Joe Pitts: “marriage has been under attack for years in America. Regardless of where we look, we have seen a gradual weakening of…”

“marriage has been under attack for years in America. Regardless of where we look, we have seen a gradual weakening of the institution that historically we have relied on to nurture America's kids. And while marriage has taken a beating from divorce and other factors, the statistics still show that the best home for kids is still with a mom and dad who are married and love each other. That is the ideal we are talking about here: the best home for kids. By protecting marriage, this amendment promotes such an environment for our kids. Statistics show children living with their mom and dad are safer, that they are less likely to be abused or neglected, that they have fewer health problems, that they engage in fewer risky behaviors than their peers, that they are more likely to do well in school, that they are better off economically, that they display increased ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Study after study shows us this, Mr. Speaker. But most Americans do not need a scientific study to tell them that marriage is important for our children and our families. When given the chance to have their voices heard on this issue, they have overwhelmingly come down on the side of protecting marriage. Twenty States have now passed voter referendums to amend their constitution to protect marriage. Six more will have it on the ballot this November. Six more next year. There is a pattern here.…”