Download This Version in Microsoft Word format
MEMORIALIZING THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO ADOPT AND SUBMIT TO THE STATES FOR RATIFICATION THE FEDERAL MARRIAGE AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION PRESERVING THE LEGAL STATUS OF MARRIAGE BETWEEN A MAN AND WOMAN FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.
Whereas, the Federal Marriage Amendment reads: "Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. Neither this Constitution or the constitution of any State, nor state or federal law, shall be construed to require that marital status or the legal incidents thereof be conferred upon unmarried couples or groups"; and
Whereas, the vast majority of Americans, including South Carolinians, hold the view that marriage is uniquely and essentially the union of a male and a female; and
Whereas, the Federal Marriage Amendment ensures that state legislatures, not the courts, will continue to decide all issues related to benefits; and
Whereas, an overwhelming majority of Americans want the laws of our country and the State of South Carolina to send a positive message to children about marriage, family, and their future; and
Whereas, the institution of marriage is central to the well-being of both children and our society, and it has become increasingly clear that neither our state laws defining marriage nor the federal Defense of Marriage Act will withstand the barrage of challenges in both the state and federal courts; and
Whereas, the future of marriage and the family in America is greater than any partisan political issue, and the American people deserve the right to determine for themselves, and for their children and grandchildren, the nature and definition of marriage under American law. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly memorialize the Congress of the United States of America to adopt and submit to the states for ratification the Federal Marriage Amendment to the United States Constitution preserving the legal status of marriage between a man and woman for future generations.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the United States Senate, the United States House of Representatives, and to each member of the South Carolina Congressional Delegation.
This web page was last updated on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 9:54 A.M.