Democrats And Same-Sex Marriage

Recently CNN reported on the televised forum sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. In this forum Democrats were confronted with questions pertaining to same-sex rights. Many candidates (only Democrats attended, all Republicans were invited but declined) supported civil unions but not marriage. For example, Sen. Hillary Clinton said, "I prefer to think of it as being very positive about civil unions." Gov. Bill Richardson said his opposition came from the fact that "it's a question of doing what's achievable."

But two of the candidates, Rep. Dennis Kucinich and former Alaskan senator Mike Gravel, support same-sex marriage. Rep. Kucinich said that "This is really a question of whether you really believe in equality."

Now, although I support Gov. Bill Richardson for President, I have to disagree with him and the other Democratic candidates who share his opinion. A cornerstone for any push for the protection of civil liberties and equal rights cannot exclude any part of the population, no matter personal feelings toward the issue at hand. It is not about supporting any personal lifestyle decision; it is about providing equality for ALL Americans in there PERSONAL life. The right to do as you please is as American as America itself. And as same-sex marriage is not, if approved, going to infringe on others rights, then what support is there for taking a position other than being in support?!?!