I need Bush quotes of him saying states should decide gay marriage!!

[mconvente]

I'm a member of the Rutgers College Governing Association and in 10 weeks our body will be voting on a resolution in support of the NJ Supreme Court's decision in Lewis, et al. v. Harris,. The RCGA is overwhelmingly progressive, but there are some conservative minded people who will go all out in trying to stop this resolution from passing. It still probably will, but I want to be locked and loaded with rebuttals for any bullshit that comes out of their mouths.

I noticed on here a few days ago a post about how the NJ court ruling was exactly was Bush wants - for the legislators to potentially decide (the states) rather than "activist" judges making law. So I want to have those quotes to bolster my "In favor" speech toward the resolution. So if you have them, please post them here for me. Thanks!

[babylonsister]

1. I found 2 quotes that are basically the same, but we know

he has no imagination:

http://wfmz.com/view/?id=16998

President Bush: "Yesterday in NJ we had another activist court raise doubts about the institution of marriage. >> "I believe marriage is a sacred institution, critical to the well being of society and it must be defended."


http://www.newsone.ca/piercelandherald/ViewArticle.aspx?id=20285&source=2

"I believe marriage is a union between a man and a woman," he said. "I believe it‘s a sacred institution that is critical to the health of our society and the well-being of families, and it must be defended."

[mconvente]

2. thanks, but...

I appreciate the effort, but I was looking for something more like "I think it is for the states to decide gay marriage."

We already know he thinks marriage is between a man and a woman, I just want quotes of him proclaiming that it's the state's decision and not a federal or "activist judge" decision.

Thanks though.

[OilemFirchen]

3. He's couched his words often, and "evolved" over time.

But this is probably the money quote:

BUSH: It doesn't matter. Let's talk about that issue. Each person needs to be judged with their heart and soul. I don't ask the question what somebody's sexual orientation is. I don't ask the question.

KING: So if you have gays working for you, that's fine. And you don't have a problem. You'd appoint gays in the Cabinet, et cetera.

BUSH: Well, I'm not going to ask what their sexual orientation is.

KING: Oh, so you wouldn't know.

BUSH: I'm going to appoint conservative people in the Cabinet. It's none of my business what somebody's -- now when somebody makes it my business, like on gay marriage, I'm going to stand up and say I don't support gay marriage. I support marriage between men and women. KING: So if a state were voting on gay marriage, you would suggest to that state not to approve it?

BUSH: The state can do what they want to do. Don't try to trap me in this state's issue like you're trying to get me into.

KING: You just did. You have an opinion.

http://atrios.blogspot.com/2004_02_22_atrios_archive.html#107768107289976205

[OilemFirchen]

4. And here's a compendium of the couching...

http://www.glaad.org/publications/archive_detail.php?id=3894&PHPSESSID=f

[Ice4Clark]

5. Here are a few, hope it helps

NPR - All Things Considered, June 5, 2006

President Bush calls for an amendment banning gay marriage, saying marriage, as traditionally defined, "is the most fundamental institution of civilization." The president says he favors a constitutional amendment under Senate debate that would ban gay and lesbian couples from being married.

Marriage, the president said, "should not be redefined by activist judges." President Bush said the courts have forced him to take on the issue, as he believes states should decide which couples should be allowed to be married.





He also said, “The position of this administration is that whatever legal arrangements people want to make, they’re allowed to make, so long as it’s embraced by the state or at the state level."





George W. Bush on Civil Rights : Jun 1, 2003
Instinct on gay issues: do not touch them

Bush's instinct on gay-rights issues was clear and emphatic: Do not touch them. During the campaign he had refused to comment on Vermont's civil unions. They were, he said, a local issue for local officeholders.

SOURCE


George W. Bush on Civil Rights : Feb 15, 2000
Against gay marriage, but leave it to the states

Q: So if you have gays working for you, that’s fine and you don’t have a problem-you’d appoint gays in the Cabinet and so forth.
A: Well, I’m not going to ask what their sexual orientation is. I’m going to put conservative people in the cabinet. It’s none of my business what somebody’s . Now, when somebody makes it my business, like on gay marriage, I’m going to stand up and say I don’t support gay marriage. I support marriage between men and women.
Q: So therefore if a state were voting on gay marriage, you would suggest to that state not to approve it.
A: The state can do what they want to do. Don’t try to trap me in this state’s issue.

(Source: GOP Debate on the Larry King Show)

[mconvente]

6. excellent!

Thank you Oilem and Ice4Clark! These are exactly what I needed! Thanks a ton!