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U.S. Senate
debates same-sex marriage for a second day

U.S. Senate
debates same-sex marriage for a second day

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Debate continues for a second day today in the U.S. Senate over whether to write discrimination into the Constitution by banning same-sex marriage.

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)

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