snip from 12/20/2000
"Early assumptions following the Court’s December 20 decision were that domestic partnership is the only real plan of action. Governor Howard Dean has said on several occasions that he would support domestic partnership legislation, but is uncomfortable with the idea of actual gay marriage.
Dean has recently clarified his position, declaring in a radio interview, “I’m against gay marriage.” "http://www.mountainpridemedia.org/feb2000/news_centerstage.htmsnip
In the interview the Governor stated, "Since nothing is going to happen on this issue in the legislature until the court speaks there's no particular reason for me to take a public position on it." His attempt to link whether he makes his positions public to the actions of other branches of government is illogical and insulting. Failing any sense of responsibility on his part, the insistence of OITM and its readers' voting power should give him the "particular reason" he needs to decide to make his position public. Would environmental groups accept a refusal to take a position on clearcutting, NARAL a demur from supporting or opposing abortion, or even Wall Street a "no opinion yet" on capital gains taxes?
Clearly, Dean is either still waiting for the polling data to tell him his position, or he's seen it, and knows you wouldn't like it. But on an issue of fundamental civil rights, shouldn't "no position" or "secret position" be just as bad as the wrong position? The Governor is either with the GLBT community or he's against it. So far, he sure isn't with it.
More:
http://www.mountainpridemedia.org/jul98/deanoped.htm Where did Dean stand on gay marriage AFTER the court decision?:
“The Legislature will pass a domestic partnership bill and I’m comfortable with that,” Gov. Howard Dean said.
What was more interesting was what he was not comfortable with.
“It makes me uncomfortable, the same as anybody else,” Dean said of gay marriage. “The 4,000-year-old tradition of heterosexual marriage being an institution is something I think you have to respect. I think there are a lot of people in this state who are uncomfortable about the concept of gay marriage.”There are thousands more who are not uncomfortable and at least some legislative leaders said they would be willing to consider enacting a marriage statute.
More:
http://www.mountainpridemedia.org/jan2000/news_scyes.htmGovernor Dean's Statement on Mass. Court Ruling 2-4-2004MADISON, WI--Democratic presidential candidate Governor Howard Dean, M.D., commented on the Massachusetts Supreme Court decision to support same-gender marriages today:
"I believe firmly that we must do everything in our power to assure that all citizens of the United States are afforded equal rights under the law -- and that includes gay as well as straight couples. As Governor of Vermont, I was proud to sign the nation's first law establishing civil unions for same-sex couples. Today's decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court represents a different approach to the same goal. One way or another,
states should afford same-sex couples equal treatment under law in areas such as health insurance, hospital visitation and inheritance rights.
"Some in Washington will use this decision to justify the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This would be the first constitutional amendment to authorize discrimination, and I oppose it.
Marriage is a matter of state law, and gay bashing has no place in the Constitution."
http://www.deanforamerica.com/press/2004/02/04/mass_court/
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