Those in favor of same-sex "marriage" sometimes compare the two kinds of couples because they have both suffered discrimination.

After all, couples of different races were similarly discriminated against for most of American history, and yet their marriages are now recognized as equal with couples of the same race. Aren’t same-sex couples in a similar situation?

No, there is an inherent difference between the two kinds of couples at the level of generation. The basic difference between male (the capacity to generate in another) and female (the capacity to generate in oneself) makes marriage possible.

Skin color, language, nation of origin, and culture have no effect on the possibility of marriage, because a woman with any combination of these attributes can still enter into unity with a man with any combination of these attributes. Therefore, interracial couples have a "natural right [to marry] which the Church in no way prohibits."

National Marriage Week 2025

The observances of National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14) and World Marriage Day (Sunday, Feb. 9) are an opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family. This year's theme is "Marriage: Source of Hope, Spring of Renewal. Pursue a Lasting Love!"

You can find Lectio Divina readings for the whole week, an at-home retreat, social media graphics, and more in both English and Spanish by clicking the button below.

Legal/Policy Updates

Trump Administration – An executive order removed federal support for "gender-affirming care" for minors, a move which was welcomed by Bishop Robert Barron, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth.

Congress – The House of Representatives advanced the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which now heads to the Senate. The bill would modify Title IX to ensure sports participation according to biological sex. Bishop Barron wrote a letter of support to senators in support of the bill, together with the chairman of the USCCB Committee on Catholic Education.

USCCB Offers Principles for Budget Reconciliation in Support of Families – Five USCCB committee chairmen offered a set of principles for members of Congress to consider during the budget reconciliation process, writing, "The moral purpose of the economy is to support the flourishing of families. We ask you to keep in mind the most basic societal unit of the family, especially those struggling the most...".

Courts – The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case determining the constitutionality of laws requiring age verification on pornographic websites. The USCCB filed an amicus brief in favor of the Texas law in question, which has caused Pornhub to shut down its service for all Texas users rather than comply with the law.

The Supreme Court agreed to hear a case from parents suing a Maryland school district after it avoided notifying them about, and prevented them from opting their children out of, classes covering "gender" and sexuality issues.