COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (BP)–President Bush touted his record on pro-family issues March 11, telling a group of evangelicals that his administration would “vigorously” defend the partial-birth abortion ban and the “sanctity of marriage” from “activist” courts.
Speaking to the National Association of Evangelicals’ convention, Bush said his administration is “committed to defending the most basic institutions and values of this country.”
“I will defend the sanctity of marriage against activist courts and local officials who want to redefine marriage,” he said to applause. “The union of a man and woman is the most enduring human institution, honored and encouraged in cultures and by every religious faith.
“Ages of experience have taught humanity that the commitment of a husband and wife to love and to serve one another promotes the welfare of children and the stability of society. And government, by recognizing and protecting marriage, serves the interests of all.
“It is for that reason I support a constitutional amendment to protect marriage as the union of a man and a woman,” Bush said.
The president also touched on the abortion issue, noting that last November he signed into law a bill banning partial-birth abortion, a procedure that involves partially delivering a baby feet-first before suctioning its brains.
“We will vigorously defend this law against any attempt to overturn it in the courts,” Bush said. “I will also continue to support crisis pregnancy centers, and adoption, and parental notification laws.”
Bush added that he signed the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act and that he supports the Unborn Victims of Violence Act. He called upon Congress to pass the Unborn Victims bill and send it to his desk.
“I oppose the use of federal funds for the destruction of human embryos for stem cell research,” he said. “… I will work with Congress to pass a comprehensive and effective ban on human cloning. … Human life is a creation of God, not a commodity to be exploited by man.”
On other issues, Bush said the country has helped alleviate the AIDS crisis in Africa and is working toward ending sex trafficking.
“When we see disease, and starvation, and hopeless poverty, we must not turn away,” the president said. “And that is why, on the continent of Africa, we’re bringing the healing power of medicine to millions of people now suffering with AIDS. From Southeast Asia to Eastern Europe, we’re working to end the modern-day slavery of sex trafficking.”
Bush also defended the nation’s involvement in the war on terrorism, saying that “more than 50 million people have been liberated from tyranny” in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Bush said he has “great confidence” in America’s future because of the strength of its people.
“The world saw that strength on a September morning exactly 30 months ago, and in the countless acts of courage and kindness that have followed,” he said. “Together, Americans are moving forward with confidence and faith. We do not know God’s plan, but we know His ways are right and just. And we pray He will always watch over this great country of ours.”
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For more information on the debate over same-sex “marriage,” visit www.bpnews.net/samesexmarriage.
