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Loading ...Marie Osmond: I support gay rights
In an interview with Los Angeles radio station KOST 103.5 on Monday, Marie Osmond confirmed that her oldest daughter Jessica is a lesbian — calling her a “magnificent woman” and stating that she supports her daughter and believes in equal rights for gays and lesbians under the law.
Osmond’s public support of her daughter is significant, because Osmond is the highest profile Mormon thus far to come out in support of marriage equality — or at least giving gay and lesbian couples the same rights afforded to heterosexual couples.Jessica Osmond, left, with sister Rachael in January 2009
Last week the tabloid The Globe, most likely operating under the above-mentioned assumption that Marie Osmond disapproved of same sex unions, reported that Marie Osmond was so “heartsick” after discovering the sexual orientation of her 21-year-old daughter Jessica that she “refuses to even publicly acknowledge it.”
On Monday, Osmond appeared on KOST 103.5 Lost Angeles and set the record straight, telling the host when asked about it, “That’s not a sensitive topic. I love my daughter.”
Later on, Osmond stated, “When it comes to marriage, you know, I think that civil rights need to be for all.”
“You know, I think each of us has the right to choose who makes that medical decision for us, I think everybody should have the right to share homes and finances with somebody that they care about. You know on those types of things I’m very supportive. When it comes to marriage … I think that civil rights need to be for all. When you start mixing religion into that and beliefs, you know, I do believe in the Bible. My daughter understands my beliefs. And, and, uh, you know, God said to be married and be productive with your children and, and, you know, replenish the earth or whatever. She understands those things. My daughter is sharp. And we have a great relationship and I think she would tell you that.”
Many people, in fact, assumed that Osmond was opposed to marriage equality by virtue of her membership in the Mormon Church. Of course, it didn’t help that her brother Donny, when asked about his view on same-sex marriage, wrote the following on his website in December:
“My beliefs about marriage is beautifully stated in The Family — A Proclamation To The World, a document published by the leaders of our church back in 1995. I am going to include it here: We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.”
I’m guessing Donny was never spotted walking around town with a “No on 8” t-shirt.
NEXT PAGE: The Mormons and Prop 8
Budbud makes an interesting argument on some of his comments. I’ll respost those :
I don’t think Maries’ comments show that she supports gay marriage.
It sounds like alot of hedging and beating around the bush. It sounds to me like Marie was saying…she believes in the RIGHTS of marriage, but NOT the title of marriage for gays.
She seems to be trying to state her feelings in a way so as NOT to create a clear anti gay marriage sound byte with her name on it.
And I felt some of that when I read Marie’s comments myself.
My Life Partner was raised in a Mormon home. It was a fairly painful transition for her. And if you do some web-searching you can find numerous openly gay Mormons or Ex-Mormons fighting the acceptance of their family.
It’s a huge issue in the Mormon church, Jessica is fairly strong to be where she is today.
And honestly, Marie’s comments are a bit conflicted. Hopefully she will evolve since she loves her daughter. Time till tell.
With all those kids The Osmonds were bound to have a gay/lesbian or 2 in the batch. Hopefully the publicity of a Gay Osmond will soften the hearts of other family members and members of their church to realize that it happens in the “best” of families and when love trumps doctrine everyone wins.
Yeah. I don’t trust this though her daughter seems mildly attractive. Marie O was the same woman who never gave her husband bjs. What good is she on this planet? Right boys.
How can we possibly trust someone with a firm religious act like this.
Scott P., do you presume that all liberals are Gay? Whether I am Gay or not would have nothing to do with my views on other “liberal” issues, like: National Health Care, American Workers Re-Empowerment, Anti-Death Penalty, the Environment and, yes, Social Justice. As a student, I wrote the script for a film essay, more than forty years ago, about these issues before they were even popular issues — such as they are today.
I fought for equal rights for African Americans in the 1960’s — and yet, I am not Black. So actually, your question is irrelevant, Scott — concerning if I wasn‘t Gay would I still be a Liberal. You forget, there are also many Gay Republicans and conservatives. So actually, it is your question which is moot.
