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President Bush addressed the annual conference of the National Association of Evangelicals yesterday, touting his record on issues close to the hearts of attendees.

I have been proud to sign the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act and legislation supporting maternity group homes. I strongly support the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, and call upon the United States Congress to send it to my desk. I oppose the use of federal funds for the destruction of human embryos for stem cell research. I will work with Congress to pass a comprehensive and effective ban on human cloning.

The President also praised the work of faith-based social services, committing his administration to "rallying the armies of compassion in America." He said, "All of you know the power of faith to transform lives, you're answering the call to love and to serve your neighbor. Our laws should welcome and encourage your good works. We should never discriminate against faith-based charities."

Bush's emphasized his faith-informed "doctrine" to rid the globe of terror, fight AIDS in Africa, and spread democracy and freedom. "I'm fortunate enough to be President during a time in which our country holds great influence in the world, and I feel that we must use that influence for great purpose. When we see disease, and starvation, and hopeless poverty, we must not turn away."

More pressing to the President are domestic issues, as the presidential election nears. Bush promised to fight judicial challenges to the partial-birth abortion ban and assaults on marriage and highlighted his appointment of judges who will not "legislate from the bench." The President also promised to "defend the sanctity of marriage." Conservatives have been criticizing "judicial activism" that forced gay marriages in Massachusetts and blocked enforcement of the partial-birth abortion ban.

Such stances have infuriated Democrats, but many pundits say it's part of an election plan to get out the vote of a supposed 4 million evangelicals who did not vote in 2000. According to an AP report, it seems to be working. Rev. Tim Ralph, said, "I think he's addressing the issues dear to the heart of every evangelical pastor in this country. I just love the man. He's been a breath of fresh air in our presidency."

Other pastors agreed. "In my lifetime, I can't remember a president who has spoken out so clearly on Christian values," said Ted Welch, a 57-year-old minister for the First Christian Church in Panhandle, Texas, according to the AP report. "This election, these things he's speaking out on could kill him—and I respect that."

Welch's wife worried that Bush just may lose the election, but she tries not to think about it, she said. Besides, "We lived through Clinton," she said. "We can live through anyone."

California Supreme Court orders halt to same-sex marriages in San Francisco
A month after San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom began issuing same-sex marriage licenses and two weeks conservative groups challenged the action in court, California's Supreme Court told the mayor to quit it. California Attorney General Bill Lockyer also asked court to rule on the case.

4,200 marriage licenses have been issued, setting off several other municipalities across the country to begin issuing such licenses as well. However, the court did not address the legality of the state's ban on same-sex marriage. It will hear further arguments in May or June.

Massachusetts advances same-sex marriage ban

Massachusetts lawmakers passed a proposed amendment to the state's constitution that would ban same-sex marriage in the state, but would create civil unions. Ironically, conservatives and gay marriage proponents have opposed the measure. Conservatives are opposed to civil unions, while gay marriage backers are unwilling to give up the "marriages" that the Mass. Supreme Judicial Court has already given them.

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March (Web-only) 2004, Vol. 48