Author: Ruth Institute

How about great-grandchildren of divorce?

by K (Colorado) Nobody in my family has divorced for three generations. But my great-grandfather divorced his first wife and married my great-grandmother. His own son, born of this second marriage – my great-uncle – criticized him for what he did. Now both of those generations are gone, but there are still effects. I live […]

Bestiality in Germany? Incest in Switzerland?

If you listen to Dr. Kuehne’s interview, you will hear him say that the are having debates in Germany over bestiality, and in Switzerland over incest. I asked him, on camera, for the links. Well, here are the links: on animal brothels in Germany: on consensual incest in Switzerland. No, I’m not putting up any […]

Christmas reflections on a Demographic Winter’s Night

Three vignettes about Christmas and the Demographic Winter Demographic Winter: The increased standard of living associated with lower fertility is short-lived. The next generation facing population decline may face lowered economic growth and lower standards of living. We Baby Boomers rationalized having fewer kids by saying we were Saving the Earth.  As luck would have […]

From the Virginia Tech Massacre

As I was thinking and praying about the people in Newtown, I recalled that I had written something about the Virginia Tech massacre, when it happened back in 2007.  Much of it is still relevant to this current mass killing.  We still don’t have all the facts about the Newtown killer.  As you read this […]

The Ruth Institute mourns the loss of life in Newtown, CT

Like the rest of the country, we at the Ruth Institute mourn the loss of innocent human life at the Sandy Hook elementary school in Newtown, CT.  At this time, no one really knows very much about the killer, his motives, or the stability of his mind.  We do know that his own mother is […]

Dr J &amp, Austin Muck on "A Closer Look"

(October 10, 2012) Dr. J and Austin Muck, are guests of Sheila Liaugminas on Relevant Radio’s "A Closer Look.&quot, They’re discussing the essential public purpose of marriage–why government is involved in the institution at all. Austin interned at the Ruth Institute as part of the Alliance Defending Freedom’s Blackstone Legal Fellowship.

Loren Marks’ critique of the APA’s extreme claims of "no difference"

In case you are interested, here is the full study, critiquing the American Psychological Association’s statement that “Not a single study has found children of lesbian or gay parents to be disadvantaged in any significant respect relative to children of heterosexual parents.” He finds the studies the APA relied on to be flawed because of: […]

Link to Regnerus study of same sex parenting

In case you want to find out for yourself what all the fuss is about,  here is the link to the study by Dr. Mark Regnerus of the University of Texas at Austin, challenging the claim that there is “no difference” between the children of same sex parents and others. Read it for yourself.

Dr J &amp, Dr Gary Gates @ UCLA

(August 29, 2012) Dr J and Dr Gary Gates participate in a debate on the definition of marriage at UCLA. Dr. J, of course, is founding president of the Ruth Institute, Dr. Gates is a research associate at the Williams Institute at UCLA, a public policy research organization. The event was sponsored by the school’s Federalist Society. Hang on for the Q&A afterward, too.

ITAF 2012 grad announces VEEP candidacy!!

Ok, so I am slightly biased.  This is my daughter. But, in my defense: 1. she attended ITAF2010 2. she makes valid points about the anxiety of social conservatives about the Romney ticket and 3. this is pretty darn funny. Enjoy! Veep Watch By Anne Morse The rumors swirl around who Mitt Romney’s potential VP […]

Labor is Prior to Capital – Man/woman marriage is Prior to the State

I just saw this quote on a liberal facebook page that I follow: “Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration.” ~Abraham Lincoln I like […]

Let’s Do an Aggie Wall

You gotta love the Aggies of Texas A&M.  Hearing that the vile Westboro Baptist (sic) Church (sic) was planning to protest a soldier’s funeral, Aggies swung into action. They formed a Maroon Wall around the Central Baptist Church, where the funeral was to be take place.  The wall prevented the Westboro Baptist people from having […]

Two kinds of libertarians

Last week on Public Discourse, Prof Justin Dyer offers a review of Jeffry Bell’s Why America Needs Social Conservatism.  He states: “What divides social conservatives from social liberals,” Bell claims, “is this: Most—not all—social conservatives believe the words in that sentence [from the Declaration] are literally true. Most—not all—opponents of social conservatism do not believe those […]

Dr J &amp, Christine Sun @ the University of Arkansas

(February 9, 2012) In this debate at the University of Arkansas Little Rock, Dr J and Christine Sun ponder the definition of marriage. Dr J, of course, is founding president of the Ruth Institute, Christine Sun is Deputy Legal Director at the Southern Poverty Law Center. The debate includes a long Q&A before closing statements.

Dr J &amp, Mitchell Katine @ the University of Houston

(February 7, 2012) In this debate at the University of Houston, cohosted by the Federalist Society and Outlaw, Dr J squares off against Mitchell Katine over the definition of marriage. Dr J, of course, is founding president of the Ruth Institute. Mitchell Katine was the local attorney for John Lawrence of the Lawrence v Texas decision, which overturned all sodomy statutes in the U.S.

