Pete Sessions: “I ask the question: Why are we here? The reason we are here is because of court rulings. The Massachusetts decision took…”

“I ask the question: Why are we here? The reason we are here is because of court rulings. The Massachusetts decision took effect May 17, just a few weeks ago. That is why we are here today. This is not a matter I had any intention of being engaged in 2 years ago or 6 years ago when I came to the Senate. We are here to protect the rights of legislative bodies in all 50 States to define marriage as they always have. I believe that is appropriate. Some suggest there is not a real threat to marriage and the courts will not strike down the traditional definition of marriage. I do not think that is something we can say. As a matter of fact, marriage, as we have traditionally known it, is without any doubt in great jeopardy by the rulings of the courts in America. It has already occurred in Massachusetts. I would like to show the language of one of the opinions that is relevant in this situation. In the Lawrence v. Texas case, just last year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled and said this: In Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey, the court reaffirmed the substantive force of the liberty protected by the Due Process Clause. That is vague language but dangerous language, in my view.”