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ICHMOND--The national movement to amend state constitutions to protect the traditional definition of marriage has come to Virginia--giving citizens of the commonwealth an opportunity to vote on the matter this week.

In just over two years, voters in 16 states have passed similar amendments by overwhelming numbers--bringing the total number of states defining marriage in their constitutions to 20. No marriage amendment has failed when voted on by the people.

On Nov. 7, Virginians will have the opportunity to amend the constitution of Virginia to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. By amending the constitution, Virginians will simply be protecting what is already current law in Virginia from the actions of activist judges.

Examples of activist courts continue to reinforce the need for this amendment--the most recent being the New Jersey State Supreme Court's forced creation of same-sex unions. Other examples include the court-forced legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts and the court-forced creation of "civil unions" in Vermont.

Together these actions have created an urgent need for Virginia to join 20 other states that have voted to protect the institution of marriage by amending their state constitutions.

Unfortunately, for the past several months, Virginians have been introduced to the deceptive campaign tactic of amendment opponents, like the ACLU, who claim "unintended consequences" should the amendment be supported by a majority of Virginians.

Clearly, the approach taken by opponents to the amendment has nothing to do with any valid legal arguments. It is simple deception.

Of course, opponents have little else to go on. The vast majority of Virginians oppose a redefinition of marriage. People understand that marriage is the union of one man and one woman for a reason--it is best for men, women, children, and society. A plethora of social science studies proves that children are better off in every way in a stable, traditional home with a married mother and father.

No compassionate society intentionally creates homes without both a mom and a dad, and that is exactly what same-sex marriage would do.

Because of this, opponents to the amendment in Virginia have a problem. They know they can't talk about the real issue--how we will define marriage--because they know they can't win. People simply do not want marriage redefined.