Washington, D.C.—U.S. Congressman Steve King, who is an original co-sponsor of the Constitutional amendment in the House to protect the institution of marriage as the union between a man and a woman, today issued the following statement regarding the cloture vote in the U.S. Senate on a Constitutional amendment to protect marriage:

“A majority in the Senate voted to protect marriage today. Marriage is the building block of the family, of community and of society. The American people, the states and the President have all told Washington lawmakers that we value marriage, its benefits and values to a successful society, and we expect marriage to be defended.

“While domestic issues should be left to the states, un-elected activist judges are trying to change the definition of marriage, which has been a bond between a man and a woman since the very first man and woman were created in the image of God.

“I urge my colleagues to bring this amendment to the U.S. House to put all of Congress on record where they stand in the defense of marriage and the family.”

Constitutional amendments require approval of a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress and ratification by 38 states. Forty-five states have already acted with legislation regarding the definition of marriage.

King serves on the House Judiciary Committee and is a member of the House Values Action Team.