[Congressman Billybob]

The reason that this issue cannot be a "states rights" matter, is this: The Full Faith and Credit Clause of the US Constitution requires EVERY state to recognize the official acts of other states. Therefore, if Massachusetts and the City of San Francisco (there's a "state" with "rights" for you) turn out married homosexuals, those couples can go to every other state and demand recognition as a married couple, because the US Constitution says so.

States can have their own motor vehicle codes. The law changes for the motorist when he crosses the line. But states cannot have their own laws on marriage, because of the Full Faith and Credit Clause.

Does that make sense to you?

Congressman Billybob

Click here, then click the blue CFR button, to join the anti-CFR effort (or visit the "Hugh & Series, Critical & Pulled by JimRob" thread). Don't delay. Do it now.

[codercpc]

I think we agree 100%, I just didn't make myself clear (happens all the time:> )

I was trying to say that Kerry's answer about it being left up to the States isn't possible, unless the Federal Government says the states (which must be done via an Amendment) individually can define it, but that other states, and the Federal Government does not have to recognize it.

I am for the Amendment for this reason, I don't want Massachusetts to tell Wisconsin (my State) that a Gay Marriage performed there has to be recognized here.

[Schattie]

The specific clause in mind is:

Section 1. Full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. And the Congress may by general laws prescribe the manner in which such acts, records, and proceedings shall be proved, and the effect thereof.

See to me, the second part of that implies that Congress may regulate how "full faith and credit" is implemented.

[Gritty]

Maybe you can answer a question I have on a related subject, which concerns the 2nd Amendment.

The 2nd Amendment clearly specifies the rights of individual citizens "to keep and bear arms". Additionally, the "full faith and credit" clause also requires other states to recognize the "official acts and records" of other states.

So, how come North Carolina grants me a CCW license to carry concealed in NC, yet Massachusetts will throw me in jail as a felon for carrying the exact same pistol and NC CCW license in Massachusetts - not recognizing either my official NC license or enumerated rights under the 2nd Amendment?

Why does the "full faith and credit" apparently not apply here when it does for a marriage license? Aren't the situations similar? Even though 38 States specifically do not recognize this sort of "marriage" under the Derense of Marriage Act, we still need an Amendment to close the circle? Is this schizophrenic or am I missing something here?