Congressman Cole Votes for Marriage Protection Act

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole voted today in favor of the Marriage Protection Act (H.R. 3313) today, which passed on the House floor, 233- 194.

"This bill prevents unelected, lifetime-appointed Federal judges from rewriting state marriage recognition laws. The decision as to what constitutes marriage should be made by the people through our election process and their elected officials--not by un-elected judges," Congressman Tom Cole said.

H.R. 3313 prevents unelected, lifetime-appointed Federal judges from striking down the provision of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), enacted in 1996, that ensures no state shall be required to accept same-sex marriage licenses granted in other states. DOMA was passed by Congress with an overwhelming margin of 342-67 in the House and 85-14 in the Senate.

"This measure is a proper exercise of checks and balances. It is Congress's responsibility to prevent Federal courts from exercising powers that rest with the people and their elected representatives," Congressman Tom Cole said.

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