Kerry supports Constitutional Amendment against Gay Marriage

[Stiofán]

Kerry supports Contitutional Amendment against Gay Marriage (http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2004/02/26/kerry_backs_state_ban_on_gay_marriage/)

Yes, I suppose this thread title is a little mis-leading, well maybe.

Kerry proposes the ban in his <i>state</i> Constitution of Massachusetts.

A couple of questions.

1. Since nothing these guys do is without the election in mind, is he doing this to appear more centrist?

2. Will he catch as much flack from the left for advocating this?

3. Should he?

4. Will he catch as much praise from the right for advocating this?

5. Should he?

6. To you, is this as big a deal as advocating a national Constitutional Amendment?

7. If not, why?

[Coot]

You're making it far too complicated. Kerry is just trying to get Necore's vote.

[Coriolis]

1. Since nothing these guys do is without the election in mind, is he doing this to appear more centrist?
While Kerry is a waffler extraordinaire, this is one issue that he seems to have stuck with over the years, at least in part. He's always (AFAIK) been a supporter of same sex unions, but only recently have we heard his stand on same sex marriage. I'm not sure if he's doing it to be more centrist, but it would certainly make sense from a political standpoint.

2. Will he catch as much flack from the left for advocating this?
I think he'll catch some flack about it, but probably not much, given his support of same sex unions. The article was pretty clear that he would not support an ammendment without same sex unions being protected. To many, I think, that's good enough. And for Kerry, probably a very advantageous political position to be in.

3. Should he?
Yes, but that's my opinion. Banning same sex marriage via constitutional ammendment is a travesty, both from a judicial standpoint, and a humanitarian standpoint. But, that's just my opinion from the left of center.

4. Will he catch as much praise from the right for advocating this?
I think he'll increase his chances of getting many of the swing voters who support the ammendment but do not support Bush. So, yes.

5. Should he?
No, for the same reasons as 3.

6. To you, is this as big a deal as advocating a national Constitutional Amendment?
This is a tough question to answer. Many argue that a national Consitutional Ammendment is not necessary, as the power should belong to the states. The issue before the Massachusetts Supreme Court is, in essence, exercising that power. This, in itself, is not a bad thing. But there's no doubt that a ban in Mass could set a precedent for other states to follow, regardless of what happens federally. It is a big deal, to me. I hope it gets punted.

7. If not, why?
See 6.

[Stiofán]

I'll throw this in there then.

Ohio Gay GOP Official turns Democrat (http://www.planetout.com/news/article.html?date=2004/02/26/3)
<br>
"Both my straight and gay Republican friends feel betrayed by the president and by the national GOP," Marble said. "By embracing the constitutional amendment, President Bush is telling our families that he believes that we can never fully belong in our own country, and certainly not in his party."
Since Bush made his announcement, and indicated states should be free to enact or offer civil unions, his stand is in much the same way as Kerry's.

Why the outrage against Bush and not Kerry by the Gay activists?

[Coriolis]

Because Bush is the president, and Kerry is not (yet).

[Necore]

...and Kerry is not (yet).Yet?

You've GOT to be kidding.

[btdude]

I'll throw this in there then.

Ohio Gay GOP Official turns Democrat (http://www.planetout.com/news/article.html?date=2004/02/26/3)
<br>

Since Bush made his announcement, and indicated states should be free to enact or offer civil unions, his stand is in much the same way as Kerry's.

Why the outrage against Bush and not Kerry by the Gay activists?

We do not have to be gay activists to to be outraged. We do not have to be gay to be outraged. Kerry is playing the best political game he can right now. Do I like it? No.

[Coriolis]

Yet?

You've GOT to be kidding.
Best get used to the idea, Necore -- none of us (on the left or the right) might like the idea, but we certainly can't say right now that it isn't a possible outcome.