Rick Perry - Gay Marriage
Last Updated: Sep 12, 2011
Summary
Governor Perry believes that marriage is defined as between one man and one woman. He supports state-wide legislation to define marriage, but believes that marriage is a state's rights issue and should not be addressed on that national level.
In June of 2005, Governor Perry signed a Texas constitutional amendment to define marriage as between a man and a woman. The measure would require voter approval. When this law passed the legislature, Governor Perry also stated that the quiet majority understand that families are the building blocks of civilization and recognize that marriage must be defended because it is the glue that binds the very fabric of society. When that law was ruled unconstitutional, Governor Perry called the decision flawed.
In July of 2011, the state of New York made gay marriage legal. Governor Perry responded to this move by stating that he believed that marriage was a state issue and that New York was within their rights to establish whatever relative laws they saw fit.
Constitutional Amendment
In June of 2005, Governor Perry signed an amendment to the Texas constitution that would define marriage as between one man and one woman, if the measure is approved by voters. The Governor's office issued a press release about the signing.
He also ceremonially signed a constitutional amendment that will define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, if voters approve the measure on the November ballot.
“History tells us, and most Texans believe, that marriage exists for more than the convenience of consenting adults, but also for the eternal benefit of our children,” Perry said of the constitutional amendment.
...
In ceremonially signing the resolution that will go before voters to define marriage, Perry said that despite the protests of “a vocal minority, the vast majority of people in Texas and across this nation believe that marriage is a sacred institution between one man and one woman.”
To date, 45 states have passed laws to define and protect marriage, and two years ago Perry signed into law Texas’ Defense of Marriage Act.
“But in recent years, we have seen Defense of Marriage laws in other states - and indeed the institution of marriage itself - come under attack by those who want to redefine society’s institutions,” Perry said, adding that activist judges have used their positions “as a platform to advance a narrow agenda in utter opposition to the law of the land and the views of the majority.”
“These actions have brought legal uncertainty to an issue upon which the people are anything but uncertain,” he added. “And more than that, these acts have posed a direct threat to the institution that is the very bedrock of society and the laws designed to protect that institution in states like Texas.”
Hailing Marriage Law
In June of 2005, Governor Perry hailed the passage of the marriage legislation in a speech noting significant legislation in Texas.
... Standing strong for family, freedom and life is neither a Republican idea nor a Democrat idea... it is an American virtue.
We may be on the grounds of a Christian school today, but our message speaks to all who believe in standing up for the unborn, all who cherish strong, traditional families, regardless of party, ethnicity or creed – the quiet majority who understand that families are the building blocks of civilization, who recognize that marriage must be defended because it is the glue that binds the very fabric of society, who know that for families to thrive, parents must be involved in their child’s every decision, and who believe in their heart of hearts that for the dignity of mankind, every human being from the womb to the grave must be treated as precious, worthy of protection, and welcomed in life as a living being created in the image of God.
Today we affirm these truths as I sign the parental consent bill into law and as we give the people of Texas the opportunity to define and defend marriage in our constitution.
Despite the protests of a vocal minority, the vast majority of people in Texas and across this nation believe that marriage is a sacred institution between one man and one woman.
That is why so many states – 45 to be exact – have passed laws to define and protect marriage.
Two years ago I was proud to sign into law Texas’ Defense of Marriage Act.
But in recent years, we have seen Defense of Marriage laws in other states, and indeed the institution of marriage itself, come under attack by those who want to redefine society’s institutions. ...
Response to Ruling
In October of 2009 a Dallas judge ruled that the 2005 legislation passed by Texas and hailed by Governor Perry was unconstitutional. Governor Perry responded to that ruling by issuing the press statement below.
Statement by Gov. Perry on Ruling Regarding the Definition of Marriage:
Thursday, October 01, 2009
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today made the following statement regarding a Dallas judge’s ruling that Texas’ definition of marriage is unconstitutional:
"Texas voters and lawmakers have repeatedly affirmed the view that marriage is defined as between one man and one woman. I believe the ruling is flawed and should be appealed. I am confident that Attorney General Abbott and the will of Texas voters will prevail, and traditional marriage will be upheld in our state."
Gay Marriage is a State's Rights Issue
On July 23, 2011 Governor Perry was speaking at a GOP event in Colorado and stated that while he opposed gay marriage personally, he believed that the matter was one that should remain at the state level.
Our friends in New York six weeks ago passed a statute that said marriage can be between two people of the same sex. And you know what? That's New York, and that's their business, and that's fine with me. That is their call. If you believe in the 10th Amendment, stay out of their business.
Statements on campaign website
Protecting Traditional Marriage. Gov. Perry championed a constitutional amendment that defines marriage in Texas as the union of one man and one woman, which was passed by Texas voters in 2005.
References
[1] Website: Yahoo.com Article: Gov. Perry: Gay marriage is states' rights issue Author: IVAN MORENO Accessed on: 07/23/2011
User Comments
