Governor of Washington Defends Obama on Gay Marriage
Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire (D) defended President Obama's record on gay rights, saying that the president was the "inspiration" for her state's recent same-sex marriage legalization bill.
"I think we probably have succeeded as much as we have because of his leadership. He's used the bully pulpit," Gregoire said at the White House Friday. "He's been the inspiration that allowed the state of Washington recognize that we need to have equality."
"It's because of what he's been able to do that I actually think in large part we were able to achieve what we did. So I don't criticize. To the contrary, I thank the president for his leadership on GLBT issues," she told reporters after a meeting between Obama and Democratic governors.
Obama has long been on record opposing gay marriage, but has said recently that his position was 'evolving.' His administration, however, also opposes measures like California's Prop 8 that deny existing benefits to gay couples.
It's an awkward situation for the president, since much of his party — and some Republicans — have moved past him on the issue. Ambitious governors like Gregoire, Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo have made pro-gay marriage bills a priority of their administrations.
Recently, New Jersey's Republican Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a same-sex marriage bill passed by his legislature, and defended his position as the exact same as Obama's.
"I have the exact same position as the president ... The Democrats in my state are criticizing me, saying my feet are firmly planted on the wrong side of justice. I said yesterday, 'Yeah, my feet are firmly planted right next to President Obama,'" Christie said this week on MSNBC's "Morning Joe."
Gregoire, however, said Christie erred with his veto — but refused to condemn Obama for the same position.
"Gov. Christie can take nothing from what the president has done," Gregoire said. Obama "stepped up with courage and said we're going to recognize the men and women in our military and we're going to get rid of Don't Ask DOn't Tell."
"I'm disappointed that Gov. Christie did what he did in vetoing it. Frankly, I think it's imcumbent on governors and legislators to lead. To do what we're all elected to do -- and not to pass the buck to the voters."
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