“Thankfully, more states are recognizing that the only way to truly protect marriage is to amend their constitutions. Marriage is still the only institution we have with the primary purpose of giving a mother and a father to every child, and every adult should consider this in light of the push to redefine it.”

Five states allow same-sex marriage. By year’s end, that number could grow. However, several states are working to protect the definition of marriage.

Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, New Hampshire and Vermont have legalized gay marriage.

Democratic leaders in the Maryland and Rhode Island Legislatures appear sympathetic to gay marriage, which means it could be legalized soon in those states. At least four other states may consider legislation this year to allow same-sex marriage: Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Washington.

Brian Brown, president of the National Organization for Marriage, said, “Supporters of redefining marriage are looking (at) any place they can gain ground.”

He said public opinion on marriage is very clear. “The people just don’t want same-sex marriage,” he told The Christian Post. “In every state where the people had the chance to vote, in both deep blue and deep red states, they have voted against same-sex marriage.”

At least seven states — Indiana, Iowa, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Wyoming — are working to protect marriage in their constitutions. With conservative gains nationwide in November, their efforts are more likely to succeed.

“Thankfully, more states are recognizing that the only way to truly protect marriage is to amend their constitutions,” said Jenny Tyree, marriage analyst at CitizenLink. “Marriage is still the only institution we have with the primary purpose of giving a mother and a father to every child, and every adult should consider this in light of the push to redefine it.”

© Copyright 2011 World Magazine. Used with Permission