Marriage Protection
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Current law concerning the federal definition of marriage exists under the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), enacted in 1996. DOMA prohibits federal recognition of same gender marriages, and grants each state the power to refuse recognition of such unions performed elsewhere. However, through judicial interpretation or state legislation, several states have legalized same-sex marriages.
In recent years, judicial activism in state courts has challenged the institution of marriage. While I do not advocate amending the Constitution unless absolutely necessary, I have co-sponsored and supported efforts in the U.S. Senate to preserve marriage as we know it to be today—union between one man and one woman. I will work with my colleagues in Congress to protect the sanctity of marriage and will continue to press for policies that safeguard traditional marriages.