[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 18 (Thursday, February 12, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S1414]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

  Mr. FRIST. On another issue, and to the best of my knowledge ongoing 
now, the Massachusetts Legislature is wrestling with how to respond to 
their supreme court, which has made same-sex marriage the law of that 
State. Even if the Massachusetts Legislature is successful in passing 
the constitutional amendment to block same-sex marriage, it will not 
come before voters for ratification for another 2 years.
  Beginning on May 17 of this year, Massachusetts will begin issuing 
marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Once these same-sex couples sue 
for recognition in their home States, the wildfire will truly begin. 
Same-sex marriage is likely to spread to all 50 States in the coming 
years. So regardless of what Massachusetts does today, it is becoming 
increasingly clear that Congress must act and must act soon. The Senate 
will begin working on the issue in the weeks ahead.

  This is not a fight we sought, and it is a fight we do not 
particularly relish, but the courts have brought us to it, and the 
people of this country will respond. We will not let activist judges 
redefine marriage for our entire society.
  We reject intolerance. We reject hatred. We must treat all our fellow 
citizens with kindness and with civility. But marriage should remain 
what it has always been in our Nation, and that is the union of a man 
and a woman.
  It is my hope the Massachusetts legislature will act today.

                          ____________________