John Cornyn: “2 days ago, the Massachusetts Supreme Court sent shock waves across America when it held that traditional marriage--a…”

“2 days ago, the Massachusetts Supreme Court sent shock waves across America when it held that traditional marriage--a marriage between a man and a woman--would be eliminated by judicial fiat. It is no secret the American people support traditional marriage. Yet some who would criticize that support for traditional marriage accuse those who support it of being intolerant. What I would suggest to you is the only ones guilty of intolerance are those who support the kind of judicial activism we have seen demonstrated by the Massachusetts court most recently--one that is fundamentally disdainful of democracy itself under the rule of law. Most Americans instinctively and laudably support two fundamental propositions. First, that every individual is worthy of respect, dignity; and second, that the traditional institution of marriage is worthy of protection. Some opponents of traditional marriage laws, however, have accused those who disagree with them of intolerance, even though support for traditional marriage reflects traditional values shared by the overwhelming number of Americans. These deeply held values deserve more respect than that. Throughout history, mankind itself, humankind itself, has recognized the fundamental importance of marriage and its traditional definition as the union of one man and one woman.”