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On Tuesday, Kansas became the eighteenth state to adopt a state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, as voters overwhelmingly approved the measure at the polls.
Seventy percent of voters favored the amendment, which defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
A state law banning same-sex marriage has been on the books since 1867. However, in light of recent court rulings where such laws have been challenged, legislators and their supporters pushed for a constitutional amendment to protect traditional marriage against activist judges.
Tony Perkins, President of Family Research Council, applauded the vote, saying, “The beat of the American heartland is clearly for marriage as it has always been defined – between a man and a woman.”
“Kansas voters have determined that marriage, as a sacred institution between a man and a woman, is vital to maintaining a pro-family culture.”
Robert Knight, Director of Concerned Women for America’s Culture and Family Institute, praised the passage of the amendment.
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“The need to protect the true meaning of marriage is unequivocal for Americans,” said Knight.
A controversial issue, the debate over the amendment is not yet over. Opponents have been most critical of additional language in the amendment that states: “No relationship, other than a marriage, shall be recognized by the state as entitling the parties to the rights or incidents of marriage.”
Opponents fear that unmarried couples and same-sex partners can be denied rights and benefits from employers. Both sides predict challenges to the amendment will arise in the courts.
Pro-family groups continue to celebrate the victory and look ahead to the next goal- a federal marriage amendment.
Focus on the Family Action Vice President of Government and Public Policy Tom Minnery stated, “The citizens of Kansas have helped ensure the sanctity of marriage in their state; we look forward to the day when all Americans can enjoy this same protection through a federal marriage amendment.”
Kansas Senator Sam Brownback vowed to advance a federal marriage amendment, saying that the issue could be debated as early as this year.
State constitutional marriage amendments are on the 2006 ballots in Alabama, South Dakota, and Tennessee.