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Scott P. Said: May 7th, 2009 at 3:13 am
Okay, Bud E., here’s a question for you. How liberal would you be if you weren’t gay? Your question about Marie (never been a fan, by the way, and only had one use for Donny) is moot. She does have a lesbian daughter, so speculation on the matter is pointless. She’s an ally, and that’s the only important thing.
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My point was that she was forced to speak out on the issue. Her choices: Reject her daughter’s civil equality or accept it. But, on the other hand, Donnie seems perfectly ok with Gays in a second class citizenship status. Hmmmmm….so, guess who’s the one with the openly Gay daughter? So duh… I stand by my original observation. When it hits closer to home, it is easier to jump on board the equality bandwagon for some people — especially, if your family’s been “Outed“ and you‘re a celebrity who’s been forced into the public arena to take a stand on a controversial issue.
Well, good for her anyway. We need allies for whatever their reasons or even if they were pushed into it by extenuating circumstances.
But others have made that leap, without the extra push. I am more respectful of their commitment — especially, if they have been consistent promoters of equal rights throughout their adult lives. Still, better late than never. Whatever the reason.
That’s my opinion, and you have yours. Nothing right nor wrong with either. Just opinions. One’s acquiescent or one’s rejection of another person’s point-of-view is immaterial.
We’ll just have to agree to disagree on this one.
Okay, Bud E., here’s a question for you. How liberal would you be if you weren’t gay? Your question about Marie (never been a fan, by the way, and only had one use for Donny) is moot. She does have a lesbian daughter, so speculation on the matter is pointless. She’s an ally, and that’s the only important thing.
Thank you, Marie. God give you a child and you show your uncondition love as god wish. Does not matter if she is gay or deaf. You are a true christian who are smart (god give us a brain and a heart) and caring person who are not blinded by society.
Thank you.
I hate to be an old stick-in-the-mud here, but just exactly how “liberal” on GLBT rights would Marie be if she didn’t have a Gay daughter?
Please, let’s hear from some high profile public figures who don’t have a dog in this fight. In such cases, then I’d truly believe that their virtue was based on good character and not on unavoidable circumstances which were thrust upon them where they were forced to take a position.
I don’t think Maries’ comments show that she supports gay marriage.
It sounds like alot of hedging and beating around the bush. It sounds to me like Marie was saying…she believes in the RIGHTS of marriage, but NOT the title of marriage for gays.
She seems to be trying to state her feelings in a way so as NOT to create a clear anti gay marriage sound byte with her name on it. After all, she still wants to be able to get that next Hollywood gig.
The irony of it all is that dear Donny is going to lecture us about marriage and he’s a FUCKING MORmON! That’s rich, coming from a group that was essentially the Scientologists of their day, complete with their own whacky traditions of child brides to old men and multiple brides for one man.
Yes Osmands. Please teach us all about good, decent, “TRADITIONAL” marriage. I always thought the Osmands were a phony bunch of asswipes, now I’m certain.
Who the Fuck cares what this has been family thinks about anything?
I have always had great respect for her.
She isn’t your typical conformist of the Mormon church.
Its lifts my heart………
If all would think like Marie…We are the People…We have Rights….! Thank you Marie O.
Marie Osmond just proved that she is a Christian, not somebody who pretends to follow Christ’s path. She showed courage and loyalty to her family, and she did nothing to contradict her own faith. You think about it, that’s really impressive. Good on her!
A very nice step for our community, thank you Jessica and Marie !
Thank you Marie!
Marie can at times be a breath of fresh air!
Great example for other conservative christians – believe what you want, its your right but stop trying to impose your beliefs on us and stripping us of our civil rights, dignity, and respect!!!
Way to go Marie!!!!
Marie knows what family values are. I am pleased to see this and I am happy for her daughter. Thank God Uncle Donny is her Uncle and not her daddy.