Same-Sex Marriage
The legitimacy of marriage between two people depends on how the authoritative definition of marriage is derived. Gay rights advocates assert that marriage is a civil right since they believe marriage is a fundamentally legal agreement on the governmental level which should not be restricted to opposite-sex couples. Their opponents assert that marriage is a right, but it is a natural right based on the biological need to procreate. In this view, "marriage" between same-sex couples is not itself a right and can be allowed or disallowed as law decides. Further opponents argue that a change in the definition of marriage to include same gender couples could lead to the breakdown in understanding of what marriage actually is. Most of the controversy centers around governmental definitions of marriage, rather than the blessing of same-sex unions by individual religious organizations, which may or may not be recognized as civil marriages. Opponents counter that the very definition of traditional marriage itself has changed drastically over time; polygamy, formerly a common practice, is illegal in the United States and few people would openly espouse the idea of "wife as chattel."
Joseph Biden on Same-Sex Marriage
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Opposes a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. |
| Description: | Sen. Joseph Biden, D.-Del., said legalized same-sex "marriage" was inevitable. "Same-sex marriage going to be something we have to go through as part of the maturation process of the nation," he said. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Is same-sex 'marriage' in America inevitable? (7/13/07)
Biden comments on same sex marriage |
| 2. |
Gay Marriage Issue in Politics (7/13/07)
Biden explains how this is just a distraction. |
Michael Bloomberg on Same-Sex Marriage
More on this candidate
| Stance: | support civil unions with full marriage rights |
| Description: | Bloomberg believes same-sex couples deserve the same rights in civil unions that straight couples enjoy in marriage and he does not believe that "government should be in the business of telling people who they can and can't marry." |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Marriage Counseling (8/2/07)
Bloomberg supports same-sex marriage. However, when New York Supreme Court justice Doris Ling-Cohan ruled that same-sex marriages did not violate the state constitution, Bloomberg did not begin issuing same-sex marriage licenses in New York city. He said, "I think anybody should be allowed to marry anybody." However, he continued, "Our corporation counsel believes that the judge's ruling was incorrect, that the current state constitution does not permit same-sex marriages... [So] we will go and appeal, and we will ask the court to expedite the appeal directly to the highest court so that people will have a right once and for all to know where they stand." |
| 2. |
NYC mayor favors civil unions, not gay marriage (8/1/07)
Article discussing Bloombergs recent announcement of his stance on same-sex marriage. |
| 3. |
Mike Bloomberg: I'll Perform Gay Marriages (8/1/07)
Article discussing Bloomberg's recent announcement of his stance on same-sex marriage. |
Sam Brownback on Same-Sex Marriage
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Opposes same-sex marriage and supports a constitutional ban |
| Description: | Senator Sam Brownback supports a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. He believes marriage should be restricted to a man and a woman. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Gay Marriage Amendment Fails in Senate (8/26/07)
"We're making progress, and we're not going to stop until marriage between a man and a woman is protected . . . protected in the courts, protected in the Constitution, but most of all, protected for the people and for the future of our children in this society," Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) said after the vote. |
| 2. |
Defining Marriage Down: We Need to Protect Marriage (8/2/07)
Statement by Senator Sam Brownback detailing his position on same-sex marriage. Senator Brownback states that the American people should support the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman in order to protect the vital institution of marriage, and ultimately, the family. |
| 3. |
The Candidates on Gay Marriage (8/2/07)
Summary of the Candidates' stances on same-sex marriage. |
| 4. |
An Interview With Senator Sam Brownback (10/8/07)
I absolutely believe we need a Constitutional Amendment to protect marriage... |
Hillary Clinton on Same-Sex Marriage
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Opposes same-sex marriage but supports civil-unions. |
| Description: | Hillary Clinton said the following on May 26, 2005: "Well, I don't know many Democrats who support gay marriage. In fact, I don't and haven't for, you know, years before I became a senator. But I support giving people the right to enter into recognized relationships, that whether you call them civil unions or domestic partnerships, enable them to own property, to have hospital visitation. To me, that's a human rights issue." |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Clinton Won't Fight Gay Marriage (7/2/07)
Hillary Clinton would not block a New York state ban on gay-marriage even though she opposes a ban. |
| 2. |
Judy Woodruff's Inside Politics, Hillary Clinton Interview (7/2/07)
