Republican Thompson says effort to recognize same-sex marriage a 'judge-made controversy'

The Amarillo Globe-News ^ | Stephen Frothingham

[2ndDivisionVet]

CONCORD, N.H. — Republican presidential hopeful Fred Thompson told New Hampshire voters Monday that efforts in some states to recognize same-sex marriage are a "judge-made controversy."

Civil unions will become legal in New Hampshire on Jan. 1, allowing gays to apply for the same rights as married people. Same-sex unions from other states also will be recognized in New Hampshire if they were legal in the state where they were performed.

Questioned about civil unions after a speech at a dental benefits company, Thompson said, "I would not be in support of that."

But when he elaborated, he switched from civil unions, which give gays legal rights equivalent to those of married couples, to same-sex marriages, which are legal only in neighboring Massachusetts.

"Basically so far, it is a judge-made controversy," Thompson said. "No state or governor has signed off on such legislation on the state level that has endorsed marriage between the same sexes. There may have been a couple of courts that said the Constitution of their states has required that, so it's a judicially made situation as far as I am concerned."

Massachusetts' highest court ruled in 2003 that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry. But high courts in several other states have refused to follow suit, including Maryland last month. Cases are pending in Connecticut and California.

Edward Paul, an employee of the Delta Dental Plans Association, asked the question Monday, but had trouble being understood.

"I'm proud to say that in January 2008 New Hampshire has passed a law facilitating civil unions here. ... What is your belief for federal civil unions to be passed?" Paul asked.

"Soviet Union?" Thompson responded.

"No, civil unions," Paul said.

"Oh. No, I would not be in support of that," Thompson said.

Paul said he wasn't surprised, or impressed.

"I think he needs to do more homework on whatever state he's in and I don't think he did on that question," said Paul. He said he is a registered independent who plans to vote in the Democratic presidential primary.

Thompson's campaign has said the candidate would let states decide whether to sanction civil unions. He has supported federal action to protect states from having to recognize gay marriages performed in other states. As a Tennessee senator, he voted against legislation to prohibit job discrimination based on sexual orientation.

On Monday, Thompson also filed the paperwork to get on the ballot for the GOP primary in New Hampshire.

[Williams]

You assume acouple of things. First, that Thompson has never explained his position in detail. Of course he has. Second, that his audience needed much argument from Thompson on this point. Something like 80% of the electorate opposes same sex marriages. Simply telling a pro gay sex marriage questioner that you are flat out against it, resonates just fine with me.

As for the "Soviet Union?" initial reaction, he misheard the question at first. Big deal.

I think you illustrate the reason it is so hard to lead. You say you support Thompson, I assume you support his gay marriage position, but you read one article designed to make him look weak in answering one question, and you become critical of your own candidate.

I want to know the policies of my president, that's the most important thing.

[Huck]

Sorry. I was guilty of FRUI last night. Freeping under the influence. Apologies to all. You’re all correct. I’m an idiot. I did learn something. I didn’t know JimRob was backing Fred. That says a lot. Sorry for the hassles last nite.

[Reagan Man]

Fuhgettaboutit, Huck. ;^)

[Politicalmom]

You must have been playing the “folksy” FRed drinking game... :)

[Finny]

As a Tennessee senator, he voted against legislation to prohibit job discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Meaning he thinks businesses have a right to reject employees who are blatantly homosexual. Amen. Sheesh. Why are people even thinking about wimpy dweebs like Romney in the face of such obvious, clear-sighted authentic conservatism? I pray Thompson wins the primaries.

[ejonesie22]

Aw hell man, no big deal. Done worse myself.

Remember how things where back in 1986...

I don’t..

And I was born in ‘65

[Finny]

I think Fred uses federalism as the lazy man's out. No sense being up to speed on anything. It's all up to the states!

*sigh* Reagan paraphrase: "We conservatives have simple solutions to complex problems. They are not easy solutions, but they are simple."

Consistency is simple but often mistaken for "easy." This isn't so much an argument for Thompson as it is an argument against shallow appraisal of conservatism, as many are appraising Romney, Giuliani, etc.

And there's an old pie-bakers' saying: "The lazy cook makes the best crust." It is absolutely true. Do you know why it's true? Because the so-called "lazy" cook is smart enough not to screw with something best kept simple. The "lazy" argument is self-serving at best. What some people call "lazy" is in truth, simple and smart.

[Politicalmom]

You’re an old man.

(I’m a year younger than you. :P )

[Finny]

Huck, you’ve got class that does all FReepers proud! :^)

[JRochelle]

Dude!

Next time share!

:-)

[sweet_diane]

Aww, no prob Huck. I’ve been guilty of FRUI myself. While I don’t drink I have posted under the influence of frustration, anger, bullheadedness and silliness. lol

[Huck]

frustration, anger, bullheadedness and silliness

throw in some red wine and that pretty much summed up my night. thanks all for the mulligan.