Opinion: Religious foster care plays a vital role for our most vulnerable children
The Supreme Court just decided Fulton v. Philadelphia, a landmark case involving the rights of religious foster care agencies to operate while still observing their religious beliefs. Several prominent social science narratives have sprung up around this case: One is that a allowing religious foster agencies to continue the work they have done for more than 200 years will limit the supply of foster parents, and another is that religious agencies operating on traditional sexual beliefs will harm LGBTQ children. As Muslim, Catholic, Protestant and Latter-day Saint scholars, we want to set the record straight on both of these narratives.
Tragedies of the Sexual Revolution the Focus of Ruth Inst. Ambassador Training
June 18, 2020 For Immediate Release For More Information: media@ruthinstitute.org As part of its 2020 Summit for Survivors of the Sexual Revolution (July 17-18), the Ruth Institute will offer exclusive training at its “It Takes a Family to Raise a Village” Ambassador’s Conference on July 17, 8:30 AM to 4 PM, in Lake Charles, LA. […]
Tragedies of the S*xual Revolution the Focus of Ruth Inst. Ambassador Training
As part of its 2020 Summit for Survivors of the Sexual Revolution (July 17-18), the Ruth Institute will offer exclusive training at its “It Takes a Family to Raise a Village” Ambassador’s Conference on July 17, 8:30 AM to 4 PM, in Lake Charles, LA. Ruth Institute President Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, Ph.D., explained, “We’ll […]
What Facts are they Afraid of? The LGBT Went to Great Lengths To Silence This Research
Dr. Walter Schumm is a professor of applied family science at Kansas State University where he has taught and conducted research since 1979. Since 2004, he has been publishing research on same-sex parenting and providing a scholarly critique of much of the social science research dealing with homosexuality. In 2018, his book Same-Sex Parenting Research: A Critical Assessment was published by Wilberforce Press. Dr. Schumm has also published research on marital satisfaction, marital communication, military families, religion and the family, and premarital counseling. He also recently published an article in the journal Religions on early Islamic history. In addition to his academic work, he served in the reserve components of the U.S. Army for 30 years, retiring in 2002 at the rank of colonel. He and his wife Kimberly have been married for 41 years and have seven children and over 25 grandchildren. Readings &, Resources Dr. Schumm’s book, Same-Sex Parenting Research: A Critical Assessment, on Amazon "New evidence confirms same-sex parenting assessment,", by Walter Schumm on ChristianConcern.com "Changes Over the Decades in Selected LGBTQ Research Findings,", by Walter Schumm, from SciMedCentral Fr. Paul Sullins’ research on post-abortion trauma ("Are Abortions Being Done on Wanted Children? Father Sullins on the Dr J Show") "Spin cycle: the lesbian parenting story that wasn’t,", by Jennifer Roback Morse, on Mercatornet.com "Lamest Headline Ever!", from our Ruth Speaks Out blog
DR J SHOW AUDIO: What Facts are they Afraid of? The LGBT Went to Great Lengths To Silence This Research
Dr. Walter Schumm is a professor of applied family science at Kansas State University where he has taught and conducted research since 1979. Since 2004, he has been publishing research on same-sex parenting and providing a scholarly critique of much of the social science research dealing with homosexuality. In 2018, his book Same-Sex Parenting Research: A Critical Assessment was published by Wilberforce Press. Listen This is an audio podcast of The Dr J Show. Full video episode is available here. Dr. Schumm has also published research on marital satisfaction, marital communication, military families, religion and the family, and premarital counseling. He also recently published an article in the journal Religions on early Islamic history. In addition to his academic work, he served in the reserve components of the U.S. Army for 30 years, retiring in 2002 at the rank of colonel. He and his wife Kimberly have been married for 41 years and have seven children and over 25 grandchildren. Readings &, Resources Dr. Schumm’s book, Same-Sex Parenting Research: A Critical Assessment, on Amazon "New evidence confirms same-sex parenting assessment,", by Walter Schumm on ChristianConcern.com "Changes Over the Decades in Selected LGBTQ Research Findings,", by Walter Schumm, from SciMedCentral Fr. Paul Sullins’ research on post-abortion trauma ("Are Abortions Being Done on Wanted Children? Father Sullins on the Dr J Show") "Spin cycle: the lesbian parenting story that wasn’t,", by Jennifer Roback Morse, on M ercatornet.com "Lamest Headline Ever!", from our Ruth Speaks Out blog