Do Kids Need a Mom and a Dad? The University of Chicago biz school study

In a previous post, I discussed a Life-Style Leftist blogman’s outraged responseto a perfectly reasonable statementabout a very sound study, and analyzed the rhetorical strategy of accusing your opponent of saying  something he didn’t say. In this post, I want to talk about the substance of the study, what it shows and what it doesn’t. […]

Left-wing rhetorical strategies: mischaracterize your opponents’ statements

This is one of our continuing series of posts on identifying the rhetorical tactics of the opponents of marriage. This strategy of mischaracterizing your opponents’ statements is extremely common, and takes several different forms.  Today we are going to deal with just one: being outraged over a statement you attribute to your opponent, but which […]

Equality Matters is Watching Me

Some of my Friends With Wrong Ideas (FrieWIs) keep a very close watch on me.  I don’t feel a need to respond to every post.  Every once in a while, however, they do me a favor.  Take this audio clip posted over at Equality Matters, for instance.   Posted with a breathless headline, “NOM’s Morse: Hate Crimes […]

As I was saying…

The Family Research Council has caught up with the Ruth Institute. I shouldn’t gloat, but the big DC-Beltway Think Tank has just discovered the Presumption of Paternity. Out here in San Diego, as far from the Beltway as you can get and still be in the Continental US, we have been saying this stuff, literally, for years: Same-sex […]

Two Moms: the triumph of the Will over Nature

I just saw this headline in the Des Moines Register: “Judge: Put both moms’ names on the birth certificate.”  “Both moms?!?!?!”  Yes, you read it right: “both moms.” Judges created same sex “marriage” in Iowa in a case called Varnum v Brien. So, now another judge rules that the spouse in a same sex marriage should […]

Privatizing Marriage is Not the Answer to the Same Sex Marriage Debate

And here is another article, this one from 2009, on why “privatizing marriage” will not live up to its promise. One proposed solution to the divisiveness of the same-sex marriage debate is to have the government get out of the marriage business altogether. This proposal is appealing because it seems to remove marriage from the […]

Marriage and the Limits of Contract

I have been writing an open letter to Ron Paul on why “privatizing marriage” or “getting the government out of the marriage business” is a really bad idea.  In the process, I went back to some of my old writings on this topic. I have been trying to get people to pay attention to the […]

“Marriage Equality” – What’s Love Got to do With It?

One of the most common things I see in regards to the marriage debate has to do with love. Here are a couple common misconceptions I have seen across the internet. “When a gay couple marries, it is exactly the same as when a heterosexual couple marries. In other words, they are in love and […]

The Immaculate Conception and the culture of the Prop 8 trial

I just came from Mass in honor of the feast of the Immaculate Conception. I will soon head off to the airport to go to SF, for the Prop 8 trial.  It is fitting that this trial take place on this feast day.  I realize that many of my readers are not Catholic, and think […]

Prop 8 hearing today

I am going up to San Francisco this morning for the Prop 8 hearings this afternoon. I will be live-blogging on the NOM site and here on the Ruth Institute blog.

“Marriage Equality” Creates Equality for Whom?

The “marriage equality” movement is based on faulty logic and is not about creating “equal rights.” Leaders in the “marriage equality” movement either are not honest with their followers, or truly do not understand their own arguments. Whichever is the case, they need the concept of “marriage equality” to contain an element that is simultaneously […]

Parent 1 and Parent 2

Passports in the UK will no longer list Mother and Father on a child’s passport.  Only Parent 1 and Parent 2 will be listed. Documents seen by the Daily Mail suggest the change was made as a result of lobbying by the gay rights group Stonewall. The Home Office Diversity Strategy’ states: ‘IPS [the Identity and Passport […]

Why Everybody, Including Gays, Should Support Traditional Marriage

I think conservatives and libertarians err when they refer to “gay marriage” as such. They unwittingly concede a tremendous amount of ground when using that term. If I was on the left I would secretly be quite happy every time I saw a conservative or libertarian use it. But since I’m not on the left, […]

Regarding posts from Ari

We at the Ruth blog have decided to no longer allow Ari to have posting privileges over here.  His sarcasm has gone over the line and we don’t care to be associated with it.  Those who are interested in hearing what Ari has to say can find him at his own blog.  We will stick […]

IVF Industry’s Cavalier Attitude toward Children

Alana Stewart, Elizabeth Marquardt, Jennifer Lahl, call your offices! Check out this NPR interview with a representative of the IVF industry and Wendy Kramer, founder of one of the sibling donor registries. Listen to Sean Tipton, director of public affairs for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, an organization of reproductive medicine practitioners. We think […]

