New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte says states should be able to decide for themselves whether to legalize same-sex marriage.
The United States Supreme Court heard arguments this week challenging Proposition 8, a referendum passed by voters in California that bans same-sex marriage.
Senator Kelly Ayotte says it’s critical that states to be able to make their own decisions on the issue.
“Ultimately I do think this is a matter for the states and states should decide how to define marriage. New Hampshire’s already made that decision and I respect the decision.”
The case is one of two related to same-sex marriage that went before the nation’s highest court this week.
The other is challenging the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act. The law defines marriage between a man and a woman at the federal level.
Ayotte says she supports the Defense of Marriage Act, but says she will respect the decision of the United States Supreme Court should it be struck down.