California’s legislature has proposed an amendment to the state’s constitution that critics charge could open the door to polygamy, incestuous relationships and child marriage.
State Sen. Scott Wiener and Assemblyman Evan Low—both Democrats—proposed Assembly Constitutional Amendment 5 (ACA 5) last week in what they are calling an attempt to enshrine same-sex marriage in California law. The amendment would repeal language in the state constitution that defines marriage as between one man and one woman. Despite the 2015 Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationally, LGBTQ advocates in multiple states are seeking ways to protect homosexual marriage in case the 2015 decision were ever overturned.
But experts have pointed out that the amendment’s wording could legalize controversial relationships, including those between more than two people, genetically related individuals, or even minors. The California Family Council (CFC) held a press conference on the steps of California’s State Capitol in Sacramento shortly after ACA 5 was announced.
CFC President Jonathan Keller pointed out the overwhelming risks involved in passing such an amendment. “If you abolish the definition of marriage and say that marriage can mean anything, then marriage actually means nothing,” he said. “This amendment removes critical protections, which is why we oppose it.”
Anne Edward, the executive director of Restored Hope, a ministry that serves people seeking to leave homosexuality or transgenderism, also spoke at the press conference. She shared her testimony as a former lesbian who found healing through a relationship with Jesus Christ. “Living by God’s design has so much fruit, joy and peace,” she said. “ACA 5 threatens to create chaos in families and does not protect children. I oppose this amendment and stand for the Biblical definition of marriage.”
Franklin Graham recently reiterated that God’s Word alone defines marriage. “God created sex. He wants us to enjoy it … but within a marriage relationship between a man and woman,” he said during an event in Scotland. “That’s the way He designed it.”
To pass, ACA 5 needs a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers of California’s legislature in order to be put before voters next year. The state’s governor would not need to sign the amendment for it to advance to public vote. Recent data from the Public Religion Research Institute indicates that more than two-thirds of California residents favor same-sex marriage.
