage Act, since regulating marriage should be left to the states. But as Matthew Spalding explains, DOMA didn’t impose a single federal definition of marriage but simply laid out a standard for the federal government to follow. By doing so, it actually protected the rights of all 50 states. State Legislatures Observe Obamacare’s Birthday A third birthday is often a cause for celebration. But that’s certainly not the case for Obamacare, which was signed into law on March 23 three years ago. The law has never enjoyed majority support and is likely to become even more unpopular as insurance premiums soar starting next year. Meanwhile, the fight to stop Obamacare is far from over. It’s simply moved into a new and promising arena: state legislatures. The Constitutionality of Traditional Marriage This week, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in two cases that could decide the future of traditional marriage. Law professor John Eastman dissects the cases and explains why it’s crucial that marriage remain what it has always been: the union of one man and one woman. Quote of the Week "Marriage is treated by all civilized societies as a peculiar and favored contract. It is in its origin a contract of natural law. ... It is the parent, and not the child of society; the source of civility and a sort of seminary of the republic." - Joseph Story For more quotes, visit westillholdthesetruths.org     About The Heritage Foundation Founded in 1973, The Heritage Foundation is a research and educational institute — a think tank — whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense. The Heritage Foundation | 214 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 | 202.546.4400 | heritage.org