wednesday, february 25, 2004
news
the university daily kansan 5A
Bush pushes ban on gay marriage
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — President Bush urged approval of a constitutional amendment banning gay marriages yesterday, pushing a divisive social issue to the center of the election campaign and setting a clear policy contrast with Democratic challengers John Kerry and John Edwards.
Bush said "activist judges and local officials" from Massachusetts to San Francisco to New Mexico were attempting to redefine marriage and "change the most fundamental institution of civilization" by allowing same-sex weddings.
"On a matter of such importance, the voice of the people must be heard," he said.
Democrats accused Bush of pandering to right-wing supporters and tinkering with the Constitution to divert attention from his record on jobs, health care and foreign policy.
"He is looking for a wedge issue to divide the American people." Kerry said.
Both Kerry and Edwards said they oppose gay marriages but would not support a constitutional amendment.
Banning gay marriage is a top priority for Bush's conservative supporters, particularly those among religious and family-oriented groups.
But while a majority of Americans — sometimes by as much as
a 2-1 margin — oppose legalizing gay marriages, Bush's move could hold political risks, particularly if voters see him as intolerant or question his self-description as a "compassionate conservative."
"The president needs to worry about fair-minded swing voters in America, not a Republican base that he has locked up," said Patrick Guerriero, executive director of Log Cabin Republicans, a gay GOP group.
Mindful of the high emotions and clear differences on the issue, Bush said, "We should also conduct this difficult debate in a manner worthy of our country, without bitterness or anger."
Conservatives were delighted Bush had plunged in.
"There is no more important issue for our nation than the preservation of the institution of marriage," said Kelly Shackelford, president of the Texas-based Free Market Foundation, a family advocacy group.
Momentum for a constitutional amendment has grown as San Francisco officials have performed thousands of same-sex marriages and have challenged their state law barring such unions.
In Massachusetts, the state's highest court has ruled that a state law falling short of allowing full-fledged marriage for gays would be unconstitutional.
states to legalize civil unions, which gay rights groups say is an insufficient alternative to marriage.
"The amendment should fully protect marriage while leaving the state legislatures free to make their own choices in defining legal arrangements other than marriage," said Bush, who had opposed legalizing civil unions when he was governor of Texas.
Bush softened his announcement by leaving the door open for
Republican officials said there was no rush to bring an amendment to the floor in the House.
Some conservatives want a broader approach than Bush supports, and others oppose federalizing the issue, at least for now.
"The groups that are for a constitutional amendment are split over what it should be," said House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R.Texas.) "We are trying to bring them all together and unify them."
California Republican Reps. David Dreier and Jerry Lewis said a constitutional amendment might not be necessary.
"I will say that I'm not supportive of amending the Constitution on this issue," said Dreier, a co-chairman of Bush's campaign in California in 2000.
"I believe that this should go through the courts, and I think that we're at a point where it's not necessary."
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from San Francisco, said she would fight an amendment.
situation should be a last resort on almost any issue.
"Never before has a constitutional amendment been used to discriminate against a group of people, and we must not start now," she said.
Amending the Constitution is not quick or simple. A two-thirds majority of both the House and Senate must pass an amendment, and then it would be sent to the states for ratification.
Lewis said changing the Con-
It must be approved by three-fourths, or 38 of the 50. Bush's father pressed for a constitutional amendment to ban flag burning but it was not approved.
White House press secretary Scott McClellan said Bush believes that amendment legislation submitted by Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-Colo.) meets his principles in protecting the "sanctity of marriage" between men and women.
But Bush did not specifically embrace any particular legislation.
Bush's call for a gay-marriage amendment came as the president sought to regain his footing after he was thrown on the defensive about issues ranging from his Vietnam-era military record to missing weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.
Moore uncommitted on possible amendment
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Most Kansas Republicans are prepared to help President Bush seek a constitutional ban on gay marriages.
Not everyone is decided on the issue.
The lone Kansas Democrat in Congress, Rep. Dennis Moore, said he wants to see Bush's proposal in writing and hear from constituents.
Rep. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) said it was important to protect marriage, but there were many options to consider right now.
Republicans in the delegation supported a ban on same-sex marriage well before Bush called yesterday for a constitutional amendment.
Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), a sponsor of the effort in the Senate, commended Bush for taking a bold and principled stand.
"Marriage is a sacred institution between a man and a woman," Brownback said in a statement. "Protecting marriage is essential to the long-term health of our families and culture."
Sen. Pat Roberts pointed out that Kansas lawmakers are considering now whether to amend the state Constitution to define marriage as between a man and a
woman.
"I agree with President Bush that it is wrong for a select minority to impose their definition of marriage on the nation." Roberts said in a statement.
"Ultimately, the Constitution will be changed, either through a piecemeal approach in the courts, or through the more democratic process of amending the Constitution. In this case, an amendment may be the best alternative."
In the House, Reps. Jim Ryun (R-Kan.) and Todd Tiahtr (R-Kan.) are sponsoring a proposal for a constitutional amendment outlawing gay marriage.
"Across our nation, the institution of marriage is under attack," Ryun said in a statement.
"I am thankful that Kansas law protects marriage by defining it as a contract between one man and one woman, but activist courts in other states have proven that we cannot take anything for granted."
Moran said in a statement that many Kansas have expressed support for protecting marriage.
"Kansas already has a statute in place that recognizes only marriages between one man and one woman. Congress may now consider defining marriage with a constitutional amendment," Moran said.
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Friday, February 21 & Saturday, February 28, 2004 White Concert Hall, Washburn University 17th & Jewell, Topeka, Kansas Free & Open to the Public -show details & film notes available online: www.kssilentfilmfest.org
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