Billionaire hedge fund manager Paul E. Singer is one of the Republican Party’s most important money men, raising millions for presidential candidate Mitt Romney and giving even more to a super PAC supporting his campaign.
But Singer is also a longtime backer of marriage rights for gay men and lesbians, putting him in stark conflict with Romney and the Republican establishment.
The contrast underscores a growing rift between the main Republican Party — which reiterated its support this week for a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage — and a small group of conservative donors who view the issue as a matter of individual civil liberties.
Singer has given $1 million this year to Freedom to Marry, a national bipartisan advocacy group focused on winning state ballot measures on gay marriage in Maine, Minnesota and Washington. The group plans to spend at least $3 million on its efforts.
Singer, founder of the $20 billion Elliott Management fund, also gave $1 million in start-up money to American Unity PAC, a new super political action committee focused on supporting Republican congressional candidates who favor marriage equality.
The two groups have received major donations from at least three other Republican hedge fund managers: Cliff Asness of AQR Capital Management, Seth Klarman of Ballpost Group and Dan Loeb of Third Point, according to records and officials. Singer and Asness were among the key backers of a successful push last year for same-sex marriage legislation in New York.
Marc Solomon, national campaign director for Freedom to Marry, said the donations from prominent Republicans represent a key development in the marriage debate.
“The strong support that we’re getting from members of both parties indicates that this has become a mainstream American cause,” Solomon said. “This is not the same wedge issue that it was eight years ago.”
But support for same-sex unions remains an outlier among Republicans, who included an anti-gay-marriage plank in the party’s official platform ahead of the GOP convention next week in Tampa.
The platform committee also rejected a proposal Tuesday to include a plank endorsing civil unions for gay men and lesbians. One delegate, Indiana lawyer James Bopp Jr., called same-sex unions “counterfeit marriage.”
Democrats, by contrast, have embraced gay marriage as part of their party platform after President Barack Obama’s endorsement of marriage equality earlier this year. Gay voters make up a crucial part of the Democratic support base and have helped Obama raise tens of millions of dollars for his reelection effort.
The main focus this fall, however, will be in a handful of states where voters will decide whether same-sex marriage should be legal. Proponents have yet to win a ballot initiative, and about 30 states ban gay unions in some form.
Measures in two states, Maryland and Washington, will determine whether to repeal gay marriage laws, while Minnesota voters are considering whether to ban them as part of the state’s constitution. In Maine, meanwhile, supporters have placed a measure on the ballot that would legalize same-sex marriages and overturn an earlier ballot initiative forbidding them.
Freedom to Marry is supported by donors from both parties, including Democrats such as Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes and his husband, investor Sean Eldridge.
American Unity PAC reported to the Federal Election Commission that it has raised $1.6 million from five individuals. It describes itself on its Web site as “protecting and promoting inclusive Republicans.”
Singer, who has a gay son, has devoted an estimated $10 million toward efforts to legalize gay marriage, including the successful campaign last year in New Y ork. He declined to comment through a spokesman.
A key advocacy group leading the charge on the other side is the National Organization for Marriage, which has helped pass dozens of anti-gay-marriage measures and is devoting resources to the four ballot states this November. NOM has reported about $200,000 in independent expenditures this year, but most of the nonprofit group’s spending is not disclosed to the FEC.
NOM President Brian Brown said in a recent statement that the definition of marriage will be “a key issue” in swing states this November.
“We fully intend to make sure that people realize that the outcome of the election is a proxy for the survival of traditional marriage in our nation,” he said.
Time for republicans to find a different issue than opposing gay marriage. If you are religiously opposed, join a church that supports that viewpoint but the majority of voters in the USA, which is not a church, want to allow gays to get married. So let them get married, it’s how it works in this country, the majority wins. Republicans can pick on other democrat issues that really deserve to be debated.
I think Republicans would find much more support if they left issues like gay marriage and the President’s birth place alone.
Wolfndeer, please!! It is a Washington post story. might as well read the star… The washington post is a sock puppet for the liberals.
When you can’t argue the merits of the article, attach the source?
Don’t forget they also want to control women, after all the women don’t know anything about their own bodies.
The president just changed to a gay marriage supporter in time for his re-election campaign. Obviously he does not support it personally but his campaign does. That fact is far more important than where the man was born.
