Anti-gay Senate amendment fails

Posted by Bob Geiger at 7:54 AM on June 7, 2006.

"We cannot build a unified country by inciting people to anger, or playing on anyone’s fears, or exploiting the issue of immigration for political gain," said George W. Bush in an immigration speech to the nation on May 15. "We must always remember that real lives will be affected by our debates and decisions, and that every human being has dignity and value."

Notwithstanding the fact that Bush doesn’t do much to live that creed, the United States Senate showed they agree with him in general principle when they shot down in flames S.J.RES.1, the so-called Marriage Protection Amendment.

The bigoted effort to amend the Constitution to ban gay marriage, authored by Wayne Allard (R-CO), was defeated when a vote to invoke cloture (end debate) was soundly defeated, effectively killing the bill.

"This is not a priority for the American people," said Dick Durbin (D-IL), citing a Gallup poll that showed same-sex marriage at number 33 in a ranking of Americans' priorities. "This is not so much a debate about preserving marriage as it is about preserving a majority [in Congress]."

"This does not merit inclusion in the most important document that guides American democracy," concluded the Illinois Senator.

I would say it's now time to move on to the really important issues facing America but, in the bizarre world of Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, flag burning is up next.

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Bob Geiger is a writer, activist and Democratic District Leader in Westchester County, NY. You can reach Bob at geiger.bob@gmail.com and read more from him at Democrats.com.