For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 7, 2006

President's Statement on the Senate's Marriage Protection Amendment Vote

Today's Senate vote on the Marriage Protection Amendment marks the start of a new chapter in this important national debate. I thank the Senators who supported this Amendment, but I am disappointed the Senate did not achieve the necessary number of votes to move the amendment process forward. Our Nation's founders set a high bar for amending our Constitution - and history has shown us that it can take several tries before an Amendment builds the two-thirds support it needs in both houses of Congress. My position on this issue is clear: marriage is the most fundamental institution of our society, and it should not be redefined by activist judges. The people must be heard on this issue. And as this debate continues, each American deserves to be treated with tolerance, respect, and dignity.

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