Associated Press
January 11, 2004
NEW YORK — Intrigued by divisions within conservative ranks, gay rights strategists are trying to portray a proposed constitutional ban on same-sex marriage as a radical step that true conservatives should oppose.
The Human Rights Campaign, a national gay rights group, will target conservatives with a radio and print ad campaign starting Monday in 10 areas, including Indianapolis; Las Vegas; Milwaukee; Omaha, Neb.; Philadelphia; and Tampa, Fla.
"Be conservative with the Constitution," the ads say. "Don't amend it."
One of the ads, to run in Indiana, depicts a farmer musing, "Once the politicians start using the Constitution to take away rights, I wonder which ones they'll go after next."
Disagreements among conservatives have emerged in recent months on the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment, which would stipulate that marriage is between only a man and woman.
Some want the measure toughened, so it would bar same-sex civil unions and domestic partnerships as well as gay marriages. Other conservatives say the Constitution is the wrong place to address contentious social problems and contend the measure would infringe on states' rights.
Vice President Dick Cheney, who has said states should handle the issue of gay marriage, now says he would support Bush if he proposes a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.
Cheney, whose daughter is a lesbian, told The Denver Post and the Rocky Mountain News in interviews published Saturday that he still believed states should handle the issue but that he would support Bush's decision.
