Bush 'happy' for Cheney's expectant daughter

US President George Bush says he is happy for Mary Cheney, the openly gay daughter of Vice President Dick Cheney, who revealed earlier this month that she is pregnant.

“I think Mary is going to be a loving soul to her child,” Bush said in an interview with People magazine. “And I’m happy for her.”

Bush was asked about Mary Cheney’s pregnancy in light of his previous statements that a child ideally should be raised in a family headed by a married father and mother.

White House press secretary Tony Snow said today that Bush has not changed his mind. “But he also believes that every human life is sacred and that every child who comes into this world deserves love,” Snow said. “And he believes that Mary Cheney’s child will, in fact, have loving parents.”

Asked if Bush believes that children who are raised by gay and lesbian parents are at a disadvantage, Snow said: “He does not make comments on that and nor will I.”

Mary Cheney, 37, and her partner of 15 years, Heather Poe, 45, are expecting a baby in late spring.

A number of conservative groups have expressed dismay at Cheney’s pregnancy.