IVF Industry’s Cavalier attitude toward women’s health

According to a  recent study of ovarian cancer “After 15 years of follow-up, they found that women who had undergone IVF were more than four times as likely those who had not to develop borderline ovarian cancer, a malignancy that is treatable and survivable.” Now, I would normally think that a four times greater risk of […]

Hollywood is looking for a few gay men

A friend sent me photos of street light posters he saw lining the streets of Hollywood. These posters were recruiting foster and adoptive parents in honor of National Adoption Month. What could be better than trying to recruit more foster and adoptive parents?  But my friend noticed something odd: there were absolutely no mothers in […]

Dr. Michael Brown interview

(September 26, 2011) Dr J hosts "From the Front Lines of the Culture War&quot, on Catholic Radio of San Diego. Today she’s interviewing Dr. Michael Brown, Messianic Jewish scholar and author of 20 books, the latest of which is "A Queer Thing Happened to America,&quot, which is the subject of their discussion.

Dr J &amp, Manuel Quinto-Pozos @ Baylor Law School

(October 4, 2011) Baylor Law School hosts a debate between Dr J and Manuel Quinto-Pozos, former staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, on the definition of marriage. The debate was hosted by the Federalist Society and the Baylor American Constitution Society.

Dr J &amp, Lorie Burch @ SMU

(October 3, 2011) Southern Methodist University hosts a debate between Dr J (invited by the Federalist Society) and Lorie Burch, Dallas attorney (invited by OutLaw) on the legal definition of marriage.

What were they thinking? More reactions to the CA GOP

Based on what I saw and heard at this convention, I would have to conclude that the CA GOP doesn’t want to talk about social issues. Their general session featured report after report on everything but social issues. The workshops and panels: jobs, jobs, jobs.  Now, my free market credentials are certainly in order: I […]

Social Issues and the CA GOP

I spent the weekend at the CA GOP convention. I had heard that there was a move afoot by a wealthy “Republican” to strip the party platform of the pro-marriage and pro-life planks. Rumor was, that this gentleman, Charles Munger, paid people to support his watered down version of the platform.  Since I live in […]

Republican straw poll in CA

The Presidential Straw poll here at the convention is open until 5 PM. Based on the organized presence I see here, I predict the winner will be either Rick Perry or Roon Paul.  Lots of signs, t-shirts and enthusiasm for those two. No one else has a significant, organized presence. I’m just saying.

Michelle Bachmann at the CA Republican Convention

I am attending the CA Republican Convention at the relentlessly stylish J W Marriott Hotel at LA Live. (I’m not kidding: even the bathroom fixtures are funky!)  There is a movement afoot to change the Platform of the CA Republican Party, including removing the pro-life and pro-marriage language that has long been part of the […]

Rick Perry shows his true colors!

Please notice the Rick Perry volunteer at the CA Republican convention.  I confronted some of them, and asked, “I just have one question for you Rick Perry people: do you realize that Rick Perry has dressed you up as Aggies?”   Of course, since they are all from California, they were completely innocent of the fact […]

Unbelievable!

The Republican won in NY 9, the special election to fill Anthony Wiener’s seat.  This is a complete political upset, and the marriage issue was part of the story. Yet, today, the former head of the CA Republican Party says it was all about Israel.  The Jews voted for the Republican over Israel. End of […]

Marriage is on the ballot tomorrow in NY state

Metaphorically, that is. There is an empty seat in District 9, Anthony Weiner’s Congressional old seat, which he had to give up in disgrace due to his lack of sexual discretion. (understatement. LOL.)  Anyhow, one of the candidates for that seat is a guy called David Weprin.  While in the NY state legislature, he voted […]

Another Intelligent Response to an Idiotic Comment: Adoption

You would be amazed at how often I hear some version of this one: “You say marriage is about attaching mothers and fathers to their children and to one another.  What about adoption?”  Or, “you say kids need a mom and a dad. I had a stepfather who was better than my biological dad.” Or […]

From my notes in the Prop 8 courtroom

When I went to San Francisco last week to cover the Prop 8 trial, I indicated that I would be watching for something specific from the Marriage Redefiners.  Will they try to distinguish their case: That is, will they try to come up with some argument that distinguishes the Proponents of Prop 8 from Proponents […]

Yes, Rob Reiner is bankrolling the Prop 8 legal challenges

My earlier post, called “Rob Reiner, the Founder of the Feast,” prompted a call for citations.  How do I know that Rob Reiner is bankrolling the Prop 8 legal challenges?  Basically, because he has said so, and because Ted Olsen thanked him for it. Look at the website for the American Foundation for Equal Rights. […]

Over-reaching?

