Bush to Promote Gay Marriage Amendment

With all of the problems this nation faces, and his approval ratings at record low levels, it is nice to see that Bush still has time to appeal to the lowest common denominator: Prejudice and hatred of gays and lesbians. News today comes that on Monday, the President will promote a gay marriage amendment to the United States Constitution. (Read stories in the Christian Science Monitor, N.Y. Times, or CNN.)

In its current form, the amendment reads:

“Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and
a woman. Neither this Constitution, nor the constitution of any State, shall be
construed to require that marriage or the legal incidents thereof be conferred
upon any union other than the union of a man and a woman."

Of course this is little more than a political stunt to try to curry favor with the Christian Conservative base (there is little chance it will get out of the Senate), but those of us who are enlightened still have a duty to speak out against intolerance in all of its forms. While I believe there is little chance of such an amendment passing in today's political atmosphere, I still strongly object to those who would attempt to write discrimination into our Constitution. The issue is a big one for some as the headlines scream things like Gay Marriage looms as "battle of our times".

The case does raise interesting questions of federalism though, and the full faith and credit clause of the Constitution. Also, while Bush is spending time on this, it is important to remember his role in such a debate is limited as pointed out by today's article in the C.S. Monitor. "On constitutional amendments, the president plays no formal role - his signature is not required - so any power he may wield would come through the bully pulpit."

So what do you think?