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WASHINGTON – Wisconsin’s
First District Congressman Paul Ryan today voted in favor of H.R. 3313,
legislation that prevents unelected, lifetime-appointed federal judges from
ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act (current law) that provides that no state
shall be required to accept same-sex marriage licenses granted in other states.
This legislation passed the House of Representatives by a vote of
233-194. The legislation provides that federal courts cannot strike
down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and take away from the states the option
Congress gave them to reject same-sex marriage licenses issued in another state
if they want to. Nothing in this
bill denies anyone the right to bring any claim they could otherwise bring.
H.R. 3313 simply provides that cases involving the section of DOMA that
protects states’ rights must be brought in state courts. “I believe fundamentally that marriage is between a man
and a woman. Although I support the
constitutional amendment to protect marriage, that process cannot continue at
this time given the failed attempt by the U.S. Senate to advance the amendment.
Meanwhile, states could be forced to accept same-sex marriages because of
a few judges in Massachusetts. This
legislation protects each state’s right to protect marriage,” Ryan said. “This legislation upholds states’ rights under current
law, preventing federal judges from unilaterally overturning that law which
could force states to accept same-sex marriage licenses issued in other states.
Too frequently, federal judges wind up making law from the bench through
their rulings. That’s not the proper role for them, and I’m glad the
House has stepped forward to defend states’ rights,” Ryan said. |