Members of Metro Life Church promote Amendment 2

By Rachel Masri

CASSELBERRY, Fla. — Members of Metro Life Church in Casselberry put together a caravan of decorated cars on Sunday, Nov. 2, preparing to drive around the Orlando area in an attempt to raise awareness about Amendment 2, the Florida Marriage Protection Amendment which is on the ballot this year.

Jennifer Lightfoot, long time member of Metro Life Church as well as coordinator for the official Orange County campaign supporting the amendment, organized the event, saying "We wanted to create a unique visual to get the word out about the Yes2Marriage campaign." The "eye catching" visual consisted of about 15 cars decorated in streamers and window paint saying "Yes 2 Marriage" and "One man one woman". In one car, the convertible top was rolled down revealing Ariel Watler of Orlando clothed in a wedding gown, prepared to wave to all as she drove by, veil streaming behind her.

The caravan was a last minute effort to dispel rumors caused by negative campaigning and opposition to the amendment around the state of Florida. "There have been a lot of blatant lies about what the amendment is all about," said Jesse Phillips, pastor in training at Metro Life Church. "People have even said that it takes benefits away from seniors. I don't know where that comes from."

Executive pastor of Metro Life Church, Benny Phillips said "People are refusing to focus on the real issue of what the amendment is about. It's marriage between a man and a woman, not gay marriage."

Amendment 2 in fact makes only one statement. It defines marriage as a legal agreement between one man and one woman, and states that other legal agreements shall not be recognized as marriage. Charles Fitzgerald of Orlando explained why he believes that this amendment is significant, saying "I think marriage between one man and one woman is one of the most bedrock institutions of civilization, even if you go back thousands of years."

The main goal for those who wish to pass Amendment 2 is to establish a form of permanence to the traditional idea of marriage. Laws can be overturned by judges, but a state constitutional amendment is much more difficult to change.

"I think from the standpoint of the future of our nation, this vote is much more important than the presidency," said Benny Phillips. "The trajectory of the presidential vote can be remedied in four years. This cannot. Either we hold the line now, or we start down a very slippery slope."

Though there has been much negative opposition to this amendment, Lightfoot said "this is a positive campaign." She made it clear that she is not out to take away people's rights by leading the campaign, simply to protect something she believes to be sacred and structured.