[PhiKapMom]

Statement from John Kerry on Massachusetts Gay Marriage Ruling

November 18, 2003

For Immediate Release

“I have long believed that gay men and lesbians should be assured equal protection and the same benefits – from health to survivor benefits to hospital visitation - that all families deserve. While I continue to oppose gay marriage, I believe that today’s decision calls on the Massachusetts state legislature to take action to ensure equal protection for gay couples. These protections are long over due.”

http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/releases/pr_2003_1118a.html

[PhiKapMom]

For Immediate Release
Date: November 18, 2003

General Clark Responds to the Massachusetts Court Decision

"As a society we should be looking for ways to bring us together and as someone who supports the legal rights of all Americans regardless of sexual-orientation, I appreciate todays decision. As President, I would support giving gays and lesbians the legal rights that married couples get. If the Massachusetts legislature decides to legalize same-sex marriages, it will be up to each state to decide whether those marriages will be valid in their state-- and that is a choice each state, not the courts, will have to make.

My hope is that disagreements over this issue can be handled with tolerance and understanding."

http://clark04.com/press/release/085/

[NutCrackerBoy]

While I continue to oppose gay marriage, I believe that today’s decision calls on the Massachusetts state legislature to take action to ensure equal protection for gay couples.

Incompatible goals. We have to realize that it is not an equal protection issue.

[Pontiac]

John Kerry
“I have long believed that gay men and lesbians should be assured equal protection and the same benefits – from health to survivor benefits to hospital visitation - that all families deserve. While I continue to oppose gay marriage, I believe that today’s decision calls on the Massachusetts state legislature to take action to ensure equal protection for gay couples. These protections are long over due.”

Is this the mother of all waffles or what?

[ArGee]

While I continue to oppose gay marriage

Somebody should jump on Mr. Kerry and ask him why he opposes marriage but supports unions. Are gays fundamentally different that they can't be served with the same process?

Shalom.

[sonsofliberty2000]

"While I continue to oppose gay marriage, I believe that today’s decision calls on the Massachusetts state legislature to take action to ensure equal protection for gay couples."

WOW! Is that like saying I support the war against Iraq but call for us to take actions to arm the iraqis to defend themselves?

Patriot Paradox

[cajun-jack]

kerry...you double talking idiot..either you are an idiot or you think the electorate is...you oppose gay marriage but support it at the same time???

no wonder your rich wife spits on you and spanks you and just generally detests you like the majority of America does...you sissy sub-boy communist, french looking presidential candidate (AND vietnam veteran)

avsomebody please slap his momma for having him!!!!!!! hell, slap his daddy too...he caused "
it" to happen

[Fledermaus]

Geez, not the old "hospital visitation" canard. That's so old it's laughable. Anyone can visit during visiting hours.

What they are talking about is some hospitals only allow immediate family and spouses to remain in the room overnight, sit in the ER, go to pre-op, etc.

And not all hospitals have those rules. Heck, the only time I was ever in a hospital (1997 - 3 days) I had lots of visitors and half my nurses were gay men. I can't believe a hospital that hires gays wouldn't let a gay partner sit in the room at the request of the person in the hospital.

I'd love to see some real statistics on this since it's been thrown out by the gay community for decades.

As to any other "rights", gay partners can specify their relationship and use power of attorney, living wills, wills, etc. to make sure their partner receives property afte death, etc. Last time I checked, you can buy term life insurance for anyone. If a gay couple want to buy it and leave each other as beneficiary, they don't care as long as you pay your bill. Most heterosexuals don't have will and their estates in up in probate.

Other arguments like Social Security survivor benefits are miniscule and almost ridiculous since they are small for everyone.

I've asked over and over of gay activists...what EXACTLY (and be specific) is the lack of marriage denying you? It sure can't be benefits in the tax code because there are none for married people. I've been married (no kids) for 18 years and every year I've computed our tax liability as singles, married filing separately, and married filing jointly. We always come out with more tax when we are filing jointly. Even if kids were involved, a gay person declaring head of household with a partner declaring single would be better off overall than if they could marry and file jointly.

[BSunday]

I have long believed that gay men and lesbians should be assured equal protection and the same benefits – from health to survivor benefits to hospital visitation - that all families deserve. While I continue to oppose gay marriage

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what is known as talking from both sides of your mouth.