Monday, March 1, 2004 Opinion 4A Zac Peskowitz is sad that history isn't ending Freshman Brent Petway charges up the Wolverines ... Sports, 8B Weather Arts 8A The Daily reviews Mel Gibson's controversial film "The Passion." K:52 LW-41 TOMORROW: One-hundred-thirteen years ofeditorialfreedom www~michigandaily.com Ann Arbor, Michigan Vol. CXIII, No. 102 ©2004 The Michigan Daily Students blast Bush's call for amendment By Mona Rafeeq Daily Staff Reporter Leaders of the gay community on campus expressed distress about President Bush's announcement last week in support of a proposed constitutional amendment banning gay marriages, saying they hope the judicial branch will uphold the rights of gay people. Kelly Garrett, assistant director of the Univer- sity's Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Affairs, said gay marriage has become more of a forefront issue since the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled in Novem- ber that banning gay marriage is inconsistent with the state constitution. But Garret said she thinks the judicial branch has been instrumental in reversing discriminatory practices. "Throughout history, judges have been called upon to help resolve discriminatory practices, (as in) Brown v. Board of Education, and I'm sure that many people during that time period viewed certain decisions by judges in favor of desegrega- tion as 'too liberal,' " Garrett said. Genevieve Vose, co-chair of OUTlaws, a group for gay Law School students, said the job of the courts is to protect persecuted minorities who otherwise are not protected in the political process. "That isn't limited to sexual orientation - if we didn't have brave courts, this country wouldn't have even begun to combat racial and gender inequality," said Vose, a Law School student. Bush said in a speech last Tuesday that an amendment was needed "to prevent the meaning of marriage from being changed forever." "Today I call upon the Congress to promptly pass, and to send to the states for ratification, an amendment to our Constitution defining and pro- tecting marriage as a union of man and woman as husband and wife," he said. Bush added that states should be left the abili- ty to define other legal arrangements for gay couples. Other University students also expressed strong views about the issue of gay marriage and a con- stitutional amendment. "I think an amendment like that is unnecessary. It is none of the government's business to take away people's rights to choose who to get married to," said LSA sophomore Diane Cederberg. David Morley, also an LSA sophomore, said the decision about who has marriage rights should be left up to the individual. "If a priest doesn't want to marry a couple based on their religious beliefs outlawing same-sex mar- riage, then that should be okay, and the couple can go to another priest or cleric or official who does believe in gay marriage,"he said. One student, Kinesiology junior Hallie Farber, said the decision on gay marriage should not be controlled by the government, but that the public See GAY MARRIAGE, Page 7A San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, at right with back to camera, gets a warm welcome as he holds a town hall meeting at James Lick Middle School after permitting the city to grant thousands of gay marriage licenses. In response to the licenses and a Massachusetts court ruling last year legalizing gay marriages, President Bush announced he supports a constitutional amendment to define marriage as between a man and a woman. 'The King' reigns supreme on Oscar night By Zach Mabee and Adam Rottenberg Daily Artsditors The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sci- ences has, for the 76th time, issued its verdict on the year's finest films and cinematic achieve- ments. As always, the field was diverse, show- casing mega-studio blockbusters, overachieving independent triumphs and everything in- between. Some winners were expected, others were astonishing surprises, including Annie Lennox's undeserving Oscar for Best Original Song; in any case, certain films that competed for the golden statuettes were certainly bred for star- dom. Yet the final trip to Middle Earth stood tall over its competition, steamrolling everything in its path. Billy Crystal returned to host the festivities ELECTIONS '04 Bush starts campaign withi Kerry criticism, By Jameel Naqvi Daily Staff Reporter and started things off with one of his trademark skits. The mock trailer, running through the major films of the year and highlighted by a Michael Moore cameo, signaled the return to form for the sagging awards show. Further con- tinuing the Crystal tradition, he sang about the nominees in his monologue and provided witty commentary