The justices seemed to be concerned about over-reaching on both sides. On one side, they asked, suppose we adopt your theory, Mr. Olsen, and rule that the Prop 8 proponents do not have standing  to defend the measure?  What will be left of the initiative process? On the other side, they asked Chuck Cooper, suppose we adopt […]

quick take on the prop 8 hearing

They did indeed take our electronic equipment when we entered the courtroom.  Our friends over at the NOM blog were watching the broadcast on TV. They were able to comment in real time, and I wasn’t, even though they were in DC and I was right in the courtroom! Oh well! I really appreciate everyone coming […]

Rob Reiner, the founder of the feast

There was a celebrity sighting at the Prop 8 trial today.  That grey-haired guy in the center of the photo is Rob Reiner. He stood at the podium next to Ted Olsen during the press conference after the hearing.  He should. He has been funding these legal challenges. Power to the people. The rich and […]

What I will be watching for

In today’s hearing, I will be watching for the Marriage Redefiners to try to distinguish their case. That is, will they try to come up with some argument that distinguishes the Proponents of Prop 8 from Proponents of other potential ballot initiatives.  If they make no attempt to do that, we might conclude that they […]

Not sure what will happen:

I have been told by a veteran of these hearings that I may be asked to give up my electronics before entering the courtroom.  In that case, I will have to file my posts later.  The hearing begins at 10 AM Pacific Time, and will probably run through noon.  Watch this space….

Prop 8 hearing today in SF: the issue is standing

I am in San Francisco today, observing the Prop 8 hearing on behalf of NOM. The issue in today’s hearing is standing: who has standing to defend Prop 8 in court against legal attacks. This issue is significant for several reasons. First, the State of CA has the responsibility of defending its laws in court. […]

Religious persecution around the world

Cato Institute scholar Doug Bandow has a column on the rise of religious persecution around the world. Basing his column on a report by the Pew Forum on Religion, Bandow notes that According to Pew’s new study, “more than 2.2 billion people — about a third of the world’s population– live in countries where government […]

A “dangerous book” on philanthropy

Jeff Cain, President of American Philanthropic, has an interesting review of a book called, Do More Than Give: The Six Practices of Donors Who Change the World.  He doesn’t like it. He is deeply suspicious of what the authors breathlessly call, “catalytic philanthropists.” Having conquered the world of business, come into a great inheritance, or stumbled […]

Don’t hurt yourself jumping to conclusions!

Honestly, you really ought to stretch and warm up a bit before jumping to conclusions. You guys jumped so far and so hard, I’m worried you might hurt yourselves! I am referring of course, to my now notorious anal sex post. You will recall I made a simple statement:

Intelligent Answers to Common Questions: Infertile Couples

We let infertile couples get married: why shouldn’t we allow same sex couples to get married?  Why should a 65 year old opposite sex couple be allowed to marry, and a 65 year old same sex couple not be allowed to marry?    The essential public purpose of marriage is to attach mothers and fathers […]

The Culture of Choice is no such thing

We have been habituated to think that the most pressing issues of life and death are really just issues of choice.  “Abortion is a woman’s choice.”  A choice to do what? is the question never quite answered.  People should have the “right to choose” to use contraception, even if they are young and unmarried, as […]

“Twin Reductions” and the Right Side of History

My first response to this story Betsy posted earlier this week about “Twin Reductions” at IVF clinics was to be appalled. But as I have reflected on it, there is more to the story than the outrageousness of it all. To be sure, twin reduction is intrinsically appalling. Fertility doctors routinely implant multiple embryos in […]

Who is obsessed with what?

Oftentimes our FrieWIs (that’s Friends With Wrong Ideas) suggest that we are obsessed with all things gay. Why don’t we work on abolishing divorce? Why don’t we care about all the other atrocities perpetrated by straight people? In the light of that continual carping, I find it interesting to notice which posts generate the most […]

David Cameron on the Family: Dr J on Issues Etc

Tomorrow on my regular Issues Etc segment, I will talk about David Cameron’s recent speech on the importance of the family. Some of the worst aspects of human nature tolerated, indulged – sometimes even incentivised – by a state and its agencies that in parts have become literally de-moralised. So do we have the determination […]

Taking the opportunity to speak freely while it is still legal

Vulgarity alert: don’t read this post out loud in front of your kids or your grandmother. The news of a popular teacher in Florida losing his job over Facebook comments could have a chilling effect on free speech.  As one of our commenters pointed out, the people of Florida do not agree that marriage is […]

Another Word on Terminology

The response to my post, A Word on Terminology has confirmed my intuition that I am correct to abstain from using the term “same sex marriage.”  Three things have led me to conclude that my instincts are correct about this: 1. The wailing, weeping and general indignation meeting being held all around the Left side […]

A word on Terminology

You may have noticed that I do not use the term “same sex marriage” very often.  In fact, I am making a conscious decision not to use the term at all any more.  I think the term gives away too much ground to our opponents. Continually using the term makes it possible to believe that such […]