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Loading ...Biden says gay relationships are protected by the Constitution
10.02.2008 11:11pm EDT
(St. Louis, Missouri) Sen. Joe Biden made a strong statement for gay relationship equality during the only vice presidential debate, held Thursday evening in St. Louis.
When asked by moderator Gewn Ifill, “Do you support, as they do in Alaska, granting same-sex benefits to couples?”Biden replied, “Absolutely. . . . Look, in an Obama-Biden administration, there will be absolutely no distinction from a constitutional standpoint or a legal standpoint between a same-sex and a heterosexual couple.”
He added: “The fact of the matter is that under the Constitution we should be granted – same-sex couples should be able to have visitation rights in the hospitals, joint ownership of property, life insurance policies, et cetera. That’s only fair. It’s what the Constitution calls for. And so we do support it.”
“We do support making sure that committed couples in a same-sex marriage are guaranteed the same constitutional benefits as it relates to their property rights, their rights of visitation, their rights to insurance, their rights of ownership as heterosexual couples do,” he added.
But when the question was put to Republican Sarah Palin, the Alaska governor skated around the question.
“Well, not if it goes closer and closer towards redefining the traditional definition of marriage between one man and one woman. And unfortunately that’s sometimes where those steps lead,” Palin said.
“But I also want to clarify, if there’s any kind of suggestion at all from my answer that I would be anything but tolerant of adults in America choosing their partners, choosing relationships that they deem best for themselves, you know, I am tolerant and I have a very diverse family and group of friends and even within that group you would see some who may not agree with me on this issue, some very dear friends who don’t agree with me on this issue.
“But in that tolerance also, no one would ever propose, not in a McCain-Palin administration, to do anything to prohibit, say, visitations in a hospital or contracts being signed, negotiated between parties.
“But I will tell Americans straight up that I don’t support defining marriage as anything but between one man and one woman, and I think through nuances we can go round and round about what that actually means.
“But I’m being as straight up with Americans as I can in my non- support for anything but a traditional definition of marriage.”
Palin has previously stated that she believes that homosexuality is a choice.
When Biden was asked about gay marriage he said he was opposed, as is Sen. Obama.
On Iraq, Palin accused Barack Obama of voting against funding for U.S. troops in combat and chastised his Democratic running mate, Joe Biden, for defending the move, “especially with your son in the National Guard” and headed for Iraq.
“John McCain voted against funding for the troops,” as well, Biden countered, adding that the Republican presidential candidate had been “dead wrong on the fundamental issues relating to the conduct of the war.”
Biden did not immediately reply to Palin’s mention of his son, Beau, the Delaware attorney general, who is scheduled to fly to Iraq with his National Guard unit on Friday.
Palin has a young son who is in Iraq with the Alaska National Guard, although she did not refer to it.
Biden was scathing in his criticism of McCain’s position on the Iraq war, calling him the “odd man out” for his refusal to accept a timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops.
But Palin countered that a timetable was tantamount to “a white flag of surrender in Iraq,” and at a moment when victory was “within sight.”
On the economy Palin said Obama had voted to raise taxes 94 times – an allegation that Biden disputed and then countered. By the same reckoning, he said, McCain voted “477 times to raise taxes.”
Palin, who has been governor of her state less than two years, was under intense pressure to demonstrate a strong grasp of the issues as she stepped onto the stage. Polls show the public has become increasingly skeptical of her readiness for high public office.
She made only one obvious stumble, when she twice referred to the top U.S. general in Afghanistan as “Gen. McClellan.” In fact, his name is David McKiernan.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report)
I agree with George. Yes, look at the NHS in Britain, and look at how overwhelmingly popular with the British people it is sixty years after its inception. Even Margaret Thatcher, a far more right-wing leader than America has ever had in fiscal terms, was not able to dent British confidence in the public health service. Everywhere where ’socialised medicine’ exists, and where it is adequately funded – Canada, Britain, France, Germany, Scandinavia, New Zealand (though not so much Australia these days) – it has the overwhelming support and affection of the general public. Even right-wing parties like the British Conservatives have to pledge their absolute support for the NHS.
