Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) says the country needs to reflect on the importance of marriage. (0:19).

 

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Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) says that popular culture has made alternative lifestyles more tolerable, adding that views on marriage have become an “Evolving Attitude”. (0:15).

 

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U.S. Representative Mike Pence (R-Ind.) states that marriage must be protected because it is the only safe environment for a child to be raised in and is important to the survival of America. (0:25)

 

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A discussion at the Brookings Institute regarding gay marriage was held with participants David Blankenhorn, President of the Institute for American Values, and Jonathan Rauch, author of the book “Gay Marriage: Why It is Good for Gays, Good for Straights and Good for America.”

Blankenhorn and Rauch presented their proposal of legalizing gay marriage. The proposal works as a compromise between the advocates of gay marriage and the religious groups that oppose it.

“Congress would bestow the status of federal civil unions on same-sex marriage and civil unions granted at the state level, thereby conferring upon them most or all of the federal benefits and rights of marriage. But there would be a condition: Washington would recognize only those unions licensed in states with robust religious-conscience exceptions, which provide that religious organizations need not recognize same-sex unions against their will,” Rauch explained.

Blankenhorn further discussed the danger of viewing the different opinions as wrong and using bad faith. He explained that to solve this delicate issue, a compromise is necessary.

Rauch also emphasized the importance of legalizing gay marriage, but leaving the religious groups the possibility to choose for themselves. He referred to this as the compromise, and by enforcing this proposal, civil rights will be protected.

Today at Talk Radio News, the Washington Bureau will be covering Vice President Joe Biden’s announcement for funding to be given to Amtrak, a discussion on “A Year After the March 2008 Protests: Is China Promoting Stability in Tibet?,” a news conference on respiratory and immune disorders, a discussion “Iran: Internal Social and Political Dynamics,” a discussion on “Same-Sex Marriage and Religious Liberty: A Reconciliation,” and a book discussion on “Life Equity: Realize your true Value and Pursue Your Passions at Any Stage In Life,” with author Representative Marsha Blackburn, (R-Tenn.).

White House Gaggle
Briefer: Dana Perino

President’s Schedule

President Bush had his normal briefings this morning at 8 am. At 1.05 pm, he will participate in a photo op with the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup Champion. He has also has a series of private meetings and policy time at 11 am.

White House Press Secretary Dana Perino will brief the press at 12.15 pm today. (more…)