President Bush declared today his support for a constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage, saying the union of a man and woman is the “most fundamental institution of civilization” and the “preservation of marriage” is an issue of “national importance.”

Bush called upon Congress to “promptly pass, and to send to the states for ratification, an amendment to our Constitution defining and protecting marriage as a union of man and women as husband and wife.”

Speaking to reporters in the Roosevelt Room, Bush said that he was acting because some “activist judges and local officials” had made aggressive efforts to redefine marriage and that “their actions have created confusion on an issue that requires clarity.”

“Marriage cannot be severed from its cultural, religious and natural roots without weakening the good influence of society,” Bush said. “Our nation must enact a constitutional amendment to protect marriage in America.”

A reporter at the press conference asked if is this is an issue that the President wants to raise in the campaign and in attempt to draw a distinction with Senator Kerry, who opposes a constitutional amendment?

“It’s an issue of national importance,” responded White House Press Secretary Scott MeClellan.

Does gay marriage, the union of two people from the same sex, weaken society?.

(via The White House)