Laura Bush Gets It, Why Doesn’t Bill Frist?

Yesterday, First Lady Laura Bush spoke out against Republican efforts to use gay marriage as a campaign tool. Asked on Fox News Sunday about a proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, the First Lady said that, while the American people want a debate on the issue, "I don't think it should be used as a campaign tool, obviously." [Associated Press, 5/14/06]

The First Lady’s comments come weeks before Republican Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist is expected to introduce politically-motivated legislation seeking to amend the Constitution to define marriage as the union between a man and a woman.

"As Governor Dean has been saying for a year, Republicans are up to their old tricks again,” said Democratic National Committee Spokesman Damien LaVera. “Facing a collapse in confidence from the American people, plummeting poll numbers, and doubts about his leadership even among fellow Republicans, Bill Frist is resorting to desperate and detestable measures taken right out of Karl Rove’s playbook to distract from his multiple failures. Using marriage as a wedge issue is nothing more than a cheap election-year tactic to once again scapegoat LGBT families for political gain. Now, even First Lady Laura Bush has weighed in against using issues like marriage to divide and scapegoat groups of people as a strategy to win elections. If the First Lady understands why it is detestable to use issues to divide Americans, why doesn't Bill Frist?

"Republicans should join Democrats in fighting to end discrimination in all its forms, to fully incorporate LGBT families into the life of our nation, and to ensure that all American families have equal protection under the law. Democrats are committed to fighting Bill Frist’s anti-marriage amendment and to combating divisive ballot initiatives and legislation in the states across the country."