[ninty]

Bush wants U.S. Constitution amended to ban gay marriage
Last Updated Tue, 24 Feb 2004 11:55:08
WASHINGTON - U.S. President George W. Bush called for a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage on Tuesday.

Blaming activist courts and local officials, Bush said the institution of marriage is in danger of being changed forever.

"Attempts to redefine marriage … could have serious consequences," he said.

In a news conference, Bush said he is calling on Congress to prepare a constitutional amendment that would "define and protect marriage as the union of a man and woman as husband and wife."

A Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court recently ruled that barring gay couples from marrying is unconstitutional.

Earlier this month, San Francisco city hall began issuing "gender neutral" marriage licences. More than 3,200 same-sex couples were married in a period of several days.

Individual states, Bush said, would be free to define other "legal arrangements."

An amendment to the U.S. Constitution needs to pass both houses of Congress with a two-thirds majority, and needs the approval of 38 states.

At least 38 states have already passed laws or amendments banning gay marriage.

A bill to amend the Constitution has been put before the House of Representatives by Colorado Republican Marilyn Musgrave. Bush didn't specifically endorse the proposed legislation in his announcement on Tuesday.

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Let the flames begin...now!