Kerry's daughter favors same-sex marriage

[Zola Q. LaPlaya]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 10:22am

Kerry's daughter favors same-sex marriage
by Eric Johnston

Gay activists hailed the daughter of Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry for taking a stand in favor of same-sex marriage, as the issue has been largely muted at the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

"I've been on the record about it -- I personally believe in gay marriage," Vanessa Kerry told reporters on Tuesday, when asked if she has any political disagreements with her father.

John Kerry favors civil unions, not marriage, for same-sex couples.

"I respect his opinion enormously," Sen. Kerry's 27-year-old youngest daughter added, "but if you want to get into the semantics of it, that's it."

"I think it's outstanding," responded John Marble, communications director for the National Stonewall Democrats, which represents GLBT interests within the Democratic Party.

Speaking to the PlanetOut Network from the convention on Wednesday, Marble said, "I think the majority of young voters stand with us on this issue."

"Maybe not everybody in that family supports full marriage equality, but if they're having that conversation around the Thanksgiving table, that can only be good for our community," he added.

Vanessa Kerry's remark was one of the few mentions of same-sex marriage at the convention, which is being held in the only state which permits same-sex couples to wed.

Democratic Party leaders are keeping the spotlight off the lightning-rod issue at the convention, presumably to avoid alienating voters in key battleground states.

President Bush, in contrast, has made his opposition to gay marriage a focal point of his campaign.

"There is very much a stifling effect here at the convention," California Board of Equalization member Carole Migden, an openly lesbian convention attendee, told the Sacramento Bee. "But there is an implicit feeling that there is widespread support for our issues that goes unspoken."

Marble noted that the convention is focusing on a broader range of topics of interest to all Americans, such as affirmative action and trade policy, but added, "Our issues are certainly being addressed here."

[papalovesmambo]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 10:26am

"but there is an implicit feeling that there is widespread support for our issues that goes unspoken."

kinda like the love that dare not speak its name?

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 10:32am

Dont' ask, don't tell.

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 11:34am

One more reason to vote for Kerry-Edwards 2004

[bwaysinger]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 11:50am

I dunno. We don't want someone who might flip-flop and reverse positions. I mean, after all, with Bush we have a "Compassionate Conservative" who promised not to run the country as if he had a mandate from the people...oh, wait a minute...

[ckeaton]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 11:52am

One more reason to vote for Kerry-Edwards 2004
Yes, because God knows we wouldn't want an administration that likes to file issues in the 'circular file' for fear of alienating farmers.

It's much better to remain silent on an issue that you believe in, than to support it in public. Especially when you're running for the highest office in the land.

Here's to four years of the same crap, regardless of who wins.

[bwaysinger]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 11:54am

hehe. Ckeaton, you mean you actually don't believe that politics can change? Are you so jaded? I mean, come on! We have to believe in reaching for those lofty goals, those higher ideals, those...ahh, forget it. I'll take my oil industry kickbacks and do the "man's" bidding.

[papalovesmambo]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 11:59am

i'll take my oil industry kickbacks and do the "man's" bidding.

you're french? russian? or are you just a relative of kofi annan like the rest?

[bwaysinger]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 12:00pm

What? I am completely owned by Bush Cheney, man. Just call me House of Broadway.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 12:03pm

I kinda likes a "man's bidding"

I think.

[Zola Q. LaPlaya]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 1:19pm

There is a difference between "the man's bidding" as bwaysinger meant it and "a man's bidding." But, I do think you're right, tommy. I think you probably like any man's bidding.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 1:44pm

"We don't want someone who might flip-flop and reverse positions."

With the amount of gay men on this board, I'm shocked and dismayed this comment was left untouched for so long.

[Zola Q. LaPlaya]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 1:48pm

Touch it, Mister Matt.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 2:42pm

Say please.

[BroadwayMonkey]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 9:43pm

Yay for her!

[iflitifloat]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 9:47pm

Let us not overlook her sister, Alexandra, who a few minutes talked about wanting young people to grow up having control over their own bodies.

[Zola Q. LaPlaya]

Posted: 7/30/04 at 9:26am

I wish I could control my body.

[JailyardGuy]

Posted: 7/30/04 at 9:29am

I wish I could control it, too. *grin*

[Matt_G]

Posted: 7/30/04 at 9:50am

You know the rules, Zola. When you're with me - I control you.

[bwaysinger]

Posted: 7/30/04 at 9:52am

Matt_G, are you secretly the guy on the Upper West Side with the dungeon? You know, the one the Post ratted on?

[Matt_G]

Posted: 7/30/04 at 9:53am

No, but I'll do him if he has a room for rent.

[South Fl Marc]

Posted: 7/30/04 at 4:53pm

It's too bad Dick Cheney's daughter doesn't have the same courage.

[Zola Q. LaPlaya]

Posted: 7/30/04 at 5:05pm

Speaking of Mary Cheney:


Read all about her here...