Claire McCaskill on Civil Rights Democratic Jr Senator; previously state Auditor

2005: No amendment; existing law prohibits gay marriage

Sen. Claire McCaskill claimed in 2004 that a state constitutional amendment was unnecessary, citing a existing state law that prohibited gay marriage and arguing that a judge would never overturn it. McCaskill: "We had a very strong law on the books concerning gay marriage. I just didn't think it was an appropriate thing to put into our Constitution. There was no danger of this being overturned by a judge in this state." (Springfield Debate, 10/22/04)

"Today's Iowa ruling clearly demonstrates that a simple state statute is not enough to protect the institution of marriage," said a GOP spokesperson.

Recognize Juneteenth as historical end of slavery.

A resolution recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day and expressing that history should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and solving the challenges of the future.

Recognizes the historical significance to the nation, and supports the continued celebration, of Juneteenth Independence Day (June 19, 1865, the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved African Americans were free). Declares the sense of Congress that:

1. history should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and solving the challenges of the future; and
2. the celebration of the end of slavery is an important and enriching part of the history and heritage of the United States.