Here in LGBT Land, we’ve grown so accustomed to Republicans trying to throw us under various buses that it’s a complete shock whenever one of them actually has something nice to say about us. But times are changing: in ever growing numbers, Republicans seem to be discovering the value in keeping the government out of our bedrooms.
Maybe it’s because Republicans are really small-government enthusiasts at heart. Or maybe it’s because they’re all secretly gay. Whatever the reason, we welcome their company. Especially in New York, where there’s only about one month left for the legislature to vote on marriage bills that will only pass with Republican support. Here’s the latest from Marriage News Watch about New York, immigration, Minnesota’s double-ban on marriage, and a whole host of other marriagey tidbits.
robert in NYC
Apparently, a number of influential republican business men think it makes sound business sense to legalize SSM. Who would have thought? Now that an estimated $400 million could be realized within 3 years if its legalized, wouldn’t every republican worth his salt get behind it? After all, they believe in business first and foremost. Small businesses would be the biggest beneficiaries as well as the state itself. $400 million is no small number funnelling into the state coffers at at a time when budgetary cuts are coming.
Jeffree
@robert in NYC: Good points!
I’d hate to think that my civil rights depend on a cost-bénefit analysis, but –at — this point I’m glad some minds are changing on marriage equality, so I’m less concerned about the stated/ actual reasons for the shift.
robert in NYC
No. 2, Jeffree, yes, I understand that. There are some on the other side who believe in the red herring that adding same-sex marriage to the state’s laws would impact benefits in the areas of benefits, employee health insurance coverage of same-sex spouse dependents, pensions etc…if gays were allowed to marry. Of course, the counter argument to that is, if that’s the case, then there would have to be a moratorium on allowing any more straight couples marrying if the cost to the state would be threatened by allowing us to marry. We all know what resistance to it is…religion-based bigotry, pure and simple. They’ll deny it of course, but then they’re so transparent and disingenuous at the best of times when it comes to justifying their opposition. Bigotry comes in many different disguises.
CJ
I just love it when anti-Republican stories are printed. As if the Democrats support full equality. It wasn’t until the past 1 – 2 years that an increasing number of Democrats started supporting FULL equality (vs. domestic partnerships). Our current president still wants us to be second class citizens. And, he promised to be a fierce advocate for us. THAT is throwing us under the bus. We know where the Republicans stand. And, thankfully, many are warming up to the idea of repealing some anti-LGBT laws. But, they’ll only get there via overwhelming public support. So, while Republicans continue to mostly show anti-LGBT motives, Democrat leaders in the USA still have a long ways to go for the most part. Although Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships are a start, Democratic leaders need to stop this “traditional marriage” mantra that was heard 24/7 during the speeches during the last election. Tradition marriage is just another word for supporting discrimination.
robert in NYC
CJ….the bulk of the traditional marriage nonsense is coming for the far right religious bigots who overwhelmingly vote Republican. I’ll concede there are similar bigots in the Democratic party but compared to the GOP, they are far fewer. Actually, Obama recently stated he is “evolving” on marriage equality, a step up from an emphatic NO as he was up until a few months ago. Show me one republican presidential contender showing support for it or after election. What is the GOP position on full equality for LGBT people, including marriage equality? Why aren’t these issues raised during their conventions and why not one Log Cabiner has never addressed their crowds in attendance? Virtually all of the GOP voted against DADT and the majority support DOMA as will the majority of them vote against ENDA from ever becoming a reality. The only reason why a small number of republicans in my state may vote to support marriage equality is simply because some of the wealthiest republican businessmen are ploughing big money into supporting it, the same money that funds their campaigns. I hardly think the handful who may vote for us will be doing it out of the goodness of their hearts and besides, it isn’t an election year.
robert in NYC
Coming from the far right….I should have said in post 5.
Armand
Repeat to yourself…Republicans are our friends.