Calif's Schwarzenegger: Gay Marriage a State Issue

[Khephra]

BURBANK, Calif. (Reuters) - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, one of the Republican Party's rising stars, on Monday said he sees no need for a U.S. constitutional amendment barring gay marriage, putting him at odds with President Bush on one of most volatile issues of the election year.

Schwarzenegger was asked about his stand on same-sex marriages by late-night television host Jay Leno during an appearance on NBC's ``The Tonight Show,'' where the actor-turned politician launched his bid for governor last fall.

Schwarzenegger repeated his opposition to the recent flurry of same-sex weddings performed in San Francisco in defiance of a California state law, approved by voters as a ballot measure, defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

``I believe in domestic partnership,'' Schwarzenegger said. ``If the people change their minds and they want to overrule that, that's fine with me. But right now, that's the law, and I think every mayor and everyone should abide by the law.''

Pressed by Leno as to whether he supported Bush's proposal for a constitutional amendment, Schwarzenegger replied: ``We have a state law, and I think those issues should be left to the state, so I have no use for a constitutional amendment or change in that at all, no.''

more.................

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/news/news-politics-california-schwarzenegger.html

[dArKeR]

1. Bush II or Bush Lite? Does anyone really think Ahno can comprehend

even the most basic legal matters?

[Enraged_Ape]

2. Wait a minute: wasn't he against gay marriage just last week?

Does anyone know the German word for "fuckwad"?

[Khephra]

3. I think the word might be..

"Schwarzenegger"?

:evilgrin:

[metisnation]

4. he is right

IMO this is a wedge among many others. Voters in states that wish their identity to be pro? or anti? This is how the civil war was started. States rights versus federalism....this is a sticky path in history.

:shrug:

[Hamlette]

5. he gives other republicans cover

maybe the wedge will be within the GOP

[fearnobush]

6. Just one minute there Mr. Ahhhnooldth...

This is now a federal issue. Are you for civil rights? or oppression? You must decide! There is only room for narrow, black or white view points in the Bush Dominion.

[Zookeeper]

7. I'm happy to hear...

any popular Republikook disagree with Bush on anything. I hope Bush's "base" will slowly erode before November.

[David__77]

8. Frankly, I'm pleased with these comments, relatively speaking.

For a GOP governor to say this is pretty good. I think he could go further. We here in CA have to build the public opinion to demand that. He really could care less about marriage laws, I suspect. If we can build the right movement, I don't think he'll put up much in the way of opposition.