Liberty Counsel Files Brief in Challenge against Ca.'s Marriage Laws

Liberty Counsel files a brief in the Smelt v. Orange County case on behalf of Campaign for California Families.

By Katherine T. Phan, Christian Post Reporter Friday, December 10, 2004

California’s marriage laws and the Federal Defense of Marriage Act are both constitutional, argued Liberty Counsel in a brief filed in federal court.

Liberty Counsel is representing Campaign for California Families, who was granted the right to intervene in the Smelt v. Orange County case in which a same-sex couple contends the laws violate their federal constitutional right to due process and equal protection.

Same-sex marriage would send the message that children do not need a father and a mother, according to the brief.

Mathew D. Staver, president and general counsel of Liberty Counsel, said, "There is a direct correlation between marriage and the security of our future society. Same-sex marriage would destroy marriage and hurt children."

The Court will hear arguments in the case on January 27, 2005.

Liberty Counsel is also defending California’s marriage laws in a consolidated case in San Francisco which is scheduled for opening arguments on Dec. 22.