Trace,
If, after an 18-month long primary season you still ‘know nothing’ about Obama, I think that speaks more poorly of you than of him. Now, how about this 5 week getting to know you period for McCain’s runningmate? Palincomparison, if you ask me.
Wayne,
“Sarah showed herself to be the average American”
Newsflash, Wayne, the ‘average American’ isn’t qualified to be VP OR President. That’s been the trouble these last 8 years.
One other point:
From the Washington Post, May 7: “The presumptive Republican presidential nominee [McCain] said that Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. ‘would serve as the model for my own nominees…’”
Stevens, Kennedy, Ginsburg, and Breyer are all over 70 (as is Scalia).
Wayne, enough of the lies about Canada’s healthcare system! (”Do you want government intervention into your healthcare. Look at Great Britain, Canada, and Australia.”)
I am a married gay man living in Canada. I, and my husbnd, and all members of our families have received excellent healthcare throughout all of our lives, and the only ‘government intervention’ was to pay the hospital bills!
In fact, the week before our wedding, my husband slipped and fell on some ice and tore his quadriceps tendons. He was in the operating room within 2 hours of being admitted. The only ‘government intervention was – NO BILL!
I have had 3 operations requiring hospitaizaton in my lifetime – NO BILL.
My Dad had colon cancer – NO BILL. My Mom had a stroke – NO BILL.
We choose or own doctors and go to the hospitals of our choice.
In Britain, the only reason there’s a cashier in the hospital is to cash employee cheques and for patients to pay for the televisions and phone service they get in their rooms.
I, too, invite people to “look at Canada’s system”, but certainly not thru lying eyes. Get a grip or get a clue, but stop spreading misinformation.
Its the economy that is in the tank folks. As OBAMA states the fundamentals of our economy are JOBS not investment banks. GLBT folk are good devoted creative workers and supportive businesses such as GOOGLE and PG& E and LEVIS know this and will support GLBT CIVIL RIGHTS to protect their own bottom lines. VOTE for the JOB MAKER if you cannot get past their old-fashioned view of marriage.
And I agree with you on one point Randall. The problem is that we really don’t know anything about Obama. We know that he chooses his friends and mentors poorly. We know that he really has sponsored or been a part of no meaningful legislation. We know that his opinions and stances switch with the wind. How can you hang your hopes on such a candidate?
I believe it’s best not to vote for a candidate because of just one of their positions. Vote for a candidate based on their moral viewpoint because that will tell you in the long run how they’ll stake up against you. Obama-Biden do not fully support gays but at least I know they wont be willing to have us executed either.
My wish is that all GLBT Americans can put their partisanship aside, put together a comprehensive pro/con factshee of the candidates stance on GLBT issues and vote from there. My opinion, all GLBT Americans are in this together. We will not change each other’s minds by spilling emotions or misrepresented facts.
*** McCain/Biden & Obama/Palin – or is it the other way?
McCain’s gay Q&A from SOVO & Blade:
‘I hope gay and lesbian Americans will give full consideration to supporting me’
By WILLIAM R. KAPFER
Oct. 03, 2008
Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said in an exclusive written interview this week that he appreciates the Log Cabin Republicans’ decision to endorse him, and he hopes “gay and lesbian Americans will give full consideration to supporting me.”
McCain’s decision to answer questions submitted to him in writing marks the first known time a Republican presidential nominee has agreed to an interview with a gay publication.
McCain reiterated his long-held position that he would leave it up to military leaders to decide whether the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law should be retained or repealed. But he suggested, possibly for the first time, that he would support a “review” of the policy.
What personal experiences or friendships have shaped how you view gay issues?
John McCain: I have known former Congressman Jim Kolbe for 25 years. We first ran for Congress in Arizona the same year — in 1982. We served together starting in 1985. He’s a great American who spent two decades serving his country in Congress. Like me, he also served in Vietnam so we have a special kinship. When he came out in 1996, there was no question that I would stand by him. He’s a friend and a patriot and has been an admirable public servant, and a good example of why someone’s sexuality should not be relevant in public life.
