Bush announced his support for the constitutional amendment submitted by Republican Rep. Marilyn Musgrave of Colorado in order to end "growing confusion" that has arisen from a court decision in Massachusetts and a decision by San Francisco officials to allow same-sex marriages.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court recently ruled that it is unconstitutional to bar gay couples from marriage.

Gay and lesbian couples from Europe and from more than 20 states have flocked to San Francisco City Hall since city officials decided to begin marrying same-sex couples a few days ago.

At least 38 states and the federal government have approved laws or amendments barring the recognition of gay marriage.

McGarrity said allowing gay marriages would "undermine the whole fabric of our society, which is the family."

He said that, according to the book of Genesis in the Bible, God made man and woman and "told them to go and multiply."

"That's an essential purpose of marriage," McGarrity said.

Republican state Sen. Noah Wenger of Stevens said he supports Bush's position because "marriage has a traditional meaning that should be upheld."

"In cultures and through history, marriage has been between two persons of the opposite sex," Wenger said. "I know there are other lifestyles out there, but when it comes to marriage, I stick to the traditional approach."

Rabbi Jack Paskoff of Congregation Shaarai Shomayim said he is opposed to the amendment because gay marriages "should be recognized by the state."

"In the case of people who are in a committed, monogamous relationship, I would support a gay marriage just as much as I would support a heterosexual marriage," he said.

Paskoff said he believes people are born with their sexual orientation.

"It's not a choice that they make," he said. "And if we are to believe that all people are created in God's image, then being gay can't be wrong."

By supporting a ban on gay marriages, Rutt said Bush is "putting one religious definition of marriage forward."

She said the amendment would "codify discrimination."

"The U.S. Constitution is supposed to prevent abuse and guarantee rights for all people," she said. "It is wrong for (Bush) to discriminate against one class of citizens."

blog comments powered by Disqus