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   ISSUES  > Family and Marriage
 
State Senator Information
Arkansas 		US Senators by State
US Senators and their Comments on FMA
Senator's Name: Blanche Lincoln , Democrat
Website: http://lincoln.senate.gov/
Federal DOMA in 1996: As a U.S. Representative in 1996, this senator did not cast a vote for or against the federal DOMA in 1996. The senator voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment in 2004 and 2006.
Senator's Comments: Lincoln said she also supports existing state and federal laws that ban such marriage, and ?I do not believe a constitutional amendment is appropriate.? ? Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, February 25, 2004.

??Historically, domestic and family-law matters have been governed almost exclusively by state law. Therefore, I support and respect Arkansas law, which defines marriage in our state as a union between a man and a woman regardless of where a marriage is performed. I believe that policy is sound and accurately reflects the judgment of the citizens of our state.?? ? Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, August 6, 2003.
FMA Cloture in July 2004: This senator voted against the cloture concerning the FMA July 2004.
Senator's Name: Mark Pryor, Democrat
Website: http://pryor.senate.gov/
Federal DOMA in 1996: This senator was elected in 2002, therefore not present for the federal DOMA vote in 1996. The senator voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment in 2004 and 2006.
Senator's Comments: From Website: I oppose same-sex marriage and fully support the Defense of Marriage Act which clearly defines marriage as a union between only a man and a woman. It further declares that no state is required to honor a same-sex relationship sanctioned by another state. This is the supreme law of the land, passed overwhelmingly by Congress and it reflects the will of a vast majority of the American people. Amending the constitution is serious business, and the need for a constitutional amendment should be clearly and convincingly demonstrated. At this point, I do not think there is a need for a constitutional amendment. We have a federal law and we have a judicial process which should be given time to work. Until the United States Supreme Court says otherwise, the law of our land prohibits federal recognition of same-sex marriages ? that law should be observed and respected.
FMA Cloture in July 2004: This senator voted against the cloture concerning the FMA July 2004.


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