Reply #2: I don't know much about those specific proposals either [View All]

But when a candidate states clearly that same-sex couples deserve the same rights as hetero couples, that's very telling. I'm not sure anyone else, except maybe Dean, has gone that far. I don't expect him to come out and say, "I support gay marriage." He's smart enough to know that certain language is explosive and detrimental. Framing it broadly in terms of rights is the correct thing to do. But the meaning is unambiguous.

As for individual rights, ENDA and the others, at face value, do appear to add vital civil rights protections that currently do not exist. I think Clark is farther ahead on this issue than anyone else, because he is so open and clear about his position. It opens him up to endless attacks from the Right, but somehow I doubt he will back down from it.

Dean people, don't bother flaming me if I've short-changed your guy on this issue. All I know is the Vermont Civil Unions law, which of course I have the highest degree of admiration for. It was what attracted me to him back in '01 when no one else here was even talking about candidates in any serious way, and Dean's name was not ever discussed.

Dirk