Hartzler, Fleming, and Pitts Release Statement on SCOTUS Oral Arguments

Statement

Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04), Congressman John Fleming, M.D. (LA-4), Congressman Joe Pitts (PA-16) released the following statements after the Supreme Court heard oral arguments today on whether to affirm marriage and preserve the rights of Americans in each state to debate and decide on marriage law and policy:

Congresswoman Hartzler: "I won't try to predict how the Supreme Court will rule in this case, but I am hopeful that the Supreme Court will recognize that this is an issue to be decided by the states. Missourians have overwhelmingly voted to define marriage as the union between a man and a woman; and I support their right to define this issue. No matter the outcome, I will continue champion marriage as the union of one man and one woman so every child has the opportunity to have a mom and a dad."

Congressman Fleming: "The U.S. Supreme Court does not have the right to redefine marriage for all states, but instead should affirm their ability to decide marriage policy. This is a Constitutional right reserved for each state. Marriage unites two unique individuals, ideally providing children with a mom and a dad, both of who are irreplaceable in a child's life. Keeping this historical, societal building block is crucial for the good of our families and for the future of our country."

Congressman Pitts: "Marriage is based on the reality that children do best with a Mom and a Dad. As the Constitution remains silent on the issue, the people of Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, and Kentucky and many other states have voted to maintain this definition. I hope that the government and nine unelected justices of the Supreme Court will respect the democratic process, and not actively overrule the voices of millions of Americans."

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