Issue Summary

We are all aware of the unbelievable actions of judges in Massachusetts and the lawless actions of the Mayor of San Francisco which are forcing this nation to accept same-sex marriage. The President has recently endorsed the concept of a constitutional amendment to preserve traditional marriage. The President did not endorse a specific constitutional text as there are various ideas floating on Capitol Hill at this time.

There are two competing texts that conservatives have endorsed. Some conservatives have endorsed the Marriage Protection Amendment (MPA). Other conservatives have endorsed the Institution of Marriage Amendment (IMA). The texts of each version are quoted below. Briefly, the MPA is designed to stop same-sex marriage and to allow state legislatures to create civil unions. The IMA is designed to stop same sex marriage and civil unions (since civil unions give same-sex couples 100% of the legal rights and benefits of marriage). The MPA protects only the word "marriage." The IMA protects the legal rights and status of marriage.

There is much confusion on this issue. The information here is intended to help bring accurate and simple answers to the complex swirl of questions on a constitutional amendment.