    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 7714 of October 3, 2003

    Marriage Protection Week, 2003

    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    Marriage is a sacred institution, and its protection is essential to the
    continued strength of our society. Marriage Protection Week provides an
    opportunity to focus our efforts on preserving the sanctity of marriage
    and on building strong and healthy marriages in America.
    Marriage is a union between a man and a woman, and my Administration is
    working to support the institution of marriage by helping couples build
    successful marriages and be good parents.
    To encourage marriage and promote the well-being of children, I have
    proposed a healthy marriage initiative to help couples develop the
    skills and knowledge to form and sustain healthy marriages. Research has
    shown that, on average, children raised in households headed by married
    parents fare better than children who grow up in other family
    structures. Through education and counseling programs, faith-based,
    community, and government organizations promote healthy marriages and a
    better quality of life for children. By supporting responsible child-
    rearing and strong families, my Administration is seeking to ensure that
    every child can grow up in a safe and loving home.
    We are also working to make sure that the Federal Government does not
    penalize marriage. My tax relief package eliminated the marriage
    penalty. And as part of the welfare reform package I have proposed,

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    we will do away with the rules that have made it more difficult for
    married couples to move out of poverty.
    We must support the institution of marriage and help parents build
    stronger families. And we must continue our work to create a
    compassionate, welcoming society, where all people are treated with
    dignity and respect.
    During Marriage Protection Week, I call on all Americans to join me in
    expressing support for the institution of marriage with all its benefits
    to our people, our culture, and our society.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
    America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
    laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim the week of October 12
    through October 18, 2003, as Marriage Protection Week. I call upon the
    people of the United States to observe this week with appropriate
    programs, activities, and ceremonies.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of
    October, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
    eighth.
    GEORGE W. BUSH