Bush fury at gay marriage ruling

The Australian -- George W. Bush interrupted his visit to Britain yesterday to condemn a court ruling that gay couples have the right to marry, and vowed to push for a constitutional amendment to "defend the sanctity of marriage".

"Marriage is a sacred institution between a man and a woman," the US President said.

"Today's decision of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court violates this important principle. I will work with congressional leaders and others to do what is legally necessary to defend the sanctity of marriage."

Democrat presidential frontrunner Howard Dean -- who as Vermont governor established civil unions for same-sex couples -- warned that the decision should not be used to divide Americans.

"Instead, this decision should be viewed as an opportunity to affirm what binds us together -- a fundamental belief in the equality of human beings, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation," Mr Dean said.

"One way or another, the state should afford same-sex couples equal treatment under the law in areas such as health insurance, hospital visitation and inheritance rights."