Bill Clinton Comes Out in Support of Gay Marriage

[PBS Poll-435]

Bill Clinton Comes Out in Support of Gay Marriage

CBS News Political Hotsheet
By Prerana Swami
July 15, 2009 12:51 PM


(AP Photo/Mike Wintroath)


According to The Nation, former president Bill Clinton has said that he is now "basically in support" of gay marriage.
During an appearance at the Campus Progress National Conference in Washington on July 8, the former president said that he thinks it is "wrong for someone to stop someone else" from marrying.

"I personally support people doing what they want to do," Mr. Clinton said.

Mr. Clinton also said that he supports states' right to decide the legality of same-sex marriage and that he thinks "all these states that do it should do it." He said he does not believe it is a federal matter.

Mr. Clinton joins a slew of politicians whose opinions concerning gay marriage have changed over the years. The list includes Democratic National Committee chair Howard Dean, New York Senator Charles E. Schumer, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine, and Connecticut Senator Christopher Dodd.

[Rex]

1. Did it change or did he really believe that all this time?

Pursuit of happiness, good idea Mr. President.

[Kirk McPike]

2. Yay!

Expect to see more Democrats coming out in favor of marriage equality. Clinton's "conversion" will provide cover for other center-left folks to join him in supporting gay marriage, and will also help the gradual mainstreaming of support. Good news, all around.

[StevieM]

3. It's interesting how all the people trashing Clinton for this have a total double standard

When Al Gore's position evolved everyone said how great it was, and that it was part of a continued march towards a new understanding on the issue. But somehow Clinton is mocked for his evolution of thought.

The notion that Clinton could have stopped DOMA in '96 is absurd. His veto would have been overwhelmingly overwritten and he would have lost re-election.

People forget that Bill Clinton talked about Gay rights and gay acceptance in a way that no other president ever had before. He really helped to change attitudes in this country, through his leadership and his words. Liberals may have always respected gays and lesbians, but many other Americans, including many Democrats, did not. Clinton really played a major role in changing attitudes among centrist, independent swing-voters.

I can't wait to see how many people claim that if Obama had been in the Senate in 96 that he would have voted against DOMA.

Steve

[imdjh]

5. plus one

[Dramarama]

6. I disagree

that Doma would have lost him the election to bob

[PBS Poll-435]

7. Could have cost Bill his "centrist" credentials

And it was just 6 weeks before the election.

[abumbyanyothername]

4. Importantly, Clinton is not running for anything.

I support gay marriage, but I think the proponents need to focus on winning the hearts and minds of voters.

And, as an attorney, I believe that Loving v. Virginia is controlling, but I still suggest the advocates work on winning the hearts and minds of voters.