Congresswoman Matsui: Constitution Should Protect Rights Votes against Marriage Protection Amendment

Congresswoman Matsui: Constitution Should Protect Rights Votes against Marriage Protection Amendment

Washington, DC -Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (CA-5) condemned the Republican Leadership's political ploy to limit the Constitutional rights of Americans by bringing to the floor the Marriage Protection Amendment (H.J. Res. 88).

"It is clear throughout this nation's history that our greatest days came when we expanded rights and equality and our darkest came when we restricted them. That history teaches us we should not single out any class of Americans for unequal treatment," stated Congresswoman Matsui. "This legislation ignores the lessons we have learned and, for the first time, amend the Constitution to take away the rights of American citizens. It would use sexual orientation to deny the rights afforded every other American."

Despite being voted down in the Senate, the House Republican leadership is still bringing the legislation to the floor for an election-year stunt. In fact, during Senate consideration, the legislation did not even receive a majority of votes.

The Marriage Protection Amendment (H.J. Res. 88) would deny marriage to same-sex couples and seriously threaten civil unions and domestic partnerships. Additionally, this legislation could impact domestic violence laws, as the amendment's strict definition of marriage is at odds with current laws that enforce punishment on abusers whether or not they are married to the victim.

http://matsui.house.gov/Newsroom.asp?ARTICLE2939=6811