President Bush doesn’t get the New Jersey Supreme Court decision requiring the state to grant equal legal rights afforded to heterosexual married to same-sex couples. The NJ decision does not require the state legislature to legalize gay marriage, but they will be required to codify equal rights under the law.

“Yesterday in New Jersey, we had another activist court issue a ruling that raises doubts about the institution of marriage,” Mr. Bush said at a luncheon at the Iowa State Fairgrounds that raised $400,000 for Mr. Lamberti.

The president drew applause when he reiterated his long-held stance that marriage was “a union between a man and a woman,” adding, “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.” [link]

When I hear our president condemn a court ruling that grants all citizens of New Jersey equal rights under the law as the actions of “another activist court,” I’m believe there are serious doubts about the institution of American government.

His “defense of marriage” comes in direct contravention of equal rights. Presidents are supposed to uphold the law, not encourage the prolongation of inequality. At least, that’s been a tradition that is critical to the health of our society. I’d argue that tradition is the one that must be defended.

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