While the Democratic presidential candidates are releasing limp responses to California’s gay marriage ruling, former party member and newly minted Libertarian contender Mike Gravel took an extra step and used a word we love to hear: “Congratulations.”
Here are the ever-tenacious Gravel’s remarks, which he passed along exclusively to Queerty:
I congratulate the California Supreme Court for recognizing a self-evident truth: Marriage is a fundamental constitutional right that ALL Americans share! Anything short of marriage equality means second-class citizenship for gays and lesbians. Obama, Clinton and McCain choose to deny this truth but California just made their obstinate opposition much more difficult.
The California court dismissed the argument that “tradition” precludes same-sex marriage. Opponents of interracial marriage once shared this view. They were dead wrong just like opponents of gay marriage. As I said during the HRC/Logo debate, marriage is not about tradition but about love and what this world needs is more LOVE.
Next we must get all states to recognize the same sex marriages granted in California and other enlightened states. This is not a states rights issue, as many of my opponents argue.
Gay marriage, like civil rights for blacks, is a constitutional issue and individual rights must always trump states rights when they are in conflict. My fellow Libertarians who disagree ought to check the definition of libertarianism.
During the HRC/Logo debate I predicted that in five years the nation would embrace gay marriage. Thanks to California we have taken a giant leap toward that glorious day!
We’ve included footage of Gravel’s “loving” remarks after the jump.
Before you dive in, however, consider the Libertarian dilemma. They could nominate Gravel, who proudly supports gay marriage and trans rights. Or they could nominate Bob Barr, the former Republican congressman Bob Barr, a backer of the Defense of Marriage Act. Decisions, decisions…
How about we take this to the next level?
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Mad John
Actually, Barr supports the decision. See http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/05/bob_barr_supports_california_s.php
Tim Hulsey
Both Gravel and Barr are johnny-come-latelies to the Libertarian Party. Barr has a slightly longer history with the party, working as a lobbyist and spokesman for limited government ever since he retired from Congress. True, Barr’s announcement to seek the presidency under the LP banner gave the party more press coverage than it has had in years. But the LP can be rather perverse in its adherence to principle, and the convention might nominate a candidate that no one outside the LP has ever heard of.
queerunity
you gotta love this guy
http://www.queersunited.blogspot.com
Gregoire
Wow, he sounds positively giddy.
David
Bob Barr supports the decision but not gay marriage. He supported the Defense of Marriage Act. According to the DOMA, even if California has gay marriage other states do not have to recognize the legitimacy of marriages performed in California. If you dont think DOMA is anti-gay you are nuts.
DebbieKat
Please don’t forget that Barr voted for the Patriot Act as well. He can try to defend that action and rationalize it all he wants, but that is DEFINITELY unconstitutional. Gravel is more of a Libertarian than Barr has ever been. Gravel for President 2008!
the other david
Gay people can be OK. But it does not serve society to have them in positions of high influence over children, at the point they are nearing puberty. Family role models should be preferred here.
Most of you would passionately disagree, because you strongly believe that being gay is pre determined, probably genetically. If that is true, convince me.
Austrian Economist
MAD JOHN:
I wouldn’t call Barr’s statement and expression of “support” so much as weak-willed assent for reasons of belief in states’ rights. Certainly NOT a genuine conviction that all humans have the right to love and express that equally.
Barr’s statement equates to, “I may be bigot, but I’ll observe the law and begrudgingly comply.”
His track record of hateful scorn doesn’t lie.
CHURCHILL-Y
Good to know there is another option Libertarian Party.
Mad John
Well, I won’t speculate what’s in Barr’s head, and there’s not much question that the original intent of DOMA was antigay. But I’d suggest that in recent years, it’s worked to our benefit by rebutting the argument for a federal amendment. States like Texas, et al, don’t have to recognize Massachusetts’ gay marriages – hence, it’s not “needed.” Virtually every top conservative who opposed the FMA has cited this. I kind of like the idea of something that was proposed to repress us is now working as somewhat of a benefit (like the Hatch Act).
Public opinion is changing fairly quickly on gay marriage. There are other reasons to oppose Barr, but on the whole, we could do worse than a principled federalist.
David
But Mad John:
Why not support a candidate who unequivocally supports gay marriage? If Gravel gets the Libertarian nomination, he will promote gay marriage nationally. If Barr gets it, there will be no voice for gay marriage in the race. And Gravel will be yet another politician who speaks out for gays and then goes down in flames. How can you expect politicians to support gay marriage if a homophobe like Barr can get gay support just because he’s a “principled federalist.”
Bitch Republic
Perhaps I’ll vote for Gravel since Hillz isn’t likely to get the Dem’s nom.
Mad John
David, marriage is important, but it’s not the only thing I’ll be voting on. I appreciate Gravel’s strong stand on the issue (and find him funny as heck), but like Barr, there are other reasons not to support him.
As well, even Gravel, as president, couldn’t impose gay marriage nationally. The best he could do is back off and let the states make their own way – which is Barr’s position too.
An advocate at the federal level would be nice, but after the last eight years, I’d be happy with just being left alone.
Brian Miller
Libertarian presidential nominee candidate George Phillies also released a press release on the issue, which he issued the day of the decision (not the day after). I’m disappointed that Queerty didn’t decide to publish it. You can find it here:
http://www.choosegeorge.org/CaliforniaMarriage
Phillies has the added benefit of the endorsement of the gay Libertarian lobby Outright Libertarians, and a long history of fighting anti-gay state and federal laws.
In a recent debate in California, when asked about gay marriage, Phillies said simply that “we have solved the question in Massachusetts.” He received a standing ovation.
David
Throughout history, the “let’s just hope they leave us alone” approach has been disastrous for minority groups. It never works. Gays will always be scapegoats as long as they fail to fight for their rights and support candidates who speak passionately and openly about their rights. Legalistic, half-hearted statements from politicians like Bob Barr’s should never be rewarded. I don’t understand how anyone could support a candidate who didn’t defend his/her rights with passion. Sure there are other issues but face it, until you have marriage rights you are a second class citizen. President Mike Gravel will not just sit by and allow the states to do whatever, he will actively advocate gay marriage in the states.
Conspiracy Theorist
“This is not a states rights issue, as many of my opponents argue.”-Gravel
He is right about that. It is not a government issue at all. Sure give gay couples the same breaks but then you have to give them to polygamists and all other non-traditional relationships. Then you have to give those benefits to singles or you are discriminating against them. Remove government. This idea that a government has to acknowledge your union is ridiculous.
We do not need more federal government we need less government. I would encourage people to look at real Libertarian candidates like Mary Ruwart or Steve Kubby and forget about Barr and Gravel.
The Other David: You do not believe homosexuality is genetic. Then who taught you to lust for women? When did your dad pull you aside and tell you you should like girls? Maybe he had to but most people’s sexual preferences are not dictated by others. The chemical and hormonal reactions that accompany arousal and love are not triggered consciously but unconsciously by mechanisms determined at birth.
David
The state will always take an interest in marriage because of property issues. The question is how do we prevent the state from discriminating based on sexual orientation. Gravel has been the most outspoken candidate in the race in favor of gay issues. Do a Queerty search on Gravel and see.
Gary Baumgarten
Mike Gravel will be my guest on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com at 5 PM New York time Friday June 20.
Go to my blog, http://www.garybaumgarten.com to click on the link to join in the conversation to listen or talk to Gravel.