I have also known former Tempe Mayor [Neil] Giuliano for many years. He headed Mayors for McCain in our 2000 campaign. I stood by him when there was an effort to recall him in 2001, led by people who objected to him being an openly gay public official. He was a hard-working public servant and someone I have great respect for.
Do you have any role models who are openly gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender?
McCain: I had the humbling experience of speaking at Mark Bingham’s funeral after the attacks on Sept. 11. Mark had supported me during the 2000 campaign. Unfortunately, I barely knew him, but our country learned about him after 9-11. He was one of the heroes on 9-11 who tried to retake control of United Flight 93. His efforts along with the other brave patriots could have saved hundreds of lives. I honor and respect Mark. Memories of his sacrifice and the other victims from 9-11 motivate me everyday to make sure we keep our nation safe from the terrorists who want to attack our way of life because freedom is a threat to their message of hate.
Here’s what I said during his eulogy:
I love my country, and I take pride in serving her. But I cannot say that I love her more or as well as Mark Bingham did, or the other heroes on United Flight 93 who gave their lives to prevent our enemies from inflicting an even greater injury on our country. It has been my fate to witness great courage and sacrifice for America’s sake, but none greater than the selfless sacrifice of Mark Bingham and those good men who grasped the gravity of the moment, understood the threat, and decided to fight back at the cost of their lives.
(The full eulogy is available at tampabaycoalition.com/files/0921McCainPR.htm)
Would you decline to nominate a qualified Supreme Court justice, cabinet member or other appointed position just because the person is openly gay?
McCain: I have always hired the most qualified and competent people — regardless of their political party, race, gender, religion or sexual orientation.
Would you decline to nominate a qualified Supreme Court justice or cabinet member who had a history of anti-gay rulings?
McCain: I will nominate judges who interpret the Constitution, not judges who legislate from the bench. Legislators pass laws; judges interpret them. Unfortunately, too many judges have become confused [about] their role.
President Bush has been praised for his AIDS relief efforts in Africa, but many domestic AIDS service providers say the U.S. focus on the epidemic abroad ignores growing infection rates here at home. How would your AIDS policies differ from President Bush? And would you put a greater focus on the domestic problem?
McCain: I’m proud to have supported President Bush’s efforts to address the international AIDS crisis. History will remember him for the PEPFAR program, which has saved millions of lives. We’ve made progress on the domestic front too, but not enough. I am committed to supporting the development of a National AIDS Strategy. Countries receiving PEPFAR aid are required to develop a national plan; but we don’t have one in our country.
It’s important to settle on a national strategy — with input from state, local and federal government officials; along with the private sector, doctors, drug companies and AIDS advocates. Let’s roll up our sleeves and put together a National AIDS Strategy for more effectively addressing the domestic challenges.
Recent CDC statistics show that gay men continue to be strongly impacted by the disease, and the disease is disproportionately affecting people of color. Our prevention and treatment efforts must be improved to address these challenges.
Would you resume the practice started by President Clinton but discontinued by President Bush of creating a high-level White House staff position serving as liaison to the GLBT community?
McCain: I have already publicly stated that there will be no White House Office of Political Affairs in my administration — professional politics should be at the party committees, where it has a rightful place, not in the White House. I intend to be a president for all Americans. This discussion is somewhat premature given that I have not been elected (yet).
Important gay rights legislation has been stalled in Congress for some time. You have a reputation for having challenged your party in the past. Would you work with Congress to pass or deal with any of the following: the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the hate crimes bill, repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell?”
McCain: I promise to give full consideration to any legislation that reaches my desk. On “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” I’m going to defer to our military commanders. So far they have told me it’s working. I’m willing to have the policy reviewed to make sure that’s the case, but at the end of the day, I’m going to rely on the commanders who will be impacted by a change in the law.
What is your advice to gay rights activists as to what they should pursue and realistically expect to pass in 2009 with regard to the issues listed above?
McCain: My advice to all Americans is that it is time we came together to work in a bipartisan fashion to find real solutions to the challenges facing our country. I will be the president for all Americans — and will challenge every American to work with me to put our country first.
Would a McCain administration be willing to meet with and work with gay leaders to discuss matters of interest to the gay community?
