San Francisco Mayor Exults in Move on Gay Marriage | NYT

[Ediacara]

San Francisco Mayor Exults in Move on Gay Marriage
By DEAN E. MURPHY

Published: February 19, 2004


Peter DaSilva for The New York Times
Mayor Gavin Newsom in his office 42
days after becoming San Francisco's
mayor and one week after allowing
same-sex marriages. He said he based
his decision on equality guarantees
in the State Constitution.

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 18 — Mayor Gavin Newsom, the man behind San Francisco's week-old policy allowing same-sex marriages, sported a wide grin on Wednesday.

Opponents of the policy had fared poorly in the courts, and the line of gay and lesbian couples waiting for marriage licenses at City Hall remained long and boisterous.

Beneath the smile, the mayor, 42 days into his job, was feeling the weight of his decision to place the city and his young career at the center of a heated national debate.

In Washington, President Bush told reporters that he was "troubled by what I've seen" in San Francisco. Some of Mr. Newsom's supporters were worried that he had veered off course. Even some same-sex couples in line for marriage licenses questioned Mr. Newsom's motives.

More at the New York Times

[Erika]

1. He has Guts

It is time for gay/lesbian couples to have their day. They lead decent lives, pay taxes, and are good Americans. They deserve marriage if they wish it, just like any other couple.

[JoFerret]

12. Gotta love that guy for his simple

moral formula - if it's OK and beneficial for me and my wife then it should be the same for others. That's all you need. Simple ethical matter of fairness.

[mot78]

2. Just two months ago he was one of the most hated people on DU

Now he's St. Newsom. I think the DUers who called him a DINO should apologize.

[aquart]

4. I don't know a thing about him.

But a Dem with a spine is a thing of beauty.

Why didn't people like him?

[patmacsf]

5. The Green party opposed him.

Here in San Francisco, the Democratic party is overrun with socialists and greens who pose as democrats. Because candidate Newsom had the nerve to propose solutions to the homeless problem that cut out the homless-perpetuation industry (i.e. socialists and greens) they went into a tizzy and decided to oppose him.

Well, that's the tip of their hatred for this Democratic mayor ....

[phrenzy]

8. One word.

Umm, I have one word regarding why I opposed him.

GENTRIFICATION

I don't want anymore fucking corporate named crap in my city. There are different approaches to the homeless problem. His was just one.

And, man, aren't you original with your 'Socialist' card?

Give me a break. I am a Democrat all the way down the line. But, San Francisco is NOT the place to turn over to some 'moderate' corporate whore.

I'm not saying this is what Gavin IS, I'm saying Matt made it much more clear that he would NOT be.

Willie Brown let it run rampant, I hope he doesn't. I am really hoping he comes through. I know Matt Gonzalez would have.

[phrenzy]

7. I Apologize.

I am man enough to admit it. I wanted Gonzalez in there. And while I'm not convinced that Gonzales wouldn't also champion this cause, I will admit that I was wrong about Newsom. I thought he was just Willie Brown in the "American Psycho's" body. But, goddamn, if he isn't taking the fight to the enemy.

All the other crap in the city pales in comparison to the courageous stand he is taking - and it has national and even world-wide impact.

So I apologize for thinking he was a DINO.

However, I still think he looks like Christian Bale in American Psycho and his hot wife looks like a yuppie arm candy barbie doll. (damn she's hot though - and yes I know she's a very good prosecutor)

[Dr Fate]

11. I supported & voted for Newsome!

So glad I stuck with DEMS!!!!

[the_red_pill]

3. Bold

I hope that his career doesn't suffer too much because of it. I like his approach to problems, not just for equality but for unsolved homicide cases, homeless issues, budget problems...he agreed to a salary cut and that got others to take cuts as well.

[patmacsf]

6. Trust me, this is a win-win for the Mayor

This man will suffer no negatives here in San Francisco or Northern California. Not only did he reengage the 50% of the gay vote that went to his Green party rival in the mayoral runoff of last December, he single-handedly has added about $500,000.00 to the city's coffers from license and ceremony fees. Not to mention the small boon to business in the city from the out of towners flocking here to marry, buying rings, flowers, photographs, etc.

Don't be surprised to be hearing more and more from this guy in the future of California politics.

[countmyvote4real]

10. Good point about the license fees.

As an outsider I've been wondering if the fees would be refundable if the license was voided by the courts. I'm guessing: not.

Still, I applaud the SF mayor, judges and clerks that have allowed this rebellion to go on. Now it will go on and on until equal is equal or it's not.

[AndyTiedye]

9. Mr. Newsom Has Just Won Over Some of Those Who Opposed Him

and probably pissed off some of the conservatives who voted for him -- Good for Him!

[newyawker99]

13. Hi the_red_pill!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast: