Charles T. Canady: “I just want to read the portion of the bill that is being stricken by this amendment. It is called definition of…”

“I just want to read the portion of the bill that is being stricken by this amendment. It is called definition of ``marriage'' and ``spouse.'' ``In determining the meaning of any Act of Congress, or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various administrative bureaus and agencies of the United States, the word `marriage' means only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and the word `spouse' refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife.'' The proponents of the amendment before the House now want to strike that provision of the bill. They do not agree with that definition of marriage. That is what is at issue here. I think the Members need to focus on that. Is this House unwilling to take a stand in defining marriage in this way? We are talking about for purposes of the Federal statute. We have a responsibility as the Congress to make a determination on this matter. We have a responsibility as the elected representatives of the various States to take a stand against what one State is attempting to do.”