A resolution recognizing June as Marriage and Family Month in the state of Oklahoma.
Impact
By formally recognizing June as Marriage and Family Month, SCR29 seeks to foster a public awareness regarding the importance of family units and their positive influence on children’s upbringing. It stresses the responsibilities of parents and the state's respect for parental rights, reiterating that all parental rights are reserved to the parents of minor children without interference. This recognition may lead to community programs, events, or discussions that reinforce family values and highlight the contributions of families to society.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution 29, introduced by Senator Merrick and Representative Crosswhite Hader, is a resolution that designates June as Marriage and Family Month in the state of Oklahoma. The resolution emphasizes the significance of marriage as a sacred institution and the essential role of families in society. The resolution invokes the Oklahoma Constitution's definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman, establishing a strong cultural and traditional perspective on family structure. This initiative aims to celebrate and promote the values associated with marriage and family life.
Contention
While SCR29 primarily serves a ceremonial purpose, it may generate discussions about the state's stance on marriage and family values, especially given the constitutional reference to marriage as a union between a man and a woman. This perspective may attract both support and opposition, particularly from groups advocating for broader definitions of family and marriage. Critics may argue that the resolution promotes a narrow view of family that does not acknowledge the diversity of family structures in contemporary society, potentially leading to debates surrounding inclusivity and equal rights.