# Will marriage equality be a part of the Democratic Party platform this year? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [February 21, 2012, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-marriage-equality-be-a-part-of-the-democratic-party-platform-this-year/613556 "2012-02-21T20:04:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Simplicio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c37758/32.png) [@Simplicio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simplicio)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2012, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-marriage-equality-be-a-part-of-the-democratic-party-platform-this-year/613556/21 "2012-02-21T21:26:13Z")
According to the article, this was in the 2008 platform: > [@](#): > > We support the full inclusion of all families, including same-sex couples, in the life of our nation, and support equal responsibility, benefits, and protections. We will enact a comprehensive bipartisan employment non-discrimination act. We oppose the Defense of Marriage Act and all attempts to use this issue to divide us. So presumably most of the proposed language will get through, and with the possible exception of the “freedom to marry” bit. I’m skeptical that that phrase will make it, but I don’t think its impossible. > [@woodstokingbird](#): > > When the result is the same, I doubt it makes much difference to the person drowning. If New Jersey had a Democratic Governor, gay marriage would be legal there right now. They don’t so it isn’t. The result isn’t the same ---
**Author:** ![erislover](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/71e660/32.png) [@erislover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/erislover)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2012, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-marriage-equality-be-a-part-of-the-democratic-party-platform-this-year/613556/22 "2012-02-21T21:28:55Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Not gonna look it up, nosir. Sooner or later someone will say something that will tip me off, and I can pretend I always totally knew what “consequentialist society” means. [Psst.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consequentialism) ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2012, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-marriage-equality-be-a-part-of-the-democratic-party-platform-this-year/613556/23 "2012-02-21T21:38:37Z")
> [@Simplicio](#): > > According to the article, this was in the 2008 platform: > > So presumably most of the proposed language will get through, and with the possible exception of the “freedom to marry” bit. I’m skeptical that that phrase will make it, but I don’t think its impossible. That would put Obama in an awkward situation, as his position has not evolved to that point yet. So, I’d be very surprised if it was included. ---
**Author:** ![rat\_avatar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rat_avatar/32/255_2.png) [@rat\_avatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rat_avatar)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2012, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-marriage-equality-be-a-part-of-the-democratic-party-platform-this-year/613556/24 "2012-02-21T21:46:41Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > That would put Obama in an awkward situation, as his position has not evolved to that point yet. So, I’d be very surprised if it was included. I few years ago who would have ever believed that Dick Cheney would be a supporter and Obama would not on this issue. [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/17/dick-cheney-gay-marriage-maryland\_n\_1284727.html?ref=politics](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/17/dick-cheney-gay-marriage-maryland_n_1284727.html?ref=politics) ---
**Author:** ![rat\_avatar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rat_avatar/32/255_2.png) [@rat\_avatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rat_avatar)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2012, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-marriage-equality-be-a-part-of-the-democratic-party-platform-this-year/613556/25 "2012-02-21T21:50:33Z")
> [@rat\_avatar](#): > > I few years ago who would have ever believed that Dick Cheney would be a supporter and Obama would not on this issue. > > [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/17/dick-cheney-gay-marriage-maryland\_n\_1284727.html?ref=politics](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/17/dick-cheney-gay-marriage-maryland_n_1284727.html?ref=politics) I do have to give Cheney credit, he stated support in 2004 despite it’s potential cost in the party. ---
**Author:** ![Simplicio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c37758/32.png) [@Simplicio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simplicio)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2012, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-marriage-equality-be-a-part-of-the-democratic-party-platform-this-year/613556/26 "2012-02-21T21:54:49Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > That would put Obama in an awkward situation, as his position has not evolved to that point yet. So, I’d be very surprised if it was included. Well, he’s got six months to keep evolving. Plus, I don’t think I remember the wording of a parties platform being an issue…ever. I don’t think anyone really cares what goes in there beyond party functionaries, so even if it contradicts Obama’s stance I’m not sure it would really put him in an “awkward position”. In anycase, the Respect for Marriage Act is the bit that actually has a chance of going anywhere, and I’m sure that will make it into the final platform. ---
**Author:** ![ctnguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@ctnguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ctnguy)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2012, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-marriage-equality-be-a-part-of-the-democratic-party-platform-this-year/613556/27 "2012-02-21T22:38:40Z")
> [@Simplicio](#): > > Well, he’s got six months to keep evolving. I have a sneaking suspicion that Obama’s position may suddenly “evolve” on November 7. And as to the equivalence between the two parties, that’s nonsense. One party is practically ambivalent to same-sex marriage; the other is actively trying to pass constitutional amendments to ban it, block laws that would allow it, and repeal it in states which already have it. