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Log Cabin Republicans Respond to House Vote on So-Called Marriage Protection Act

Vote Today Undermines Constitutional Protections

July 22, 2004

(Washington, DC) – Today the 9/11 Commission released its findings and recommendations relating to the horrific terrorist attacks of three years ago. Rather than debating these important findings and searching to find ways to protect Americans from future attacks, the US House of Representatives instead chose to debate how to diminish Constitutional protections for American citizens. "Today an important debate was held on how to protect Americans from future terrorist attacks. It was held in work places, coffee shops, living rooms and on main streets across America. Unfortunately that debate did not occur on the floor of the United States Congress. Instead, the House of Representatives spent today finding new ways to play politics with gay and lesbian families," said Patrick Guerriero, Executive Director of Log Cabin Republicans.

The so-called Marriage Protection Act (MPA) purports to strip the United States Supreme Court, as well as all other federal courts, of jurisdiction over questions relating to the Defense of Marriage Act. The MPA marks a radical departure from the traditional system of checks and balances that are the hallmark of our democracy. The MPA is inconsistent with the fundamental principle of separation of powers, and sets a dangerous precedent.

"Today, in an act of political desperation, the far right has undermined our Constitutional protections in order to serve their narrow and divisive agenda. The reality is that the far right knows, after the embarrassing defeat they suffered in the Senate, that the appetite is not out there to amend our Constitution. So instead of amending the Constitution, they now seek to undermine it," concluded Guerriero.