CLINTON: Well, I don't know many Democrats who support gay marriage. In fact, I don't and haven't for, you know, years before I became a senator. But I support giving people the right to enter into recognized relationships, that whether you call him civil unions or domestic partnerships, enable them to own property, to have hospital visitation. To me, that's a human rights issue. |
John Cox on Same-Sex Marriage
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Opposed |
| Description: | The traditional American family has suffered several defeats in the past decade at the hands of state courts, who force legislatures to impose so-called "gay marriage" or "civil unions" onto the people. As president, I will stand for the traditional American family and will support swift passage of the Federal Marriage Amendment to protect against this trend. - John Cox |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Standing for the Traditional Family and for Marriage (9/9/07)
The traditional American family has suffered several defeats in the past decade at the hands of state courts, who force legislatures to impose so-called "gay marriage" or "civil unions" onto the people. As president, I will stand for the traditional American family and will support swift passage of the Federal Marriage Amendment to protect against this trend. |
Christopher Dodd on Same-Sex Marriage
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Supports Civil Unions |
| Description: | Christopher Dodd believes that same-sex couples should have the right to enter into civil unions. He believes that marriage is reserved for a man and a woman. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Do you support gay marriage? (7/24/07)
Christopher Dodd says he supports same-sex marriage. |
| 2. |
Part I: CNN/YouTube Democratic presidential debate transcript (7/24/07)
"So I feel very strongly, if you ask yourself the question, "How would you like your children treated if they had a different sexual orientation than their parents?," the answer is yes. They ought to have that ability in civil unions. I don't go so far as to call for marriage. I believe marriage is between a man and a woman." |
John Edwards on Same-Sex Marriage
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Opposes same-sex marriages but supports civil-unions |
| Description: | Edwards stated that he supports "civil unions and all the subsequent rights that go with that" during CNN's Faith and Politics forum at George Washington University. He also stated that he does not support same-sex marriages. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Edwards, wife split on gay marriage (7/2/07)
Describes John and Elizabeth Edwards' appearance on The Tonight Show. |
| 2. |
Edwards: Personally against same-sex marriage (7/2/07)
John Edwards describes how he opposes same-sex marriage but supports civil-unions. |
Newt Gingrich on Same-Sex Marriage
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Opposes same-sex marriage |
| Description: | Gingrich believes that allowing same-sex marriage would be "dissolving a 2,000 year, 3,000 year tradition." He supports a law or constitutional amendment that would define marriage as a union between one man and one woman. When asked if he supported civil unions, Gingrich responded, " No. . .it depends on how you define civil unions. I certainly do not believe anything which resembles marriage should apply to anyone except a man and a woman. But I do think that a number of contractual things, if you want to designate somebody for your pension, or you want to allow somebody to come visit you in the hospital, I think there are specific kind of patterns of affection that we should not be inhumane about." |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Newt Gingrich with advice on what to do about the issues (8/2/07)
Transcript of Hugh Hewitt's interview with Newt Gingrich. |
Rudolph Giuliani on Same-Sex Marriage
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Opposes same-sex marriage but supports civil-unions |
| Description: | Rudy Giuliani believes marriage should be strictly between a man and a woman but that the rights of gays should be protected by providing a civil union. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Meet the Next President: Giuliani tops in early GOP polls (7/2/07)
Giuliani opposes a federal ban on gay-marriage and supports civil unions. |
| 2. |
In a Southern Foray, Giuliani Helps a Friend but Skirts an Issue (7/2/07)
"I believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman, that it should remain that way, it should remain that way inviolate, and everything should be done to make sure that that's the case," Mr. Giuliani said in response to a reporter's question. "But I also believe that you should allow for the protection of legal rights for people who are gay and lesbian." |
| 3. |
Giuliani reiterates opposition to same-sex marriage (7/2/07)
"Unlike what some of my opponents have said, I'm not in favor of gay marriage," he said. "I have consistently said marriage should be between a man and a woman. I do think that people who have a sexual orientation one kind or another should not be discriminated against." |
Al Gore on Same-Sex Marriage
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Opposes same-sex marriage, but supports civil unions |
| Description: | "I'm for domestic partnerships having legal protections, but not the same sacrament, not the same name, because I favor protecting the institution of marriage as it has been understood between a man and a woman. But I think that a partner should have legal protection and contractual rights and health care and the rest." - Al Gore |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Larry King Live Should Same-Sex Couples Get the Same Rights and Recognition as Straight Ones? (7/23/07)
