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DOMA Hearing Slated for Monday

Senate Bill 488, the Defense of Marriage Act by Senator Chris Harris, will be heard Monday, April 9, in the Senate State Affairs Committee. This hearing constitutes a crucial step toward preserving the definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman, and preventing the recognition of same-sex civil unions in the state of Texas. Please contact the members of the Senate State Affairs Committee today and urge them to vote in favor of DOMA when it comes before their committee on Monday.

Please keep the following points in mind when speaking with the members of the Committee:

 Texans have the right to decide what Texas marriage law will be. The Defense of Marriage Act affirms the right of Texans alone to decide the proper definition of marriage in their state.

 Failure to pass the Defense of Marriage Act will allow out of state judges to decide what Texas marriage law should be.

 Thirty-five states and the federal government have already passed the Defense of Marriage Act. Texas should have the protection offered by the Defense of Marriage Act as well.

 The people of Texas are saying that marriage should be between one man and one woman. This strong belief is reflected in Texas marriage law, which defines marriage as such. The Defense of Marriage Act will allow Texans to continue to decide what their marriage law will be.

 Although Texas marriage law defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman, same-sex civil unions are not addressed. DOMA is necessary because an activist court could force Texas to recognize these out of state contracts.

 A bill was recently amended in the House to include language similar to that of DOMA. This bill will not offer the same protections as DOMA.

**ACTION ITEM**

Please call the members of the Senate State Affairs Committee today and ask them to support DOMA.

Chairman:	Austin Phone
Senator Florence Shapiro	(512) 463-0108
Vice-Chairman:
Senator Carlos Truan	(512) 463-0120
Members:
Senator Ken Armbrister	(512) 463-0118
Senator John Carona	(512) 463-0116
Senator Troy Fraser	(512) 463-0124
Senator Mario Gallegos	(512) 463-0106
Senator Chris Harris	(512) 463-0110
Senator Frank Madla	(512) 463-0119
Senator Eliot Shapleigh	(512) 463-0129