Debate continued
for a second day Tuesday in the U.S. Senate over whether
to write discrimination into the Constitution by banning
same-sex marriage. But the so-called Marriage
Protection Amendment is headed for certain defeat when
it comes up for a vote Wednesday because it lacks the
necessary support, the Associated Press reports.
Still, the prospect of failure hasn't dampened
the political rhetoric about the bill, which
Republican senators are using to galvanize their
conservative base in the run-up to what are expected to be
sharply contested races in the midterm election this
fall. "The law is a teacher," said Republican senator
Sam Brownback of Kansas, according to the AP. "It is a
moral and societal imperative that we foster and
encourage the institution of marriage."
But his GOP colleague, Sen. Arlen Specter of
Pennsylvania, disagreed, saying--in a nod to
former senator Barry Goldwater--that "government
ought to be kept off our backs, out of our pocketbooks, and
out of our bedrooms." Specter added, "This is a matter
which ought to be left to the states."
Democratic senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont
concurred with Specter's remarks. "Apparently high
campaign season has arrived on the Republican leader's
calendar," Leahy said, according to the AP. "The
Constitution is too important to be used for such a partisan
political purpose."
That seems to be the opinion of most Americans
as well. According to an ABC News poll released
yesterday, 60% do not support the Federal Marriage Amendment.
For more updates on the Senate debate, check
back with Advocate.com. (The Advocate)