Romney defends traditional marriage

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NEW YORK -- Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney last night defended traditional marriage, highlighting an issue that has remained largely unmentioned during the Republican National Convention.

"We step forward by expressing tolerance and respect for all God's children, regardless of their difference and choices," Mr. Romney said. "At the same time, because every child deserves a mother and a father, we step forward by recognizing that marriage is between a man and a woman."

Mr. Romney was propelled into the national spotlight after the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled last year that the state must issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

In May, the state began doing so, a move Mr. Romney staunchly opposed. The state legislature, with the governor's backing, has taken the first step to pass a constitutional amendment undoing the court's ruling.

His comments received a solid but brief ovation, but some delegates thought mentioning same-sex "marriage" was the wrong move.

Nancy Luther, a Massachusetts delegate, said the reference was "not necessary" and that "the majority of voters in Massachusetts say it's not an issue with them."

Despite the belief of many conservatives that the marriage issue could be the silver bullet for President Bush, it has not been a prominent part of the message at the convention.

Still, it did arise twice on Tuesday during speeches by Sen. Elizabeth Dole, North Carolina Republican, and Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele.

Mrs. Dole defended the definition of marriage as something ordained by God: "Marriage between a man and a woman isn't something Republicans invented, but it is something Republicans will defend."

Mr. Steele, who has previously said the same-sex "marriage" debate is a distraction from more important issues, took aim at the record of the Democratic presidential nominee, Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, pointing out that he was one of 13 senators who voted against the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996.