Kerry To Return To DC For Anti-Gay Vote

Kerry To Return To DC For Anti-Gay Vote
by Doreen Brandt
365Gay.com Newscenter
Washington Bureau

Posted: July 11, 2004 12:01 am ET

(Washington) John Kerry and running mate John Edwards have pledged to leave the campaign trail and return to Washington to vote against the Federal Marriage Amendment.

In an interview with the Washington Post Kerry said that they will not return to the Capitol for the debate, which resumes on Monday, but would be there for the final vote.

"If they have a final vote on it, I will go back and vote on a final vote. If they're just playing politics like they did the other day, if there is a series of amendments that are just part of that process, probably not," he told the paper.

Debate on the Republican sponsored amendment that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman began Friday in the Senate. (story)

Kerry reiterated that he still opposes same-sex marriage but would support civil unions for gay and lesbian couples.

"Let's be very firm about it. Both John and I believe firmly and absolutely that marriage is between a man and a woman," Kerry told the Post.

"But we also believe that you don't play with the Constitution of the United States for political purposes and amend the Bill of Rights when you don't need to when states are adequately addressing this issue."

Kerry also said he disagrees with his church's teaching that homosexuality is a sin.

Saturday, Democrats worked out the final planks in the party platform. The Democratic platform will officially support gay rights but stops short of endorsing same-sex marriage.

President Bush Saturday used his weekly radio address to urge Congress to pass the amendment saying that to allow gays to marry would "undermine the family structure." (story)

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