George W. Bush's position on

Same Sex Marriage: The issue of gay marriage has always existed in the homosexual community, but really came to the forefront of society in May of 2003 when various members of the House of Representatives introduced a resolution to regulate the definition of marriage as "the union of a man and a woman". This legislation was encouraged by President Bush and would have taken the power from the states. It would have also amended the Constitution, being the twenty-eighth amendment to the almost 250 year old document. In addition, gay marriage is generally defined as a legal union between two men or two women.

Description of candidate's position: George W. Bush has stated many times that he opposes gay marriage, civil unions, gay adoption rights and any recognition of gay/lesbian relationships what so ever. Bush also believes the passage of the Defense of Marriage Act would help protect not only the nuclear family but the sanctity of marriage in the traditional sense. The Defense of Marriage Act would be a federal mandate, but Bush said in an interview with Larry King in 2000 that he would leave the decision up to the states. (link)

Quotation from the candidate: "The Defense of Marriage requires a constitutional amendment. An amendment to the Constitution is never to be undertaken lightly. The amendment process has addressed many serious matters of national concern. And the preservation of marriage rises to this level of national importance." The President said in a speech in February 2004 (link). "The union of a man and woman is the most enduring human institution, honoring -- honored and encouraged in all cultures and by every religious faith. Ages of experience have taught humanity that the commitment of a husband and wife to love and to serve one another promotes the welfare of children and the stability of society."

Assessment of the proposal:

Positive: "Every culture in the world, every civilization in the world for over 3,000 years, has defined marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The constitutional amendment merely states that again," Gary Bauer, former Republican Presidential candidate said in February of 2004, (link).

Negative: "Bush has taken a giant leap backward by actively supporting an amendment that is qualitatively more deadly to gay equality than anything any president has ever supported. It's a completely unnecessary and unforgivable betrayal of basic constitutional values." states Dale Carpenter, Professor at the University of Minnesota and writer for the Independent Gay Forum (link).

Comparison: Bush opposes gay marriage and civil unions along with gay adoption rights and recognition of gay and lesbian couples in any legal aspect. Senator Kerry agrees with the President on the issue of gay marriage, but believes that gay and lesbian couples deserve to be recognized under the law in regards to things like awards of child custody, beneficiary status, and the right to make arrangements for deceased partners. Bush opposes granting these rights.

Link to Kerry's issue page.