Jul 14, 2004 17:18
"WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Efforts to pass a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage foundered Wednesday afternoon when the proposal failed to garner enough votes in the Senate to stay alive."
For the first time in years, we have proof that there is sanity and some tolerance in the Legislative Branch of the US Government. Even though it is disturbing to see that 48 Senators voted for the amendment, the simple fact that the majority of the Senators voted against the Amendment is quite reassuring in a time when the Virginia General Assembly passed a blatantly unconstitutional that would further limit the rights of gay people, which is no more than a backlash against Lawrence v. Texas and the Massachusetts Court ruling on gay marriage. I have lost a lot of respect for John Kerry and John Edwards for being absent during the vote. I realize that the Federal Marriage Amendment was an attempt from Bush and other Republicans to erode support for Kerry by forcing him to take a stand on the issue, I am still angry about Kerry's cowardly decision.
Here are some quotes from today:
"The constitutional amendment we're debating today strikes me as antithetical in every way to the core philosophy of Republicans. It usurps from the states a fundamental authority they have always possessed and imposes a federal remedy for a problem that most states do not believe confronts them."--Senator John McCain
While I don't agree that gay marriage is a 'problem', McCain makes an excellent point on Conservatism/the Republican Party and the role of the Federal government. Two out of three ain't bad.
"It has become clear to legal scholars ... that same-sex marriage will be exported to all 50 states."--Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist
One can only hope, you Authoritarian bastard.
"Will activist judges not elected by the American people destroy the institution of marriage, or will the people protect marriage as the best way to raise children?"
--Bill Frist
That's interesting, I did not know that upholding the Constitution qualifies as Judicial Activism, unless I am somehow confused and the purpose of the Supreme Court is to allow federal, state, and local governments to ignore the Constitution. If this is the case, then why even have a Supreme Court. I mean Supreme Justices Scalia and Thomas make great eye candy, and the Supreme Court building is a great set for movies, but having a Constitutionally established legal body with no real purpose seems somewhat unnessecary.