Since 1996, states have been debating over same sex marriages. During his State of the Union speech, Bush brought the topic up again, endorsing marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Since July 2003, Bush has wanted to codify this belief, effectively banning same sex marriages in the United States. Although he did not endorse a Constitutional Amendment during his speech, a White House spokesperson claims it is currently being debated.

Bush, a religious conservative, has characterized an amendment as a possible course of action to "defend" the sacred institution of marriage. Although not specifically stated, what he is trying to defend it from is gays and lesbians who have been engaged in a battle for equal rights, including what they feel is a fundamental right to marry. Currently, the Constitution requires in the"full faith and credit" clause that states recognize one another's legal proceedings. A...