General Assembly Plenary in Observance of Tenth Anniversary of the International Year of the Family 

6 December 2004, GA Session 59, Meeting 67

Mr. Wade Horn, United States 

I wish at the outset to express my gratitude for the privilege of addressing this body today. It is indeed an honour.

Ten years ago, the General Assembly proclaimed the International Year of the Family. In celebration of this tenth anniversary, I should like to spend my time this morning providing an overview of how Americans view the role of the State in relationship to the family and how those principles guide family policy in the United States.

The United States Census Bureau defines a family as "two or more persons related by birth, marriage or adoption who reside in the same household". Of course, this definition cannot begin to capture the richness of family life, for family life is really about things such as celebrating anniversaries, caring for an elderly parent and tucking one's children into bed at night.

Still, discussing family life is not simply an appeal to sentiment. Throughout the ages, political philosophers, social historians and civic and religious leaders have praised the family as the foundation of the social order, the bedrock of nations and the bastion of civilization.

Cicero, for example, spoke of the family as the first society and the seabed of the State. The 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights describes the family as "the natural and fundamental group unit of society". The fact is that the family is a universal and irreplaceable community rooted in human nature and the basis of all societies at all times. As the cradle of life and love for each new generation, the family is the primary source of personal identity, self-esteem and support for children. It is also the first and foremost school of life, uniquely suited to teaching children integrity, character, morals, responsibility, service and wisdom.

As the 1994 United Nations Programme for the International Year of the Family states, the family provides "the natural framework for the emotional, financial and material support essential to the growth and development of their members" (A/CONF.171/4, para. 67), particularly infants and children. The family remains a vital means of preserving and transmitting cultural values.

These roles of transmitting culture and socializing children make the family indispensable to civil society as families transform helpless, dependent babies into responsible, independent adults. Thus it is easy to understand why President George W. Bush has said that the character of a nation begins in the home.

Given the importance of families to society, does the State have any role in supporting the family? We believe that the answer is "yes". We believe that government, within appropriate limits, should work to support and strengthen families by respecting the prerogatives of families, encouraging healthy marriages and supporting all families that need assistance.

To support families effectively, however, government must first recognize that families exist apart from the State. The United States Declaration of Independence states that all human beings are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights -- in other words, rights that predate the State. The State must recognize and acknowledge those rights and respect the family for what it is as a matter of natural law. The State's foremost obligation, therefore, is to respect, defend and protect the family as an institution. As President Bush has said, government must honour the family.

Given that understanding of the relationship between the State and the family, what, then, are the principles that should guide family policy in America?

First, we believe that government ought to create the conditions that allow strong and healthy families to thrive. Consistent with paragraph 1 of article 25 of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights that "Everyone has a right to a standard of living for the health and well-being of himself and of his family", we believe that government ought to keep the tax burden on families as low as possible. We also believe that government ought to create the conditions whereby it is not necessary for both parents to be in the paid labour force in order to provide an adequate household income. Although government policy should remain neutral as to whether two parents or only one are in the workplace, and, if the latter, which parent works outside the home, government policy, we believe, should be aimed at providing parents the option to split their roles and functions in the family, if they so choose.

Secondly, we believe that Government should recognize the unique and irreplaceable contributions of both mothers and fathers to the lives of their children. Research has shown that mothers and fathers on average tend to parent differently in some important ways, offering their children unique skills and gifts. Thus American family policy seeks to strengthen the bond connecting fathers to their children while also supporting the role of motherhood as an esteemed and respected institution in society.

Thirdly, we believe that public policy ought to strengthen healthy marriages, and, where possible, the two-parent family. Research consistently shows that healthy marriages benefit children, adults and society, whereas dysfunctional marriages do not. Hence in America government seeks to promote healthy marriages, not marriage at any cost.

Fourthly, we believe that government policy should recognize that every child has dignity and worth and, as such, ought to support all children and families. Even if government policy does what it can to strengthen healthy marriages, some children will grow up in other situations. Research indicates that those children tend to face increased risks for negative outcomes. The State should therefore offer a variety of tangible social services to families in need, including cash assistance, food assistance and health care, to help ensure that all families have a minimum standard of living.

While providing a safety net for vulnerable families and children is unquestionably important, there are limits to government intervention. Social services cannot replace the natural human relationships that are ideal for children's development. Social services can only supplement what children need most: the love and attention of their mother and father.

During his first year in office, President Bush highlighted his commitment to the family when he said:

"My Administration is committed to strengthening the American family. Many one-parent families are also a source of comfort and reassurance. Yet a family with a mom and a dad who are committed to marriage and devote themselves to their children helps provide children a sound foundation for success. Government can support families by promoting policies that help strengthen the institution of marriage and help parents rear their children in positive and healthy environments."

Government policy is limited in what it can do to strengthen families. But what it can do, it ought to do.

As we move beyond this year's tenth anniversary celebrations, Governments ought to honour and support the family as the most critical structure for ensuring the well-being of children, who are, after all, our future.