I disagree with your analysis. I think Obama personally has always for gay marriage and gay protections. Unfortunately that was not a politically feasible position to hold – if you recall Kerry got hammered on the issue. The campaign weighed things out and couldn’t sit on the fence anymore by supporting gay rights, but not gay marriage. There were too many DOMA cases coming up through the court systems, so the Obama administration would have to defend DOMA (which is anti-gay marriage legislation) for the sake of the Obama campaign, but then still have to maintain that Obama is for gay rights. It was too incompatible. Fortunately, opinions are turning on marriage equality, so Obama could “come out” with his true position which is to support marriage equality. I mean, there is campaign stuff from his 1996 run where he said he supported gay marriage.
I think it’s a bit silly to knock Obama for doing that. It’s just a political reality. And if you recall, Bush went on and on during his campaign about passing a constitutional amendment regarding marriage. He used the issue for politics alone and then once elected completely ignored it.
and welfare, and American excellence, and sensible spending, and capitalism, and immigration…..we should just leave it ALL to you…the LEft will take care of everything…just ask Spain…..and greece…..and california
Just wish we had some good examples where liberal policies destroyed countires and states with thier same type of thought and policy…..i’ll keep looking, I know there are examples somewhere…
I’m trying to say that the Republicans would have more support if there were more grown-ups in the party telling the childish lunatics to pipe down. The President was born here — period. You can’t force a raped woman to carry on with a pregnancy. People with different skin color and religions than you aren’t evil. We don’t need to spend 1 trillion on Defense every year. Etc. Why is the Republican party wasting so much time and energy on these things?
I wonder why Cheney, who’s daughter is a lesbian, hasn’t come out in favor of equal rights for all, including the right to marry? If he had any real guts he’d promote the idea of having the federal government put this issue to rest and give ALL Americans equal rights. The GOP hero Ronald Reagan’s daughter is also lesbian. More republican hypocrisy!
Actually George, Cheney has publicly endorsed the freedom to marry and came out specifically for it in Maryland.
Tryanny knows No bounds!
Do you really think people Like Cheney and Reagan care about “anybody” other than their want to control them?
Can you imagine being gay and liveing in a Patriarch household with the likes of these tyrannts?
Mr. Cheney has “come out” and shared his feelings on SSM and states he has been a silent supporter for years since his daughter Mary revealed herself as being lesbian….sadly, his political ambitions and associations in past times influenced his “silence”…..
Well said Pab…
He has come out in favor of gay marriage publicly, but quietly. Cheney is a neocon who believes in marriage equality— to him it’s more important for Republicans to have power than support what’s right.
Social conservatism is so 17th Century !
Just imagine what could be done with all those funds to end legitimate suffering and need in
our nation…
Then stop standing in the way.
Then we can use that money for other suffering and need.
Fact is, it’s the fault of people like you that the money is going towards this issue.
You are harming American citizens, both by screaming to deny them the protections of marriage for their families, and by insuring we spend money to stop that harm.
Hope you’re happy.
Nice try in trying to divert blame…another tactic this group is known for. It’s always the fault of another. You’re clearly the “victim”(sarcasm). I am talking about REAL victims and REAL need. Not just because someone wants the “EASY” road to benefits. Your group is the ones causing the turmoil.
Grow up and own it. And by the way…I’m very happy, thanks.
Divert blame?
Who is screaming to deny marriage rights from gay couples? Me? Um… no.
You’re harming others with that, and by diverting funds necessary to stop it.
There are plenty of your REAL victims out there… many now fighting you and yours in court as they should.
If you’d stop, it would end… if you don’t stop, it won’t end. We will continue to fight against the harm you and your kind cause.
And I’m sure you are very happy at the harm you cause… it’s what your kind does.
REAL victims, REAL need…and funny how you didn’t address what it is you ‘re fighting for…the benefits, that’s what it’s ALL about. I’ve said it before…get them another way, but not by changing the views, values, and morals ofothers to suit you.
They are REAL victims… loss of income… loss of significant other… children without insurance… the list goes on and on.
Just because you don’t like them doesn’t mean the harm to them isn’t real, and keep your harmful morals… nobody’s asking you to change your evil ways.
You and yours harm millions every day.
Glad to know that makes you happy.
You see, that’s where you’re dead wrong Ted…I don’t hate…I just don’t agree
with you. And if anyone is evil…it can be seen in what you write and how you
write it. I am happy, and you are obviously not. I know you will deny it and
think that I don’t mean this…but your unhappiness is truly heartbreaking.
You have not been accused of hate… just by being happy in your actions harming Maine citizens.
