Schiavo first drew the national spotlight a decade ago, when he began his battle to remove his brain dead wife Terry's feeding tube. Her parents objected, thus sparking a lengthy court battle that putted Schiavo against the nation's right-wing conservatives, including Congress' Republicans, who turned the family matter into a political circus. Michael Schiavo ultimately prevailed.
Well, now he's back and fighting against Florida's Amendment 2, which would constitutionally define marriage as between a man and a woman even though same-sex marriage is already prohibited in the Sunshine State. The Amendment reads: "Inasmuch as marriage is the legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife, no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized." Such a measure would also prevent straight and gay domestic partners from gaining marital benefits, an argument that provides the thrust for Schiavo's argument.
Saying he's "troubled" by the Amendment, Schiavo takes on "the same people who thought they knew what was best for my wife, Terry," who are "once again trying to tell others how to live." He goes on to say it's "hard to respect people who only pay lip service to family values. As a former Republican, I think that if the people behind Amendment 2 really cared about legal marriage between husband and wife, they would have respected mine."
So Lady Gaga Was Pretty Great at the AMAs. And Adam Lambert Was Pretty Terrible (21)
· JLM says: Why is it that it is always the Queens that slam Adam?? He kissed a guy and you still... »
· Michael says: Kelly Clarkson was the best of the night. I liked Adam’s performance. It was... »
· Priscilla says: I have never been a fan of Adam Lambert bc he always seems like he is trying to hard... »
The Ridiculous Catholic Manifesto Pledging to Ignore Gay Marriage + Abortion Laws (47)
· Rainfish says: GOD Loving figment of your imagination or dangerous delusion? … you decide. Now... »
· Schteve says: I love how they say “No one should be compelled to embrace any religion against... »
PHOTOS: Rebel With a Cause (1)
· YellowRanger says: Ooh, dreamy… »
Adam Lambert: Out Magazine Can Eat Shit + Die (223)
· romeo says: FYI all, Queerty’s thread titles are designed so people will go cross-eyed and hit... »
· romeo says: Okay, Stacie, how much do I owe you? LOL Couldn’t have been gayer. Could these be... »
· bite me says: p.s. “SHOCK IS FUN” AND YEAH I’MA BE POLITICAL WHEN I WANT TO... »
Is It Wrong to Report on a Marine Starring in Hardcore Gay Porn? (83)
· Not Amused says: It’s still unclear whether or not this guy is a marine. Queerty’s... »
Well, good on him. He's taking the pain caused by the neocon right and putting it to good use.
Thanks, Michael!
Brilliant.
God bless, Mike.
He's really pissed, huh? Good for him! Of course, the Jesusfreaks are going to spin this into something idiotic, like how we're all satanists or summink.
What a man of great principles!
that's awesome! it's refreshing to know that all the people in america aren't crazy!
Why? Is he dating a gay vegetable now?
Bravo, Michael. Way to go!
I think it would be more constructive to focus on Amendment 2, and to ensure that it does not pass this November. This Amendment will hurt ALL unmarried people, in both same-sex AND different-sex relationships. Vote NO for Amendment 2!
Alternatives to Marriage Project, 501c3
http://www.unmarried.org
I'm very happy to see people in the public eye speak out against Amendment 2. Although, I feel it would be more important right now for us to focus on how Amendment 2 will affect Floridians if passed. Most likely, Amendment 2 will hurt ALL unmarried individuals, in same-sex and different-sex relationships. I believe everyone should be allowed to marry. Although, I don't believe anyone should be forced to marry, to care for their loved ones. If you believe in true family equality, vote NO for Amendment 2!
Alternatives to Marriage, 501c3
http://www.unmarried.org
His delivery is amazingly focused: deliberate, expressive and nuanced. He comes across like a principled guy who was pushed against a wall by well-funded bullies.