AS APPEARED IN THE UPI (United Press International), JULY 25 2004

LENGTH: 207 words

HEADLINE: Traditional Marriage Renewal Day in NYC

DATELINE: NEW YORK, July 25 (UPI)

BODY:

   Thousands of heterosexual couples are expected to renew their vows in New York City Sunday in a ceremony aimed at strengthening traditional marriage.

   "We need to do all what we can to strengthen biblical marriage," said Joseph Mattera, executive director of the City Covenant Coalition. "It's the only standard of marriage we've had since the beginning of civilization."

   The first Traditional Marriage Renewal Day Rally will be held at City Hall Park in Manhattan, followed by a prayer service, the Washington Times reported.

   "We want to raise the biblical standards in our churches, raise the standards of our congregations, and raise the standards of the clergy," Mattera said. "When legally married heterosexual couples renew their vows, we are increasing the strength of that vow."

   Some homosexual groups said they are unhappy about the event.

   "Gay people are not trying to 'attack' marriage, we are trying to participate in it," said Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry, an organization promoting same-sex marriage.

   "We are asking for the same commitment and responsibility (as heterosexual families) for our own families and excluding gay couples does nothing to protect (the institution of marriage)."