11/8/08 12:54 PM
CNN.com - Bush calls for ban on same-sex marriages - Feb. 25, 2004
Page 1 of 2
http://cnn.allpolitics.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&titl…04%2FALLPOLITICS%2F02%2F24%2Felec04.prez.bush.marriage%2F&partnerID=2001
Powered by
SAVE THIS | EMAIL THIS | Close
Bush calls for ban on same-sex marriages
Democrats: President using amendment issue for re-election bid
WASHINGTON (CNN) --President Bush endorsed a constitutional amendment Tuesday that would restrict
marriage to two people of the opposite sex but leave open the possibility that states could allow civil
unions.
"The union of a man and a woman is the most enduring human institution, honored and encouraged in all cultures and by every
religious faith," Bush said.
"Marriage cannot be severed from its cultural, religious and natural roots without weakening the good influence of society."
The president said he decided to endorse an amendment because of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's recent decision
granting marriage rights to same-sex couples, and San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom's decision two weeks ago to begin giving
marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples. (California high court may get same-sex marriage)
"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. "Their actions have created confusion on an issue that
requires clarity." (Transcript of Bush comments)
Bush has been under pressure from social conservatives within his political base to come out in favor of such an amendment, several
versions of which are floating around Capitol Hill.
Until Tuesday, Bush had only suggested he was open to an amendment, but stopped short of calling for one.
He did not sign onto a specific bill, but called on Congress to pass and send to the states for ratification an amendment "defining and
protecting marriage as a union of a man and woman as husband and wife."