NOW Denounces Bush's Anti-Marriage Amendment

June 5, 2006

Today George W. Bush publicly expressed his support for a constitutional amendment denying marriage rights to same-sex couples and enshrining discrimination in our Constitution. The president announced that it was a "pleasure" to declare, although not in the Rose Garden as originally announced, that the politics of hatred and injustice are alive and well in the White House.

The National Organization for Women strongly denounces this attempt to write discrimination into the U.S. Constitution. "This is transparent political pandering to Bush's right-wing base as the election season gets underway," said NOW President Kim Gandy. "Political ploy or not, it is a hurtful proposal designed to reinforce the second-class status of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of this nation."

NOW organized a counter-protest today outside the White House during Bush's speech. Activists supporting equal marriage rights sent their message with signs saying: "Support all Families," "Straight Newlywed for Gay Marriage," and "Equal Rights Are Not Special Rights."

Joined by NOW's Action Vice President Melody Drnach, the crowd marched and shouted chants including: "Same-sex marriage, Bush can't dig it. That's because . . . he's a bigot!" [See more chants to use at your next action protesting the Federal Marriage Amendment.]

In his speech, Bush opened by declaring marriage "the most fundamental institution of civilization." He also indicated that this amendment is needed to stop "activist judges" from reversing same-sex marriage bans enacted in the states.

Asks Drnach: "Is the president saying LGBT individuals sharing in the emotional, economic and familial obligations of marriage would overturn our civilization?"

As a concession line, Bush proposed that "every American deserves to be treated with tolerance and respect and dignity," but his actions speak louder than his words. The sad truth is that at a time when our country so desperately needs to be looking forward and solving the many critical issues of the day in Iraq and Afghanistan, in hurricane flood zones, in our lowest performing schools, and at the gas pump—the Bush Administration and the Republican-led Congress seek to divide us further through its support of the Federal Marriage Amendment. Our representatives need to address the consequences of the failed leadership of George W. Bush and not engage in the promotion of discrimination and hatred of same-sex couples and our families.

"Supporting and promoting an amendment to the constitution that limits peoples' rights is neither tolerant nor respectful, and brings no dignity to the office of the presidency, the Constitution or our country," said Gandy

The Senate is scheduled to debate the marriage issue this week, and NOW will pay close attention to every vote. With the elections right around the corner, we will remember in November.