Gay Marriage is back in the spotlight, which view due you Support Democrats Obama or the Republican Mitt Romeny
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By WSJ Staff
Vice President Joe Biden’s comments on Sunday appearing to endorse gay marriage have put the issue back in the spotlight, although his office and the White House trying to play down the notion that his comments represented a chance in stance. Mr. Biden’s boss, President Barack Obama, has long said he supports legal protections for gay men and lesbians but opposes same-sex marriage, with the caveat that his stance is “evolving.” On Monday, Education Secretary Arne Duncan said he supports gay marriage.
As Peter Nicholas reported, polls show the political risk of embracing same sex-marriage is fading. But Republicans in past presidential races have used to mobilize their conservative base and Mr. Obama has tried to avoid making news on the issue.
So what exactly did Mr. Biden say? Here are his comments, according to the transcript from NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
DAVID GREGORY: You raise social policy. I’m curious. You know, the president has said that his views on gay marriage, on same-sex marriage have evolved. But he’s opposed to it. You’re opposed to it. Have your views– evolved?
VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN: Look– I just think– that– the good news is that as more and more Americans become to understand what this is all about is a simple proposition. Who do you love? Who do you love? And will you be loyal to the person you love? And that’s what people are finding out is what– what all marriages, at their root, are about. Whe– whether they’re– marriages of lesbians or gay men or heterosexuals.
DAVID GREGORY: Is that what you believe now? Are you–
VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN: That’s what I believe.
Romney on Marriage
AgainstI agree with 3,000 years of recorded history. I disagree with the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts. Marriage is an institution between a man and a woman. I will support an amendment to the Massachusetts constitution to make that expressly clear. Of course, basic civil rights, and certain appropriate benefits should be available to people in non-traditional relationships. But marriage is a special institution between a man and a woman, and our Constitution and laws should reflect that.
November 18, 2003: Romney’s statement as Governor of Massachusetts, reacting to the Supreme Judicial Court’s ruling that same-sex marriage is protected in the Massachusetts Constitution.
Romney on Civil Unions<From day one I've opposed the move for same-sex marriage and its equivalent, civil unions
February 21, 2005: Speaking at a Republican rally in South Carolina RepublicansChris Matthews: Do you think there's any difference, really, between a gay marriage and something called a civil union?
26 August, 2005: Hardball with Chris Matthews
Mitt Romney: Well, I would rather have neither, to tell you the truth. I'd rather that domestic partner benefits, such as hospital - hospital visitation rights for same-sex couples. I don't want civil unions or gay marriage. But there is a difference, even when just the word is the difference.And the difference is that, if you indicate as a society that you're indifferent between a same-sex couple marrying and a heterosexual couple marrying, then it means our schools and other institutions are going to have to indicate that there is no difference whatsoever, and that obviously has societal consequences that are important.Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate
Former Governor of Massachusetts
Mitt Romney
Romney position on Same Sex Issues
Romney On LGBT
Romney’s position on the issue of LGBT has undergone an evolution over the course of his 18-year political career, reflecting his personal struggle over the issue – although, for the record, he insists that his stance has always been the same, and cites the changing definition of the term ‘gay rights’ as the source of the misconception.
He was supportive of the LGBT movement’s cause early in his political career, especially during his campaign for theMassachusetts Senate seat in 1994. Following a meeting with the local chapter of the Log Cabin Club, which is the only pro-LGBT Republican organization of note in the country, Romney wrote to the club members’ to reaffirm his commitment to their cause ( original letter ).“I am pleased to have had an opportunity to talk with you and to meet many of you personally during your September meeting. I learned a great deal from those discussions and many thoughtful questions you posed. As a result of our discussions and other interactions with gay and lesbian voters across the state, I am more convinced than ever before that as we seek to establish full equality for America's gay and lesbian citizens, I will provide more effective leadership than my opponent.
In an appearance on Piers Morgan Tonight last year, Romney outlined his views on the subject, making a clear distinction between his faith and politics.
I am not unaware of my opponents considerable record in the area of civil rights, or the commitment of Massachusetts voters to the principle of equality for all Americans. For some voters it might be enough for me to simply match my opponent's record in this area. But I believe we can and must do better. If we are to achieve the goals we share, we must make equality for gays and lesbians a mainstream concern. My opponent cannot do this. I can and will.”Morgan : What is the gay right that you’re in favor of?
June 7, 2011: Romney on Piers Morgan Tonight
Romney : Equal rights in employment, equal rights in, I mean, for instance, as the Governor, I had members of my team that were gay. I appointed a couple of judges who apparently I find out were gay. Look, I didn’t ask people their sexual orientation
Morgan : Does your faith mean that you view homosexuality as a sin?
Romney : I separate quite distinctly matters of personal faith from the leadership that one has in a political sense.
Morgan : Can you do that?
Romney : Absolutely.
Morgan : Seriously?
Romney : You don’t begin to apply the doctrine of religion to responsibility for guiding a nation or guiding a state.
Morgan : But what is the Mormon position on homosexuality being a sin?
Romney : You know, that’s something you can take up with the church. I’m not a spokesman for my church. I’m not a spokesman for my church, and one thing I’m not gonna do in running for president is become a spokesman for my church, or apply a religious test which simply is forbidden by the constitution. I’m not going there.
Add a comment aboveSort ByOpinions- Zuggi 2012/05/07 17:59:09I think gays should have the same rights to get Marriage
Basic equal rights.reply - Sister Jean 2012/05/07 17:16:24None of the aboveminereply
- Mr. Rock "n" Roll 2012/05/07 17:12:56None of the aboveIt's not really a big issue. They gay vote is very small and will make little difference in the outcome of this election. After all the laws pertaining to marriage are controlled by the individual states not the federal government so what Biden, Obama or Romney think means very little if nothing.reply
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I think gays should have the same rights to get Marriagei THINK EVERY ONE IN AMERICA SHOULD BE TREATED EQUAL AND THAT GOES FOR GAY MARRIAGES TOO.
reply - sjalan 2012/05/07 17:04:57I think gays should have the same rights to get MarriageBeen arguing this point for too long now to change.reply