McCain: I have met with leaders of Log Cabin Republicans in my campaigns. I am always willing to listen to all viewpoints and that will continue if I become president.
What is your reaction to the news that Log Cabin Republicans endorsed your campaign and will the Log Cabin Republicans be welcome in the White House if you’re elected?
McCain: I appreciate Log Cabin’s support. I’ve had a friendly relationship with the organization for almost 15 years. We don’t agree on every issue, but I respect their commitment to the GOP and I thank them for their support. Our party needs to focus on what unites us and I appreciate Log Cabin’s effort to make the GOP more inclusive. I have always been willing to discuss the important issues of the day with Log Cabin members and that will continue if I am elected. This is going to be a close election and we need support from every American.
I hope gay and lesbian Americans will give full consideration to supporting me. The stakes are high in this election. I will have an inclusive administration and I will be a president for all Americans.
What are your views on the Defense of Marriage Act? Do you think DOMA devalues the relationships of gay citizens?
McCain: As a Republican, I am a strong advocate for federalism. States should be able to decide as many issues as possible. That’s certainly the case on the definition of marriage. My home state of Arizona shouldn’t be compelled to recognize a marriage from California or Massachusetts. Those states can decide that issue by themselves.
However, at the same time, my own view is that marriage should be reserved for a man and a woman. That’s what I supported in Arizona. I realize this is a controversial issue and we must conduct this debate in a way that respects the dignity of every person.
What is your view of attempts to pass a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage? Do you think repeal of all of DOMA would prompt Congress to strongly consider and possibly pass a constitutional ban on gay marriage?
McCain: I voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment in 2004 and 2006. I continue to oppose such an amendment today, because as I’ve explained this should be a state matter, and not one for the federal government — as long as no state is forced to adopt some other state’s standard.
On adoption by same-sex couples, you have been quoted as saying you don’t believe it’s appropriate. Can you elaborate?
McCain: I hope my comments are not misinterpreted. I respect the hundreds of thousands of gay and lesbian people who are doing their best to raise the children they have adopted. As someone who adopted a child, Cindy and I know better than most couples the amazing satisfaction that comes from providing love to an unwanted child. I believe a child is best raised by a mother and father because of the unique contributions that they make together to the development of a child.
At the end of the day, this isn’t an issue the president deals with. I’m a federalist, and this is an issue reserved to the states in our system of government.
What is your position on California’s Proposition 8, which would ban same-sex marriage there?
McCain: As I did in my home state of Arizona, I support the effort in California to define marriage as the union of a man and a woman. However, the people of California will ultimately decide this issue, and I’ll of course respect the decision of the voters.
Do you foresee a day when the federal government will recognize civil unions or domestic partnerships performed by states?
McCain: I honestly don’t know.
How would a McCain administration approach abstinence-until-marriage sex education initiatives? What is your view regarding programs that provide safe-sex messages specific to gay youth?
McCain: I have supported including abstinence as a component of sex-education programs. Decisions regarding programs targeted specifically at gay youth should be made based on a review of the scientific data to determine what works and what doesn’t, but they must encourage responsible individual behavior.
When asked last year whether condoms help stop the spread of HIV, you were uncertain. Are you confident that condoms do help stop the spread of HIV?
McCain: Of course they help, but we can’t remove responsibility from the equation. Condoms aren’t fail-proof. People must behave responsibly and make wise decisions. Government can help with prevention strategies, but all people must choose to take responsibility for their own health.
Will you support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act if elected president?
McCain: Gay and lesbian people should not face discrimination in the workplace. I’ve always practiced that in my hiring. I select the best people, regardless of their sexual orientation. I support the concept of non-discrimination in hiring for gay and lesbian people.
However, we need to make sure legislation doesn’t lead to a flood of frivolous lawsuits or infringe on religious institutions. What I can say now is I will give careful consideration to any legislation that reaches my desk, and confer with Congress before making decisions.
Del Martin died on Aug. 27. She and Phyllis Lyon, her partner of 55 years, got married in the first legal gay union in California in June — affording Phyllis many of the basic protections and rights granted to married couples, such as hospital visitation and estate planning issues. Do you envision a time when all GLBT citizens will have similar basic rights? During your administration?