The Danger and Detachment of Surrogacy
(June 1, 2020) Dr J is speaking with Traci DeVette Griggs on Family Policy Matters. They’re discussing infertility, surrogacy, and other artificial reproductive technologies in light of Anderson Cooper’s recent purchase / adoption of a baby. Women were paid for their services and genetic material, but little Wyatt has no legal mother. Listen
Ruth Inst. Rejects UN “Gender-Neutral Language” Manipulation
Ruth Institute President Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, Ph.D., said the United Nations’ attempt to make language more politically correct is “another advance for the Sexual Revolution and a further descent into barbarism.” A UN bureaucrat recently tweeted that we need to make language more “gender-neutral” by eliminating the words “husband” and “wife” and substituting “spouse.” […]
Anderson Cooper’s Antics
(May 15, 2020) Dr J is Father Rob Jack’s guest on Sacred Heart Radio’s "Driving Home the Faith.", They’re discussing Anderson Cooper’s recent purchase of a baby through surrogacy. Listen
What Have We Wrought?
(July 16, 2019) Dr J is once again Kathleen Benfield’s guest on "The Current Word,", a radio project of the American Family Association of New Orleans. Today they’re discussing the Guidry case out of Lafayette and the American Psychological Association’s new stance on consensual non-monogamy. Some of the topics discussed in this episode are not suitable for young ears. Listen
Sociologist: Evidence shows homosexual parenting harms children
by Doug Mainwaring This article was first posted April 30, 2019, at Life Site News. LAKE CHARLES, Louisiana, April 30, 2019 (LifeSiteNews) – A sociologist said that when it comes to children’s welfare, homosexual “marriage” accomplishes the exact opposite of conjugal marriage, placing children at four times the risk of emotional distress. Fr. Paul Sullins, […]
It’s Time to Promote Good Social Science on Same-Sex Parenting
by Fr. Paul Sullins This article first appeared on May 12, 2019, at The Public Discourse. Social scientists who conduct research on the politically charged question of the wellbeing of children in the care of same-sex parents have emphatically asserted unqualified and universal support for the finding of “no differences.” In his meticulously researched new […]
Leading researcher on same sex parenting to join the Ruth Institute
Ruth Institute Announces the Rev. Dr. Paul Sullins as Senior Research Associate Leading researcher on same sex parenting to join the Ruth Institute April 17, 2018, Lake Charles, Louisiana—The Ruth Institute announces that Dr. Paul Sullins will serve as a Senior Research Associate. Recently retired from the sociology department at Catholic University of America, Dr. […]
Ruth Institute Announces the Rev. Dr. Paul Sullins as Senior Research Associate
Leading researcher on same sex parenting to join the Ruth Institute April 17, 2018, Lake Charles, Louisiana—The Ruth Institute announces that Dr. Paul Sullins will serve as a Senior Research Associate. Recently retired from the sociology department at Catholic University of America, Dr. Sullins is a leader in research on same-sex parenting and its implications for child development. Announcing the appointment, Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, Founder and President of the Ruth Institute said, “We at the Ruth Institute are greatly concerned that ‘alternative family forms,’ such as divorce and unmarried parenthood, have been harmful to children. Dr. Sullins cares deeply about the impact of same sex parenting on children, examining topics such as ADHD, depression, and emotional problems. He is a good fit for us.” Dr. Morse continued, “Treating same-sex couples as the legal equivalent of opposite-sex couples means increasing numbers of children will be raised in same-sex couple households. More information will be coming available about their experiences. We believe it is crucial to continue examining this evidence in a systematic way.” Dr. Sullins explained, “The research in this area is really just beginning. Most of the