David Weldon: “I support H.R. 3313, The Marriage Protection Act. This bill prevents unelected, lifetime-appointed federal judges from…”

“I support H.R. 3313, The Marriage Protection Act. This bill prevents unelected, lifetime-appointed federal judges from striking down the provision of the Defense of Marriage Act. The Defense of Marriage Act overwhelmingly passed in the House and the Senate and was signed into law by President Clinton in 1996. H.R. 3313 simply provides that cases involving the section of Defense of Marriage Act--that protects states' rights--must be brought in state court. This brings valuable protection to the states and ensures that one state does not have to recognize a same sex marriage granted by another state. It also keeps federal courts from forcing states to recognize same-sex marriages that other states, such as Massachusetts, have legalized. This bill is a good first step, but what is ultimately needed in order to protect time-honored, traditional marriage is an Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Unfortunately, the Senate failed to pass this amendment last week. That vote was 48 to 50, with Senators John Kerry and John Edwards failing to vote. It fell short of the number needed to ensure passage so that the American people could consider a Constitutional Amendment. My constituents in Florida, and the majority of the American people, do not agree with a hand full of activist judges and courts that are redefining marriage in America.”