Republican representatives are backing
a resolution that condemns a federal judge's ruling that struck down
California's gay marriage ban, Proposition 8.
The resolution was introduced Tuesday
by Texas Congressman Lamar Smith, POLITICO.COM reported.
Representatives Michele Bachmann of
Minnesota, Steve King of Iowa and John Fleming of Louisiana joined
Smith in unveiling the measure as lawmakers returned from their
August recess for a special one-day session.
Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn
Walker's 138-page ruling delivered on Wednesday declares Proposition
8 to be unconstitutional. Republicans have remained mostly mum about
the decision that sets the stage for gay marriage to play an
increasingly larger role in the upcoming midterm elections.
In announcing the resolution, Smith
said he opposes gay marriage because it dilutes heterosexual
marriage.
“When a judge takes the law into his
hands and seeks to establish a social policy that is his preference
without respect for the Constitution, without respect for the Rule of
Law, then that decision needs to be rejected,” King said.
“Frankly, I think this resolution is a good step in the right
direction but we need to do more to rein in the courts.”
Bachmann said that Walker's ruling is
another example of a “judge substituting his moral pronouncement
under the guise of constitutional law.”
House Minority Leader John Boehner of
Ohio said he supports the resolution.
Smith insisted that he was not playing
politics by introducing the resolution, which is mostly symbolic and
not expected to reach the House floor.
“I just think it's wrong,” Smith
said, then added that he felt the majority of Americans believe they
should be allowed to vote on the issue.
Groups opposed to gay marriage –
including the
Family Research Council (FRC) and the National Organization for
Marriage (NOM) – have renewed their calls for a federal ban on
gay marriage. Such a measure would outlaw the institution in the
five states and the District of Columbia where it is legal.