[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24711]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        MARRIAGE PROTECTION WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TRENT FRANKS

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 15, 2003

  Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 
President Bush's designation of this week as ``Marriage Protection 
Week.'' I commend the President for his exemplary leadership in the 
vital effort to preserve and strengthen America's families.
  It is with complete respect to the Constitution as--according to 
George Washington-- ``the guide which I will never abandon,'' that I 
feel compelled to speak on behalf of a federal marriage amendment.
  Judicial recklessness has become the breeding ground for challenges 
against the institution of marriage. Recent court decisions, like 
Lawrence v. Texas have set a dangerous precedent. Sadly, America's 
courts continue to abuse their power by legislating from the bench, and 
usurping the will of the people. I am concerned that the state laws 
that define marriage between a man and a woman are in jeopardy of being 
struck down by the court's total disregard for the law as it is 
written.
  However, there is good news concerning the sanctity of marriage from 
my home state of Arizona. Recently, a three-judge court-of-appeals 
panel in Arizona upheld a 1996 state law that defined marriage as the 
union of a man and a woman. They said in their decision [and I quote], 
that ``the fundamental right to marry protected by our federal and 
state constitutions does not encompass the right to marry a same sex 
partner.'' Here, the courts simply read the state and federal 
constitutions as they are written, and applied them without prejudice.
  Across the Nation, support for House Joint Resolution 56, ``The 
Federal Marriage Amendment''--a constitutional amendment defining 
marriage as a sacred institution between a man and woman--is rapidly 
growing. A recent poll taken by the Associated Press showed that 54 
percent of Americans are in support of a constitutional amendment that 
would define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. This same 
poll showed that 53 percent are also opposed to so-called ``civil 
unions.'' House Joint Resolution 56 is coming close to obtaining 100 
cosponsors, and support for the sanctity of marriage is building on 
both sides of the aisle. I commend my friend and colleague from 
Colorado, Mrs. Musgrave, for having the courage to introduce H.J. Res. 
56. It is my hope, that this body will take a bold stand and defend the 
definition of marriage as the sacred union of a man and a woman.
  Thank you Mr. President, for your leadership.

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