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U.S. House of Representatives Now Examining Marriage Issue Conservatives Join ACLU Opposing Constitutional Amendment Massachusetts Legislature Votes 105-92 for State Amendment |
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"There is no reason to push a very divisive issue on the country when the states have the tools now to resolve this issue themselves," said John Hanes, the Republican Chairman of the Wyoming Senate Judiciary Committee. "Our goal as conservatives should be to avoid creating needless division, and instead let the people alone build their communities without federal interference." The Committee also heard from former member of Congress Bob Barr (R-Georgia), the author of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which allows individual states to not recognize same-sex marriages performed by other states. Barr has previously stated that he "does not support a federal constitutional amendment defining marriage," preferring instead to "leave the decision to the citizens of each state." The ACLU also noted that gay and lesbian families -- already denied equal protection -- would be irrevocably harmed if the marriage amendment were to be adopted. The ACLU is joined in its opposition by a diverse collection of groups, including the American Bar Association, the NAACP and the Presbyterian Church. The debate over denying marriage rights to gay and lesbian couples has escalated following the Massachusetts Supreme Court decision that gay and lesbian couples cannot be denied the same rights enjoyed by straight married couples, and the city of San Francisco and other local governments' issuance of marriage licenses to over 4,000 gay and lesbian couples. Earlier this year, President Bush publicly announced his support for a constitutional amendment to deny marriage rights to committed gay and lesbian couples. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-Colorado) and Sen. Wayne Allard (R-Colorado) have introduced the Federal Marriage Amendment, which in its current form would deny marriage rights to all same-sex and unmarried couples, and prevent state and federal courts from conferring any of its legal benefits. The Amendment would deny states the right to decide who can get married in their states and preempt the state constitutions of the 50 states. Massachusetts Lawmakers Approve Biased State Constitutional Amendment On Monday, the Massachusetts legislature approved a state constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriages and, like Vermont, create civil unions instead. The state, under its high court's order to allow same-sex couples to marry beginning on May 17, cannot, however, prevent gay and lesbian marriages from taking place on that date. Inaugurating any state constitutional amendment will take a minimum of two years and same-sex couples can be expected to get married in Massachusetts until 2006. "The Massachusetts Legislature took a wrong and ugly step toward amending the world's oldest living constitution," said Matt Foreman, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Foreman says biased legislators hope "to enshrine discrimination against a minority - gay and lesbian families. But, this fight is not over, it's just beginning. We pledge our continued commitment to this struggle and to the Massachusetts lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. With them, we'll do everything possible in the coming months to make sure this measure does not pass when it comes before the Legislature again next year. Failing that, we will defeat it at the polls in November 2006. Based on 31 years of fighting anti-gay extremists and bigotry, the Task Force is confident that equal rights will prevail. "On behalf of our national community, we thank our brave allies in the Legislature and praise the extraordinary work of MassEquality for fighting so hard against a venomous onslaught unleashed by right wing extremists. Their efforts have been an unprecedented display of courage, tenacity and strategic brilliance." The vote in Massachusetts was also critiqued by Human Rights Campaign President Cheryl Jacques who called it "a setback." "However," she said, "we are on a long road toward ensuring equality in Massachusetts and America. The Massachusetts Legislature will consider this amendment again next year. "On May 17th, marriage licenses will be issued to same-sex couples in Massachusetts. American life will move forward as it always has with committed families caring for each other and taking responsibility for their own health and welfare. "Over the next two years, as the constitutional process continues, the people of Massachusetts and America will see that marriage equality is good for families and good for America. "I served the people of Massachusetts for nearly 12 years. I know they will ultimately reject discrimination and side with fairness for all families. "The Human Rights Campaign thanks the Massachusetts legislators who voted against discrimination. We hope their remarkable efforts and hard work will help defeat this amendment next year. "MassEquality has been an extraordinary leader in efforts to end discrimination and ensure equality. Through their tireless efforts, this organization continues to be a beacon to all Americans who support equality and fairness. |
Conservative former Rep. Bob Barr opposes a Constitutional amendment against same-sex marriages