Bush today reiterated his support to ban same sex marriages through a Constitutional amendment. There are problems with that idea that immediately come to mind; for instance, such an amendment would itself be un-Constitutional, undermining the clearly defined 14th Amendment which guarantees equality of treatment under the law. But his hateful position is deeper than the abject abuse of Constitutionally guaranteed American rights, like, for instance, the freedom of and from religion (the anti-gay movement largely bases its defense of marriage on "Christian" interpretations of morality).

This is really about defining America as a country that allows bullies in the playground to pick on the kid that usually sits alone because he's different, instead of just going about their bully ways amongst themselves. This is about excluding 10% of our country for something so egregious as biology. And it opens up the doors to discrimination of all kinds for any biological reason. You're too short, you can't play ball (Drew Bledsoe). You're too fat, get off the dance floor (me). You have red hair, and this office only serves blondes and brunettes (Food Stamp office in Brooklyn). You're black--shut your mouth, get on this ship and get to work in our fields.

I imagine being homosexual isn't easy. People don't choose to be gay--just witness the abuse they have to deal with from elementary school on. Homosexuality exists, it's real, and it's not a choice. And if you believe in God, then I'd expect you believe in God's will. Apparently God decided to throw the 10% gay population in the works. But this isn't about God or religion. It's about America and the kind of America we want to have.

I believe in an America that does not discriminate on the basis of biology. I believe equality under the law as guaranteed the 14th Amendment is the bedrock of our democracy and creates a country based on fairness. It is unfair to deny the rights, responsibilities, and obligations to same sex couples. Extending those rights, responsibilities, and obligations to same sex couples only strengthens our communities and strengthens the cause of commitment.

Bush's attempt to ban gay marriage is an attack on the institution of marriage itself. Given the 50% divorce rate in this country, the institution of marriage could use a positive boost. Correcting the current injustice by allowing same sex marriage will provide such a boost, and will strengthen our nation, reinforcing the notion that we consistently operate on the basis of that fundamental fairness--as guaranteed by the Constitution through the 14th Amendment.