Bush backs gay-marriage ban
USA Today
February 24, 2004

Bush's support of a proposed amendment had long been sought by conservative Christians, who are among the Republican Party's most loyal supporters. Political analysts say the emerging debate over the definition of marriage and the rights of gay men and lesbians is eclipsing long-standing controversies over abortion rights and other social issues. (Vote: Do you support the proposed ban?)

Speaking to reporters in the Roosevelt Room, Bush noted a ruling by Massachusetts' highest court that opened the door to same-sex marriage this spring and a decision by San Francisco to begin issuing marriage licenses to gay men and lesbian couples this month.

"After more than two centuries of American jurisprudence and millennia of human experience, a few judges and local authorities are presuming to change the most fundamental institution of civilization," Bush said. He decried "activist courts" and portrayed an amendment as a "decisive and democratic action" to reflect the public's will.

He also said states and cities should be free to permit other "legal arrangements." The White House said that could include inheritance, hospital visits and other rights often conferred by what are called civil unions.

Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, the likely Democratic presidential nominee, accused Bush of a political ploy. "This president can't talk about jobs. He can't talk about health care," he said. "So he is looking for a wedge issue to divide the American people."

Kerry opposes a federal amendment, but he told reporters he would support a state amendment barring same-sex marriage if it provided for civil unions. He opposes gay marriage.

Even if Bush made the issue a top priority — something aides indicate is not likely — any ban probably would be years away. Amending the Constitution requires approval by two-thirds of the House and Senate and three-quarters of state legislatures. The elder George Bush called for an amendment banning flag burning and Ronald Reagan sent Congress an amendment permitting organized prayer in public schools. Neither became law.

Those issues did create political divides that helped define the presidents' Democratic opponents as out of step with mainstream values. Republican strategists say the issue of gay marriage has the potential to put Kerry on the defensive with moderate voters and at odds with liberal ones.

There are differences among Republicans. In the 2000 campaign, Dick Cheney said the issue should be left to the states; this year the vice president said he'd support whatever decision Bush made. Some moderate voters could be turned off if the action seems intolerant. Gallup Polls this month found Republicans overwhelmingly supported an amendment and most Democrats opposed it. Independents were split, 46% in favor, 49% opposed.

Bush's decision not to propose a bar on civil unions — a position that puts him at odds with many social conservatives — was an attempt to find middle ground.

Views on homosexuality have been in flux as court rulings have expanded gay rights and Hollywood has included more gay characters in movies and TV shows. More Americans are openly gay, among them Cheney's daughter. But polls over the past year have shown some backlash.

By 2-1, people surveyed by the USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll opposed legally recognizing same-sex marriages. But they were closely divided about whether the issue should be determined by the federal government or states.