Smith Remarks Regarding Resolution Disapproving Prop 8 Decision

Washington, D.C. -- At a news conference this morning, House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lamar Smith (R-Texas) announced the introduction of a resolution disapproving the ruling of a federal district judge overturning the decision of a majority of California voters to define marriage as the legal union between a man and a woman. 

In 2008, the citizens of California approved a ballot initiative to amend the California constitution and define marriage as a legal union between a man and a woman. In a ruling last week, Judge Vaughn Walker overrode the decision of a majority of voters and opened the door to gay marriage in California. 

Ranking Member Smith commented: “This morning, I will introduce a Resolution disapproving of Judge Walker’s ruling.  In doing so, I am pleased to be joined by 15 cosponsors.  Our action is necessary because when it comes to judicial activism, it doesn’t get much worse.

“The judge showed bias. In his ruling, he imposed his personal views, contrary to the wishes of the majority of voters in the state.

“Our resolution reaffirms that the people of any state have the right to define marriage as the union between one man and one woman.  In 2008, the voters of California did just that - they passed Proposition 8, which defined marriage as between one man and one woman. 

“Judge Walker’s decision overturned Prop. 8, and in doing so overturned the will of the people.  Judge Walker’s decision should be reversed by a higher court.

“California is not alone.  Forty-five states have affirmed the legal definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. It’s inconceivable that the authors of the Constitution intended to create a right to same-sex marriage.

“This debate is not about the worth of gay individuals. Those who support traditional marriage recognize that gay people can be loyal friends, dedicated community leaders, and beloved sons and daughters. And those with religious objections to same-sex marriage distinguish between the conduct, which they consider inappropriate, and the person, whom they may cherish and appreciate.

“Legalizing an alternative form of marriage dilutes a long-standing and widely-accepted standard of marriage as a union between a man and a woman.  We should adhere to such standards.”

In addition to Ranking Member Smith, 15 Members cosponsored today’s resolution, including: Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.), Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.), Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio), Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wisc.), Rep. Joe Pitts (R-Penn.), Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.), Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), Rep. John Fleming (R-La.), Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Ga.) Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-Mich.), and Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.).