Smith Introduces Resolution Disapproving Prop 8 Decision

Smith Introduces Resolution Disapproving Prop 8 Decision

Washington, D.C.— House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lamar Smith (R-Texas) today introduced 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 passed 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:  “It is not the role of a single, unelected federal judge to redefine the institution of marriage and impose it on American society.  The people alone—through their elected representatives—have that role and responsibility. Judge Walker’s decision to overturn Proposition 8 is a judicial overreach that undermines democracy and silences the voice of the people. 

“This resolution supports the voters of California by affirming that the people of any state have the right to define marriage as the union between one man and one woman. Judge Walker’s decision should be swiftly overturned.”

Forty-five states in the U.S. have codified their statutory or constitutional law to affirm the legal definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Ranking Member Smith was joined by 15 Members in introducing 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.).