Transcript of Larry king Live in which King discusses the rights of same sex couples |
Mike Gravel on Same-Sex Marriage
More on this candidate
| Stance: | supports same - sex marriage |
| Description: | Senator Gravel opposes any state or national constitutional amendment that restricts the rights of the LGBT community. He supports same-sex marriage and opposes the Defense of Marriage Act and in the absence of full marriage rights, the senator supports domestic partner benefits for all Americans. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Mike Gravel: 'Love between a man and a man is beautiful' (8/1/07)
Video of Mike Gravel responding to a question about his view on same-sex marriage. |
| 2. |
The Issues (8/1/07)
Gravel's stance on LGBT rights on his campaign website. |
Mike Huckabee on Same-Sex Marriage
More on this candidate
| Stance: | opposes same-sex marriage |
| Description: | Huckabee strongly opposes same-sex marriage saying that he believes "marriage is between one man and one woman, for life." He supports a constitutional amendment that will define marriage as a union between one man and one women. As Governor, Huckabee worked to have a similar amendment passed in Arkansas in 2002, making Arkansas the third state to adopt "covenant" marriage. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Issues: Marriage (8/1/07)
Huckabee's stance on same-sex marriage from his campaign website. |
| 2. |
Mike Huckabee: Same Sex Marriage (8/1/07)
Video of Mike Huckabee announcing his stance on same-sex marriage. |
| 3. |
Mike Huckabee - Same Sex Marriage (10/25/07)
Mike Huckabee wants to pass an amendment defining marriage as a union between a man and woman. |
Duncan Hunter on Same-Sex Marriage
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Opposes Same-Sex Marriage |
| Description: | Representative Duncan Hunter opposes same-sex marriage. He voted for a constitutional amendment to define marriage as being between a man and a woman. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Same-sex marriage: Election Center 2008 (7/25/07)
Opposes same-sex marriage and supports a constitutional amendment defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman. |
| 2. |
Final Vote Results For Roll Call 378 (7/25/07)
Representative Duncan Hunter voted for a constitutional amendment to define marriage as being between a man and a woman. |
Dennis Kucinich on Same-Sex Marriage
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Legalize same-sex marriages. |
| Description: | Kucinich supports same-sex marriage. On his campaign website he says, "I believe that equality of opportunity should be afforded to all Americans regardless of race, color, creed or sexual orientation. 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." |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Dennis Kucinich Bio (7/9/07)
A short bio talking about his stances. |
| 2. |
Do you support gay marriage? (7/31/07)
Supports gay marriage. Describes it as a civil union. Says couples, regardless of sexual orientation, should all have the same rights. |
| 3. |
Democratic Presidential Candidate Forum (7/25/07)
"...so, gays, lesbians, bisexual, transgender people under my administration would have full participation, and they would also have the right to marry." |
John McCain on Same-Sex Marriage
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Opposes same-sex marriage but believes it should be decided by each state. |
| Description: | John McCain feels that the issue of same-sex marriage should be decided by each state. He personally does not believe gay marriage should be legal. He has stated on Larry King Live that "I hope [the people of Arizona], would decide that a union between man and woman has a unique status." |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Gay Marriage (7/2/07)
John McCain supports changing the constitution of Arizona to ban same-sex marriages. |
| 2. |
CNN Larry King Live, An Interview With John McCain (7/2/07)
John McCain does not believe that same sex marriages should be legal but believes that each state should decide for themselves. |
| 3. |
Highlights from the College Tour with McCain (7/2/07)
John McCain says that he is not opposed to gay unions but that marriage should be between a man and a woman. |
| 4. |
McCain: Same-sex marriage ban is un-Republican (7/2/07)
John McCain apposes amending the constitution to ban gay marriage. |
Barack Obama on Same-Sex Marriage
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Barack Obama opposes same-sex marriage but supports civil unions |
| Description: | Senator Obama opposes same-sex marriage but has stated he wants Illinois' Definition of Marriage Amendment, which defines marriage as being between a man and a woman, to be repealed. He supports civil unions to provide the rights of couples to same sex partnerships. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Floor Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the Federal Marriage Amendment (7/2/07)
Obama discuses his view on gay-marriage while airing his view that gay-marriage is only be used as a distraction to America's real problems. |
Ron Paul on Same-Sex Marriage
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Personally opposed, but government has no right to define what marriage is. |
