Editorial: Gay marriage ban a violation of freedom

When most people think of the U.S. Constitution, they think of a
document that has long embodied the ideals of human rights and
freedom. But if President Bush gets his way, and a gay marriage ban
is added as an amendment, that sentiment could change.

The U.S. Constitution is known around the world as a document
that guarantees civil rights and protections from governmental
interference. Aside from a few exceptions, like the reviled (and
repealed) Prohibition amendment, the Constitution is a document
that affirms rights rather than restrict them.

Gay people ““ like everyone else ““ deserve the rights
enjoyed by the majority of Americans. An amendment banning gay
marriages, now officially endorsed by Bush as he pursues
reelection, would codify and legitimize discrimination and
prejudice in the highest law of the land.

Americans ““ regardless of how they feel about the
semantics of gay marriage ““ should not allow such an
amendment to taint the Constitution’s history.

Fifty years from now, American students should not have to
cringe when they learn about Bush’s restrictions on
freedom.