I have traveled a great deal over the past month for my business, and still paid attention to the mainstream news. One headline that really caught my attention said that Attorney General Alan Wilson will continue to defend South Carolina’s constitutional ban on gay marriage. I know Alan is a great guy and takes his office seriously, so immediately I wasn’t surprised and didn’t give it anymore thought. However, back at the hotel that evening, catching up on some work, I began to think about that headline.
My thought was that South Carolina doesn’t have a ban on gay marriage. What South Carolina has is a Constitution that defines what marriage is, what God intended it to be, a holy union between a man and a woman. I knew the history in my head, but I did a little bit of research just to get the correct numbers. In 2006 South Carolina amended its Constitution to define marriage in this manner. This amendment was passed by a two thirds (super majority) vote in both the SC House of Representatives and in the SC Senate. It then was placed on the General Election ballot in November and passed by 78% of the voters. Pretty strong, if you ask me.
All lawmakers, Senators (like me), Representatives, and Constitutional Officers (including the Attorney General and Governor) all swear an oath after elected to public office. We place our hand on God’s word, The Bible, and swear to protect and defend the Constitution of the State of South Carolina and the Constitution of the United States of America. Even if there are parts of the Constitution that some elected officials don’t like, they are still required by their oath to protect and defend the whole Constitution.
I believe the media has missed the point of this debate. Our Attorney General, Alan Wilson, is defending the Constitution of our great state. Since we truly aren’t banning anything, I wish the media would change the headlines to honestly state just that.
Maybe some of the gubernatorial candidates running against Nikki Haley should introduce their plan to change the Constitution of our State to define marriage in a different way. I would wish them the best, but as long as I am elected I will continue to defend the entire Constitution as I swore by my oath on the Bible. Please take the time to thank Alan Wilson for not cowering to the media or political pressure. There is a process, and those people who want marriage to be a free-for-all should try to change the Constitution, and they should stop stunts like a petition asking Alan Wilson to violate his oath! I know that he will not do that, and I won’t either.
Thank you, Shane!
For any Christian or Jew, read Numbers 30:1-2. An oath or promise made must be kept. Thanks Shane. Keep standing on the two pillars of America, the Bible and the Constitution even if America keeps pursuing satan over the Trinity.
Defending our State Constitution and abiding by the laws of this State are indeed duties of all elected officials. It would be great to see the Senate take up a bill that makes these laws apply equally to all legislators so Representatives like Bobby Harrell don’t try to live above the law.
Thanks. I think the States need ot stand together and take a stand on many things coming down fron Washington. If we do not our Country will no longer be what we desire.
Great reminder. Just sent AG Wilson a thank-you email – you can reach him at http://www.scag.gov/contact-us/contact-us
Great reminder! I just sent AG Alan Wilson a thank-you note – you can reach him at http://www.scag.gov/contact-us/contact-us
Wish more elected officials thought this way. Where did we lose our way in government? For years we have sat back and tolerated the left. Now they are dominating the government and most “so called” conservatives are doing NOTHING! Seems they are afraid of not being “accepted” by the media and the left. NOT ME!
An excellent explanation of the facts,Shane. Thank you for your service!
I too, thank you Shane. What country do we live in anymore? The Constitution was written for these United States, by God Fearing men, risking All for the birth of this Nation. We must Not let a few destroy this All inspired document !
An excellent explanation of the facts, Shane. Thank you for your service!
[…] Sen. Shane Martin (R-Pauline) […]
Thank you for standing up for our nation and what it was founded on. I appreciate your clarity given the confusion set up by the media. It’s also nice to be able to TRUST our senators to represent the majority of the people in our great state. There are plenty of liberal states that would be glad to represent the liberal agenda, glad that ours is not one of them and those that want the ‘free for all’ are free to move. As a whole, this nation needs our prayers more than ever. God bless you Senator.
Thanks you Shane Martin for standing by our Constitutiion and our vote. It is awesome when we as citizens have someone standing with us not against. You truly are for the people and we thank you for that!
Thank you for your Biblical stand. I often wonder, why are we even having this discussion. As you stated, the definition of marriage was given to us by our creator.
Thank you, Senator, for reminding all of us that the Constitution(s), federal and state, are WORTH defending and are truly the voice of the people. When that is no longer true then both documents have well defined and proper procedures for changing the “peoples’ voice”. This country and this state are both places that are based upon government “of the people, by the people and for the people” and on occasion we must be reminded that the “majority of voters” rule. Not the loudest voice, or solely by the folks that are supported by or who control “the media” voice. It is “We the people…” rather than “some of the people”. Keep up the good fight.
Thank you Shane
You are the reason we still have hope for this great land in spite of what
Some are trying to do to tear it apart!! Keep it up partner!!
Jim
Thanks for defending our Constitution and standing up for the principles our country was founded upon. Keep up the good work.
Sanford
Thank you for standing on your principles of the Constitution & you (and my) faith!!!
So very proud that I have a representative who represents me!
Thank you Shane for a great job in defending our constitution ,God bless .
Thank you Attorney General Alan Wilson and Senator Shane Martin for honoring and communicating the truth of South Carolina’s Constitution and its definition of marriage.
I am especially pleased that you express the wisdom to understand that God intended it to be a holy union between a man and woman.. God bless all.
Thank you and Alan for all you are doing for our state and remaining true to God upon which our country was built . His word remains the same and does not change.
This is why you were elected and will continue to be re-elected.