Ralph Hall on Gay Marriage

Summary

Congressman Hall states that he supports the traditional definition of marriage as between one man and one woman. He have voted in favor of an amendment to define marriage as such, the Defense of Marriage Act, and the Marriage Protection Act.

Official Website Statements

Federal Marriage Protection

Traditional family values have been very important to me, and I have a long record of supporting such legislation. I believe that marriage between a man and a woman sends a strong and positive message to our children about the sanctity of marriage. This is why I have always supported a Federal Marriage Amendment that would amend the Constitution by stating that marriage is strictly defined to be a union between a man and a woman.

I have also co-sponsored H.R. 1269, the Marriage Protection Act of 2009. This legislation would prohibit federal courts to hear or decide any question pertaining to the interpretation under the Constitution of the provision of the Defense of Marriage Act. This act declares that no state is allowed to approve any marriage between persons of the same sex under the laws of any state.

Voting Record

Don't Ask, Don't Tell

In 2010, the House voted to overturn the policy of don't ask, don't tell. Ralph Hall voted against repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

Constitutional Amendment

In 2006 and 2004, the House voted on adding a constitutional amendment to establish that marriage shall consist of one man and one woman. It sought to ensure that no measure enacted in one state could be enforced in another state. The measures failed in both 2006 and 2004 with the support of most Republicans and the opposition of most Democrats. Ralph Hall voted in favor of the 2006 constitutional amendment attempt.

Constitutional Amendment

In 2006 and 2004, the House voted on adding a constitutional amendment to establish that marriage shall consist of one man and one woman. It sought to ensure that no measure enacted in one state could be enforced in another state. The measures failed in both 2006 and 2004 with the support of most Republicans and the opposition of most Democrats. Ralph Hall voted in favor of the 2004 constitutional amendment attempt.

Marriage Protection Act of 2004

The Marriage Protection Act of 2004 sought to ensure that no State shall be required to give effect to any marriage between persons of the same sex under the laws of any other State. Although the bill passed the house in roll call 410, it was not voted on in the US Senate. Ralph Hall voted in favor of the Marriage Protection Act.

Defense of Marriage Act

The Defense of Marriage Act Amends the Federal judicial code to provide that no State, territory, or possession of the United States or Indian tribe shall be required to give effect to any marriage between persons of the same sex under the laws of any other such jurisdiction or to any right or claim arising from such relationship. Establishes a Federal definition of: (1) "marriage" as only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife; and (2) "spouse" as only a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or wife. The bill passed the house on roll call 316 in 1996 and eventually became US law. Ralph Hall voted in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act.

Sponsored and Cosponsored Legislation

Session-111; Bill Number-H R 1269; Marriage Protection Act of 2009 - Cosponsor

Amends the federal judicial code to deny federal courts jurisdiction to hear or decide any question pertaining to the interpretation of, or the validity under the Constitution, of the provision of the Defense of Marriage Act declaring that no state shall be required to give effect to any marriage between persons of the same sex under the laws of any other state.

Session-110; Bill Number-H R 724; Marriage Protection Act of 2007 - Cosponsor

To amend title 28, United States Code, to limit Federal court jurisdiction over questions under the Defense of Marriage Act.

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