MBC organizes petition drive to protect traditional marriage

MBC organizes petition drive to protect traditional marriage

By Bob Baysinger
Managing Editor

March 2, 2004 

JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri Southern Baptists are being urged to sign a petition calling on the Missouri General Assembly “to take whatever steps necessary to support and pass a state and national constitutional marriage amendment."

The amendment would define and defend marriage as between one man and one woman.

David Clippard, Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) executive director, said Baptists statewide can register on the MBC internet website (www.mobaptist.org).

“The petition is on the home page," Clippard said. “Just follow the instructions."

For those who do not have access to the Internet, Clippard said people should type the petition’s heading “Constitutional Marriage Amendment" on pieces of 8 ½ x 11-inch paper. Put lines on the pages and number them from one to 150.

“After collecting names and addresses, Missouri Baptists should express mail the petitions to us so we receive them before March 15," Clippard said. “I know this is very short notice, but state Rep. Brian Baker, R-Belton, says we don’t have lots of time to be heard. He believes this issue will be heard and dealt with within a few days."

Clippard was encouraged to collect petition signatures after visiting recently with Baker.

“Rep. Baker told me that petitions and lists of names are very helpful because we (legislators) can show immediate and large support," Clippard said. “He said this is a hot issue and will be dealt with within 14 days."

Clippard plans to deliver the signed petitions to the Missouri Senate, House of Representatives, Supreme Court and the Governor’s Office on March 8.

“Some liberal voices are finding ways to position the idea of a Constitutional Marriage Amendment as biased and bigoted," Clippard said. “We must be heard!"

Dear Fellow Missouri Baptist, We desire to hand deliver to your elected lawmakers in Jefferson City, a petition that expresses support of a Constitutional Amendment which will define and defend marriage as between one man and one woman. If you would like to show your support and have your name hand delivered to every Representative, Senator and the Governor of Missouri, then simply put your email address in the box below and fill in the page that pops up afterward and hit the submit button.  The deadline is now Monday, March 15, 2004.  On this day, we will print out the lists and hand carry them from the Baptist Building to every legislator’s office on Capital Hill.