Barton Votes to Protect Marriage

Barton Votes to Protect Marriage

U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, R-Ennis, voted today to protect traditional marriage as the House of Representatives considered H.J.Res.88, the Marriage Protection Amendment.

This legislation seeks to amend the Constitution to define marriage as being between one man and one woman. The resolution would preserve the ability of state legislatures, which are elected by the people, to legislate on matters of family law, rather than have this important issue held captive by the courts.

"As activist federal judges seek to redefine marriage in this country, it's time that Congress protect this invaluable institution once and for all by clearly defining it in the Constitution," Barton said. "I am an original co-sponsor of this legislation because the very essence of marriage is under attack. Across time and cultures, traditional marriage has served as the backbone of the family and the foundation of society, and it should not be manipulated. While passing a Constitutional amendment may not happen overnight, I will continue to support efforts in the House to protect marriage."

Though the amendment received a majority of votes, with 236 voting in favor and 187 voting against, it failed to receive the 2/3 support required for passage. The legislation did, however, receive nine more votes than when it was considered by the House in 2004.

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