Should the Democratic Party embrace same-sex marriage now?

February 17, 2012 at 9:52am

I have to admit: I'm conflicted about the push to have the Democratic Party include a same-sex-marriage plank in its platform when it holds its convention in September. And I'd love to hear from some local gay-rights advocates.

Is this a good idea?

I'm not at all happy at the rate states are giving LGBT couples the right to marry, and I'm proud of New York State for being one of those that has done so. Every state should follow our lead.

But do we want this as a campaign issue in this year's presidential and Congressional elections?

Is this the time to do this?

Does it simply make Obama's re-election risk higher - and up the chances that Republicans will control both the Senate and the House next year?

This won't be the only contentious "social" issue that Democrats will have to deal with during the campaign. And it won't be the only issue that will divide Democrats themselves at a time when they need to be pushing for Obama's re-election.

And maybe it'll fire up the gay-rights supporters as much as it fires up the religious conservatives.

I'm worried, though.

Comments for "Should the Democratic Party embrace same-sex marriage now?" (1)

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Adrian said on Feb. 17, 2012 at 12:34pm

In the long run, it is never the wrong time to stand up for your principles. Even if it results in a few House or Senate seats going R by driving the crazies out to vote, the Democratic party would still win the loyalty of many young people for a long time.

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