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John Daley ReportingPresident Bush: "The union of a man and woman in marriage is the most enduring and important human institution."
With mid-term elections looming this fall and his support among conservatives waning, President Bush makes a push on marriage. Should the US Constitution be changed to prevent same-sex couples from marrying? President Bush, backed by a number of religious leaders, including a representative from Utah's largest faith, offered a resounding "Yes" today.
But the move is largely symbolic, with almost zero chance of passage.
President Bush: "You are here because you strongly support a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, and I am proud to stand with you."
Standing with him were representatives from his social conservative base, leaders of a variety of religious groups, including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Elder Russell M. Nelson, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: "Together we share a duty to preserve marriage and family as established by God. The time has now come when a constitutional amendment is needed in this country to protect our divine inheritance."
But opponents of the amendment say the issue amounts to discrimination.
Valerie Larabee, Exec. Dir. Gay and Lesbian Community Center: "I don't think that the majority of American people who are educated about the constitution and what it means are going to take this for much longer."
Political observers say with President Bush's poll numbers low, his team believes the best defense is a good offense.
Dan Jones, Pollster: "What it's done is diverted attention away from the way, away from gasoline prices, away from immigration and other issues like that. That's what it's done."
The measure seems to have slim chances of passage. It needs two thirds support of both the US senate and house. Then if it gets past that point, it would need three quarters of the states to sign off. A longshot for any issue.
A new poll released today finds more than half of Americans, 58 percent, say same-sex marriages should be illegal. But according to that ABC News survey, only four in 10 say they support changing the Constitution to ban gay marriage, while a majority says states should make their own laws.
