ACLJ Calls House Vote on Federal Marriage Amendment `Important First Step' toward Protecting Marriage.

WASHINGTON -- The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), which represents nearly 600,000 Americans who support a federal marriage amendment, said today's vote in the U.S. House of Representatives is an important first step toward protecting marriage in America.

"This vote is an important first step toward protecting the institution of marriage as a union between one man and one woman," said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the ACLJ, which is working to protect marriage in legal and legislative arenas. "This vote is very important because it puts lawmakers on record concerning this issue. No one expected the marriage amendment to garner two-thirds approval in the House on the first vote. But this majority vote in favor of the amendment sets the stage for this amendment to return to the House in the next Congress. Most Americans do not want the definition of marriage changed. And, we're privileged to represent a growing number of Americans - which now stands at nearly 600,000 - who support an amendment protecting marriage."

In addition to its legislative efforts, the ACLJ is also working to protect marriage in the courts in a number of states including New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Specializing in constitutional law, the American Center for Law and Justice is based in Washington, D.C.