After the debate co-sponsored by LEGALS (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Students at Golden Gate University) and The Bar Association of San Francisco at Golden Gate University in San Francisco Thursday, March 11, Christian Post held a brief interview with Jeffery J. Ventrella, who serves as Sr. Vice President directing the Office of Strategic Training at ADF.
According to ADF, Ventrella litigated for nearly 15 years practicing appellate advocacy, commercial and insurance litigation, financial litigation, and environmental and natural resource litigation. Having graduated magna cum laude with his B.M.E from the University of California, Hastings, serving as Production Editor of the Hastings Constitutional Law Quarterly. He has contributed to several books, teaches Ethics and Apologetics at the seminary level, is a member of the Idaho State Bar and is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the Bar of the United States Supreme Court.
How effective was the debate? Do you believe the result meets up to your expectations?
Yes I do. We support traditional marriage and I feel we've presented good legal, philosophical, and social arguments. They (The National Center for Lesbian Rights) couldn't really show why they were wrong.
Many pro-life groups and conservative Christians are aware of the negative consequences of homosexual marriage. Can you briefly explain this?
It's not the optimal place to rear children. According to the statistics, same-sex couples have higher rates of mental and physical illness and higher rate of intimate partner abuse. They are not the same for rearing children.
There are Christians who are silent about this issue or even supportive of same-sex marriage. Do you have anything to convey to the Christian community?
Righteousness exalts nation. We need to stand up for righteousness that's how grace is extended.
Can you give us a general update on what ADF is currently doing to fight against same-sex marriage?
We are fighting against homosexual marriage in Oregon, San Francisco, New Mexico and in Massachusetts. We?fve filed lawsuits.
