Full Court Press

News flash: This week The New Jersey Supreme Court declared that it was illegal for the state to withhold marriage licenses from same-sex couples and told the legislature to allow gay and lesbian couples to "marry," either by way of marriage or civil unions.

The ruling both angered and rejuvenated conservative groups pushing for so-called "marriage protection" amendments in eight states, which, if passed, would constitutionally define marriage as between a man and woman. With the Republican party in the doldrums and run-of-the-mill evangelicals apparently apathetic over their choices this election cycle, opponents of same-sex marriage worried their cause was losing steam.

Now these leaders can focus on New Jersey and get their constituents fired up again about the evils of same-sex marriage and, just as importantly, "activist" judges.

"This ruling once again highlights the need for voters to enact state marriage-protection amendments to keep marriage out of the hands of activist courts," said James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family. "Nothing less than the future of the American family hangs in the balance if we allow one-man, one-woman marriage to be redefined out of existence. And, make no mistake, that is precisely the outcome the New Jersey Supreme Court is aiming for with this decision."