The Libertarian Party wrapped up their largely ignored nomination process this weekend with former Republican Bob Barr taking the top spot. Barr beat out another party freshman, ex-Democrat Mike Gravel.
While most people don't really care about the Libertarian ticket, gays will probably be interested to know that Barr, who helped craft and implement the Defense of Marriage Act, has apologized for the "mistake."
And, what's more, Barr vowed to work toward DOMA's repeal, because it "clubs down the rights of law abiding citizens."
Update: Barr also supports California's gay marriage ruling, but reiterates his belief that the matter should be left to the states:
Regardless of whether one supports or opposes same sex marriage, the decision to recognize such unions or not ought to be a power each state exercises on its own, rather than imposition of a one-size-fits-all mandate by the federal government.
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It would have been hard for me not to support Mike Gravel. I'm probably going to vote for Obama, since everyone else is out of the question for me. The thought of McCain as next POTUS sends chills down my spine. As for Hillary, I've been Clintoned out for a long time. I just hope, if Obama wins, he doesn't turn out to be another triangulating disappointment.
Well, good for Bob Barr. He may have just won my vote.
If you had actually paid much attention to the libertarian convention (which you obviously did not), you'd have noticed that Gravel barely got any votes. The race was between Root, Ruwart, and Barr. Gravel barely got over 10%.
The libertarian party has been the only party supporting equal rights for gay and lesbian citizens for the past several elections.
Bob Barr is a liar and a SHEEP IN WOLVES CLOTHING. There people have been against Gays from the birth wound. Now they have an about face
LIES!
repost
Bob Barr is a liar and a SHEEP IN WOLVES CLOTHING. These people have been against Gays from the birth wound. Now they have an about face about it all?????????????
LIES,GARBAGE,AND TRASH!
DON'T TRUST BARR!!!!
He is a republican ringer trying to syphon off votes from the Democrats for the Republicans. Check our his past legislative record and you will see his true colors.
Barr no more believes in gay marriage and the rights of gay people than he does in the tooth fairy.
I agree, I wouldn't trust Barr as far as I could throw him. The only reason that I can see that he would want to over-turn DOMA, is that it would allow for the Righties to pursue a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage with full force.
The reason Barr is changing on DOMA, in my view, is simple. The same delegates who nominated Barr after six ballots passed this resolution on sexuality and gender:
Sexual orientation, preference, gender, or gender identity should have no impact on the rights of individuals by government, such as in current marriage, child custody, adoption, immigration or military service laws. Consenting adults should be free to choose their own sexual practices and personal relationships. Government does not have the authority to define, license or restrict personal relationships.
In short, the Libertarian Party's delegates would not accept a homophobic nominee. Barr likely had to dump DOMA to get the nomination.