Bush will push to ban gay marriage in Constitution

[rodbarnett]

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Bush will back a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage in an attempt to halt same-sex unions like the thousands that have been allowed this month in San Francisco, his spokesman said Tuesday.
"He has always strongly believed that marriage is a sacred institution between a man and a woman," White House press secretary Scott McClellan said.

He said the president wants to end "growing confusion" that has arisen from court decisions in Massachusetts, and San Francisco's permitting more than 3,000 same sex unions.

"The president believes it is important to have clarity," McClellan said.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2004-02-24-bush-marriage_x.htm?csp=15

[bpyatt]

1. Nice

It's good to see our President is focusing on the more pressing needs of this Country. This is far more important then balancing the budget and turning around the economy. Who needs Social Security and Medicare to work in the next decade. Who needs to stop the hemorrhaging of the defensive budget. We have more pressing issues, and Gay Marriage tops it, after all if they were able to be married there would be a ripple effect not seen since the Great Depression.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

2. this is nothing but bush* trying to win back the CC and his base for elect

he lost his base voters to immagration and making gov't bigger and deficit spending...this is just a show and will go NOWHERE as usual...talk with NO backing in congress nor funding

[BradCKY]

3. I don't even know if an amendment would pass

I think you need 2/3 of Congress and 3/4 of states.

[alfredo]

4. Do we want an amendment that takes away rights from Americans?

that is a question we should ask people against gay marriage.

[WyLoochka]

5. Here's his problem

"He has always strongly believed that marriage is a sacred institution"

It's a matter of his religious belief system, which he is entitled to have, but not entitled to impose upon those who do not share it. He can't come up with any valid reason to continue the discrimination against gays and lesbians other than to inject his own personal view of what is "sacred." It's patently unconstitutional.

Once upon a time in America, slavery was a part of the religious belief system of many also.

Trouble is - with many State Legislatures firmly in control of fundies who share Bush's view that they have the right to impose their views of what is "sacred" on the secular - this amendment may gain headway.

Democrats have been too lazy for too long. We need to stay alert and busy between presidential elections and work furiously to get Democrats into local governing bodies, state legislatures and governorships if we are to stop the right wing zeitgeist. A Democratic president cannot do it alone. We should have learned that from the 90s.

[ParanoidPat]

6. Marriage is also supposed to be for LIFE......

.....so will Bush* also push to ban divorce or is this just a publicity stunt? :evilgrin:

(Someone want to ask Scott this question at the daily briefing? Helen? :) )

[Beetwasher]

7. This Will Doom him and Backfire

Most people are NOT for ammending the constitution. They may not support gay marriage, but they are more dead set against tinkering w/ the constitution to LIMIT people's freedom. This has to be framed in that way.

Bush wants to change the constitution to LIMIT only CERTAIN peoples freedom. That will put them on the defensive over this and that's how we win this fight.

[nostamj]

8. this is a "special rights" amendment

preserving and codifying special rights for heterosexuals by denying civil rights to a significant percentage of AMERICANS

what business does the Federal government have with a SACRED institution?

the churches are free to deny 'marriage' ceremonies to any couple they want.

if fringe 'christians' are going to win this election for the pantload over this, we are lost.

[maggrwaggr]

9. it's nothing but bait. A distraction from his failures and lies

I say the Dems need to laugh in his face, throw it back at him, and say "is this the best thing you've got?"

It's disgusting, the guy can't even defend himself, he has to start this little fire as a distraction.

We need to keep stomping on him because of his failures and lies and NOT take this bait.

[lcooksey]

10. I'm a uniter, not a divider! (eom)