Traditional marriage supporters give warning
A group supporting traditional marriage in Washington State is warning voters of backlashes if the same-sex marriage referendum on the ballot is passed this November, saying backers of same-sex marriage in other cities and states are not willing to extend the same tolerance of traditional views as they wish for themselves.
Preserve Marriage Washington says that threats against supporters of traditional marriage by prominent politicians in places where gay marriage has been adopted are a precursor of what will happen in Washington State unless Referendum 74 is rejected.
The mayor of Boston said that businesses like Chick-fil-A would never be allowed to operate in their jurisdiction, and the mayor of the District of Columbia said “There is just no place for them [supporters of traditional marriage] in this city.”
“Washington voters should pay close attention to what is happening with the Chick-fil-A situation because this is what will happen here,” said Joseph Backholm, Chairman of Preserve Marriage Washington. “Once the definition of marriage is changed, it gives the government greater leverage to go after those who have a different perspective. The implications of the threats from these powerful mayors are clear: They are willing to interfere with your ability to make a living if you do not embrace their position on marriage.”
After Chick-fil-A‘s CEO said he believed in the biblical definition of marriage and the family, Boston’s mayor said businesses like Chick-fil-A would not receive permits in his city. The mayors of Chicago and San Francisco said they were not welcome there and Vincent Gray, mayor of the District of Columbia said, “You know, when people don’t support marriage equality, it is the law here in the District of Columbia, people who don’t support human rights for everybody, there just is no place for them in this city.”
“It is chilling to see Mayor Gray’s comments that he believes there is no place in civil society for supporters of traditional marriage,” said Backholm. “This is a terrifyingly honest glimpse into how they really feel. They do not intend to extend the same degree of tolerance they demand. It is imperative that we rally together now to reject R-74. Otherwise, we empower bureaucrats who feel entitled to interfere with people’s ability to make a living simply because of their views about marriage.”