Dean Says Faith Swayed Decision on Gay Unions

[maddezmom]

Dean Says Faith Swayed Decision on Gay Unions


By Jim VandeHei
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, January 8, 2004; Page A01


MUSCATINE, Iowa, Jan. 7 -- Democratic front-runner Howard Dean said Wednesday that his decision as governor to sign the bill legalizing civil unions for gays in Vermont was influenced by his Christian views, as he waded deeper into the growing political, religious and cultural debate over homosexuality and the Bible's view of it.

"The overwhelming evidence is that there is very significant, substantial genetic component to it," Dean said in an interview Wednesday. "From a religious point of view, if God had thought homosexuality is a sin, he would not have created gay people."

Dean's comments come as gay marriage is emerging as a defining social issue of the 2004 elections, and one that is dividing the Episcopal Church in the United States and many other Christians and non-Christians. Driving the debate is a theological dispute over the Bible's view on homosexuality and a political one over the secular and spiritual wisdom of allowing gays to marry.

Dean said he does not often turn to his faith when making policy decisions but cited the civil union bill as a time he did. "My view of Christianity . . . is that the hallmark of being a Christian is to reach out to people who have been left behind," he told reporters Tuesday. "So I think there was a religious aspect to my decision to support civil unions."

more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A63152-2004Jan7?language=printer

[JohnKleeb]

1. interesting reason

I thought he signed them out of support for social justice. Interesting article.

[LuminousX]

8. Most people have multiple reasons for taking the actions they take

[JohnKleeb]

10. I know, its just you dont notice the religious side of the man

:shrug:
I dont have a problem with it.

[bearfartinthewoods]

11. i think i'm gonna barf

i am so sick of bush and his faith based decisions...
now dean .....:puke:

[democratreformed]

2. Oh dear n/t

[rucky]

3. Heads are exploding as I type

For every mind he changes, there's two that will fall into cognative dissonance. Anti-Christians & fundies are alike in that way.

[w13rd0]

4. I don't care why he did the right thing...

...just that he did the right thing. And I can certainly see someones faith or their spiritual perspective having an impact on how they view the struggle for social and economic justice...

[killbotfactory]

5. I'm a hardcore atheist...

But it's very refreshing to hear religion being used as a reason for expanding rights.

Go Dean!

[wakfs]

7. I agree

This is the best answer he could give on this question. He should have done it from the beginning in my opinion.

[lurk_no_more]

6. I guess if you want to be the man

you have to act "just" like the man. Mabe deans new "faith based campaign" can qualify for federal funds.


” JAFO”

[chimpymustgo]

9. Dean's "faith-based campaign".

Howard Brush Dean is a riot!

Or a head case.

Or both.

[dsc]

13. Yeah only a loon

would think that fags like me should have rights after reading a book and taking up a religion which espouses treating people equally.

[lurk_no_more]

20. So your buying into "The bible made me do it"?

So what about those that believe it is the right thing without having a book to tell them to?

I guess those like me, an atheist with a gay son would not know that everyone deserves to be treated fairly since we have no bible.

And why after all these years did dean suddenly interject his faith as his decision maker for doing what was right now, when he felt the need to sign it behind closed doors? Where was his faith declaration then?

The man is a hypocritical liar, he quit a church because of a bike path, he quit going to church because he was questioned about his lack of conviction in attending church, but now he wants the world to believe he is driven by faith?

I have no disdain for anyone that believes, I do however disdain those that use religious faith as a political talking point.


And then there were none!
” JAFO”

[dsc]

23. Give me a break

First he didn't quit a church over a bike path he did it over the church being selfish when they wouldn't give up an easment for a bike path.

Second, civil unions was a big issue and about moral things. It seems perfectly reasonable to have religion inform that decision. Martin Luther King Jr. did in regards to civil rights.

Third, I don't care why he did it he did it and that works for me.

[bearfartinthewoods]

12. meet the new boss....same as the old boss

[Jerseycoa]

14. Ah, the old faith-based initiative

;)

[chimpymustgo]

15. Once you have found Jesus...well just ask *....

Dean/Bush/Bush/Dean.

Separated at birth.

[w13rd0]

16. The only people Dean "drives to madness" with this...

...is the radical extremist religious right, and frankly, who cares what the Taliborn think. What Dean IS doing is recognizing that there IS a growing "religious/spiritual LEFT" and a thriving "religious/spiritual CENTER", and these groups have either stayed out of the political process because they considered it inappropriate, or they've been cowed into submission and silence by the Taliborn. Dean is giving THEM hope too!

There are a lot of communities out there that think fighting for social and economic justice are true expressions of their faith. I hope they appreciate being recognized and encouraged in their efforts by Dean.

[Cannikin]

17. Dean's argument sounds much more like someone who follows Jesus

and his words rather than pulling the most inane interpretations possible out of the bible like the RW does.

Rush was questioning how Dean's faith could have possibly played a part in granting civil unions to people who the bible says are immoral.

[lurk_no_more]

21. I would find this easier to believe

if dean would have at least have known where the book of Job was.

If your going to have a favorite vacation spot, it would help to know what state it's in before recommending it to your friends.


And then there were none!
” JAFO”

[democratreformed]

18. Don't count on it

Seriously, I think that GW knew what he was doing when he started those faith based initiatives. Do you know how many preachers actually preach the stuff that Bush touted - being against the war is unpatriotic and unAmerican and unreligious. Can you imagine how many people are a captive audience to the teaching of GW Bush every Wednesday and Sunday? Oh yes, he knew what he was doing. And that's one thing that worries me very much.

[w13rd0]

19. Yes, and this is the reason...

...he must be opposed and challenged on this. And preachers playing politics from the pulpit should have their tax exempt status yanked. Plus, they are a poor witness for Jesus, and God hates them for it.

[democratreformed]

25. You're right, of course. A hard fight that must be fought.

I do have hope.

[goodhue]

22. wow

I thought he signed it because the Vermont supreme court forced his hand. But its nice to know of the religious aspect to his "decision." Maybe his faith explains why he signed the bill behind closed doors.

Query: Was Dean's decision to run for president faith-based?

Also, I thought I read recently that he has just come to an awareness of the importance of his spirituality within the last couple months. How does that comport with civil union signing being faith-based. Perhaps its just faith-based in retrospect now that he reflects on it.

By the way, what denomination is he?

[SahaleArm]

24. Church of Pander n/t

[JohnKleeb]

26. Hes a congreatolist

Apologies for the spelling.