Bush backs amendment barring gay marriage

(White House-AP) Saying a sacred institution is under threat, President Bush is summoning Congress to pass a constitutional amendment barring same-sex marriage. He says judges and activists in three states have sought to overturn two centuries of U-S law, as well as the clearly expressed will of the people.

This, says Bush, has "created confusion on an issue that requires clarity." So the president tells reporters he wants lawmakers to move quickly on an amendment that defines marriage as between a man and woman.

Bush called it "the most fundamental instutition of civilization." However, Bush isn't endorsing specific wording. And he says any amendment should leave states free to allow same-sex civil unions.

Bush says the Constitution should never be amended "lightly." But he says "preservation of marriage rises to this level of national importance."

Mixed reaction as Bush backs amendment that would bar gay marriage

(Boston-AP) Opponents of gay marriage in Massachusetts say they wish President Bush had spoken up sooner. Bush today backed a constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage. He says it's needed to stop courts and local officials from changing the definition of traditional marriage, which he calls the "most enduring human institution."

Bush has previously said he was "troubled" by a Massachusetts high court decision backing gay marriage rights and by San Francisco handing out same-sex marriage licenses in violation of California state law.

A leading opponent of gay marriage in Massachusetts says he would've liked Bush to have acted sooner, but adds, "we're happy with his leadership at this time."

A leading gay rights advocate in the state says Bush is "pandering to prejudice and bigotry." She suggests it's part of an election-year ploy, and says Bush has a record of "being in bed with radical right groups."

State House committee passes constitutional ban on gay marriage

(Lansing, Michigan-AP) The state of Michigan is moving closer to adopting its own constitutional ban on gay marriage. A state House committee approved a resolution today that would amend the state constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman.

The measure will next be taken up by the full House. It must get a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate to go on the November second ballot. The voters must then pass the measure for it to be added to the constitution.

Michigan law already defines marriage as between one man and one woman. But a Republican lawmaker says adding an amendment to the state constitution will prevent legal challenges by gay couples seeking to marry.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan calls the measure unconstitutional because it treats one group of people differently from another.