You don’t have to agree… you don’t have to change your harmful morals (nobody can take that from you).
I’m happy… my life is very good, my family healthy. But I am angered by seeing you and yours harm people and refuse to admit it… in fact, take pleasure from it.
There is a vast difference between being angry at watching citizens be harmed by people who take pleasure in that harm and being unhappy.
I’m not surprised that you can’t see the difference.
We’ve been around this before Ted…just are not going to agree.
Have a great day. Stay happy and healthy. : )
Right out of the homosexual handbook…. Make them look like the perpetrators and make the homosexuals look like the victims. It’s worked on many of our kids.
Heres who the real bullies are http://www.citizenlink.com/2012/06/21/why-is-glsen-bullying-my-community/
And that link is just the very tip of the iceberg…right down to the
government trying to tell parents that they can’t take a child, their
own biological child, to any type of councelor to try to work through
these issues. That is a bill that they are trying to pass now in CA. So
stand by…they’ll feed you what you want to hear now…and later it
will be a whole other story.
Precisely! Funny how they scream about not voting on what they want to refer to as civil rights but have no problem with BUYING their civil rights.
BTW, good call on Ted and his obvious self loathing, it is sad.
Okay, so let’s pretend you don’t have the civil right to vote. How would you lobby to get that right for yourself? You think you would do it with absolutely no money and no support?
But we can all vote, even homosexuals…
That wasn’t my question. You were knocking them for spending money. How would you do it then? What’s the alternative?
It seems like you’re just getting jabs in and you don’t care one bit about being consistent or fair. You just want to jab them, even though you would be doing exactly the same thing in that or a similar position.
Self loathing?
You’er the one trying to get the government to keep a class of citizens down so you don’t feel so bad about yourself.
You’re one of the sickest I’ve seen here on BDN… you’re a Klan member… and you know it.
Awww, poor Ted. Knock that chip right off your shoulder, you’ll feel much better.
No hotshot, no chip to knock down.
It’s you who are hostile, not me… one wonders what happened in your life to put such a chip on your shoulder and such an obsession with gay sex in your heart.
Please knock it off, you’re going to make me cry and that’s against the rules…good grief, could you be any more juvenile.
Nothing juvenile about it. I truly wonder what happens in the lives of hostile and harmful people like you that give you such an obsession over the lives of other people.
No need to make you look like the perpetrators… you ARE.
You’re mindset is IDENTICAL to that of the KKKlan. This is from their homepage… modified to replace race with sexual identity:
“There is a [sexual identiy] war against [straights]. But our people – my [straight] brothers and sisters – will stay committed to a non-violent resolution. That resolution must consist of solidarity in [straight] communities around the world. The hatred for our children and their future is growing and is being fueled every single day. Stay firm in your convictions. Keep loving your heritage and keep witnessing to others that there is a better way than a war torn, violent, wicked, socialist, new world order. That way is the Christian way – law and order – love of family – love of nation. These are the principles of western Christian civilization. There is a war to destroy these things. Pray that our people see the error of their ways and regain a sense of loyalty. Repent America! Be faithful my fellow believers.”
You sound JUST like them.
Here’s polygamy waiting their turn. http://www.citizenlink.com/2012/08/21/polygamy-waiting-in-the-wings-while-supreme-court-addresses-the-definition-of-marriage/
What’s your rational legal argument against polygamy?
Actually homosexual activists are very much like the KKK. They take the truths of the Bible and put their little spin on it to confuse the ignorant.
The buybull is meaningless… why would anyone use it for anything?
I shared they’re prayer… it sounds like you, not me.
your way is not non-violent…nice try….we will see Tedlick Badkey in the streets of Tampa next week, and then at every Ryan or Romney gathering…just like we saw you at the Occupy movement….your veiws are the same….if you are going to paint all the people that disagree with you the same, then have at it….hold that “Maine loves Fascism” sign good and high…
Sure it is. Where do you see anything violent in anything I’ve ever said?
You haven’t and you won’t.
And again clueless one (please learn to read) I have never voted democrat, and though I loathe the senselessly harmful “social conservatives” of the current republican party, they’re my party to hotshot. So no, you won’t see me in Tampa protesting anything. Sorry to disappoint.
Only fascists I see here are you and those like you who wish to break Americans up into groups and harm some in the incorrect belief it’ll help other groups you like.
Personally, I doubt you Hve ever voted for any candidate that opposes homosexuality. I think you play the GOP card to try and garner supporters to your cause. Given your propensity to lie its a pretty safe bet.