studies which claim to show “no differences” between parenting by same sex couples and married heterosexual couples have used small, unrepresentative data sets. I have been examining large statistically representative datasets—principally the Centers for Disease Control’s National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), with 1.9 million cases; and the University of North Carolina’s National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health (Add Health), with 20,000 cases. I have repeatedly documented substantially higher rates of problems among children with same-sex parents, and that the best context for child well-being is with his or her own mother and father.” Formerly Episcopalian, Dr. Sullins is a married Catholic priest. He earned a Ph.D. in sociology at Catholic University in 1997 and taught there from 1998 until
New York Court: A Girl’s Right to Her Father Doesn’t Matter. Protecting ‘Marriage Equality’ Does
New York is sacrificing a child’s best interest in favor of “marriage equality.” By Jennifer Roback Morse Published on February 9, 2018, at The Stream. A little girl in New York is in foster care, even though her father is a perfectly fit parent. The court will not even recognize him as her father. How […]
Selling Hate
by John Stossel; originally published at Creators.com Who will warn Americans about hate groups? The media know: the Southern Poverty Law Center. SPLC, based in Alabama, calls itself "the premier" group monitoring hate. Give us money, they say, and they will "fight the hate that thrives in our country." I once believed in the center’s mission. Well-meaning people still do. Apple just gave them a million dollars. So did actor George Clooney. They shouldn’t. Ayaan Hirsi Ali grew up in Somalia, where she suffered female genital mutilation. So now she speaks out against radical Islam. For that, SPLC put her on its list of dangerous "extremists." Maajid Nawaz was once an Islamic extremist. Then he started criticizing the radicals. SPLC labels him an "anti-Muslim extremist," too. While launching hateful smears like these, SPLC invites you to donate to them to "join the fight against hatred and bigotry." SPLC once fought useful fights. They took on the Ku Klux Klan. But now they go after people on the right with whom they disagree. They call the Family Research Council a hate group because it says gay men are more likely to sexually abuse children. That’s their belief. There is some evidence that supports it. Do they belong on a "hate map," like the Ku Klux Klan, because they believe that evidence and worry about it? I often disagree with the council, but calling them a hate group is unfair. In my YouTube video this week, the group’s vice president, Jerry Boykin, tells me, "I don’t hate gay people. And I know gay people, and I have worked with gay people." But once you’re labeled a hate group, you are a target. One man went to the Family Research Council headquarters to kill people, shooting a security guard in the arm before he was stopped. The shooter told investigators that he attacked the FRC because he found them on SPLC’s hate list. Calling the council a "hate group" made its employees the target of real hate. SPLC also smears the Ruth
Dr. Robert Lopez interview
(November 18, 2017) We’re live at Mass Resistance’s "Teens4Truth", conference at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas! Dr J’s interviewing fellow family justice warrior Dr. Robert Oscar Lopez, who is as big a thorn in the side of Sexual Revolutionaries as Dr. J. herself. Dr. Lopez was raised by his mother and her lesbian lover, missed his father terribly, and lived a bisexual lifestyle before finding a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. He is now married (to a woman!) and has 2 children. He has authored numerous articles and books, including, “Wackos, Thugs and Perverts: Clintonian Decadence in Academia.” Listen in as these two happy warriors share war stories and battle plans for defending the rights of children and the integrity of the family.
Target of the SPLC’s Notorious ‘Hate List’ Speaks Out
by Jennifer Roback Morse This article was first published at The Stream on August 23, 2017. I categorically condemn the Alt-Right, white supremacy, racism, Nazism and all violent totalitarian political movements. But I am a bit confused. I thought I was supposed to be a member of the Alt-Right, or a racist, or a Nazi, […]
Healing Survivors…and the Hate Map?
