Bush to Pursue Constitutional Amendment to Ban Gay Marriage

According to Karl Rove, President Bush's top strategist, Bush intends to continue his pursuit of a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. Raising the specter of so-called “activist judges,” Rove said that the President “absolutely” intends to push the Federal Marriage Amendment defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman, according to FOX News Sunday.

The amendment failed to pass the Republican-controlled House of Representatives in October, and some Senators believe that it will not pass in the Senate, even with the new Republican majority of 55. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) said on “Face the Nation” on Sunday that it would be a mistake for the President to raise this issue again: “I don’t think there’s any evidence that suggests that a constitutional amendment is needed at this time.” Also on “Face the Nation,” Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) agreed, saying that he does not know if there will be another vote on this issue, but if there is, “it probably [will] not pass.”

Although Bush has said that he disagrees with the Republican platform on civil unions, Rove clarified on Sunday that Bush sees that as an issue left up to the states.

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Media Resources: Face the Nation 11/7/04; Meet the Press 11/7/04; FOX News Sunday 11/7/04

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