CP…Im gonna spread some more lies…I cant help myself….someone make me stop……
1. Damian Goddard, a widely respected national sportscaster, was fired for writing on Twitter his support for traditional marriage. Listen to this terrific interview with Damian and share it with your friends and family members to help them understand why we must preserve marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
2. Bishop Frederick Henry of Calgary was investigated by the Human Rights Commission for simply writing about the Catholic Church’s teachings on homosexuality for a newspaper column.
3. The Toronto school board has said parents have no right to remove their children from instruction about homosexuality because of religious objections. The board considers it human rights education and has adopted an equity curriculum called, “Challenging Homophobia and Heterosexism.”
4. The government of Ontario is demanding that Catholic schools comply with its equity policy. A government official said implementing homosexual clubs is not a matter of choice
5. Teachers are instructing Kindergarten age children about “same-sex” marriage using the book, Mom and Mom Are Getting Married. Parents have no right to opt their children out of this instruction. 6. An elderly couple who rents out rooms in their own home has been forced to defend charges of discrimination for refusing to allow homosexual men to share a bedroom in their home. These are very real consequences of what happens when marriage is redefined as a genderless institution
Thanks for that. I’ve been posting actual incidents for months. It’s happening all around us and the media is totally silent about it.
I don't care if you believe me or not.
You cannot point out one lie I've ever stated.
I can think of several right off the top of my head. Let’s see you once posted you had thought of going to a Christian college, soon to be followed by you attended one for one year, soon to be changed to graduating from one, not to mention claiming to be a minister at one time. You’re a liar plain and simple who is only interested in furtheringmyourmown perversion no matter the harm or the cost to society. Your a selfish person who has never matured.
Now, you're lying.
I did graduate from a baptist college, and was a yout minister.
The rest of that is a lie.
what is your favorite sport?
Fishing.
Lets see “calling people KKK”..”obsession with gay sex”….yea, your a hater all right…Thats how people talk when they got no game….Everytime I watch the news until november I will see the anarchists and know…I have just met TedLick….
quick question…..and I don’t know the answer, but I am sure you do…..Why, if homosexuals make up 2 to 3% of the population, do the commit 34% of the pedophile crimes in America?…just a question, not hate, using facts from the national crime stats, federal stuff…go look it up if you want to..its all out there…..It seems that homosexuals are over represented in this crime statistic in relation to thier population.
Now, once you have settled into that…why is it such a reach to know ‘some’ people have an issue with homosexualaity?…you know, skepticle, suspicious of the movement…forget the whole anti-society point of view……forget the religious point of view….I’v set those on a shelf as not to be a distraction
Cite your source for that claim.
sometimes society needs to be protected from people who hold your views…….your side is looting America and the principles it was built on…just trying to protect her…..its not a bad gig really…and guilt free- contrary to how you view it….
Society is not harmed by gay marriage. If you could prove that, you’d have a rational argument or court.
You’re harming law-abiding American citizens. If that makes you feel good, then so be it.
Ted the homosexual says we are not harmed by homosexuality, porn, drugs, abortions, divorce, polygamy, sex parties etc..etc..
What further proof do we need? Should we trust him? Slap your forehead time.
You're a liar now.
Ah no, I’ve personally questioned you on all of them and you endorse them all. That’s the problem with people like you, the immorality just keeps bubbling out of the closet and there is no stopping it. It’s shameful.
Just imagine how the Catholic Church in Maine might have been able to keep more of its churches open had it not wasted hundreds of thousands of dollars in 2009, postponing the inevitable.
um…..if only money is keeping open churches, than they certainly not of God
I would rather see a church close it’s doors rather than compromise its morals as so many have done. Evil prevails when good people do nothing.
Which is why I am working hard to educate others on the real and concrete good that will come from civil marriage equality!
There is truly nothing immoral about two people in a committed, loving, supportive relationship— and it is those people who are seeking civil marriage.
You suffer from nothing other than a sexual perversion. That alone gives you no rights to anything never mind change marriage. There is help for you.
There is nothing perverted about the supportive, committed relationship I share with the love of my life. God has blessed me to find someone like him to share this world with.
No the blessing you speak of is not from God. God condemns homosexuality, Old and New Testament. God also gives the reason and the cure. And no, it’s not talking about rape as you love to say. It is talking of any man that lies with another man as a man lies with a woman. Like the KKK and Westbrook baptist you twist and pervert scripture to fit your immorality.