(August 23, 2017) Dr J is once again Sheila Liaugminas’ guest on Relevant Radio’s A Closer Look. They’re discussing the Southern Poverty Law Center’s "hate map,", which lists several religious and family-oriented organizations (including us) as "hate groups.", They also discuss Ruth Institute’s upcoming Healing Family Breakdown spiritual workshop.
Supreme Court Rules on the Birth Certificates of the Children of Same-Sex Couples
(June 27, 2017) Dr J is once again Todd Wilkin’s guest on Issues, Etc. They’re discussing the United States’ Supreme Court ruling on same-sex parents’ names on children’s birth certificates.
A Child of Divorce Speaks Out on the Importance of a Family
A Child of Divorce Speaks Out on the Importance of a Family “No-fault divorce is like abortion,” says the Ruth Institute’s Jennifer Johnson. by Jim Graves This article was first posted April 10, 2017, at ncregister.com. Jennifer Johnson is Director of the Children of Divorce Project at the Ruth Institute. She is […]
Dear Dr. J: My niece is expecting twins with her same sex partner.
Dear Dr. J, What do I say to a same-sex married lesbian niece whose mother (my sister-in-law) just left a phone message saying they “are expecting twins”? Congratulations just doesn’t seem right but it’s not the children’s faults. It doesn’t seem right to create a family rift over this but neither can I be happy […]
Divorce Reform: Take your stand
by Jennifer Roback Morse Representative Matt Krause of Texas has introduced a bill to limit no-fault divorce in that state. Ruth Readers: it is time to put up or shut up about family breakdown. We have a petition that anyone can sign. It just says we support Rep Krause’s effort to limit no-fault divorce. You […]
Family Structure Equality for Children
(March 3, 2017) Jennifer Johnson, Ruth Institute’s Associate Director, is speaking with John Rustin on his radio show, Family Policy Matters. They’re discussing family structure equality for children and Jennifer’s new booklet, Marriage and Equality: How Natural Marriage Upholds the Ideal of Equality for Children.
Federal Judge Orders South Carolina to List Same-Sex Parents on Birth Certificates
(February 24, 2017) Dr J is once again Todd Wilkin’s guest on Issues, Etc. They’re discussing the recent ruling handed down by a South Carolina federal judge that same-sex parents must be listed on a child’s birth certificate.
Jennifer Johnson on Marriage and Equality
(January 30, 2017) Jennifer Johnson is once again Molly Smith’s guest on From the Median. They’re discussing her just-released book, Marriage and Equality: How Natural Marriage Upholds the Ideal of Equality for Children. They also touch on the general interrelatedness of the marriage and life issues. Jennifer’s book can be found at our store in several formats–check it out!
Live-in Boyfriends and Domestic Violence against Children
(November 8, 2016) Dr J is once again Todd Wilkin’s guest on Issues, Etc. They’re discussing domestic violence against children, specifically in situations involving a live-in boyfriend or other unrelated adult. Listen
Markets Without Limits
(October 26, 2016) Dr J travels to Austin, Texas to debate philosophy professor Dr. Peter Jaworski on the topic "Markets Without Limits.", Are markets for surrogacy and prostitution ethical? This event was sponsored by the Texas Economics Association, the James Q. Wilson Forum, and the Austin Institute. Check out our Ruth Refuge for the Q&A session in the middle of the event. Listen
Does the Family Have a Future? (Part 2: The Sexual State)
(October 13, 2016) Dr J travels to Rhode Island to speak at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church on the theme "Does the Family Have a Future?", This is the second part of her talk, this one’s theme is "The Sexual State.", If you missed the first part of her talk, check out the previous podcast. The questions and answers she took after each talk are also available on our Ruth Refuge. Listen
The Ruth Institute congratulates and thanks Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo of Richmond, Virginia for upholding Catholic teaching on marriage
