2012 candidates and same-sex marriage

atomiclauren

First off, let me just put it out there that I can't believe this is still something fought against so hard by Republicans and social conservatives. Just like any other civil rights struggle in our collective past, this will eventually not be an issue on the larger level (of course there will always be individuals that want to deny rights).

A quick rundown of candidates views (taken from this site: http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2012/campaign-issues.html)

*Obama - "Although he has expressed his support for civil unions, Obama has stopped short of endorsing same-sex marriage" (I think he's a big ol liar, though, and is pandering to more conservative folks)

*Gingrich - "he favors an amendment to the Constitution that would specify the same traditional definition of marriage, preempting all state laws on the subject"

*Paul - "Paul believes in traditional notions of marriage -- that it should be between a man and a woman -- but he also believes that the federal government shouldn't be involved in the issue of marriage."

*Roemer - "Roemer says he personally believes in traditional marriage between a man and a woman but also believes it is an issue for the states. Roemer also says that if elected, he would tell the Justice Department to defend the Defense of Marriage Act."

*Romney - "I believe we should have a federal amendment in the Constitution that defines marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman," said Romney, "because I believe the ideal place to raise a child is in a home with a mom and a dad."

*Santorum - " In the 2012 White House race, Santorum has signed a controversial pledge that requires him to uphold a traditional definition of marriage and expressed support for a traditional definition of marriage at the federal level that would supercede all state definitions."

So what's your take? Is it *not* a civil rights issue? Should a marriage license *not* be a document issued by the state? Should Obama get his head out of his *ss and tell us what he really thinks?

atomiclauren

Oh - full disclosure: my partner and I live our lives without much interference and marriage just isn't brought up much since we can't where we live, though the option to, just like anyone else, would be nice! Just like any other couple we have bought a house, made a home, and so on and we work in places that aren't unfriendly. I'd call us fairly insulated.

kit_katty

Personally I think it's behind the times not to allow same-sex marriage. Personally I don't care who legislates what. But considering it's infringing on personal freedoms I'd say allow it on a national level and be done with it.

As for the candidates I like Obama but that's just me, and being Canadian I can't vote for him.

mikajoanow

So what's your take? Is it *not* a civil rights issue? Should a marriage license *not* be a document issued by the state? Should Obama get his head out of his *ss and tell us what he really thinks?

This is the funny part. I think most people think he is probably just playing politics and really has zero issues with same sex marriage, as far as "What he really thinks"



I don't appreciate Ron Pauls stance on it, because as far as I can see, we already vote on this in our states. I don't see the government getting out of the marriage completely either...I want to see it a protected right. I don't know if Americans in general are going to vote for it though. Even Democrats are iffy on the subject. Some yes, others no.

So for me, I stick with the Democrat who will slowly add in more and more justices to the SC and play the waiting game until the whole thing is handled in the court.

I have my ideals, but I am not an all or nothing girl. I understand politics enough to know that it is better to work with what you have rather than to completely abandon ship like the firebaggers on the far left.

Elizabeth_C34

I agree with you that Obama is pandering to the moderate conservatives by not pushing for national marriage equality, however, ending DADT was a big step forward.

I'm not sure how this will play out. Obama is not a die-hard leftie like the conservative pundits like to make him out to be. He is very moderate in his policies. Obviously, none of the conservatives will be on board with marriage equality either because they don't believe it's fair or they don't believe the government has an obligation to legislate it. In the pool of candidates, if marriage equality is your main issue, Obama should get your vote.

mikajoanow

To be fair to Obama, when he was actually running for POTUS, he did not campaign at all on that issue. So its hard to expect him to change his public stance on the issue. He was never pro gay marriage as a candidate. And current polling suggests that only 57% of Dems support it. So for now, it is not something that is going to be on the top 3 of Dem things to get done. Sadly that is just the reality of things, until Democrats as a big majority support it, no politician is going to stick their neck out too far.

KaleidoscopeEyes1056

I think you guys should vote for me for president, because I would give rights to ALL THE PEOPLE!!

nikolaim5

I think most who oppose same sex marriage will do so on religious grounds. Separation of church and state should make this a non issue but, well, we all know how well that works. I think christians or any religious group should be able to ban gay marriage or whatever else because it's their little club and they can makes the rules as they see fit. You don't have to join their club if you don't want to play by their rules. In fact, I'm all for religious groups alienating more people! Legally however, and in the eyes on the government, there should be no opposition to gay marriage.

FearAnLoathing

I think most who oppose same sex marriage will do so on religious grounds. Separation of church and state should make this a non issue but, well, we all know how well that works. I think christians or any religious group should be able to ban gay marriage or whatever else because it's their little club and they can makes the rules as they see fit. You don't have to join their club if you don't want to play by their rules. In fact, I'm all for religious groups alienating more people! Legally however, and in the eyes on the government, there should be no opposition to gay marriage.

I have NEVER met anyone who is against same sex marrige,that did not have a religious reason for it.

adrian_indy

I'm all for it. Know why? Because it has nothing to do with me. Same sex marriage does nothing to take away the rights of anyone else. It's fine to be against people doing it for what ever reasons a person sees fit, that gives them the option never to get gay married. They shouldn't be able to make that choice for any other consenting adult.