Why do opponents of gay marriage want a constitutional amendment?
They fear that judges at the state and federal level will rule that laws against gay marriage are unconstitutional. Opponents also cite actions by local officials who have condoned gay marriages in San Francisco and New Mexico. A constitutional amendment would become the law of the land. Q: Bush said the amendment would “fully protect marriage, while leaving the state legislatures free to make their own choices in defining legal arrangements other than marriage.” Does that make the measure less controversial? A: It’s not clear. Some interpret Bush’s words as meaning that states could adopt civil unions and offer other protections to gay couples. But individual state laws could vary, meaning gay couples that relocate could lose or gain rights depending on where they live. Also, the word “marriage” has powerful connotations. Many see marriage as a key part of their religious faith. Gay activists say anything less than marriage is discriminatory. And the American Civil Liberties Union say