McCain: I respect that Del and Phyllis spent a lifetime together. As I stated earlier, however, I believe that issues regarding marriage and family laws are best decided by the states and not the federal government.
What are your thoughts on the Matthew Shepard Act?
McCain: I have voted against the proposal several times. Let me make it clear that no one should face violence because of who they are. It’s un-American and morally repugnant. People who commit any violent crime should face tough penalties. However, I am not convinced that this is properly a federal issue, or that criminal sentences for terrible crimes should be longer because of the views of the perpetrator or the identity of the victim.
How would you handle institutions such as the Boy Scouts and Salvation Army, which have been known to engage in discrimination against gays, to underscore your message?
McCain: I don’t believe that’s an issue for the president to deal with. I supported the Supreme Court’s decision in the Dale case. The Boy Scouts are an important institution in our society and they should decide this issue on their own.
Editor’s note: John McCain’s presidential campaign this week agreed to respond in writing to these questions, which were drafted by William R. Kapfer, co-president of Window Media, Southern Voice’s parent company, and Window Media editorial staff and submitted to the campaign by Kapfer
I agree with Peter 100%! It’s a NO brainer..OBAMA is better suited to actually bring LGBT people closer to Equality then McCain/Palin…a vote for them, is a vote to Devolve OUR rights further! OBAMA/BIDEN 08!
I really think people need to take a chill pill; an Obama administration would push for a repeal of DADT, passage of ENDA and the Matthew Shepard act; and federal rights for same-sex couples. Hello? That’s more than we’ve ever gotten from any major candidate, ever! Stop moaning about them throwing you under the bus, Obama has said multiple times that he thinks it should be left up to the states but that his Church supports it. Palin says she’s tolerant; yeah she’s about as tolerant as upper-class suburbanites are of lower-class workers. The McCain administration has consistently opposed any progress toward equal rights for LGBT citizens. This is politics people, take the lessor of two evils and get your ass out there and vote!
When asked about same-sex benefits Biden did not blink. His answer was yes as it pertains to our rights under the constitution. The benefits are our civil right. He mumbled that “marriage” should be left up to religion. That is where marriage belongs. The state has an interest in our civil rights because the benefits of coupling both to personal health and welfare make for a more stable society. When you have healthy, happy, couples and families, you get people more vested in their communities, more action in education, longer lives paying taxes. I will take a civil union from the government with all the rights and responsibilities then go get “Married” in the eyes of my God/Goddess in my house of worship. Straight people need to realize that we have always been here doing the same things they have. We commit our life to another, have children, work hard, pay taxes, and pray. We just want the hate and discrimination to stop and are not afraid to come out and say so. The only thing that will change is our lives will not be full of fear and hate.
So Wayne, what would you do if you lost your home, your job, your health insurance coverage, all your pension and savings…..how would you get access to health care buddy? Forget about medicaid…you don’t believe in socialized programs, so thats out of the equation for you and all the neocons. So tell us, what would you do? Give up and die? The health care systems of every country are in crisis….but….universal health care in the UK, Canada and Australia delivers health care to all in a much more efficient manner. Stop the scare tactics about long waits….elective surgery is not and never will be an emergency. In real emergencies, people get excellent and immediate care, I should know, I’ve lived in the UK 28 years of my life, two of which were spent in France and Germany. I received nothing but good, quality care and the longest I waited to see a doctor was half an hour. You don’t know what you’re talking about.
Typical republican “I don’t give a damn about the rest of you” as long as I’ve got mine” attitude.
The exchange ended with Palin and Biden saying that they were both in complete agreement on the issue of gay marriage–both bigots are against it. So despite all his talk of change change change, Obama and Biden are committed to maintaining the traditional, unfair, and bigoted policy of excluding gays from one of their most basic and fundamental civil rights, the right to enter into the civil institution of marriage with the partner of their choice.
http://www.cbc.ca/world/usvotes/story/2008/10/02/vp-usdebate.html Did Biden support or not support gay marriage?