Policy statements from each of the candidates on same sex marriage rights (HRC)

[Mark Twain Girl]

Well, I am the lurking type, and in order to be drawn out of my lurking ways, it takes an issue I feel very strong about. In light of the debate tonight, I went to the HRC site at:

http://www.hrc.org/Template.cfm?Section=Home&CONTENTID=36930&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm

The candidates' questionnaires are linked here, and they contain many policy statements that might be helpful to folks. The complete report card on that page rates everyone the same on overall issues with the exception of equal marriage rights. So, I went through the questionnaire and pulled everyone's statement on marriage rights for same sex couples, listed below.

I have only one editorial comment -- I'm feeling love for Dennis Kucinich and Mike Gravel tonight. :)

Here is the question at hand (though there are other important issues in the questionnaire, as well):

6. Currently, only Massachusetts recognizes equal marriage rights for same sex couples. Do you believe the civil institution of marriage (with absolutely no requirements imposed on religious institutions) should be made legally available to two committed adults of the same sex? 

If you do not believe that civil marriage for same?sex couples should be made available to same?sex couples on the same basis as opposite sex couples, is there any legal construct you do embrace that would extend legal recognition to same sex couples?

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Hillary Clinton -- Opposes equal marriage rights for same sex couples

The question of marriage is one that historically has been left to the states. I opposed the so-called “Family Marriage Amendment” because this issue has no place in the Constitution.

I believe gay and lesbian couples should have the same rights and responsibilities as all Americans and that civil unions are the best way to achieve this goal. As president, I will work to ensure that all Americans in committed relationships have equal benefits – from health insurance and life insurance, property rights, and more.

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Barack Obama -- Opposes equal marriage rights for same sex couples

I believe civil unions should include the same legal rights that accompany a marriage license. I support the notion that all people – gay or straight – deserve the same rights and responsibilities to assist their loved ones in times of emergency, deserve equal health insurance and other employment benefits currently extended to traditional married couples, and deserve the same property rights as anyone else.

However, I do not support gay marriage. Marriage has religious and social connotations, and I consider marriage to be between a man and a woman. If I was President, however, I would oppose any effort to stifle a state’s ability to decide this question on its own. Whether it was a Constitutional amendment banning gay marriage or a bill like the Defense of Marriage Act, I would oppose such efforts. I think the President should do all he or she can to advance strong families. Whatever the make-up of the family, it is the President’s role to provide policies and leadership that enable the family to thrive.

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John Edwards -- Opposes equal marriage rights for same sex couples

I believe that couples in committed, long?term relationships should have the same rights, benefits, and responsibilities, whether they are straight couples or same?sex couples. I support civil unions to guarantee gay and lesbian couples the same rights as straight couples, including inheritance rights, hospital visitation rights, equal pension and health care benefits, and all of the 1,100 other legal protections government affords married couples. I support the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act provision that prevents the federal government from recognizing same?sex relationships. Gay marriage is an issue I feel internal conflict about and I continue to struggle with it. However, I believe the right president could lead the country toward consensus around equal rights and benefits for all couples in committed, long?term relationships.

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Bill Richardson -- Opposes equal marriage rights for same sex couples

I am on record supporting domestic partnerships in New Mexico. As a matter of fact, when the regular legislative session adjourned this last session in 2007, I called a special session of the legislature and placed domestic partnerships legislation on the agenda, among other matter. Unfortunately, the legislature was unable to reach an agreement, but I remain committed to the legal recognition of domestic partnerships.

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Joe Biden -- Didn't answer the questionnaire directly, but made a statement

Senator Biden believes that government has an obligation to ensure that individuals are free from discrimination and that fundamental principle – that freedom and justice should be equally applied to each American – has guided his actions throughout his service as a United States Senator. Senator Biden supports letting states determine how to recognize civil unions and how to define marriage. He believes that legal recognition should not be denied to same-sex couples.

Senator Biden supported protecting the District of Columbia’s domestic partnership law allowing unmarried couples, including same-sex couples, to register as domestic partners and encouraging businesses in the District to provide health and other benefits to partners. Many states, local governments and private companies have adopted policies that extend employment-related benefits to domestic partners. Senator Biden believes that we need to re-examine federal laws, including the federal tax code, to ensure that our national
laws do not impose unfair burdens or obstacles to the provision of employee and other benefits.

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Chris Dodd -- Opposes equal marriage rights for same sex couples

Above all, I believe in fairness as a fundamental American value. While I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman, I believe with all of my heart that same-sex couples must be afforded all the rights and obligations of heterosexual couples – in the home, in the workplace, in our military, and in retirement. That is why I strongly support civil unions. I am proud to be from Connecticut, a state that has voluntarily enacted legislation authorizing civil unions. I believe that such legislation should contain the strongest language possible to ensure that same sex couples receive the same protections under the law.

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Dennis Kucinich -- Supports equal marriage rights for same sex couples :)

I believe that equality of opportunity should be afforded to all Americans regardless of race, color, creed, sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. For that reason I support the right of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons to have the full protections and rights afforded under civil law including the right to marry the person of their choice. The decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to recognize and uphold this civil right is a victory not just for gay and lesbian citizens who have been denied their civil rights and relegated to second?class status. It is a victory for all Americans who believe, as I do, that the promise of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights should be upheld for everyone.

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Mike Gravel -- He supports equal marriage rights for same sex couples, though he offers no comments. :)

[Poll_Blind]

1. Cool! I was just hoping for something like this in another thread.

Thanks!

PB