The Ruth Institute recently sent a letter of commendation and 24 white roses to Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo of Richmond, Virginia congratulating and thanking him for his defense of Catholic teaching. Tim Kaine, Democratic candidate for Vice President, has said that the church will change its teaching on marriage. Bishop DiLorenzo, Kaine’s local bishop, disagrees. The Bishop’s office posted the following: “Despite recent statements from the campaign trail, the Catholic Church’s 2000-year- old teaching to the truth about what constitutes marriage remains unchanged and resolute.” The statement continues by pointing out a foundational belief shared by the Ruth Institute: “Redefining marriage furthers no one’s rights, least of all those of children, who should not purposely be deprived of the right to be nurtured and loved by a mother and a father.” The Ruth Institute is a global non-profit organization dedicated to finding Christ-like solutions to the problems of family breakdown. Founded by world renowned author, speaker and academic, Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, the Ruth Institute has accumulated decades of research to support individuals and families harmed by divorce, the hook-up culture and other forms of family breakdown. Dr. Morse stated, “We are particularly encouraged that Bishop DiLorenzo defended the rights of children to be nurtured and loved by their mothers and fathers.” Dr. Morse continued, “The Ruth Institute dreams of the day when every child will be welcomed into a loving home with a married mother and father. We believe every child has the right to a relationship with both natural parents, unless some unavoidable tragedy prevents it. We believe every adult without exception has the right to know his or her cultural heritage and genetic identity. Bishop DiLorenzo has restated the ancient teachings of Christianity and of Jesus Christ Himself. These teachings protect the interests of children, as well as the interests of men and women in lifelong married love.” As a sign of support for Bishop DiLor
Making Marriage Matter, Part 2
(June 9, 2016) Dr J fields questions after addressing law students participating in the Alliance Defending Freedom’s Blackstone Legal Fellowship. If you missed her talks on the family as the foundation of society and the agenda of the modern sexual revolution, check out our podcast stream.
All Saints Greek Orthodox Church
(May 21, 2016) Dr J is in Australia! She was invited to speak at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Sydney. Her talk is entitled "Same-Sex Marriage Affects Everyone.", She took questions afterward, too–those are available on the Ruth Refuge podcast.
Marriage Alliance: Public Policies and Personal Strategies
(May 20, 2016) Dr J is in Australia! She was invited to speak at a Marriage Alliance event in Sydney. Her talk is on public policies and personal strategies for sparking discussion and change on the marriage issue. She took questions afterward, too–those are available on the Ruth Refuge podcast.
Sydney Roman Catholic Adult Education Center
(May 18, 2016) Dr J is in Australia! She was invited to speak at the Sydney Roman Catholic Adult Education Center. Her talk is entitled "Same-Sex Marriage Affects Everyone.", She took questions afterward, too–those are available on the Ruth Refuge podcast.
South Toowoomba Baptist Church
(May 17, 2016) Dr J is in Australia! She was invited to speak at the South Toowoomba Baptist Church. Her talk is entitled "Same-Sex Marriage Affects Everyone.", She took questions afterward, too–those are available in the Ruth Refuge podcast.
Community Church in Cooper’s Plain
(May 16, 2016) Dr J is in Australia! She was invited to speak at the Community Church in Cooper’s Plain near Brisbane, Australia.
Hobart Cathedral of St. Mary’s
(May 15, 2016) Dr J is in Australia! Archbishop Julian Porteous invited her to speak at the Hobart Cathedral of St. Mary’s on the island of Tasmania. Her talk is entitled "Same-Sex Marriage Affects Everyone.", She took questions afterward, too–those are available in the Ruth Refuge podcast.
Our Lady of the Rosary
(May 14, 2016) Dr J is in Australia! She was invited to speak at Our Lady of the Rosary near Sydney. Her talk is entitled "Same-Sex Marriage Affects Everyone.", She took questions afterward, too–those are available in the Ruth Refuge podcast.
Does same-sex parenting really make “no difference”?
