Obama's take on gay marriage?

Question

I haven't been able to track this down yet...I would also appreciate knowing more about Hilary Clinton's stance on it, as well. Thanks.

I'm looking for SERIOUS answers. E.g., does he go for civil unions or actual marriage... what his stance has been in the past...same thing for Hillary Clinton. Thanks.

Answer 1

Obama has said in the past he opposes gay marriage personally but wants the state to make that decision.

(Hillary) Clinton opposes same-sex marriage but supports civil unions between members of the same sex. During her husband's administration, she supported the Defense of Marriage Act, a law preventing the federal recognition of same-sex marriage.

Answer 2

Obama sort of skirts the issue by saying he's personally opposed to it, but thinks the states should make their own decisions. To me, that's definitely skirting it because part of the uproar for those involved in the gay marriage debate is federal marriage benefits, which have always been connected to the states. Hillary is against same sex marriage, and is for civil unions, though I do not know where she stands on how extensive the benefits of civil unions should be. I'll be looking into that thanks to your question, appreciated :).

I don't think that gay marriage opinions and the debate over it will loom as large for the candidates as it did, say in 2000 or 2004. Everyone is too concerned with the war, terrorism and immigration. The subject of gay marriage will take a back seat to the rest of it in the coming election. Yes, it's important to some voters, but how irresponsible is it to vote solely on the answer to this question when there is so many more important questions on the table for the United States? Not suggesting that you would do so, but many people voted largely on this issue in 2000 and 2004. Perhaps they don't feel they have a reason to make this their war cry any longer since the states have mostly divided along lines on this issue and most of them already have voted on those laws in their own states.

Answer 3

Barack Obama opposes "gay marriage", but supports "civil unions" of same-sex couples instead; this pragmatic position allows for fiscal equality of gay couples without "violating" the Religious Right's position that marriage is something to do with religion...

Hilary Clinton favors this position too, but has said she would not oppose legislation that allowed for "gay marriage" should it come up.

Fundementally, since both Democrats & Republicans have become "tax & spend" entitities (Bush makes Reagan look like a 'conservative'!), the only choice you have to make is whether you think your personal life (who you sleep with, who you talk to on the phone, how you make your money...) is any business of the government...

Answer 4

Clinton supports civil unions for all gay couples, but does not support gay marriage.

As far as Obama, I'm not sure yet. I'm sure as we get closer to the primaries, everybody's views on everything will be well known.

Answer 5

I dont think his answer of letting the choice be up to the state, but he personally opposes it. Thats not skirting the issue at all because he's saying the vote can occur even if he doesn't agree.

Answer 6

This is something that probably hasn't really been controversial yet..but they are both democrats.
Also, Barack Obama hasn't yet announced he's running.

Answer 7

They both belong to the democratic party.... which is a start to your answer.

Answer 8

Any politician will promise any group anything. If they will help him get elected. They are all tared with the same stick.>They thrive on dishonesty and deceit.

Answer 9

obama will follow strictly sharia law.