Expert: Calif. Amendment Could Lead to Legitimizing ‘Polyamorous, Incestuous, and Child Marriages’

A proposed California state constitutional amendment’s attempt to broaden the definition of marriage to better align with LGBT ideology may lead to a landslide of disastrous consequences, experts say. Proposition 8 of the California Constitution defines marriage as something “between a man and a woman,” and the California court is currently considering a proposal that would erase certain language that experts are warning could lead to the legitimizing of polyamorous, incestuous, and child marriages.

Assembly Constitutional Amendment 5 (ACA 5) was proposed by State Senator Scott Wiener (D) and Assemblymember Evan Low (D) to allegedly “protect same-sex marriages,” Fox News reported. As ACA 5 reads, “This measure, if approved by the voters, would repeal language in the California Constitution stating marriage is only between a man and woman and … would amend the California Constitution to include the fundamental right to marry as furthering the rights to enjoy life, liberty, safety, happiness, and privacy, and the rights to equal protection and due process.”

Wiener and Low said in a statement that this was both “the right thing to do” and “an essential step in protecting the freedom to marry for millions of LGBTQ Californians.” They also referred to the current state constitutional definition of marriage as a “scar” that “needs to be removed.” But California Family Council President Jonathen Keller warned in an interview with Fox that this amendment “eliminates any …. safeguards, and it opens up Pandora’s Box.”

Keller categorized this amendment as a potential “disaster” in which “you could have siblings getting married. You could have nephews and nieces marrying uncles and aunts.”” According to Keller, these scenarios will likely occur “[b]ecause it’s going to set up a constitutional protection to say, ‘Well, this is a constitutional right,’ and it is essentially an absolute constitutional right.”

Notably, this amendment does not require the signature of Governor Gavin Newsom (D), but would only need to “pass both chambers of the California legislation with a two-thirds vote before it would be put before voters next year,” the Advocate wrote. Additionally, “The proposed amendment would require only a simple majority of votes to become law.” But in further comment on the dangers of this amendment, Keller shared exclusively with The Washington Stand that “ACA 5 represents a profound threat to the social fabric of our society.”

He continued, “The stability of the nuclear family, which has been shown time and again to be the most effective environment for raising healthy and well-adjusted children, is at serious risk. Abolishing the definition of marriage would not just affect those directly involved but would have a ripple effect across our state and nation, undermining the most foundational unit of society.”

According to Keller, this California amendment is “indeed another troubling example of society straying further from biblical values.” As he explained, “In rejecting the God-ordained definition of marriage, proponents of this amendment are prioritizing adult desires over the well-being and rights of children.” Not only is “this rebellion against divine principles,” but it “will only lead to greater confusion and moral decay, as we are witnessing the erosion of clear moral standards that have historically guided our communities towards stability and prosperity.”

Keller further believes that “many of those pushing for ACA 5 … are either unaware of or indifferent to the grave side effects of such an amendment.” Their priority is “on advancing a political agenda rather than considering the long-term implications for children, families, and society at large.” And yet, rather than wallowing in fear, Keller offered encouragement in the fact that “there are several crucial steps we can take to hinder ACA 5 from moving forward.”

The first step, he said, is to “educate the public and our policymakers about the potential dangers of this amendment,” which takes place in acts such as “grassroots efforts, community discussions, and leveraging social media to spread awareness.” But the second step is that “we must pray for wisdom and courage for our leaders to stand firm against this proposal.” Additionally, Keller suggested prayer “for the hearts and minds of Californians to recognize the importance of preserving the true definition of marriage for the sake of our children and society, and “for unity among those who value family and biblical principles so we can present a strong, cohesive opposition to this misguided amendment.”

In a “critical time” such as this, Keller concluded, “it’s important to remember the words of Psalm 127:1, ‘Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.’ Our efforts to protect the sanctity of marriage must be rooted in prayer and reliance on God’s guidance. By staying vigilant, informed, and united, we can make a significant impact in preserving the values that are foundational to our faith and society.”