After crunching census data, a Canadian economist has found that children in same-sex homes are worse off educationally. by Douglas W. Allen This article was first published at Mercatornet.com. Douglas W. Allen, an economist at Simon Fraser University, in Vancouver, has just published a highly controversial study in the journal Review of Economics of […]
President Obama’s State of the Union Statements about Homosexual Marriage
(January 14, 2016) Dr J is once again Todd Wilkin’s guest on Issues, Etc. They’re discussing President Obama’s statements on homosexual unions during his final State of the Union address.
Sexual Revolutionaries Target Cal State Professor for Defending Families
COMMENTARY: A tenured professor of English is threatened with dismissal because he challenged one of the sexual revolution’s core assumptions. by JENNIFER ROBACK MORSE This article was first posted November 11, 2015, at NCRegister.com. Robert Oscar Lopez, a tenured English professor at California State University-Northridge, is on the verge of being suspended without pay, ostensibly […]
The Vatican’s Synod on the Family
(October 14, 2015) Dr J is once again Todd Wilkin’s guest on Issues, Etc. They’re discussing the Catholic church’s worldwide Synod on the Family and the educational conference immediately beforehand in which Dr J participated.
Dr J at the Angelicum
(October 12, 2015) Dr J is in Rome! She traveled there to be part of the Courage Conference at the Angelicum. Courage put on the conference in anticipation of the upcoming Synod on the Family. She’s speaking on the injustice of alternative family structures to the children growing up in them. She takes questions afterward, too–those will be available on the Ruth Refuge.
Teaser: October Synod on the Family
(September 30, 2015) Dr J is once again Molly Smith’s guest on From the Median to discuss her upcoming trip to the Vatican for the October Synod on the Family.
How Does Divorce and Family Breakdown Affect Our Children?
(September 30, 2015) Jennifer Johnson is Molly Smith’s guest on "From the Median", to discuss how divorce and family breakdown affect our children.
Which Same-Sex Marriage Supporter Is Correct?
By Jennifer Johnson This article was first published July 9, 2015, at The Federalist. Some same-sex marriage supporters say redefining marriage will strengthen it. Others say it will destroy marriage. They can’t both be right. Some same-sex marriage supporters have very different goals. It’s worth looking at these goals, because they are in direct conflict […]
With Same-sex Marriage, What Happens to the Rights of Children?
An interview of Dr. Morse by Zoe Romanowsky at aleteia.org. Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse believes we are experimenting with vulnerable children. Prior to the Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriage, the court heard testimony from adult children who grew up in same-sex relationship households. The Washington Post ran a piece about this just before the […]
Propaganda Alert
Dr. Morse posted this on Facebook: “No evidence that children of same sex couples negatively impacted, study shows.” This headline is very misleading. The study does not present new data on outcomes for children. Instead, it studies the date at which the research community achieved “consensus” on the “no difference” claim. If the community systematically […]
Argument Club for Women: Dr J &, Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman
(October 1, 2013) Dr J travels to the Twin Cities to participate in a debate sponsored by the Argument Club for Women. Up for discussion: "Is Opposition to Same-Sex Marriage a Form of Bigotry?", I bet you can guess which side Dr J is arguing. On the other side is Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman, senior rabbi at Temple Israel of Minneapolis. Dr. Deborah Savage, co-founder of the Siena Symposium, moderates. The debate will start around 9 minutes 40 seconds–there’s a bit of an explanation about what the ACW does first.
"Understanding Same-Sex Parenting Studies", ~ Dr. Mark Regnerus @ ITAF ’13
(June 1, 2013) Welcome to ITAF! It Takes a Family to Raise a Village is Ruth Institute’s annual student conference. Up next is Dr. Mark Regnerus’s second talk, "Understanding Same-Sex Parenting Studies.", Q&A session is available on the Ruth Refuge. Listen Also check out Mark’s first lecture, "Pre-Marital Sex in America: The Social Science Evidence on Why Hooking Up Doesn’t Make People Happy;", its Q&A is available on the Ruth Refuge.
Dr J &, 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.
Dr J &, 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 &, 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.
Dr J &, 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 &, 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.