In California, more than seven million voters amended the state Constitution by enacting Proposition 8, which restored the definition of marriage in that state as the union of one man and one woman. But shortly thereafter, a handful of activists filed a federal lawsuit in an attempt to overturn that marriage amendment and nullify the votes of the people.

In a dangerous decision that could ultimately threaten your religious freedom and the democratic process, a federal judge ruled that California's voter-approved amendment protecting marriage was unconstitutional.  ADF and our allies appealed that decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which has ruled to uphold the district court's outrageous ruling to redefine marriage in California.

No court should undercut the democratic process by taking the power to preserve marriage out of the hands of the people. But we are not surprised that this attack on marriage – tried in San Francisco – turned out this way.

This attack on marriage, in the Perry v. Brown case, is outlandish for many reasons:

• It was orchestrated by Hollywood insiders who already have plans to film a major motion picture about the trial.
• The case was intentionally filed and tried in San Francisco, where it was initially decided by a male judge who disclosed – after the trial – that he has been in a homosexual relationship for more than 10 years.
• The case was most recently heard before a panel of three judges that included the most overturned judge in America, one whose wife worked for 38 years as the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Southern California.

This case is critically important; but it has always been just one skirmish in a much larger battle. And the good news is…the battle is far from over. Americans overwhelmingly reject the idea of changing the definition of marriage. Sixty-three million Americans have voted on marriage, and in 31 out of 31 states they have protected marriage as the union between one man and one woman.

The Ninth Circuit's outrageous decision is out of step with every other federal appellate and Supreme Court decision on marriage in American history. ADF has now asked that this case be heard by the full panel of nine judges at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

ADF and our allies have been confident all along that the law, history, and the expressed will of the American people in favor of marriage will ultimately be upheld.

Defending Marriage across the Nation

Marriage is not only under attack in California, but across the country. Activists have been demanding – through different types of legal attacks – that marriage be redefined for everyone – everywhere. By God's grace, ADF has won 45 out of 61 marriage cases litigated to completion and is involved in nearly every arena where marriage is currently under attack. The faithful support of Christians like you has enabled ADF to…

• Defend the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) as lead counsel in the case Bishop v. United States.
• Defend marriage initiatives begun by state family policy councils in Arizona, Hawaii, Maine, Oregon, and elsewhere.
• Testify before the United States Senate Judiciary Committee with arguments and reasons for the federal government to preserve marriage. Click on the video to watch.  
• Equip our state and national allies by providing legal expertise and assistance for their efforts to strengthen and protect marriage.

The Alliance Defense Fund will continue the ongoing battle to preserve marriage as the union of one man and one woman nationwide. By God's grace, and with your prayers and financial support, we can – and will – win! (John 15:5)

Take Action

You can make a difference for the future of marriage in America by taking these two steps today!