By K. NANCOO-RUSSELL
Freeport News Reporter
Focusing on protecting the sanctity of marriage, a local Christian group has announced that a "Help Save The Family Rally" will be held at Independence Park on Sunday, March 18, beginning at 6 p.m.
Rex Major and Associates and concerned Christian leaders are calling on Bahamians to support the recommendation of the Bahamas Constitutional Review Commission, which advises that the Bahamian law of marriage as a union between a man and a woman should be enshrined in the Constitution.
The rally has as its aim to make Bahamians aware of the recommendation and to provide a forum by which they can show that they support it.
According to the event's coordinator, Rex Major, the Commission concluded that the majority of Bahamians are wishing that the true nature of marriage be constitutionalized.
"This event is one in a series under the name 'Help Save the Family Rally' and the goal is to sensitize Bahamian citizens to the need to preserve the traditional marriage because it's under attack and our goal is to see that the present law which describes the nature of marriage as a union between a man and a woman be placed as an amendment in the constitution itself so that it is protected from any other effort to get it out of the system," said Major.
"We're doing it through public rallies plus the signing of a petition which Bahamian citizens 18 years and older will sign to say they stand with the recommendation, they want it to happen."
This is the first time the rally will be held in Grand Bahama. Previous rallies have been held in Long Island, Spanish Wells, Eleuthera, and Harbour Island, Eleuthera.
At the rally, a certificate of appreciation will be presented to all couples whose marriages have gone beyond 25 years. Persons whose marriages have gone beyond 50 years will be the honorary patrons of the event.
According to Major, these long-lasting unions will be recognized because "they show to us the glory and grandeur of this wonderful thing called marriage and carrying out God's plan so wonderfully."
Bishop Leslie Woodside, chairman of the Freeport Committee, voiced his hope that the Grand Bahama community will support the rally and that there will be an impressive turnout of the community.
"The community can only benefit if they turn out and be aware of the importance of their input in that this measure is enshrined into the Constitution," said Woodside.
Another feature of the rally will be a renewal of marriage vows for all couples present.
"This is always a very precious ceremony," noted Major.
At the rally, there will also be an opportunity for persons who are struggling with marriage to sign up for marital counseling.
DEDICATED LEADER — Rex Major, coordinator of the Help Save the Family Rally, says the event is aimed at encouraging Bahamians to support the Bahamas Constitutional Review Commission's recommendation that marriage as a union between a man and a woman should be enshrined in the Constitution. (Photo by JENNEVA RUSSELL)
