James Barrett: “this afternoon we will debate and vote on the marriage protection amendment. Let us be clear, the debate today is not…”

“this afternoon we will debate and vote on the marriage protection amendment. Let us be clear, the debate today is not about denying anyone's rights. This is about ensuring the will of the people and protecting it. Forty-four States have already enacted laws defining marriage as the union between a man and a woman. South Carolina is one of these 44 States. The people of my State have already decided how they would like for marriage to be defined. So as a Representative I am wondering why the will of my constituents and that of over 70 percent of Americans nationwide should be tossed aside because of a few activist judges because they disagree. Unfortunately, a handful of judges have already begun to amend our Constitution. They have circumvented the democratic process with their rulings. Therefore, the decision we are left with now is not whether the Constitution will be amended but who will amend it: activist judges or the American people. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me today in supporting the marriage protection amendment. It is time we get the debate back where it belongs, with the American people.”