Anti-gay amendment aimed at energizing GOP base

With Republicans on the defensive and for the first time in six years facing the potential of a crushing defeat at the polls in November, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist is turning to the issue that successfully galvanized the GOP's conservatives in the past–banning gay marriage–to reverse the party's lagging support. For Frist the stakes are even higher as he weighs a bid for the White House in 2008. On June 5 the Senate will begin debate on a proposed amendment to the US Constitution to ban same-sex marriage. "It's important to the heart and soul of the American people," Frist (R-TN) told "Fox News Sunday." He also is pushing an amendment to bar flag burning. Asked if these were the two issues were the most important the Senate can address in June–with the nation facing escalating gas prices and a host of other problems, Frist said his agenda will focus on securing the country and its values. "That union between a man and a woman is the cornerstone of our society. It is under attack today... [by] activist judges, unelected activist judges," he said. The proposed amendment would bar same-sex couples from marrying, block courts and state legislatures allowing gay marriage, nullify marriages already performed in Massachusetts–the only state in the country where they are currently legal–and according to critics possibly block civil unions and override domestic partner laws. The amendment was introduced by Senator Wayne Allard and reads: "Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. Neither this Constitution, nor the constitution of any State, shall be construed to require that marriage or the legal incidents thereof be conferred upon any union other than the union of a man and a woman." The second sentence, which could be used to broaden the scope to include civil unions and partner benefits, could be removed before the issue comes to a full Senate vote. Some GOP amendment supporters have indicated they would vote against the measure if the sentence remains. The proposed amendment is almost identical to one which failed to get enough votes in 2004.