Washington DC -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today commented on President Bush’s announcement in support of a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.

 

“I am glad to have President Bush’s support on this issue.  A constitutional amendment is necessary to preserve the definition of marriage, a traditional value held by the American people.  Marriage is a privilege we have codified in law, and married couples bear legal, moral, and social responsibilities.

 

“I acknowledge the right of states to approve civil unions and institute certain exceptions for gay couples.  There is a tremendous difference, however, between acknowledging civil unions by making new laws and endorsing them by broadening the definition of marriage.  We must guard against weakening the institution,” Emerson said.

 

Emerson is a cosponsor of legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives to amend the U.S. Constitution to protect the definition of marriage.