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One of the major issues facing the general assembly in 2014 is whether or not the citizens of Indiana will have the right to vote next November to uphold marriage between a man and a woman only.

According to my constituents this is an issue of great importance to the people of Indiana and I believe they should have the right to make this decision.  It shouldn’t be made by corporate executives, religious groups, college presidents or even your state legislators.  Something as important as this should be decided by the people of Indiana at the voting booth.  The Legislature will only be voting this session on whether or not to put the question on next fall’s ballot.

I believe strongly in family and protecting the sanctity of marriage, and I better understand the importance of these relationships now, having gone through trials of my own.  As I gather around the table this Thanksgiving to enjoy food and fellowship with my family, I am reminded of the importance of the ties that bind us together.  My wife and I  have been in a blended family for 32 years.  Before that I raised my son for four years as a single parent.  It was tough, but I did my best and I can certainly identify with the special problems experienced by single mothers or fathers.

Unfortunately, the breakdown of the institution of family is rampant in our world today.  Marriage is no longer a unique bond, a cohesive union to last decades.  It has been reduced in our culture to a disposable connection that provides benefits and convenience but does not offer true closeness.  The unfortunate truth is that, in all of this, it is our children who will suffer the greatest harm.

Research shows that the optimum environment for raising children is a home where the mother and father are committed to one another in marriage.  The future of our nation depends on the creation of good homes for our children.  Families are the building blocks of society and when these blocks break down, society can crumble.

We need to restore a culture of family in which committed marriages are the norm.  The responsibility to defend the family rests on you and me.  Children need loving and committed mothers and fathers—ones who can nurture and support them.

I believe strongly in family and protecting the value of marriage, but I know opinions on this issue vary.  That is why when it comes to an issue as critical as this, I believe Hoosier voters should make the decision.