Same-Sex Amendment Needed For Clarity, Bush Says
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
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Lawmakers Advocate Go-Slow Approach
Many congressional Republicans are advocating a go-slow approach to the president's call for a constitutional amendment banning gay marriages. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay says he appreciates the president's "moral leadership" on the issue, but expressed caution about moving too quickly toward a constitutional solution. While some Republicans urged swift approval of the amendment, others say changing the Constitution should be a "last resort" on any issue. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi vowed to fight any amendment. She says a constitutional amendment has never been used to discriminate against a group of people, adding, "We must not start now." California Rep. Bob Filner called the president's move a clear case of "wedge politics" designed to divide the country. Amending the Constitution is not quick or simple. A two-thirds majority of both the House and Senate must pass an amendment, which is then sent to the states for ratification. It must be approved by three-fourths, or at least 38 of the 50 states.Groups React
A gay Republican group says Bush could end up losing people who had previously supported him.The Log Cabin Republicans accused Bush of "writing discrimination into the Constitution." The executive director of the group said the president has jeopardized the support of people who voted for him in 2000 and who identified themselves in exit polls as being gay."As conservative Republicans, we are outraged that any Republican -- particularly the leader of our party and this nation -- would support any effort to use our sacred United States Constitution as a way of scoring political points in an election year," Patrick Guerriero said.The group pointed out that there have been no legal challenges to the Defense of Marriage Act.Democratic National Committee chief Terry McAuliffe calls Bush's announcement purely political. He said attacking gay families as an election strategy is shameful. And a top official with the Human Rights Campaign said the group is confident any amendment will fail.Seth Kilbourn of the Human Rights Campaign said Bush is using the Constitution to discriminate against families. He said Bush is hurting families for political gain and accuses the president of using the issue to jump start his campaign.But Family Research Council president Tony Perkins backed Bush, saying he's done the right thing. Perkins said a constitutional amendment is essential to protecting the traditional and historical definition of marriage.Bush's announcement was applauded by the American Center for Law and Justice, which focuses on family and religious issues. The group says Bush will serve as a "critical catalyst" in efforts to keep marriage traditional."The President's announcement is vital to launching the amendment process and efforts to protect marriage. We are grateful for his support on this most important issue," said chief counsel Jay Sekulow.The ACLJ also supports criminal charges against those who have allowed same-sex marriages in California.- February 20, 2004: Judge Refuses To Halt SF Gay Marriages For Now
- February 18, 2004: Gay Congressman Worries About Same-Sex Marriages
- February 17, 2004: Judge Gives San Francisco Deadline On Gay Marriages
- February 15, 2004: Gay Marriage Rush Continues In San Francisco
- February 13, 2004: San Francisco Issues More Marriage Licenses To Gays
- February 12, 2004: Two Women Marry Each Other In San Francisco
- February 12, 2004: Mass. Prepares For 2nd Day Of Gay-Marriage Debate
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