For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 7, 2006
President's Statement on the Senate's Marriage Protection Amendment
Vote
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Today's Senate vote on the Marriage Protection Amendment marks the
start of a new chapter in this important national debate. I thank the
Senators who supported this Amendment, but I am disappointed the Senate
did not achieve the necessary number of votes to move the amendment
process forward. Our Nation's founders set a high bar for amending our
Constitution - and history has shown us that it can take several tries
before an Amendment builds the two-thirds support it needs in both
houses of Congress. My position on this issue is clear: marriage is the
most fundamental institution of our society, and it should not be
redefined by activist judges. The people must be heard on this issue.
And as this debate continues, each American deserves to be treated with
tolerance, respect, and dignity.
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