Bush or Kerry? Ha. Either way, it's not good for gay people.
Kerry Backs State Ban On Gay MarriageWHDH-TV
Updated: 9:14 a.m. ET Feb. 26, 2004BOSTON -- Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry said he supports amending the Massachusetts Constitution to ban gay marriage, as long as it provides for civil unions for same-sex couples.
"If the Massachusetts Legislature crafts an appropriate amendment that provides for partnership and civil unions, then I would support it, and it would advance the goal of equal protection," Kerry told The Boston Globe.
He has said he would oppose any amendment that didn't include a provision for civil unions.
"I think that you need to have civil union," he said. "That's my position."
Kerry's remark angered supporters of gay marriage, who said it could help a stalled amendment offered by state legislators that defines marriage as a union of one man and one woman, but creates same-sex unions. Lawmakers are set to reconvene their constitutional convention on March 11.
"It is harmful for us and could well affect the vote," said Arline Isaacson, co-chairwoman of the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, which opposes the amendment.
But state Senator Andrea Nuciforo Jr., a Democrat from Pittsfield who supports the amendment, doubted Kerry's comments would have much affect on the state debate.
"Members are reaching their conclusions based on what they hear from their districts and what they feel in their hearts," said Nuciforo.
Kerry has said he opposes gay marriage but has not previously given his opinion on any specific amendment under discussion in the state Legislature.
In 1996, Kerry voted against the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which defined marriage as a union of a man and woman. At the time, Kerry said he opposed gay marriage, but the law amounted to gay-bashing.
Kerry also denounced the push by President Bush this week to amend the U.S. Constitution to outlaw gay marriage, arguing the issue of marriage should be left to the states. (AP)
