Rubio: No 'U.S. Constitutional Right to Same-Sex Marriage'

As Florida witnessed its first legal same-sex marriages this week, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio went on the record urging the state to appeal the federal court decision that made those marriages possible.

Back in August, U.S. District Court Judge Robert Hinkle ruled that Florida’s 2008 voter-backed ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional. Hinkle stayed his order until January. When that stay expired Monday night, same-sex marriages essentially became legal in all 67 Florida counties.

Rubio, however, says that Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi should keep up the fight to ensure states continue to have the right to define marriage for themselves. The issue, the Tampa Bay Times quoted him as saying, will likely be decided at the U.S. Supreme Court level.

“I do not believe that there is a U.S. Constitutional right to same-sex marriage,” the paper quoted Rubio as saying. “I don’t believe it’s unconstitutional. I just don’t believe there’s a constitutional right to it.”

See Also:

• Florida Same-Sex Marriage Licenses: What You Need to Know
• Federal Judge OKs Same-Sex Marriages in Florida

Rubio, a Republican, and possible 2016 presidential contender, has long held he is against same-sex marriage, but says states should be allowed through a democratic process to set their own rules on the matter.

The Supreme Court is expected to begin deliberations on Friday to determine if it will move forward with deciding the issue once and for all for the nation. While many federal judges across the country are declaring same-sex marriage bans unconstitutional, a judge in Ohio recently upheld a ban.

It is unclear what additional action, if any, Bondi will take.

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