I very much feel that marriage is a sacrament and that sacrament should extend... to that legal entity of a union between what traditionally in our Western values has been defined as between a man and a woman.

The quote, "I very much feel that marriage is a sacrament and that sacrament should extend... to that legal entity of a union between what traditionally in our Western values has been defined as between a man and a woman," comes from Bill Frist, an American politician and former U.S. Senator from Tennessee. Frist, who served as the Senate Majority Leader, has often commented on issues relating to social values, religion, and public policy. In this quote, Frist is expressing his belief that marriage is not just a legal contract, but also a sacred institution, and that its definition, in the context of Western values, should remain between a man and a woman.

Frist emphasizes the sacramental nature of marriage, which suggests that he views it through a religious or spiritual lens, as something that holds deep significance beyond the legal realm. In this sense, the sacrament of marriage is seen as a divine or sacred union that should be protected and maintained according to traditional values. His argument reflects the belief held by many that marriage, particularly in the context of Christian teachings, is a union between a man and a woman, and this should not be altered.

In this statement, Frist is aligning his views with those who argue that same-sex marriage should not be legalized, asserting that the traditional definition of marriage is essential to preserving societal values. His use of the term "sacrament" underscores the religious significance he places on marriage, suggesting that it should not be redefined in ways that conflict with traditional religious and cultural beliefs. By invoking Western values, he is positioning his stance within the broader context of societal norms that have historically defined marriage as a heterosexual institution.

Ultimately, Frist’s quote encapsulates a viewpoint often found in debates surrounding same-sex marriage—that marriage, as both a legal and religious institution, should be limited to the union between a man and a woman. It reflects the ongoing cultural and political tension between traditional views on marriage and the evolving legal and social recognition of same-sex relationships.