What is the Federal Marriage Amendment?
The Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA) is a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO) and five co-sponsors last year (H.J. Res. 56). The amendment was later introduced in the Senate by Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO) and four co-sponsors (S.J. Res. 26). The amendment would deny marriage rights for same-sex couples. We strongly oppose this amendment. Amending the Constitution is rare. The Constitution was amended to include the Bill of Rights in 1789 and has only been amended 17 times since, usually to protect the rights and liberties of the people. The Constitution was amended to abolish slavery, to give women the right to vote, and to give young adults the right to vote. The Constitution has never been amended to discriminate against a group of people.
