    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book II)]
    [July 14, 2004]
    [Pages 1338-1339]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Senate Action To Block a Constitutional Amendment on
    Marriage
    July 14, 2004

        I am deeply disappointed that the effort to pass a constitutional
    amendment affirming the sanctity of marriage as being between a man and
    a woman was temporarily blocked in the Senate.
        Activist judges and local officials in some parts of the country are
    not letting up in their efforts to redefine marriage for the rest of
    America--and neither should defenders of traditional marriage flag in
    their efforts.
        It is important for our country to continue the debate on this
    important issue, and I urge the House of Representatives to pass this
    amendment.

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