Blumenauer Speaks Out Against Legislation to Ban Same-Sex Marriage
“This legislation, which would purportedly protect the sanctity of marriage, continues a reckless and destructive pattern to strip courts of their ability to do their job. This is a dangerous precedent of dubious constitutionality.
“My children have been raised around people in committed same-sex marriages, relationships that, in some cases, have included children. They and most of us have seen neighbors, relatives and friends in dysfunctional heterosexual marriages. It is not the sexual orientation that causes marriages to fail, it is people’s behavior.
“My children and most American young people know that marriage is not under attack and activist judges do not prevent citizens from making their own decisions. In my state of Oregon, this November, our citizens will have the opportunity to vote on this issue.
“Today’s failed resolution represents the second time in two months that the Republican leadership has attempted to trample states’ rights and interfere with the personal lives of Americans. They are again toying with the U.S. Constitution for political gain.
“It is shameful to play politics with the personal lives of millions of Americans who, for whatever reason, are not married, but are in a committed relationship. Under this legislation, even seniors living together for companionship would suffer discrimination.
“At best it is a diversion from dealing with immediate problems, like unemployment, the implementation of the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, and fixing our nation’s healthcare crisis. At worst, it is an attempt to play politics with civil liberties and to further divide our country politically.
“I am thankful that the legislation was rejected, as we knew it would be. But it has unfortunately sent a chilling message to millions of Americans.”