Posted on 01/13/2004 11:16:06 AM PST by JohnnyZ
WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold says hell fight a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage this year, while two of his would-be GOP challengers support the proposal.
Feingold, a Wisconsin Democrat facing re-election this fall, calls the amendment an abuse of the Constitution. Most members of the states congressional delegation, regardless of party, also oppose it.
Republican Senate candidates Tim Michels and Bob Welch support the amendment, while the third candidate, Russ Darrow, said hes undecided.
The amendment by Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, R-Colo., defines marriage as a union of a man and woman, and prohibits both the state and federal government from recognizing gay marriages.
The amendment has gathered momentum because of last Novembers Massachusetts Supreme Court decision striking down that states ban on gay marriage. After the ruling, President Bush said a constitutional amendment may be necessary.
I dont believe the U.S. Constitution should be used to deal with an issue like this, Feingold said. Theres no reason to interfere with states on this issue.
He accused Republicans of trying to use the amendment as a wedge issue to score political points. A recent Badger Poll found nearly two-thirds of Wisconsin residents would support a constitutional amendment forbidding gay marriage.
There are certain things I have an obligation to do, Feingold said, citing his position as ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committees Constitution subcommittee. I swore to uphold the Constitution.
But he declined to say whether he supports gay marriage.
I dont have anything to say about that right now, Feingold said.
Michels argued defining marriage was a proper role for the Constitution.
The Constitution provides a foundation for our country and for the states, said Michels, a construction company owner. For me, marriage between man and woman is a basic premise.
Welch, a state senator, said the amendment was necessary to protect Wisconsin and other states from being forced to recognize same-sex marriages from Massachusetts.
Darrow, a Milwaukee area car dealer, said he would consider supporting the amendment but hasnt made up his mind.
The three Senate candidates will be narrowed to one after the Republican primary Sept. 14 and take on Feingold in the November general election.
The states other senator, Democrat Herb Kohl, said he was leery of the amendment.
Family law, which governs marriage, divorce and adoption, has traditionally been a matter of state concern and varies among the states, he said. The issues surrounding this bill are better dealt with by the states on an individual basis.
The amendment is also unpopular among House members from the state. Five have spoken out against the amendment, including three Republicans.
Marriage should be defined as a union between a man and a woman, but I dont think this is something that requires amending the Constitution, said Rep. Paul Ryan, a Republican.
I believe constitutional amendments should be reserved for only the most vital matters pertaining to the function of our government and protecting our individual liberties and rights.
Republican Tom Petri, agreed, saying constitutional amendments should be reserved for only the most serious problems.
Republican Jim Sensenbrenner, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, was traveling last week and unavailable for comment. But he has previously called the amendment unnecessary.
Democrat Tammy Baldwin, the first openly lesbian member of Congress, said constitutional amendments should be used for expanding rights, not restricting them.
I just dont believe its a question that should be foreclosed to the states and all future generations by cementing discrimination into our U.S. Constitution, she said.
Rep. Jerry Kleczka, a Democrat, said he saw no compelling reason for the amendment.
Rep. Ron Kind, a Democrat, declined to comment on the amendment. Democrat David Obey and Republican Mark Green did not return phone messages.
In November, Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, a Democrat, vetoed Republican-sponsored legislation that would have defined marriage in the state as strictly a union between a man and a woman.
A lesbian couple living in Elk Mound, Wis., said they would get married if gay marriage was legalized in the state.
Were in it for the long term, said Barb Steenerson, 44, who had a commitment ceremony with her 58-year-old partner, Margo Wilde in 2000. This is a lifetime commitment to each other.
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