Congressman Trent Franks Will Cast Vote to Protect Marriage and the Democratic Process
Congressman Trent Franks Will Cast Vote to Protect Marriage and the Democratic Process
An Effort to Disable Unelected Judges Who Threaten Marriage
July 18, 2006Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) today will vote to amend the U.S. Constitution to define marriage as the union between one man and one woman. This will empower the people, rather than unelected judges, to determine the fate of family and marriage laws.
Congressman Franks commented, "The Federal Marriage Amendment not only protects the natural institution of marriage, it preserves the democratic process and government by the people, instead of government by an elite caste of judges."
In 2004 the U.S. House of Representatives voted on the Federal Marriage Amendment. Since then 16 states have passed marriage protection amendments to their state constitutions. Twenty states now have constitutions that protect marriage. Forty-five states define marriage as the union of one man and one woman or explicitly prohibit marriage being redefined by including same gender unions. Despite this, there are currently lawsuits challenging state marriage laws in 8 states.
"For decades rogue judges have arrogantly assumed the role of omnipotent' oligarchs. By believing that they have a more enlightened understanding of what is right for this country, some judges have neglected to look to the direction and limitations set forth in the U.S. Constitution. By judicial fiat, unelected individuals have effectually made laws for Americans against the will of the people.
"They have done this in the case of marriage. This makes their actions especially egregious, since the social fabric of this nation is sewn with the thread of successful marriages. The wellbeing of our children and future generations depend on this sacred institution."
http://www.house.gov/list/press/az02_franks/Marriage.html