God condemns rape and victimization, not love.
There are far more passages in the bible that support slavery than you can twist to condemn homosexuality, yet we agree that we should not hold slaves. Why? Because we recognize that there are indeed parts of the bible that are from another time, when we did not understand each other’s humanity as well.
This is why we do not forbid eating food more than 3 days old, wearing mixed fibers, eating shellfish. And we abhor holding slaves.
Recognizing that homosexuals are not sinning when they find committed, supportive love is absolutely going to be a mainstream Christian view one day. I hope you can open your heart to see that your opposition to gays and lesbians goes against the ideals of the Gospel.
I’m not talking about slaves or Gods civil laws. You’re just changing the subject. God clearly condemns any and all homosexuality. I can clearly provide the verses to back up that claim….you can’t. From all my study of Scripture you will suffer even greater wrath for invoking Gods name in all of this. It’s not my heart that needs changing, it’s yours.
Well, some men say Your God condemns it. My secular government shouldn’t.
Your petty mythology has nothing to do with civil marriage.
You’ll see that it does make a difference this November.
And you honestly think that’s where it will stop?
You’re not that dumb are you?
Such votes didn’t stop us from having interracial marriage outlawed (and just as many states had laws and constitutional amendments against the idea), now did it?
No little one… that will be far from the end.
Is legitimate suffering like legitimate rape?
Perhaps Mr. Akin could answer you.
also known as “I have no argument, so I am going to say stupid stuff”…
Much like you?
Children? Animals?
You demonstrate every time you open your mouth how little you even understand law.
Most against gay marriage are like you: very emotional but not too bright.
Pure hypocrisy. Those who are pro-gay marriage are the only people in the country using money for political reasons? Get real.
My…but you DO have a “vivid” imagination if that’s
what you got from that comment…wow
It’s what you ridiculously implied. Oh boy, let me imagine how much good 1 million dollars could do. What a thought. Now, let me come back down to earth and gain some perspective. Two through five billion dollars are spent every year on elections.
The source of the funds was the least important part of the
comment. “Legitimate NEED, not want, but NEED and
suffering” now there’s the point. Open your eyes and slow
your fingers…and stop looking for an argument.
So then help illuminate things for me. What was your point in highlighting this 1 million and saying nothing about the total 2-5 billion that gets spent every year?
Are we reading/commenting on the same article? I’m not seeing anything
about the billions you speak of here…so why would that come to mind?
It’s not in the article, it’s an obvious fact. The 1 million this guy donated is a drop in the bucket in comparison to the total political donations and spendings in a given year. Obviously the 1 million isn’t the only sum of money that is spent on campaigns per year. The total sum is anywhere between 2 and 5 billion.
I was commenting on this article…not what’s obvious to you. Sorry.
Gay citizens fighting for marriage rights is a legitimate need my friend.
Just because you like seeing them harmed doesn’t make it illegitimate.
Wow Ted…one track mind today? I’m harming no one by
my stand on this issue…
Liar.
It’s submitted to the courts… go read the transcripts of the harm befalling gay citizens due to not being able to wed.
I’ve no doubt you won’t… but it’s out there.
Liar? Now there’s another classic example of what the group
to which you belong is known for. Again, have a good afternoon.
Yup. You lied. You said your view harms no one.
That is a lie.
Your views are causing millions of our children to stumble.
http://engagefamilyminute.com/2012/08/boys-wearing-dresses-and-pan-sexuals-are-we-confused/
This shouldn’t be a partisan issue. It’s about fairness. You don’t give some rights to one but not another in this country.
so if you give rights to people who engage in unnatural sex, will you, after gay marriage is firmly entrenched and accepted into society, also support the right of others who engage in unnatural sex?…or will you say “no (insert image of brushing your hands clean here) thats where I draw the line (use the extreme, impossible, unthinkable movement of animal husbandry) ….Will you also support that movement?…or is that up to THOSE people to organize themselves and spend the money and years of press to move thier movement forward just like the Gay Marriage people did?…..”You don’t give some rights to one but not another in this country”
You (and the Gay Marriage movement) got what YOU think is fair…what about the next people who step up next and say, its my turn, I want MY fair rights…I want to legally marry my dog, blow up doll, phones app, 15 yr old..12 yr old….8 yr old… friend, there is a constant movement in todays culture worldwide to lower the age of consent so I am NOT using ultra extreme examples…when you keep moving the goal posts for a successful civilization and American society…..you will eventually run out of field……
So the issue is about sex? The SJC already hit that issue. It’s unconstitutional to ban sodomy. And just a point of fact — heterosexuals engage in “unnatural sex” in larger numbers than homosexuals do.