throughout the evening. Tim Robbins began the evening as the first major winner, picking up hardware for Best Sup- porting Actor for his work in "Mystic River." Robbins's victory signaled a trend that would continue for the rest of the night, actors winning for their bodies of work, not just the film up for the award. Renee Zellweger's subsequent win confirmed the theory, as her performance in "Cold Mountain" didn't garner nearly as much critical acclaim as her work in "Chicago." A heartfelt tribute to funnyman and perennial Academy Awards host Bob Hope played to the crowd. Later, Oscar paid tribute to director Blake Edwards with an honorary statuette for his films, which includes such classics as "The Pink Panther" and "Breakfast at Tiffany's." He accept- ed the award in comedic, yet emotional fashion, leaving the audience in wait. Continuing with tributes for the night, the late Katherine Hepburn received a video package highlighting her body of work. Finally, Gregory Peck received a posthumous tribute, showcasing his vast talents with clips from his movies. One of the most deserving recipients of night, Sofia Coppola, found Oscar gold for her beauti- ful screenplay for "Lost in Translation." Unfor- tunately, however, it would be the only award her near-masterpiece would win. Best Actress went to Charlize Theron, the expected frontrunner, for her portrayal of a les- bian serial killer in "Monster." However, the See OSCARS, Page 7A U.S. Mannes arrive in Haiti as leader resigns Anticipating John Kerry as the even- tual Democratic nominee, President Bush's campaign has begun the assault on its probable rival. The Kerry and Bush campaigns are becoming the dominant forces on the political field, to the detriment of now- longshot Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina. Sen. Kerry of Massachusetts is expected to sweep the 10 state nomi- nating contests being held during tomorrow's "Super Tuesday," when 1,151 delegates to the Democratic National Convention will be at stake. Bush will launch his first wave of TV ads this Thursday. "We've entered a phase of the race where we fully expect a two-man race between Bush and Senator Kerry," said Bush campaign spokesman Kevin Madden. na Rneh mnra thinl u 4ilpd ntnk n U.N Security Council approves deployment ofpeaceeepingforce durnng emergency meeting PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) - President Jean-Bertrand Aristide resigned and flew into exile yesterday, pressured by a bloody rebellion and the United States. Gunfire crackled as the capital fell into chaos, and U.S. Marines arrived in the country. The contingent totaled fewer than 100 Marines and more were to arrive today. They were the van- guard of a multinational force that the U.N. Secu- rity Council approved late yesterday night, and France said it would send troops today. "The government believes it is essential that Haiti have a hopeful future. This is the beginning of a new chapter," President Bush said at the White House. "I would urge the people of Haiti to reject violence, to give this break from the past a chance to work. And the United States is prepared to help." Aristide's whereabouts were uncertain late yes- terday, with officials saying his jet stopped to refuel in the Caribbean island nation of Antigua. A senior Caribbean Community official said Aristide told him during the refueling stop he was bound for South Africa. After word spread of the president's departure, angry Aristide supporters roamed the streets armed with old rifles, pistols, machetes and sticks. Some fired wildly into crowds on the Champs de Mars, the main square in front of the National Palace. The head of Haiti's supreme court said he was taking charge of the government, and a key rebel leader said he welcomed the arrival of foreign troops. "I think the worst is over, and we're waiting for the international forces. They will have our full cooperation," Guy Philippe told CNN. The crisis has been brewing since Aristide's party swept flawed legislative elections in 2000, prompting international donors to freeze millions of dollars in aid. Opponents also accused Aristide of breaking promises to help the poor, allowing corruption fueled by drug trafficking and masterminding attacks on opponents by armed gangs - charges the president denied. The discontent erupted into violence 3 1/2 See HAITI, Page 2A Haitians roam the streets in front of the National Palace in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, yesterday, after President Jean-Bertrand Aristide resigned and flew into exile. LSA-SG considers language-requirement changes A---+---+ 11 By Krmistn PDvbvlski xnIoratorv nrocess for students. can inrorm aaministrators or student wisnes deparunents.