Presidential Contenders Stands on Gay Marriage
Perry, speaking at a forum in Aspen Friday, called himself an "unapologetic social conservative" who personally opposed gay marriage -- but who also believed strongly in the 10th Amendment.
"Our friends in New York six weeks ago passed a statute that said marriage can be between two people of the same sex. And you know what? That's New York, and that's their business, and that's fine with me," Perrysaid, according to the Associated Press. "That is their call. If you believe in the 10th Amendment, stay out of their business."
While gay marriage has been a hot issue lately thanks to developments in New York, it's not one that most 2012 candidates have eagerly weighed in on. Most of the candidates roughly fall into two camps: the more-libertarian "states rights" crowd and the social conservative "constitutional amendment defining marriage as being between a man and a woman" backers. Here's a rundown on where everyone stands:
Romney: Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney voiced his support for a constitutional amendment at the New Hampshire debate.
Pawlenty: Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty discussed his opposition to gay marriage this weekend during an interview with CNN's Candy Crowley. "To say that [same-sex marriage] is somehow the equal of all possible domestic relationships defies common sense," Pawlenty said.
Pawlenty had said during the New Hampshire debate that he supported a constitutional amendment.
Santorum: Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum's feelings about gay issues are well-known, thanks in part to sex columnist Dan Savage's campaign against him, and when Perry made his comments Santorum took the opportunity to express his strong opposition to legalization.
Santorum tweeted on July 23, "So Gov Perry, if a state wanted to allow polygamy or if they chose to deny heterosexuals the right to marry, would that be OK too?"
Santorum made his support of a constitutional amendment clear at the first GOP presidential debate in New Hampshire.
Bachmann:: At the New Hampshire debate, Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., first said she didn't think it was the role of the president to come in and interfere with state law, when asked whether she'd actively try to overturn laws allowing same-sex marriage. However, after the rest of the candidates answered whether they would support a constitutional amendment (and the majority answered in the affirmative), she emphasized that she actually would support a constitutional amendment.
She also, along with Santorum, signed a pledge against same-sex marriage circulated by Christian conservative Iowa group The Family Leader.
Huntsman: Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman was asked the day he launched his campaign whether, if gay marriage became legal in New York, he would seek to overturn the law. Huntsman answered that he would "respect the state's decision" on the issue.
Gingrich: Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said during the New Hampshire debate that if the Defense Of Marriage Act (DOMA) failed, then he would support a constitutional amendment.
Ron Paul: Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, said at the debate that he wouldn't support an amendment, and further added that government shouldn't be involved at all in the marriage business.
Cain: Businessman Herman Cain, at the debate, said whether gay marriage was legal should be a state-level decision. On the Hugh Hewitt show in late June, he noted his strong support of for DOMA, and again reiterated he was against a constitutional amendment.
McCotter: Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, R-Mich., recently weighed in on same-sex marriage on Fox News.
"I oppose it but I believe it's a determination for the people of the states to decide," he said. "It should not be imposed on them by an imperial or judiciary or a bureaucracy in Washington."
However, in both 2004 and 2006, McCotter voted in the House for constitutional amendments.
Palin: Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin broke with Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., back in 2008 to say thatshe supports a constitutional amendment.
Comments