| Description: | Congressman Paul is personally opposed to same-sex marriage, but he asserts that marriage is an individual matter rather than a function of the federal government, and marriage existed before governments did. He says that citizens should not look to the government for moral guidance, because morality is primarily a religious or personal matter. He says that in a best case scenario, governments would enforce contracts and grant divorces but otherwise have no say in marriage. He also believes that federal government has no right to define what marriage is. His political position is that recognizing or legislating marriages is not a federal or constitutional matter, but should be left as the states' right. For this reason, he voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment in 2004. In a 2004 speech before Congress he expressed support for the federal Defense of Marriage Act, passed in 1996, which would allow states to defend their laws against activist judges, and expressed his support for the Marriage Protection Act, which would bar judges from forcing states to ignore the provisions of the Defense of Marriage Act, as an alternative to the FMA. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Cultural Conservatives Lose if Gay Marriage is Federalized (7/5/07)
Ron Paul's statement to the house. |
| 2. |
Eliminate Federal Court Jurisdiction (7/5/07)
Paul says that in a best case scenario, governments would enforce contracts and grant divorces but otherwise have no say in marriage. |
Bill Richardson on Same-Sex Marriage
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Supports Civil Unions with Full Marriage Rights |
| Description: | Bill Richardson does not support same-sex marriage but supports civil unions between same sex couples that provide the same benefits as marriage. He believes marriage is reserved for a man and a woman. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Same-sex marriage: Election Center 2008 (7/24/07)
Opposes same-sex marriage but supports legal rights and benefits for same-sex partners. Voted for the Defense of Marriage Act in Congress. |
| 2. |
Gay couples marry in New Mexico (7/24/07)
"The governor [Bill Richardson] has always been a champion for human rights. He supports equal rights and opposes all forms of discrimination. However, he is opposed to same sex marriage," said Marsha Catron |
| 3. |
Do you support gay marriage? (7/24/07)
Bill Richardson says he could not allow two woman to marry but he would allow them to have full civil unions with full marriage rights. |
| 4. |
Part I: CNN/YouTube Democratic presidential debate transcript (7/24/07)
"Well, I would say to the two young women, I would level with you -- I would do what is achievable. What I think is achievable is full civil unions with full marriage rights. I would also press for you a hate crimes act in the Congress. I would eliminate "don't ask/don't tell" in the military." |
Mitt Romney on Same-Sex Marriage
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Opposed |
| Description: | Opposes same-sex marriage and civil unions, including domestic-partnership benefits. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Romney plays 'Hardball' on gay marriage, 2008 (7/2/07)
Mitt Romney discusses his view on same-sex marriage. |
| 2. |
Romney links gay marriage, US prestige (7/2/07)
Mitt Romney discusses how he does not believe the US should approve same-sex marriages. |
| 3. |
Romney softens tone on gay marriage (7/2/07)
Romney clarifies his stance on same-sex marriage. |
| 4. |
Romney Wants Gay-Marriage Ban on Mass. Ballot (7/2/07)
Mitt Romney discusses his idea for banning same-sex marriage. |
| 5. |
http://www.redstate.com/stories/special_events/romneys_speech_conservatives_take_heart (10/21/07)
"Ten months into my term, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court said our Constitution requires gay marriage. John Adams, who wrote it, would be surprised." - Mitt Romney |
Tom Tancredo on Same-Sex Marriage
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Opposes |
| Description: | "Federalism concerns make a constitutional amendment protecting traditional marriage an avenue of last resort, Unfortunately, intellectually dishonest activist judges have left us no choice. Activist courts have ignored the principal legal argument that the state's interest in marriage is procreation. Population is power. Society needs a young generation to defend the country in battle, to support its programs with taxes and to carry on its culture and traditions. The mere fact that two people are in a loving relationship does not matter to the state. Society supports traditional marriage because it is the only union which, in the ordinary course, leads to children, without the intervention of a third party." - Tom Tancredo |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Gay Marriage (7/26/07)
His statement about the states stake in gay marriage. |
Tommy Thompson on Same-Sex Marriage
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Opposes same-sex marriage |
| Description: | Tommy Thompson does not support same-sex marriage but feels that individual states should decide the definition of marriage. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Same-Sex Marriage: Election Center 2008 (7/2/07)
Tommy Thompson does not support gay-marriage but believes individual states should make their own decision. |
Fred Thompson on Same-Sex Marriage
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Opposes Same-Sex Marriage |
| Description: | Senator Fred Thompson opposes same-sex marriage. He has not voiced support for civil unions. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes H.R. 3396 (7/25/07)
Senator Fred Thompson voted for prohibiting same-sex marriage. |
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