Bush in 2004
"I don't think we should deny people rights to a civil union, a legal arrangement, if that's what a state chooses to do so," Bush said in an interview aired Tuesday on ABC. Bush acknowledged that his position put him at odds with the Republican platform, which opposes civil unions.
"I view the definition of marriage different from legal arrangements that enable people to have rights," said Bush, who has pressed for a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage (search). "States ought to be able to have the right to pass laws that enable people to be able to have rights like others."
Bush just yesterday
Yesterday in New Jersey, we had another activist court issue a ruling that raises doubts about the institution of marriage. I believe that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, and I believe -- (applause) -- and 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. And I'm looking forward to working with Jeff Lamberti to do just that. (Applause.)
The New Jersey Supreme Court has recognized the impropriety in denying civil rights and benefits on the basis of sexual orientation. The ruling came on the same day the Washington Supreme Court confirmed its failure to recognize that civil rights disparity.
To be fair, the New Jersey high court was not constrained, as was Washington's, by a state law expressly banning gay marriage. But the principle upon which the New Jersey ruling was founded seems to have universal application.
"Although we cannot find a fundamental right to same-sex marriage exists in this state," the 4-3 majority ruling reads, "the unequal dispensation of rights and benefits to committed same-sex partners can no longer be tolerated under our state constitution."
So which is it George? You support the right of states to clarify their constitution to ensure equal access to rights for all or not? You're not flip-flopping from the stump in an election year just to rally the base are you?