Rick Perry on Gay Marriage

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.

Hailing Marriage Law

In June of 2005, Governor Perry hailed the passage of the marriage legislation in a speech noting significant legislation in Texas.

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

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