TaskForce Calls Sen. Kerry's Remarks on Marriage Equality "wrong, mistake"

[Bluebear]

"While speaking at a children's health care forum in Louisiana,
Senator Kerry criticized the Massachusetts Democratic Party for
its plans to include a plank in its platform supporting same-sex
marriage, saying 'I think it's a mistake. I think it's the wrong
thing, and I'm not sure it reflects the broad view of the
Democratic Party in our state.'

"In fact, it is Senator Kerry's statements that are wrong, a
mistake, and surely do not reflect the views of Massachussetts
Democrats.

"Nearly 5,400 same-sex couples have married since last May 17,
when Massachusetts extended the freedom to marry to all its
citizens. Since then, public opinion polls have shown that a
majority of Massachusetts voters support our freedom to marry.

"And, contrary to Sen. Kerry's assertion, support is particulary
high among Democrats, with a Boston Globe poll in March finding
that 71 percent of Democrats surveyed statewide said they
believed same-sex marriage should be allowed. Moreover, not a
single Democrat in the state legislature who supported marriage
equality and voted against a proposed anti-marriage
constitutional amendment lost his or her seat in the 2004
elections. The Democratic Party adding a platform plank
supporting marriage equality is just a logical extension of last
year's resolution by the Democratic State Committee supporting
the state's Supreme Judicial Court decision finding a
consitutional right of same-sex couples to marry.

"On this subject, Philip W. Johnston, chair of the state party,
said, 'It is important that the state Democratic Party support
civil rights. We need to take a stand.' We couldn't agree more."

Matt Foreman
Executive Director

http://www.thetaskforce.org/media/release.cfm?releaseID=820

[Bluebear]

1. 1 more time

[Fenris]

2. "I'm not sure it reflects the broad view of the Democratic Party..."

"...in our state."

You're right, Senator. Dems need to be more indecisive and middle-of-the-road! It worked so well for you!

[mattclearing]

3. Yeah. Kerry's wrong.

He was wrong on Iraq too. Is there a point?

[ruggerson]

4. Cautious Kerry

once again throwing principles to the wind in his desperate, timid quest to be President.

NOTE TO KERRY: No one, myself included, thinks that you, in your heart of hearts, oppose gay marriage. Which is exactly why you lost the Presidency. Because people sensed that you did not say what you believe. You don't seem to have the courage of your convictions. Who cares if it's 60/40 in the nation on gay marriage? It's been that way for years IN FAVOR of abortion but we've had a string of anti abortion Presidents, because PEOPLE RESPECT YOU if you say what you believe, even if they disagree with it.

[Bluebear]

5. Indeed.

'No one, myself included, thinks that you, in your heart of hearts, oppose gay marriage. Which is exactly why you lost the Presidency.'

[napi21]

6. I'm not a Kerry supporter, but I think he's right on this.

Most people agree on gay rights, but they have a problem with the word "Marriage".

I happen to think everyone should have the same benefits, including hospital visitation, SS benefits, and every other benefit that that old word "marriage" gives. Unfortunately, that word creates a problem with many people who are religious.

I really believe equal rights and civil unions will pass legaly. Mariage is viewed as a religious thing and will never be accepted.

[Bluebear]

7. His own state party had the guts in include it in their platform

The vast majority of Democrats in Mass. agree with it. Why do you suppose Kerry is piping in?

[napi21]

8. I have no idea. I thought his position during the campaign was

supporting Civil Unions.