Floor Speech - September 30, 2004

Remarks during debate on the Marriage Protection Amendment

Mr. Speaker, 

Marriage is a universal human institution. It always has been in all societies. But marriage in the United States has been under attack in recent years. And the future of marriage really does matter.

Regardless of where we look, we have seen a gradual weakening of the institution of family that historically we have relied on to raise kids. And while marriage has taken a beating from divorce and other factors, the statistics still show that the best home for kids is still with a mom and a dad who are married.

This debate is really about what is best for our children. 

Children living with their mom and dad are safer, children living with their mom and dad are less likely to be abused or neglected, and children living with their mom and dad have fewer health problems and engage in fewer risky behaviors than their peers. These children are more likely to do well in school. 

They are better off economically and display increased ability to adapt to changing circumstances than peers not living with their mom and dad.

Data shows children who do not have the benefit of mom and dad have unique challenges they would not face if their parents were married and living at home.

And do not try to tell me that people who believe children need moms and dads are bigots. Do not try to tell me that people who believe in moral absolutes are guilty of moral bigotry. We are here to protect our kids. We are here because marriage is healthy for our children.

When marriage ceases to be seen as a means to bring people together for the sake of children, marriage suffers; and when marriage suffers, children pay the price.

Marriage is important because kids need a mom and a dad. History shows that when one aspect of marriage is damaged, the entire institution suffers.

We need to protect marriage by passing this amendment.