JOHN CORNYN
United States Senator - Texas
May 17, 2004
‘I believe a federal marriage amendment is the next logical step’
DALLAS—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), Chairman of the Constitution subcommittee, made the following statement Monday as Massachusetts began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, the first time in American history this is taking place:
“In a first for the United States, Massachusetts is issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. This is not because the people of Massachusetts have had a vote and said that’s what they want to do, but because of the edict of four activist judges on the Massachusetts court.
“Since the Massachusetts court came out with its decision, the number of federal law suits has increased. There are now at least three law suits filed in federal court seeking to invalidate traditional marriage laws under the federal Constitution. So, this is not an issue that’s going to go away; this is not an issue that we can ignore. This is something we’re going to have to deal with one way or the other.
“And I think the American people have to decide whether they’re going to run the government or let judges run it. Of course Lincoln said: This is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people – and not one, obviously, that should be relinquished to just a handful of activist judges.
“I believe a federal marriage amendment is the next logical step. The United States Constitution has been amended 27 times in our nation’s history for various issues. I can’t think of anything more important than preserving the sanctity of the family and making sure that traditional families – the fundamental building block of our society – are preserved, in the best interest of families and the best interest of children.”