Note that he is taking a bolder take on homosexual marriage:

"Marriage is a union between a man and a woman, and my Administration is working to support the institution of marriage by helping couples build successful marriages and be good parents.

Presidential Documents

[[Page 58257]]

Proclamation 7714 of October 3, 2003

Marriage Protection Week, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Marriage is a sacred institution, and its protection is
essential to the continued strength of our society.
Marriage Protection Week provides an opportunity to
focus our efforts on preserving the sanctity of
marriage and on building strong and healthy marriages
in America.

Marriage is a union between a man and a woman, and my
Administration is working to support the institution of
marriage by helping couples build successful marriages
and be good parents.

To encourage marriage and promote the well-being of
children, I have proposed a healthy marriage initiative
to help couples develop the skills and knowledge to
form and sustain healthy marriages. Research has shown
that, on average, children raised in households headed
by married parents fare better than children who grow
up in other family structures. Through education and
counseling programs, faith-based, community, and
government organizations promote healthy marriages and
a better quality of life for children. By supporting
responsible child-rearing and strong families, my
Administration is seeking to ensure that every child
can grow up in a safe and loving home.

We are also working to make sure that the Federal
Government does not penalize marriage. My tax relief
package eliminated the marriage penalty. And as part of
the welfare reform package I have proposed, we will do
away with the rules that have made it more difficult
for married couples to move out of poverty.

We must support the institution of marriage and help
parents build stronger families. And we must continue
our work to create a compassionate, welcoming society,
where all people are treated with dignity and respect.

During Marriage Protection Week, I call on all
Americans to join me in expressing support for the
institution of marriage with all its benefits to our
people, our culture, and our society.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim the week of October 12
through October 18, 2003, as Marriage Protection Week.
I call upon the people of the United States to observe
this week with appropriate programs, activities, and
ceremonies.

[[Page 58258]]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
third day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand three, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.

(Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 03-25652
Filed 10-7-03; 8:45 am]

Billing code 3195-01-P