Election '04
Gay marriage
Bush: Proposes constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. Has continued former President Clinton’s policy allowing gays to serve in military if they are not open about their homosexuality.
Kerry: Opposes gay marriage but also opposes constitutional amendment against it; supports right to civil unions. Would ban job discrimination against homosexuals, extend hate-crime protections to gays, and let gays serve openly in the military.
In their own words
Kerry: "I'm running for President to make the country we love safer, stronger, and more secure. I'm asking every American to be a Citizen Soldier again committed to leaving no American behind."
Bush: “My campaign is going to take a hopeful and optimistic message to the American people. I hope you will show your support by taking action in your community. Vice President Cheney and I are focused on the nation's top priorities -- strengthening the economy, protecting the homeland, and winning the war on terror. We will continue to earn the confidence of the American people by working to keep this nation prosperous, strong and secure.”
Abortion
Bush: Would only support it in cases of rape or incest or when a woman’s life is endangered. He signed bill to ban a procedure that opponents call partial-birth abortion.
Kerry: Is a staunch pro-choice advocate and would nominate only Supreme Court justices who support abortion rights. He voted against partial-birth ban. Kerry also believes that the government should promote family planning and health plans should assure women contraceptive coverage.
Bush: Proposes constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. Has continued former President Clinton’s policy allowing gays to serve in military if they are not open about their homosexuality.
Kerry: Opposes gay marriage but also opposes constitutional amendment against it; supports right to civil unions. Would ban job discrimination against homosexuals, extend hate-crime protections to gays, and let gays serve openly in the military.
In their own words
Kerry: "I'm running for President to make the country we love safer, stronger, and more secure. I'm asking every American to be a Citizen Soldier again committed to leaving no American behind."
Bush: “My campaign is going to take a hopeful and optimistic message to the American people. I hope you will show your support by taking action in your community. Vice President Cheney and I are focused on the nation's top priorities -- strengthening the economy, protecting the homeland, and winning the war on terror. We will continue to earn the confidence of the American people by working to keep this nation prosperous, strong and secure.”
Abortion
Bush: Would only support it in cases of rape or incest or when a woman’s life is endangered. He signed bill to ban a procedure that opponents call partial-birth abortion.
Kerry: Is a staunch pro-choice advocate and would nominate only Supreme Court justices who support abortion rights. He voted against partial-birth ban. Kerry also believes that the government should promote family planning and health plans should assure women contraceptive coverage.