If the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court didn't guarantee that gay marriage would be an issue in this year's presidential campaign, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom (D.) has. Last week, with Newsom's approval, San Francisco authorities processed more than 2,600 gay marriages in defiance of California state law.
On February 18, President Bush was asked if the events in San Francisco made him more inclined to support a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.
"I strongly believe that marriage should be defined as between a man and a woman," said Bush. "I am troubled by activist judges who are defining marriage. I have watched carefully what's happening in San Francisco, where licenses were being issued even though the state law says otherwise. I have consistently stated that I'll support law to protect marriage between a man and a woman. And, obviously, these events are influencing my decision."
A senior White House official told the Washington Times San Francisco's actions had moved the President toward making an announcement about a Federal Marriage Amendment "sooner rather than later."
Previously, a senior White House official told a group of conservative leaders that the President will endorse the marriage amendment sponsored by Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R.-Colo.).
Meanwhile, Democratic Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, the President's likely opponent, has tried to have it both ways on the marriage issue. He has repeatedly said he opposes gay marriage, but has voted, acted and spoken in ways that advance the gay-marriage cause. Here is a sampling of Kerry's record on the issue.
Does John F. Kerry Support Gay Marriage . . .
"While I continue to oppose gay marriage, I believe that today's decision calls on the Massachusetts state legislature to take action to ensure equal protection for gay couples. These protections are long overdue."
in support of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
ruling forcing the legal acceptance
of same-sex marriage. Nov. 18, 2003.
"We believe it would be a grave error for Massachusetts to enshrine in our Constitution a provision, which would have such a negative effect on so many of our fellow residents. . . .The proposal to add to that document-essentially a charter of liberty and democracy-a provision as harsh both in its intent and its effect on our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered constituents is in conflict with the generous spirit that motivated its adoption, and that should continue to govern us today. In addition, as legislators, we believe it would be a terrible mistake to write into our Constitution so sweeping a proposal with the likelihood that it will prevent not only the state government, but also the cities, towns and counties from acting as they might wish to provide some form of recognition for same-sex relationships. We are therefore united in urging you to reject this constitutional amendment and avoid stigmatizing so many of our fellow citizens who do not deserve to be treated in such a manner."
signed by Sen. John F. Kerry,
opposing a state constitutional amendment defining
marriage as a union between one man
and one woman. July 12, 2002.
"We're genuinely thankful that Kerry and Kennedy voted with us on both issues and led the fight against the radical right on both DOMA (the Defense of Marriage Act) and ENDA (the Employment Non-Discrimination Act). Kerry and Kennedy both strongly advocated for our community on this issue."
Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Caucus.
October 31, 1996.
"Obviously, the results of this bill will not be to preserve anything, but will serve to attack a group of people out of various motives and rationales, and certainly out of a lack of understanding and a lack of tolerance, and will only serve the purposes of the political season. . . . Nearly 30 years ago, this country and this body heard similar arguments against striking state laws criminalizing interracial marriage. . . .It is hard to believe that this bill is anything other than a thinly veiled attempt to score political debating points by scapegoating gay and lesbian Americans. That is politics at its worst...
"In the past few years, legislative attacks on gay people have increased in frequency and scope. . . .
"This bill does not bring people together. In fact, it does the exact opposite. It divides Americans. It is a stark reminder that all citizens who play by the rules, who pay their taxes and who contribute to the economic, social and political vibrancy of this great melting pot do not have equal rights....
"This is an unconstitutional, unprecedented, unnecessary and mean-spirited bill. I urge my colleagues to oppose it."
floor speech against the Defense of Marriage Act,
which defined marriage as a union
between one man and one woman,
and exempted states from recognizing gay marriages
sealed in other states. Sept. 10, 1996.
. . . Or Does John F. Kerry Oppose Gay Marriage?
"I oppose gay marriage and disagree with the Massachusetts Court's decision."
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's reaffirmation
of its earlier decision to force legal acceptance of
same-sex marriage. Feb. 4, 2004.
"I personally believe the court is not right. I support equal rights, and the right of people to have civil union, equal partnership rights. I don't support marriage. I never have. That's my position."
Feb. 5, 2004.
"I am not for same-sex marriage. I have said that publicly. I would not vote for same-sex marriage. I do not believe that this vote is specifically about defending marriage in America. I am going to vote against this bill."
floor speech against the Defense of Marriage Act, which defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman. Sept. 10, 1996.
