Jimmy Carter backs civil unions for gay couples

[Sannum]

Former President Jimmy Carter confirmed this week that he supports state-sanctioned civil unions for gay couples, in response to a letter from two veteran Atlanta gay rights activists and questions from Southern Voice.

“President Carter opposes all forms of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and believes there should be equal protection under the law for people who differ in sexual orientation,” said Deanna Congileo, Carter’s press secretary.

Carter “favors equal protection for gay partnerships formed through a secular, civil union recognized by the state,” Congileo said.

Berl Boykin and Dave Hayward, coordinators of Touching Up Our Roots, a gay history project, delivered a letter to the Carter Center in late October, asking Carter to speak out against a proposed state constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. Southern Voice asked questions about the letter this week.




http://www.sovo.com/2004/12-24/news/localnews/carter.cfm

[Cocoa]

1. that's the dem party's position

at least eight out of nine dem presidential candidates supported civil unions.

I had thought Lieberman dissented from this, but someone here at DU thought I was wrong about that. Either way, it's safe to say the dems have a near consensus in favor of civil unions.

Hell, that's even Bush and Cheney's position.

[Hippo_Tron]

2. YET Nobody from either party has done anything about it

I think that anything but allowing gay couples to obtain a marriage under the law or allow ALL couples to obtain a civil union under the law is still discrimination and frankly unconstitutional under Brown v Board of Education. Although civil unions would be a good step in the right direction. Yet we heard Bush and Cheney talk about it but they haven't proposed ANY legislation on the subject. Hell we hear democrats talk about it, but we haven't seen any proposed legislation from THEM on the subject.

[xchrom]

3. everyone is afraid of jesusland

and what the inhabitants therein would say.

[skjpm]

4. Carter is a Christian

So is Desmond Tutu, so is Rowan Williams, so is Bono, so am I--and we all support equal rights for all. I tend to support civil unions because "marriage" seems to be a difficult word to get past, but whatever form it takes, I want all people to have rights.

All Christians do not live in Jesusland.

[NuttyFluffers]

5. ;) not all jesusland inhabitants are christian....

read closer. poster is not picking on christians, but the mindless masses following false prophets in the guise of "christians"

;)

[tsuki]

10. Civil rights to me is what it is all about. If we could just drop the

marriage word. You can get "married" in the US. There are enough religions out there that you could find one to marry you.

Civil Unions, equal protection under the law, that is what is needed.

[TahitiNut]

7. It's a "sound bite" position for most.

It allows the weak-kneed to proclaim "I'm against gay marriage!" and then follow up with a "but I'm for civil unions." This have-your-cake-and-eat-two attitude is appalling moral cowardice.

Until government get's out of the 'marriage business' and churches get out of the 'civil union business' we're a nation that continues to deny equal protection. Who're we gonna shit on next??

[POAS]

6. Civil unions for Hetero-couples!!!!!!!!!! n/t

[Maat]

8. Hey .... that's fine with me (civil unions for hetero couples).

Actually, the best time I had was when we lived 'in sin' in the 80's, and my mother refused to talk to me!!

Seriously, I'm for same-sex marriage - in the sense that I want all state-sanctioned unions to be called the same thing (civil unions, domestic partnerships, marriage, whatever).

But, that having been said, I'm a social worker. And I'll get equal benefits (or almost equal benefits) any way I can as soon as I can. I'm pragmatic. At least Cal has domestic partnership benefits that are virtually equal ... now on to the next battle: securing marriage rights for my gay and lesbian friends.

I only agree with Carter in the sense that if that's the way I can get the same benefits the fastest - let's do it. Then on to the ultimate battle.

It seems that the Religious Right keeps its harassment up no matter what however. So I don't know if a 'fallback position' (that pleases most everyone) helps....

[tsuki]

11. I have a civil union. I got it when I applied for the license. I am

protected under the law.

[JerseygirlCT]

9. He's an inspiration, truly.

[InvisibleBallots]

12. Damned Fundie Christians!

Oh wait, nevermind.