This "Marriage protection Week" is nothing more than a push by our president to stop gay & lesbian couples from getting the same rights as heterosexual couples. This week is a JOKE! The president had this to say about the week:
Marriage Protection Week, 2003
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
"...Marriage is a union between a man and a woman, and my Administration is working to support the institution of marriage by helping couples build successful marriages and be good parents.
To encourage marriage and promote the well-being of children, I have proposed a healthy marriage initiative to help couples develop the skills and knowledge to form and sustain healthy marriages. Research has shown that, on average, children raised in households headed by married parents fare better than children who grow up in other family structures. Through education and counseling programs, faith-based, community, and government organizations promote healthy marriages and a better quality of life for children. By supporting responsible child-rearing and strong families, my Administration is seeking to ensure that every child can grow up in a safe and loving home..."
(Full text can be found here:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/10/20031003-12.html)
So what do we see from reading this? Our president thinks that gay & lesbian couples can't have successful marriages or be good parents? That they can't provide a safe and loving home or a strong family bond??? That is CRAZY! There are TONS of good gay parents in this world. I have met MANY gay couples that have adopted children and all of them have been some of the kindest parents I've met. They've all been very close loving families!
Please read these articles from the Human Rights Campaign:
Monday, Oct. 6, 2003
HRC SHARPLY CRITICIZES PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION JOINING ULTRA-CONSERVATIVE GROUPS’ ATTACK ON GAY FAMILIES
Using Gay Families as Pawns in Electoral Politics Will Cost President His Claim To Compassionate Conservativism, Says HRC
http://www.hrc.org/newsreleases/2003/031006bush.asp Thursday, Sept. 4, 2003
SURVIVING PARTNER OF SEPTEMBER 11th VICTIM TESTIFIES BEFORE SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING ON BANNING SAME-SEX CIVIL MARRIAGE RIGHTS
Keith Bradkowski Lost His Partner of 11 Years; Was Left Without Basic Protections and Benefits
http://www.hrc.org/newsreleases/2003/030904hearing.asp Wednesday, July 30, 2003
HRC EXPRESSES PROFOUND DISAPPOINTMENT AT PRESIDENT BUSH'S CALL TO CODIFY DISCRIMINATION
Gay and Lesbian Americans Denied Civil Marriage Rights Can Be Blocked at Their Partners Hospital Room Door, Routinely Denied Basic Protections
http://www.hrc.org/newsreleases/2003/030730bush.asp Last but not least is this...
PLEASE SIGN THE HRC PETITION TO SHOW THAT YOU SUPPORT EQUAL RIGHTS FOR ALL COUPLES!
http://www.hrc.org/millionformarriage/index.asp