July 22, 2004—Today U.S. Representative Trent Franks voted for H.R. 3313, the Marriage Protection Act of 2004.  This bill limits jurisdiction of the federal courts over questions arising from the Defense of Marriage Act.  The Marriage Protection Act passed, 233 to 194.

“Our courts are given the sacred charge to defend the United States Constitution.  Unfortunately, in many cases, the courts have become the Constitution’s greatest enemy,” Franks said.  “Courts have now made partial-birth abortion “a constitutional right”.  They have said it is “unconstitutional” to protect a nine-year-old schoolgirl from internet pornography or for her to pray a certain prayer in school or for her to voluntarily say her Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States using the words “Under God.” 

By ignoring their constitutional role and usurping legislative power, our courts are violating their duty under the Constitution, undermining the rule of law itself, and negating everything our founding fathers and noble soldiers died for. 

Now the courts are attacking the very foundational makeup of our country and any civil society - the family itself.  As the legislative body, we are the only body on earth that has the power to overcome this unjust, power-grabbing madness.  Today’s action takes the first step toward enforcing judicial accountability and preserving the very cornerstone of American society.”