Marriage is a contract. You need to consent to a contract. An 8 year old, your dog, a phone app., etc. can’t give consent.
No one is moving the goal post. Choosing to not discriminate is not moving the goal post. Otherwise you could argue (and they did, using the same arguments you’re making now) that interracial marriage is wrong. Un-banning interracial marriage is moving the goal post.
clearly we are not talking about the laws of man
Do you have a real response? Or are you just going to ignore everything I said?
“unnatural sex”?!
BWA HA HA HA HAAAAAAA!!!
Plastic… that’s unnatural. Do you boycott all plastics?
You’re so full of it… but: you make a great ally.
Your lack of rational argument will insure your loss.
PS: Your dog cannot enter a legal contract. You’re just showing how dumb you are, and how sick by wanting to victimize children. You’re a great ally!!!
Yeah plastic is unnatural, most people don’t try to have sex with it.
Making plastic much like you, huh sweetcheeks?
Knew the “sweet cheeks”was coming, see my other post, I called it :)
If it makes you feel better my little Klansman to think so, go right ahead.
How about @sshat that work for you?
you know…not natural is unnatural…other than what nature designed unnatural….i am not sure of the confusion here….are you saying, in general, homosexual sex is natural?
Also, like you are advocating for, when a society disposes of right and wrong and replaces it with whatever someone thinks is right and wrong….you are surely smart enought to know that ANYTHING is possible…dont play cute like the current homosexual movement will be the line in the sand for sexual deviancies…and now we can just move on as a society now that we have accepted the opinnicle of sexual deviancies…when this movement is complete, the next one will make the current homosexual movement like its always been natural…
Your side is advocating for a world open to victimize children…children are victimized when thier parents turn homosexual…..i’m not writing some new manual here, Mr. Einstein….oh, I see….because you can call me hateful louder and to more people, my views must be incorrect…..I would be upset too that no matter how loud and hateful I spewed my love for the unnatural, it will never be right…never….even if it is accepted by everyone in the world, it still wouldnt be right….
Nothing unnatural about sex that doesn’t end in procreation. I guess this means you’re against all forms of oral sex too, huh, even among straight folks?
Homosexual sex occurs naturally… I don’t know what else to say about it.
It’s about law, not your opinion of right and wrong. There is nothing against the law in being gay or having gay relations. The fact that you view it as “wrong” means nothing.
I’ve never known anyone who advocates for victimization of children. That’s like saying that all christians let their kids die in the name of god. Absolutely preposterous.
As for gay parents, the children are fine. It’s obvious you know no gay folks with kids.
I’ve never called you hateful either… uneducated, harmful, and bigoted sure, but not hateful.
Nobody cares if you feel it’s right… at the end of the day, it’s not even about you, and you will not be affected.
“Unnatural” sex? So sayeth who?
I think the issue is allowing any two adults humans to marry. Maybe the goal posts will move to allow any adult humans to marry, but I’m not terribly worried that will come to include minor children, animals, or inanimate objects.
Washington Post article. LOL!!!
Can you argue the merits of the article, or are you just going to attack the source in a knee-jerk reaction manner?
Could you possibly be more of a hypocrite, seriously attacking the poster is right out of the homosexual handbook.
Um, what? Where did I attack anyone?
No attack was made.
There was no argument against the merits of the argument. You, however, are attacking folks.
The Washington Post? C’mon give us a break. That rag, stopped being objective years ago.
I’d go to the Post for news before I went to RW “news sources” like the Boston Herald, NY Post or Fox News.
What specifics of the article do you find incorrect?
how about starting with describing those who believe in traditional marriage as ‘supporting traditional marriage”.rather than “anti-Gay”…That description is wrong and not accurate and clearly biased and judgemental and inflamatory when it is used…..almost like…gulp….class warfare…..
Well if you look at the comments on here, most of the people who are “supporting traditional marriage” also seem to be anti-gay.
those are two seperate things…you just haphazardly, because you want to lump them together?
Bingo, well said.
Well said, perhaps, but totally wrong.
If you are “pro traditional marriage” you are “anti-gay marriage”… that’s a simple fact. You don’t have to like it, but that’s like calling the KKK a “supporting traditional racial views” organization.
