The issue focused on whether something—be it a bill, regulation or act of Congress—created a federal constitutional right for gays and lesbians to marry. In other words, if the constitutional right for marriage is the measure of the federal government, which federal law gives gays and lesbians the right to marry? The Senate voted 57 to 43 for the amendment to be enacted into law. The House of Representatives approved the amendment on a voice vote. The Senate bill also passed the House on a vote of 63 to 37 with a