AP: Same-sex rite stalls judge nomination

[Eugene]

Alternate AP Headline: Senator holds up judge's nomination over same-sex union views

Posted on Fri, Oct. 06, 2006

Same-sex rite stalls judge nomination
SAM HANANEL and KEN THOMAS
Associated Press

WASHINGTON - A Republican senator is holding up a Michigan judge's nomination
to the federal bench because she reportedly helped lead a commitment ceremony
for a lesbian couple four years ago.

Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas, an opponent of gay marriage who has presidential
aspirations, said Friday he wants to know whether there was anything illegal
or improper about the ceremony in Massachusetts.

He also said he wants to question Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Janet T. Neff
about her views on gay marriage and how her actions might shape her judicial
philosophy.

"It seems to speak about her view of judicial activism," Brownback said. "That's
something I want to inquire of her further."

-snip-

Full article: http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/politics/15696071.htm

Massachusetts does not need your help to defend its laws, Senator.

[MadMaddie]

1. And it never stops....

[TechBear_Seattle]

2. If it was not a legal ceremony, and never presented as a legal ceremony...

And if the judge made it clear to the participants that the ceremony would have legal standing, then no laws were broken (at least, that would be the case in my state of Washington.)

[UTUSN]

3. "BROWNBACK" and "presidential aspirations" in the same sentence: SNARF!!1

[warrens]

4. Sam Brokeback?

You take one look at this guy, and just know that one day he will snap and be found four days later in a fisting club in the meat market area in lower Manhattan. He just has that "certifiable" look about him. Although I really hope he does run...it will make teh GOP primaries a source of endless amusement, and he'll probably drag a couple of viable candidates down with him. He's one sick fuck.

[Phredicles]

5. Until then I'll still call him Sam Brownshirt.

[BigDDem]

6. Any word from Ken Mehlman on this?

Oh never mind, he shies away from these gay issues for some reason.

[Critters2]

7. The Party of Family Values strikes again

No guy politicians in Brownback's party. :eyes:

[Charlie Brown]

8. This was a religious ceremony at a Church

and according to the Constitution, no public official can be put to a test on religious grounds.

End of story.