A recent
Weekly Standard
article argued that mainstream media can focus on only one social issue at a time. Thus, since the current hot-button issue is gay marriage, pro-life advocates today face less public criticism (but also have a more difficult time getting media coverage)."Moral or social conservative candidates all want to talk about their conservative values. The homosexual movement is very aggressive and threatening; it's much easier for a politician who wants to prove they are conservative to jump in and say 'I'm pro-life.'"
Tamara Scott Iowa, campaign co-chair for Michele Bachmann
"Yes, because efforts to uphold the sanctity of marriage and of life are mutually reinforcing. We do not fully protect life if we deny children the right to be born and to have a father and a mother."
Galen Carey vice president, National Association of Evangelicals
"In some respects, it is easier today to advocate for pro-life causes under the radar since abortion is not the most controversial issue of the day. At the same time, we live in a culture that doesn't want to be judgmental about anything—whether gay marriage or abortion."
Janice Shaw Crouse, Concerned Women for America
"The public has protected marriage in every state where it has been on the ballot, yet declined to define pre-born human beings as 'persons.' By contrast, the courts have defied the people's will on marriage, but are increasingly protective of innocent life."
Steven Aden senior counsel, Alliance Defense Fund
"It's the other way around. Many leaders in the pro-marriage fight were first involved in fighting abortion. People who mobilized to protect life are organized to defend marriage. They learned a lot advocating for life and are applying that experience to marriage."
Wendy Wright, interim executive director, C-FAM
"No, the pro-life forces are winning because embryology makes it clear that we're dealing with human life. Also, pro-life parents have been more likely to have babies, so a demographic tidal wave undergirds the pro-life surge."
Richard Land president, SBC Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
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Previous topics for Under Discussion include trademarking church names and logos, the liturgical calendar, pastors and marriage for cohabitating couples, church disruptions, politicians and infidelity, politicians and religious persecution, faith healing and legal protection, pastors' housing allowances, sacred spaces, stinginess, TSA screening, and Christmas carols with questionable theology.
