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   ISSUES  > Family and Marriage
 
State Senator Information
Texas 		US Senators by State
US Senators and their Comments on FMA
Senator's Name: John Cornyn, Republican
Website: http://cornyn.senate.gov/
Federal DOMA in 1996: This senator was elected in 2002, therefore not present for the federal DOMA In 1996. He voted for the Marriage Protection Amendment in 2004 and 2006.
Senator's Comments: ?I can?t think of anything more important than protecting the sanctity of the family and making sure that traditional families ? the fundamental building block of our society ? are preserved. Traditional marriage ? marriage between a man and a woman ? is a positive good for our society, as the most stabilizing and positive influence on family life in this country, as well as being in the best interests of children. And now activist judges are basically making the law up as they go along, or trying to write their own personal or social agenda into the Constitution and to deny the American people the fundamental right of self-government. The evidence is becoming increasingly clear that this is not a local phenomenon, nor is this a matter that can be addressed on a state-by-state basis. This is a national issue that requires a national response. The only response I know of is a constitutional amendment.? Statement sent 5-27-04
??I believe that we are engaged in a battle over whether this land, when it comes to traditional marriage, will be ruled by judges or whether we, the people, will determine our fate and our values and the outcome of this very important controversy. I believe, Mr. President, that we do nothing at our peril. Because if we do nothing, this decision will trivialize the institution of marriage?? Congressional Record, Feb. 6, 2004.
?As representatives serving the people, we in this body should not abandon the definition of marriage to the purview of the courts. I believe it is our duty to carefully consider what steps are needed to safeguard the traditional understanding of marriage, and to defend the Defense of Marriage Act. Perhaps no legislative or constitutional response is required to reinforce the current standard and to defend traditional marriage. If it is clear that no action is required, so be it. But I believe that we must take care to do whatever it takes to ensure that the principles defined in the Defense of Marriage Act remain the law of land.? Hearing in the Constitution Subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee, Sept. 4, 2003.
FMA Cloture in July 2004: This senator voted for the cloture concerning the FMA in July 2004.
Senator's Name: Kay Hutchison, Republican
Website: http://hutchison.senate.gov/
Federal DOMA in 1996: This senator voted for the federal DOMA in 1996 and for the Marriage Protection Amendment in 2004 and 2006.
Senator's Comments: Co-Sponsor of Allard Amendment. ?Recent developments in Massachusetts raise the possibility that other states could be required to recognize gay marriages under the full faith and credit clause of the Constitution. That?s why a Constitutional amendment is necessary.? The Daily Texan, February 27, 2004.
FMA Cloture in July 2004: This senator voted for the cloture concerning the FMA in July 2004.


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