Christopher Shays: “I oppose H.R. 3313, legislation which would prevent our courts from ruling on the constitutionality of the Defense of…”

“I oppose H.R. 3313, legislation which would prevent our courts from ruling on the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act. I value our justice system and place great faith in the ability of our courts to ensure the laws we pass are constitutional. The bottom line is, taking the federal courts out of the process by specific legislation is not an appropriate remedy for any issue. I am sensitive to my colleagues and constituents who oppose gay marriage. But we cannot deny Americans the constitutional rights to which they are entitled and ignore two centuries of judicial precedent, in order to address an issue that should be decided by the states. I strongly oppose H.R. 3313 and urge my colleagues to do the same.”