White House affirms gay workers' rights
It says discrimination against federal employees is barred -- but Democrats aren't convinced

Washington -- The White House forcefully reiterated Wednesday that lesbian and gay federal employees should not face workplace discrimination in light of a mounting controversy over actions last month by one of President Bush's appointees that appeared to reverse part of that policy.
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Hundreds Rally In Springfield For Marriage Definition
Thursday, April 1, 2004, 6:00 a.m.
By Eva Goltermann
Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD, IL -- Hundreds of Illinoisans rallied at the state Capital Wednesday in favor of a constitutional amendment that defines marriage.
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Editorial: A flawed amendment
Thursday, April 1, 2004
The Massachusetts Legislature's debate over gay marriage was as dramatic as it was important. There were heartfelt words and passionate speeches about respecting marriage and extending civil rights. Demonstrators on both sides of the issue sang songs in the State House corridors and crowded the sidewalks outside. People who couldn't have named their state representative three months ago became lobbyists for their cause. It was, in some ways at least, one of democracy's finest hours.

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Compromise measure would ban courts from defining marriage
By CHRISTOPHER TRUSCOTT
Staff Writer
ST. PAUL — A crowd of cheering supporters greeted Sen. Michele Bachmann as she arrived at the Senate Judiciary Committee meeting room the afternoon of Friday, March 26, for a hearing on her proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. For Sen. Bachmann, R-Stillwater, the problem wasn’t a lack of supporters in the audience — most of those who turned out for the committee hearing were. It was the Judiciary Committee that was less receptive.
After two hours of testimony from supporters and opponents of Sen. Bachmann’s proposal, the Judiciary Committee rejected Sen. Bachmann’s proposal on a 5-4, party-line vote.
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Peisch rejects civil union amendment
Thursday, April 1, 2004
When state lawmakers this week approved an amendment to ban gay marriage and institute civil unions this week, state Rep. Alice Peisch, D-Wellesley, didn't join in.
"I will undoubtedly lose support regardless of the way I vote," Peisch said

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President Bush: Flip-Flopper-In-Chief

BUSH SAYS GAY MARRIAGE IS A STATE ISSUE... "The state can do what they want to do. Don't try to trap me in this state's issue like you're trying to get me into." [Gov. George W. Bush on Gay Marriage, Larry King Live, 2/15/00]

...BUSH SUPPORTS CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT BANNING GAY MARRIAGE "Today I call upon the Congress to promptly pass, and to send to the states for ratification, an amendment to our Constitution defining and protecting marriage as a union of man and woman as husband and wife." [President Bush, 2/24/04]
President Bush: Flip-Flopper-In-Chief