Congressman Aderholt Casts Vote to Protect Marriage

Title: Congressman Aderholt Casts Vote to Protect Marriage
Date: 9/30/2004
Location: Washington, DC

Aderholt Votes In Favor Of Amendment; Urges Both Chambers To Reconsider

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) today joined 226 of his House colleagues in voting to support H.J. Res. 106, the Marriage Protection Amendment. The amendment defines marriage as consisting solely of the union of a man and a woman. The amendment, which Congressman Aderholt cosponsored, received a majority of the vote (227 for to 186 against), but did not receive the two-thirds required for a Constitutional amendment.

"While the amendment did not pass the House by the required two-thirds vote, this is the beginning of a process. Historically, Constitutional amendments do not succeed on the first attempt. I look forward to the House and Senate taking up this issue during the next Congress, successfully passing the legislation, and allowing the states to vote on the amendment," said Congressman Aderholt.

"People have the right to live as they choose, but not to redefine marriage for the rest of society," said Congressman Aderholt. "Today, a full 44 states have enacted laws providing that marriage is between a man and a woman. That's a full 88% of the states - which is well more than the 75% required to approve a Constitutional amendment. It's time that we take steps in Washington to hear from the entire country. Today's vote will hopefully lead to a nationwide vote on this issue that is so important to the foundation of our country.

"This is an issue on the ballot in at least 12 states on election day. In the past, when the people have voted on this issue, they've said that protecting the family is of the utmost importance.

"Our national marriage policy will be made one way or the other: either through democratic debate or by judicial decree. Either we act, or the courts will impose their definition of marriage on the country. State and federal laws just aren't going to cut it anymore. That is why a Constitutional amendment is necessary to protect marriage."