It has been interesting to read the various statements published by Republican Senators who voted against the (Dis)Respect for Marriage Act. Many of them voted against it, which we would consider a good vote. But many of them also only voted against it out of concerns regarding religious liberty — not due to the belief that marriage is between one man and one woman.
There was, however, at least one Republican in the Senate to make that argument.
Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma released a brief statement on the passage of the bill, which repeals the Defense of Marriage Act:
“My position on marriage is clear and has not changed,” Inhofe said. “I believe that all individuals are made in the image of God and are worthy of dignity and respect regardless of their belief system and opinions, but we must uphold the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman. I could not vote for a bill that goes against these strongly held beliefs.”
The same sex marriage should have been defined as a legal union. That was the original error. The slippery slope downhill began there.