"Our courts have an important role to play in our government," Gingrich opines, "but it is not their role to define American values. That right belongs with the people."

The spot is part of an effort to pass California's Proposition 8, which would cement language into the state's constitution identical to the voter-approved 2000 statute, defining marriage as exclusive to heterosexual couples, which was ruled unconstitutional by the California Supreme Court on May 15.

"Think about that," Gingrich goes on. "Four appointed lawyers--that's all judges are--overruled more than four million California voters."

"It's a good thing people like former Speaker Newt Gingrich are out there protecting marriage from people like former Speaker Newt Gingrich," quipped blogger Donald Lathbury. "If marriage needs protecting, it seems Prop 8 should hardly be on the front line of this battle, and Gingrich is among America's least qualified representatives to make the case."

"I can't overstate the danger of tyranny from elitist judges who believe they have the right and the power to dictate their values to the American people," he added. "The Founding Fathers were deeply offended by the British activist judges. They saw judges as instruments of oppression. That is why they devoted much attention to restraining the power of judges. Today, keeping the courts in check is one of the most important issues in the 2008 election."

In contrast, Candace Gingrich, Newt's half-sister, is an open lesbian and longtime LGBT advocate. Inspired by her brother's elevation to Speaker of the House, Gingrich has made numerous television appearances and worked with the Human Rights Campaign since 1995. She currently serves as the organization's Senior Youth Outreach Manager.

The ad, as posted to YouTube on August 28, 2008, can be viewed below: