Tiahrt Speaks Out Against DC Council Vote To Re-define Marriage

Statement

U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) today issued the following statement in opposition to the decision by the District of Columbia City Council to legalize gay marriage in the nation's capital. The bill passed by a vote of 11-2 and is now on the way to D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty's who has promised to sign it.

"Marriage is between one man and one woman," said Tiahrt. "And for the fundamental health and future of our society, it should remain this way. The city council has twice denied giving D.C. residents a vote on this issue because they know it would face fierce opposition. Instead of empowering citizens, 11 activist council members have taken it upon themselves to redefine the institution of marriage for the nation's capital.

"The council's misguided vote will force religious organizations to provide adoption services and employee benefits to same-sex couples--violating their faith and leaving them no other choice than to close their doors and discontinue services to the community. Catholic Charities, D.C.'s largest non-governmental social services provider that serves over 68,000 residents annually, has already made it clear they would be forced to shut down much of their work in order to avoid a lawsuit for not recognizing the new regulations that contrast with their faith.

"Congress has final say over the laws in the District of Columbia, and I will be fighting to bring a vote on this issue in the House so we can overturn the city council's redefinition of marriage and violation of religious freedoms."

Tiahrt is an original co-sponsor of the D.C. Defense of Marriage Act (H.R. 2608) that defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman, specifically in the District of Columbia. Tiahrt is also a co-sponsor of H.J.Res. 54 that expresses the disapproval of Congress regarding the D.C. City Council's actions regarding same-sex marriage.

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