As California GOP gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman attempts to move more towards the center on issues such as immigration reform, she has found another way to alienate a large portion of the state’s population. On Friday Whitman declared her definitive position on same sex marriage stating that if she were Governor she would proceed to defend Proposition 8, the voter approved ban on same sex marriage.
She went on to criticize Governor Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Jerry Brown for their refusal to defend the law in the recent court hearing which ultimately ruled the Proposition unconstitutional.
The fate over Proposition 8 is scheduled to be decided in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in December. Fortunately for same sex marriage supporters, Whitman, if elected, would have little to no influence on the outcome of the 9th Circuit Courts decision since California’s next Governor will not officially take office until almost a month after the December arguments have been heard in court. She would though be able to represent the state if further appeals were heard at a higher court after the January inauguration.
It isn’t a surprise in the LGBT community that Whitman has such a strong anti same sex marriage opinion. Whitman states on her official website:
“I believe marriage should be a union between a man and a woman. “
Geoff Kors of Equality California, a leading pro gay rights organization, spoke of Whitman in November 2009 where he brought up a point that is on many people’s minds since Whitman released her statements regarding Proposition 8 and the governor’s role.
“Meg is especially troubling because she actively supported Prop 8 and can use her office and tax payer dollars to oppose the Prop 8 lawsuit – something Gov. Schwarzenegger didn’t do. “
The thought that Meg Whitman, if elected, could use tax payers money to fight an issue that is deemed one of the most prominent civil rights battles of the 21st century has galvanized same sex marriage supporters to ensure her opponent, Jerry Brown, is elected. Whitman might be able to gain the support of the social conservatives with highlighting her anti same sex marriage position, but since the 2008 vote on the issue, the majority of California has shifted its views in favor of legalizing marriage for same sex couples. With this as a reality, Whitman has potentially chosen poorly on bringing attention to her pro-proposition 8 attitude, an issue that most Republican candidates have purposely avoided during the 2010 campaign season.
Comments
I had been very pro-Whitman until this, and there is no way I can vote for Brown. Guess Im voting none of the above this round.
It is very nice to know that someone who is supposed to represent all people in California wants to alienate a large group of people in California. What happened to all rights for all American citizens? WOW!
I guess she doesn't care about the gay community, as long as she can get those right-wing white voters.... It's a shame to see her write-off a whole group of decent people because it's easier to pander to bigotry.
I'm confused, is this woman running for Gov. of Alabama or California?? I would expect much more out of California. She certainly won't get my vote.
thats what i thought too. it seems like Ca is very liberal but we end up with backwards republicans
:/ Hmmmm...I thought Meg WAS gay? I suppose she could be another self loathing or over-compensating closet case. Strange.
Like the comment.
haha niiice
She's going to defend Prop 8? Why? It's the 21st century.
Kudos to Judge Walker, and to attorneys Boies and Olson, and to the US Constitution for trumping a moronic popular vote against marrriage in CA.
Onward to full civil and marriage equality rights in 21st century America and abroad.
Cheers, Joe Mustich, Justice of the Peace, Washington, CT, USA.
The Judical branch exists to protect unpopular minorities from self-righteous majorities.
How sad for her. She really had to sell her soul to grab at votes.
Ok Gina what do you consider the center? I'm assuming by your opening that you consider denying rights to certain people to be the "center? Really?
http://samesexmarriagescontinue.blogspot.com/
What a freak!
dude im not ever old enough to vote and she iritates me. i mean i thought this was a free country! she is disrespecting 45 or more percent of california let alone the world. he government wonders why teens are comiting suisides...its cus they feel like they arent nomal not just at school but the government makes it sound like its wrong to be gay but u breath the same air u live the same lifes so get over ur self and start noticing people for who they realy r not for what they look like or what sex they like
meg whitman is from MWIKKKF (meg whitman in the KKK FOREVER!!!!)
aunqe no se por quien una cosa esta por cierto no voy a votar para ti :P
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