James Barrett: “marriage goes to the heart of our families and our society. My home State of South Carolina is one of at least 42 States…”

“marriage goes to the heart of our families and our society. My home State of South Carolina is one of at least 42 States that have laws on the books defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman. These laws were passed by the State legislature; those elected to represent the views of their constituents. My constituents contact me on a daily basis about this one issue more than any other issue. They want me to ensure marriage between a man and a woman is preserved. Yet some in this country, elected by no one, believe they have the right to supercede the wishes of my constituents and the constituents of other members here today. I respectfully disagree. I believe the only way to ensure court action does not override State law is for the House and Senate to take action. I thank Mr. Hostettler for bringing this legislation to the floor of the people's house for debate, it is time we, as elected officials, have an opportunity to give a voice to our constituents' concerns. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in the House to vote in favor of H.R. 3313, the Marriage Protection Act and protect the sanctity of marriage.”