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   ISSUES  > Family and Marriage
 
State Senator Information
Oregon 		US Senators by State
US Senators and their Comments on FMA
Senator's Name: Gordon Smith, Republican
Website: http://gsmith.senate.gov/
Federal DOMA in 1996: This senator was elected in 1996, therefore not present for the federal DOMA in 1996. The senator voted for the Marriage Protection Amendment in 2004 and 2006.
Senator's Comments: Smith wrestled with the issue and said he could support a constitutional measure if states were left free to sanction civil unions or another contract that gives same-sex couples some recognition of their relationship. ?But as for the definition of marriage?one man, one woman?I?m for that,? Smith said. ?I believe in a day of relative values that?s one constant we ought to keep. That?s a cultural North Star for me.? ? Gannett News Service, February 25, 2004.

"Words have meaning and few words have more meaning to our culture than does "marriage". However imperfectly practiced by men and women, it remains an ideal that deserves to be protected or at least debated by the American people in Constitutional process. Marriage is about more than a legal relationship between consenting adults. It is equally about nurture and nature in the rearing of children. "If the meaning of marriage is to change, if our Constitution is to be reinterpreted, then let it not be done by liberal judges, lawless mayors, or clandestine county commissioners, but by the people of all fifty united states." Senate Republican Press Conference, Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR)
FMA Cloture in July 2004: This senator voted for the cloture concerning the FMA in July 2004.
Senator's Name: Ron Wyden, Democrat
Website: http://wyden.senate.gov/
Federal DOMA in 1996: This senator voted against the federal DOMA in 1996 and against the Marriage Protection Amendment in 2004 and 2006.
Senator's Comments: ?Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., also will not support the amendment.? ? Statesman Journal, February 25, 2004.

?Marriage has historically been a private matter between two people. It has long been a matter that has been reserved for the States. Now the Congress that has sought to contract Federal power hungers for Federal regulation of the institution of marriage. This Federal expansionism makes no sense to me.? Congressional Record, September 10, 1996.
FMA Cloture in July 2004: This senator voted against the cloture concerning the FMA July 2004.


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