Same-sex Marriage Hot Potato
So it looks like the righties will be pushing a ballot initiative to ban same-sex marriage in Colorado in 2006. How convenient, just in time for the governor's race. Regardless, this issue is a real hot potato, particularly here in El Paso County. There are a lot of people here who would vote for this type of civil rights violation - and they would gladly vote against any candidate that would support same-sex marriage.
So, how would you, Candidate John/Jane, handle this issue as a Democrat? Is it worth supporting a same-sex marriage ban, and selling your soul, just to get elected? Or, do you support the glbt community and risk losing your race because of a single issue?
This is a serious issue - we saw in 2004 how many people are willing to vote against their own interests just because they agree with President Pulpit regarding matters of religion and personal morality. How can a Democrat be on the unpopular, but correct, side of a wedge issue and still get elected?
posted by sparky @ 9:00 AM
2 comments
2 Comments:
I did some thinking about this yesterday and came to the following conclusion.
If I was a candidate running for office I would answer the question once by saying:
"I am only goping to address this question once. This is a smoke and mirrors issue that Conservativs bring up because they have no real solutions for real problems. The Constitution is meant to protect civil rights not take them away. Period. We need to start talking about what really matters to Americans. Jobs, our current energy crisis, and healthcare."
This issue could be the kiss of death for the Regressives IF we show it for what it is. A distraction from REAL issues.
I think progressives should organize a counter-initiative that would take away the State's right to grant "marriages" and instead have the state offer civil unions that grant the legal rights, and have it not discriminate based on the sex of a partner. We need to stop being defensive and push forward to create policy in this way. If it is worded to have equality at civil union, it is respectful to the gay community, but by avoiding the marriage issue, it difuses the religious aspect and wouldn't face as much opposition.
As for how I would handle it as a candidate? I'd come straight out and say it is unamerican to discriminate against fellow Americans in this way and that the right should be ashamed of itself. Perhaps the reason why I shouldn't be a candidate. A candidate might lose some votes over this (though I'm guessing that person wasn't going to vote Democrat to begin with) but I think being bold and clear rather than avoiding a strong stance can have a really positive impression for voters.
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