THE T-WORD

Bush just used it.

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush said Wednesday he was "troubled" by gay weddings in San Francisco and by legal decisions in Massachusetts that could clear the way for same-sex marriage. But he declined to say whether he is any closer to backing a constitutional ban on such vows.

"I have watched carefully what's happening in San Francisco, where licenses were being issued, even though the law states otherwise," Bush said. "I have consistently stated that I'll support law to protect marriage between a man and a woman. Obviously these events are influencing my decision."

"I am watching very carefully, but I am troubled by what I've seen," Bush said.

He didn't answer directly when asked whether he is any closer to endorsing a constitutional ban on same-sex marriages, as conservative groups say the White House has assured them Bush will do.

"I strongly believe marriage should be defined as between a man and a woman," Bush said during an Oval Office session with Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. "I am troubled by activist judges who are defining marriage."

"People need to be involved in this decision," Bush said. "Marriage ought to be defined by the people not by the courts. And I'm watching it carefully."

Hmm, the President of Tunisia. How are homosexuals doing there?

status of homosexuality: illegal
age of consent: 20
laws covering homosexual activity: Article 230 [of the Penal Code of 1913 (largely modified in 1964)] decrees imprisonment of up to three years for sodomy between consenting adults. (Arno Schmitt and Jehoeda Sofer - "Sexuality and Eroticism Among Males in Moslem Societies") ILGA

The Pink Book states that Article 230 covers both women and men.

transgender rights
December 22, 1993: The Appeal Court of Tunis dismissed the request of a transsexual to change his civil status...

background information and government attitudes: one gay man is known to have been granted asylum in 1996/7 by the US (GLAS)

So Bush is "troubled" by the granting of marriage licenses to same-sex couples, including couples that had been together for upwards of fifty years, who were in positive relationships based on love, and wanted the simple decency of equal treatment under the United States Constitution?

Yet Bush is not "troubled" to make this comment while sitting next to the leader of a country where homosexuality is flat-out illegal?

This is a man with a well-developed moral compass?

UPDATE: O-Dub has an interesting take on this.