Anti-Gay AG Quits Bush Administration
by Paul Johnson 365Gay.com from the Web, November 9, 2004
Washington -- Attorney General John Ashcroft informed President Bush Tuesday that he will not serve in the second Bush cabinet.
In a handwritten letter to the President Ashcroft said he felt the administration would be best served with new blood.
Ashcroft has, for months, signaled his desire to leave the Justice Department.
He has struggled with health issues. In March, he was hospitalized for gallstone pancreatitis.
Last month, under Ashcroft's direction, the Department of Justice filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit challenging California's law that prevents same-sex marriage.
He has also been named as a defendant in several Florida lawsuits challenging the Federal Defense of Marriage Act.
Following the landmark court ruling that paved the way for gay marriage in Massachusetts President Bush asked Ashcroft to determine if the DOMA was enough to prevent same-sex couples from gaining federal marriage benefits or if a constitutional amendment would be necessary.
Ashcroft, in an interview on FOX television Sunday he and Justice Department lawyers were working on a number of proposals to block same-sex marriage.
"I agree with the president on this issue. I think he stated his position clearly.
We are exploring a variety of alternatives," Ashcroft told interviewer Britt Hume.
While it is not known what the alternatives were that he gave the President, Bush within weeks was supporting an amendment to the US Constitution.
During his confirmation hearing four years ago Ashcroft said he would not discriminate against federal workers.
"I would not tolerate discrimination against any employee at the Department of Justice based on sexual preference," Ashcroft told the
Senators." I have no intent to ... treat this group differently than any other."
However, last year he moved to block gay workers at Justice from celebrating Pride.
DOJ Pride, the department's voluntary group of gay, lesbian, began observing Gay Pride during the Clinton presidency with a ceremony and reception at the Justice Department.
Last year Ashcroft told the LGBT employees that they would be prohibited from holding their annual event at the department.
Following protests from several members of Congress and gay rights groups he backed down.
Commerce Secretary Donald Evans also announced Tuesday he is stepping down.
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