Schweitzer: Gay Marriage "Losing Punch" As Divisive Issue
Acknowledging the successful recent push in several states for legalizing same-sex marriage, Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D-MT), chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, observed today that those seeking to make an issue of gay marriage during the next cycle of gubernatorial contests are ill-advised.
"I think that the gay marriage issue is losing some punch," Schweitzer said during a phone interview with Hotline editors. " ... The demographic trends are working against those who are a little bit homophobic in this country."
Vermont this week became the fourth state to allow same-sex marriage with the Legislature's override of Gov. Jim Douglas's veto of a bill allowing gay couples to marry. Vermont follows Iowa, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Other Northeastern states, including New Hampshire, New York, Maine and New Jersey, have also shown support such measures, which have or are being debated.
Schweitzer, who will oversee the DGA during a 2009-2010 cycle that includes 38 contests, said public concern about the economy, job creation in particular, is trumping debate over formerly divisive social issues, such as gay marriage.
He said younger voters -- notably the under 30 set -- are particularly supportive of gay marriage. They group turned out in strong numbers, of course, for Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential election, backing the first-term Illinois senator over Sen. John McCain, 66 percent to 32 percent. And as they sign on to the voter rolls, they could have an impact as well on statewide races. Studies show the Millennials, as the generation is dubbed, will increase annually by 4.5 million voters.
When it comes to gay marriage, Schweitzer said of younger voters, "they look at each other and say, 'whatever.'"
The National Organization for Marriage today launched a "2 Million for Marriage" (2M4M) initiative. The center of the project is a $1.5 million nationwide ad campaign "highlighting the threat that same-sex marriage poses to the core civil rights of all Americans who believe in marriage as the union of a husband and wife." Watch the ad, called " A Gathering Storm," here.
(JENNIFER SKALKA)
Economic issues matter and marriage is an economic issue. Studies show that married people are slightly healthier (less costs) and wealthier (pay more taxes) than their single counterparts and this is true for gay people as well. Therefore, it is in the best economic interests of the state to grant marriage equality.
Governor Schweitzer, spoken like a true Democrat! Say one thing when you run and then another once you're in office. Vote Republican.
The National Organization for Marriage is the front for the LDS Mormon Church. Mormon religion teaches that followers become rulers of their own planet in the afterlife and non-Mormons become their slaves for eternity. Evangelicals cannot stand LDS Mormons.
The 'gay marriage' is loosing its divisive punch because citizens are starting to view each other as citizens - and not by what makes them different. Citizenship is the equalizing factor. As citizens, people are granted certain unalienable rights. Each citizen as the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness - it is not at the whim of a tyrannical majority or group... it is a citizen's right. If we look at this with the eyes of equality we will see that two citizens choosing to enter into a marriage contract with all the honors, responsibilities and burdens of it, is not a horrible thing but in actuality a good thing, bringing about stability, accountability, and hope.
Gay Marriage "Losing Punch" As Divisive Issue??
That is only because our country is becoming more and more immorral.
I'm from Montana. I didn't vote for Schweitzer. I wouldn't vote for him for President either. He's just another actor who doesn't care about Montana values.
THE comment about LDS MOrmons is silly. WE do not believe non-Mormons become our slaves in
the afterlife.
On the issue of homosexuallity
we believe it is a behavior not an identity.
If we give this sin behavior special protection
under the law how can you Not give other sinful
behaviors special protection under the law?
special rights for kleptomanics, pedophiles,
alcoholics,etc?
Are we so wise as to play GOd and decide what
behaviors are "moral" and which are not?
I think these decisions are best left to
an all-knowing, merciful being who wants
only the best for his children.
We need to lighten up and recognize that this is about equal rights for all law abiding citizens, not about personal agendas. For a bit of levity, Kinky Friedman stated "I support gay marriage because I believe they have right to be just as miserable as the rest of us!" Kinky is a Gubernatorial Hopeful in Texas and who can deny that equality.