A clear “yes” to the family

A large number of citizens ask that the first citizens’ initiative referendum in Croatia focus on the family. On the wake of the initiative of the civil movement “U ime obitelji” (In the name of the family), led by Željka Markiæ, more than 750 thousand signatures have been collected in support of the cause. The initiative, launched within lay Catholic associations, has received the prompt support of the Croatian Bishops’ Conference, the Orthodox Church and the Muslim community, as well as that of other Christian churches in the country. Thanks to over 6 thousand volunteers in 2 thousand stands in public places across the nation, including Catholic and Muslim places of worship, proponents of the movement had already reached the required quorum of 375 thousand signatures by the end of the first week. However, during the signature collection, the Croatian government raised the quorum to 450 thousand signatures, but the initiative continued to gain consensus. As a result, on December 1 citizens will be asked to vote and answer this question: “Do you agree that a provision which establishes marriage as a union between a man and a woman be included in the Constitution of the Republic of Croatia?”. If the referendum were to receive a majority of yes votes, a clear definition of marriage, which is currently absent from the principles of the Constitution, would be introduced into the legal system. It is a possibility that is destined to soon become reality – and that is attracting the attention of several other European countries – said Željka Markiæ, the main proponent and supporter of the initiative. Markiæ, what is it, exactly, “In the name of the family”?”It is an initiative that brings together individuals, families and organizations of Croatian society committed for the promotion of universal human values, as well as religious associations, communities and movements, and with the support of all those who believe that marriage is characterized by the union between a man and a woman. This initiative has received the support of all major religious communities: the Catholic Church, which is the largest in Croatia, the Orthodox Church, the Muslim community, the Protestant community, but even five parliamentary parties and fifteen groups that are not present in the parliament, have pledged their support”.What are the main objectives?”Protecting marriage enshrined in the Constitution as the communion between a man and a woman, through the most democratic existing mechanism, the referendum”.What results do you expect?”We reached this stage because in just over two weeks over 750 thousand subscriptions have been collected. This means that 20 percent of citizens with the right to vote endorse the referendum which aims to give constitutional protection to the marriage bond. In doing so, Croatian citizens will prevent the government from a redefinition of the concept. And the will of the majority will have to be respected”.How is the Croatian government is reacting to your initiative?”It is opposing it. All the ministers and the president are using public space to attack the initiative and to emphasize their dissent and opposition to the vote. But it is precisely for this reason that giving a clear definition of marriage, even at the constitutional level, is ever more important”.Do you think that this situation could cause tensions inside the country?”The majority of our society, as evidenced by the data, believes and contends that marriage is represented by the union between a man and a woman. Surveys show that 90 percent share this thought. Many of us therefore believe that there will be a high turnout at the polls and that a high percentage of voters will give their support to the cause.The voters’ request to hold a referendum on the issue has only created problems to the government and to the media that are under its direct control. With the help of NGOs, financed and controlled by the government they are trying to obstruct the vote, but in Croatia, for this referendum there is a broad vision and the constituency will cast their vote not only for the protection of the family, but also of democracy”.