| Washington, DC: Today Representative Kenny Marchant (TX-24) voted for the Marriage Protection Amendment, legislation that defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman in the U.S. Constitution. The bipartisan bill passed by a margin of 236-187 (an eight vote increase from 2004 vote), it did not have enough support to clear the requirement that a constitutional amendment pass with two-thirds vote.
"Today's vote illustrates that members of Congress from both sides of the aisle recognize the importance of preserving our nation's most sacred tradition," Marchant said. "Passing a constitutional amendment is a daunting task, but marriage is the foundation upon which families and communities are established. It deserves the protection of the U.S. Constitution."
The Marriage Protection Amendment states that marriage in the United States consists of the union of male and female. The bill text was drafted to ensure that the democratic process at the state level will decide the allocation of the benefits and privileges traditionally associated with marriage.
"The people have spoken: forty-five states have passed laws or constitutional amendments defining marriage between a man and a woman," Marchant added. "It is unfortunate that non-elected, activist judges have overturned the will of Americans again and again.
"This is certainly not the last of this issue. We will continue to promote the family values that make this country great, and the right of states to protect the tradition of marriage."
CONTACT:
Annie Christian
(202) 225-6605
annie.christian@mail.house.gov |
