FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
MAY 1, 2009 Elizabeth Ray (x130) or Mary Beth Hutchins
(x105), at 703-683-5004

NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MARRIAGE: STATEMENT ON CARRIE PREJEAN

(Princeton, NJ) - Maggie Gallagher, president of the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) released this statement today clarifying the role of Carrie Prejean at a press conference held Thursday in Washington, DC:

“A number of media sources have described Carrie Prejean as a spokesperson for the National Organization for Marriage.

As we made clear at our press conference yesterday: Carrie appeared with NOM as a private citizen; she does not work for the National Organization for Marriage. She is a spokesperson for her own views, as anyone watching her can tell.

We are grateful to Carrie Prejean for her willingness to stand up for marriage. We would love to work with Carrie in the future if she chooses, and we wish her well in all her future endeavors whatever she chooses. We're proud of her. Americans are proud of her. She is a remarkable young woman. Thank you, Carrie. "

To speak with Maggie Gallagher, President, The National Organization for Marriage, contact Elizabeth Ray, x. 130, eray@crcpublicrelations.com or Mary Beth Hutchins, x. 105, mhutchins@crcpublicrelations.com at 703-683-5004.

Carrie Prejean’s Statement at the National Organization for Marriage launch of "No Offense" April 30, 2009

Thank-you. It’s been a very strange week for me, as you can imagine. This was not exactly what I planned, or asked for or wanted. But nonetheless I am grateful.

I’m grateful for all the prayers and well-wishes I’ve received from all different kinds Americans who believe as I do that America is a place where people should stand up for our values, for what we think is right.

I’m grateful for the outpouring of support from the great majority of Americans who know in our hearts that Americans should treat each other with respect even when we disagree--especially when we disagree about important moral issues like marriage.

You probably know by now. I believe very strongly that marriage IS the union of a husband and wife. What’s more I believe with millions of other Americans: This vision of marriage is not hateful or discriminatory—it’s good.

Marriage is good. There IS something special about unions of husband and wives. Unless we bring men and women together, children will not have mothers and fathers. I do not want to raise my own children in a world where this traditional view of marriage is considered hateful or discriminatory, especially not by my own government.

I am not affiliated with any organization; I'm speaking my own views. But I do appreciate the many people who stand in the front lines to fight for marriage, including the National Organization for Marriage. That’s why I agreed to appear today to support NOM's important message: Respect marriage. And the people who support it.

It’s not about me, it’s about the future of marriage. But I’m honored to do my part. Thank-you.

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