Redefining Family

By Michael F. Flach
Herald Editor
(From the issue of 7/17/03)

The Supreme Court’s recent decision in Lawrence v. Texas is considered by many to be the first step toward the destruction of the institution of marriage.

The Family Foundation needs help in making sure Virginia's families are heard to prevent an effort by the homosexual activist lobby to change the definition of family.

The Virginia Housing Development Authority’s mission is "to help fellow Virginians obtain safe, sound and decent housing, otherwise unaffordable to them." For several years, VHDA has been lending money to allow low and middle income families buy homes. The loans have been distributed to families defined as those who are related by blood, marriage or adoption. The "family rule," as it is known, has been under attack from homosexual activists for years, both in the General Assembly and at the VHDA.

Eighteen months ago the VHDA board attempted to remove the "family rule" from its bylaws. That effort failed after the Family Foundation brought the matter to the attention of citizens across Virginia, who responded overwhelmingly with letters and emails to board members. They attended a public meeting despite a snowstorm. As a result, the family rule survived. But once again that rule is up for debate and its survival is in serious jeopardy.

It should be abundantly clear why granting loans to any combination of individuals is bad business. Studies show that cohabitating couples rarely stay together beyond five years. This is particularly true for homosexual relationships. More importantly, however, removing the "family rule" would be a tacit endorsement by a state agency of cohabitation and homosexuality. It would place those relationships on the same level as traditional marriage, something that has long been a goal of the homosexual lobby.

Virginia Governor Mark Warner has been meeting on a regular basis with leaders of the homosexual lobby. One of his first political paybacks to that movement for their help in getting him elected was the appointment of Jay Fisette to the VHDA board. Fisette was the first openly homosexual elected official in Virginia. The implications of the appointment are clear. Since that time, the Governor has appointed two additional members to the VHDA board. He is expected to appoint another by the VHDA’s July 24 board meeting. In all likelihood, the governor's appointees will be favorable toward removing the "family rule."

The Family Foundation believes the governor's pro-homosexual agenda is clear and has nothing to do with sound business practices. Instead, "he is lending his political capital to a risky mortgage on the future of Virginia families."

Now is the time for Virginians to make their voices heard. The Family Foundation encourages immediate action by writing VHDA board members to express their objections to removing the "family rule." Mail comments to the above address; email them to: hearing@vhda.com; or call 804/786-8241.

Citizens are asked to attend the next VHDA public hearing on Thursday, July 24, at 3 p.m. at the VHDA headquarters, 601 Belvidere St., Richmond.

The National Review recently published an article on the subject of gay marriage. The article listed the names of organizations which openly support the right of members of the same sex to marry. These groups include: Human Rights Campaign, Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, Lambda Legal Freedom to Marry, ACLU, The National Organization for Women, People for the American Way, Gay and Lesbian Advocates & Defenders and Alternatives to Marriage Project.— M.F.F.

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