Senate Supports Jolley Resolution Reaffirming Traditional Marriage

The full Senate has reaffirmed support of traditional marriage with the passage of Senate Resolution 62 by Sen. Clark Jolley on Monday. Jolley said the resolution, which was approved 40 to 4, was in reaction to President Obama’s recent announcement supporting same sex marriage.

“I believe traditional one man, one woman marriage is still the bedrock of our society. While the president’s stated views may have changed, I do not believe it reflects the values of this state,” said Jolley, R-Edmond. “That’s why I authored this resolution.”

In 2004, 75 percent of Oklahoma voters approved a constitutional amendment defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman. Forty-four states currently prohibit persons of the same gender from marrying, including 31 states who have done so through their constitutions; North Carolina is the most recent state to do so, approving their constitutional amendment on traditional marriage by a 20-point margin.

“I do not believe the president’s views reflect the core beliefs of this state. Our citizens spoke loud and clear on this issue when they voted to include the definition of marriage in the State Constitution,” Jolley said. “Senate Resolution 62 reaffirms that our citizens, and no one else, make that call for Oklahoma.”