“anti-gay marriage” is a perfectly app description because you are anti-gay marriage. It is not inflammatory unless the truth inflames you.
Nothing about class, as most gay people I know have far more than you and yours ms. waldo 1800.
so, if I refer to supporters of homosexuals as ‘pro-pedophile” supporters you would….what?
Then you’d be lying little one.
Homosexuality and pedophilia are not the same thing. Comparing them is not the same thing as saying “anti-gay marriage” folks and “traditional marriage folks” are the same… because “traditional marriage supporters” are against gay marriage.
Did you even graduate public school anywhere?
Because that’s not true.
I support traditional marriage— I ALSO support same-sex marriage!
See how that works? I’m not seeking to outlaw traditional marriage, I am seeking access to civil marriage rights for same-sex couples.
Bravo! I believe this shows the real divide between extreme right wingnuts and fiscal conservatives.
We need more of this… much, much more.
“Social conservatives” have decimated the republican party to the point that I’m almost ready to vote for anyone just to vote against them… even if I have to vote democrat for the first time in my life.
This gives me hope for tomorrow.
or is it a party sticking to its priciples set forth by God and laws of nature. I mean, that is still the argument, right?…..That arguement is just as strong as the argument FOR gay marriage….
No, that’s not the argument at all. God has nothing to do with US civil law or governance. Most of your “sins” are perfectly legal hon, and mankind broke with “nature” long ago… if you want to return to that, stop burning fossil fuels, using plastic, or polluting your environment: all go AGAINST “nature”.
You must be very young… if you were over 40 you’d know that the Republican party was once respectable… and this fundy bandwagon nonsense didn’t exist.
The argument for gay marriage is the harm done to US citizens and their families…
You have put forward NO argument against gay marriage.
Whenever Ted starts with the “hon”and “sweet cheeks”he’s in total damage control and going down hill fast.
Nah, just having fun at your expense.
From you there is nowhere to go that’s “down hill”.
Now, where’s that rational argument against gay marriage that will stand in court?
I’m pretty sure anything you put forth has already been shot down… but I’d like to see you try.
After all, since 1996, there hasn’t been ONE federal trend in your favor… and that’s not likely going to change if you can’t come up with something.
Court in Hawaii just ruled differently.
You didn’t get my point did you? Not surprising. I wasn’t talking about the courts.
See, we now have benefits for gay citizens working for the federal government.
We saw DADT die.
We see the federal government exclude companies that they hire that don’t have partnership benefits or protections in the workplace for gay citizens. You know, all those things that the Civil Rights Act gives to your choice to follow a religion.
But now that you mention it, you have one judge in Hawaii… that’s it.
And that’s not going to cut it… besides, that case is also on appeal.
other than its unnatural sex…and anti-societal….I’m not being mean…..you said there is no argument, but you continue putting forth arguments that are second in line……the first arguement, for all not just those who you think are “right wing nuts”, but all people who would like to see society continue for many generations……its immoral and anti-societal…your side never gets past that part with an argument…you just pretend it has been settled….’mankind broke with nature” long ago….no, homosexuals broke with nature, and you will never get by that initial fact no matter how much you pretend it doesn’t exist…
Only thing unnatural about it is your view of it… don’t do much research do you?
Anti-societal? Oh, come on… now you’re just being ridiculous.
Your fear that procreation is somehow going to slow when gay marriage is legalized is beyond ridiculous… it’s stupid.
Procreation is not a requirement for straight folks to marry… that argument has already entered the courts, and already been shot down.
Your focus on what you perceive to be nature is meaningless in court as well, as mankind HAS broken with nature in so many different ways.
But thanks… at least I know you have nothing that will help your side in court. You’re another powerful ally!
As I’ve noted before, most of the strongest opponents of gay marriage are among the nation’s most fervent advocates of increased military expenditures and, as with Mitt Romney, increased American intervention abroad. The likely injuries and deaths of American troops as a result never trouble them–not least because neither they nor their children would ever serve. As has so often been noted, the vast majority of these self-righteous folks care only about the unborn and happily ignore babies and their parents once born. Hypocrisy doesn’t begin to explain this nonsense. Let’s cheer the GOP’s convention platform opposing abortion for any reason. But rest assured that any daughters of these GOP fanatics who wanted abortions would get them.
As a registered Republican, I look forward to the day when my party is not explicitly working to maintain discrimination in federal and state laws against gays and lesbians.
