MRC: MEDIA MUST STOP PROMOTING GAY MARRIAGE AGENDA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, July 7, 2006

CONTACT: TIM SCHEIDERER OR COLLEEN O’BOYLE AT 703.683.5004

MRC: MEDIA MUST STOP PROMOTING GAY MARRIAGE AGENDA

Print Coverage of Gay Marriage Distorts Facts, Spins Public Opinion

Alexandria, VA—Yesterday, the New York Court of Appeals and the Georgia Supreme Court issued rulings striking down gay marriage, making it an issue that state legislatures and the American people must decide. In response, the liberal media are spinning their coverage to present a distorted and pro-gay analysis of the issue, much in contrast to the overwhelming majority of Americans who oppose “gay marriage.”

Top media such as the New York Times, USA Today, and the Washington Post, among others, have relied heavily on pro-gay sources and pro-gay reactions to continue distorting the reality of the debate. For instance:

The New York Times reported that “the decision comes at a time when the country is deeply divided over the issue of gay marriage.” Yet the fact is that Americans in 20 states have voted against gay marriage, and 45 states have laws to prevent homosexuals from obtaining marriage licenses. Further, six states will vote on amendments against gay marriage and in defense of traditional marriage this November – if they pass, more than half the states in the union will officially oppose gay marriage.
The Washington Post ran a story with a headline and sub-headline that reads, “Same-Sex Marriage Ruled Out in New York, Georgia, Courts Back Man-Woman Couples.” This sub-headline clearly reflects a pro-gay bias by suggesting that the definition of a married couple is arbitrary, to be defined by a civil court, as opposed to the natural order and six millennia of history supporting marriage between one man and one woman.

“Constituents have unanimously voted to sustain traditional marriages in 20 out of 20 states, yet the liberal media are reporting that the country is deeply divided on the issue,” said MRC President Brent Bozell. “Americans deserve a fair account of the overwhelming support against gay marriage, but instead Americans are receiving a vastly distorted view on the issue.”

To schedule an interview with MRC President Bozell or an MRC spokesperson, please contact Tim Scheiderer (x. 126) or Colleen O’Boyle (x. 122) at 703.683.5004.