Gay marriage is not a democrat vs republican issue, it is an issue of whether we uphold the demands of our Constitution to extend protections equally to all citizens, or we uphold discrimination because we are comfortable with denying equal rights to people we disagree with.
I am a heterosexual male, been married for 30 years, and I am as straight as the day is long.
Seems to me that all men and women share a common humanity; we are all mortal, and we are all on this earth for a very short time.
During our stay here we all share many common life-goals. We all want happiness and a sense of fulfillment. We all want to feel a worthiness and inclusion in our daily lives.
We all want to be able to share our lives with people we love.
I enthusiastically support gay marriage.
I do not want to be part of the mindset that prevents people from achieving happiness in their lives.
Indeed I don’t want to cause or be a part of any actions that would deny anyone the fulfillment and sense of worth that we all strive for. I don’t believe that I have that right or that prerogative.
I hope that those who oppose gay marriage would pause and consider that people only get one go-round on this earth, and gay people have the same rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as their straight fellow citizens.
I refuse to be part of the movement to deny gays, or anyone, the ability to live their life the way they want, or to achieve the life goals that will bring them happiness.
Where in your mind would you draw the line on relationships outside of societies norm? and who defines that?…just wondering….Is men marrying men (or women marying women) the last frontier in relationships santioned by the government…
Is that like, if we give women the right to vote, surely children and animals will want to vote? If we set the speed limit to 75, surely people will want it up to 95 and then 175?
Why are you so concerned as long as those involved are consenting adults?
Why is it any of your business ms. waldo 1800?
This is why the congressional approval rating is in the tank. Both sides are the do nothings in Washington D.C. No setting president could ever look good with a congress like we have today. The problem grows rapidly every minute the clock moves forward. As a voter I will continue to vote in or out who ever is just in there for a paycheck and an overseas vacation on the taxpayers dime. We owe it to our selves and our country to make sure these elected officials work for the voter and not for the padding of their wallets or the shafting they like to do to each other. Its not just one party, they both have taken us for an expensive ride. Exercise your right as an american citizen and VOTE. Everyone get out and VOTE.
Yes well the BDN likes to censure people who use facts and statistics….so they can bite me. @sshats.
Do not mistake “flagged for review” as BDN’s censorship. If BDN censors you, the comment disappears completely or it says “comment removed”.
It’s sad but true. Big money buys votes. The old billionare’s son is gay, so he will spend millions convincing you that everybody should be gay. We will find out in November how manyMainers bite the hook.
What’s sad about giving ALL Maine families the ability to protect the lives they build together with civil marriage?
Is that what’s he doing? Trying to convince people that they should magically be gay? If that’s the case, then shouldn’t he be starting his own group instead of giving money to groups that simply want gay people to have the right to marry? Those are two different goals.
James, you’re so full of feces…
Please explain where anyone has expressed the idea that ‘everybody should be gay’.
Your obsession and blind hostility towards your fellow Americans has sickened your petty little mind.
PS: the Maine vote won’t matter little Jimmy boy. This will be settled in federal court, and you will lose.
Actually no, wrong again. You suffer from a sexual pervsersion, nothing more. There is help.
Don’t know who you’re talking to, but it being a “perversion” is only your opinion.
Your opinion is as rotten as your outlook on life, but you’re welcome to it… nobody can take it away from you.
PS: You still have not put forth a rational argument that will stand in court. I honestly don’t think you’re smart enough to do so.
Awww, you went and hurt my feelings again.
Still no rational argument that will stand in court?
Golly… you’d lead people to believe you didn’t have one.
There is nothing perverted about being homosexual. We are simply attracted to people of the same sex.
Thankfully, as we are more able to be out and open with our orientation, it has become much easier to find one another in this world, and share a loving, committed life together.
Protecting that life with civil marriage is absolutely something our government should allow us to do.
Sure it does. You’ll see me and thousands of others this November exercising our right.
Gotta love the last sentence, how true!
No actually it’s not. It’s a sexual perversion nothing less.
Opinions and noses, little one…
Everybody’s got one, and they all smell.
And that post is nothing but smelly opinion.
No, no it isn’t. It’s a sexual orientation.
BDN ARE YOU GUYS CLUELESS????????????????????/CHECK YOUR FLAGS ASSHATS
I wondered what happened there…
No it’s a sexual perversion, God has given you over to a depraved mind. It’s all explained in Romans 1 quite clearly.
That’s mythology… not civil law. Meaningless.
Please show me “perversion” in civil law.
Sounds like a pedophiles exact words