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2012, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-marriage-equality-be-a-part-of-the-democratic-party-platform-this-year/613556/28 "2012-02-21T22:43:33Z")
Too much politics on a lot of issues…again on both sides. Drowning man…Lulz! ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2012, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-marriage-equality-be-a-part-of-the-democratic-party-platform-this-year/613556/29 "2012-02-21T22:49:17Z")
If the election were a total slam-dunk, certain to sweep the Party of Darkness from the halls of power, I’d say go for it. But there’s too much at stake to risk it. The Pubbie assault of women’s health issues has priority, both as a moral issue and a political bonanza. It is right for progressives to be skeptical of pragmatism, it is a dangerous and slippery thing. But it is our duty as citizens to look at things with a frosty and clear perspective, truth must be tempered by fact. Cold mind, warm heart. ---
**Author:** ![emacknight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3ec8ea/32.png) [@emacknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emacknight)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2012, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-marriage-equality-be-a-part-of-the-democratic-party-platform-this-year/613556/30 "2012-02-21T22:51:29Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > The Pubbie assault of women’s health issues has priority, both as a moral issue and a political bonanza. Sorry drowning dude, maybe next election cycle. Unless assault rifles become an issue again. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2012, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-marriage-equality-be-a-part-of-the-democratic-party-platform-this-year/613556/31 "2012-02-21T22:56:26Z")
A viewing for the drowning guy analogy will be held Saturday at Shady Grove Funeral Home on the corner of Third Street and Enough Already. ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2012, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-marriage-equality-be-a-part-of-the-democratic-party-platform-this-year/613556/32 "2012-02-21T23:01:21Z")
> [@Simplicio](#): > > If New Jersey had a Democratic Governor, gay marriage would be legal there right now. They don’t so it isn’t. The result isn’t the same I don’t know that this is true. I’ve seen very few Democratic pols come out in favor of SSM. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2012, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-marriage-equality-be-a-part-of-the-democratic-party-platform-this-year/613556/33 "2012-02-21T23:04:18Z")
> [@woodstockbirdybird](#): > > I don’t know that this is true. I’ve seen very few Democratic pols come out in favor of SSM. For starters the Democratic governors of New York and Washington have signed same-sex marriage laws in the last couple of months, and the governor of Maryland has said he will do the same with the bill that recently passed there. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2012, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-marriage-equality-be-a-part-of-the-democratic-party-platform-this-year/613556/34 "2012-02-21T23:04:47Z")
Passed in New Jersey leg. Vetoed by Governor Oink. **Simplicio** has it right. Oh, sure, fucking admins can ninja whatever they want, even change the time stamp! Jackboots! Jackboots! ---
**Author:** ![emacknight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3ec8ea/32.png) [@emacknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emacknight)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2012, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-marriage-equality-be-a-part-of-the-democratic-party-platform-this-year/613556/35 "2012-02-21T23:21:18Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > A viewing for the drowning guy analogy will be held Saturday at Shady Grove Funeral Home on the corner of Third Street and Enough Already. Can we build a memorial, showing a Republican holding the guy under while Democrats stand there watching? ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2012, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-marriage-equality-be-a-part-of-the-democratic-party-platform-this-year/613556/36 "2012-02-21T23:23:07Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > For starters the Democratic governors of New York and Washington have signed same-sex marriage laws in the last couple of months, and the governor of Maryland has said he will do the same with the bill that recently passed there. OK - knew about NY, not NJ. ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2012, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-marriage-equality-be-a-part-of-the-democratic-party-platform-this-year/613556/37 "2012-02-21T23:25:07Z")
It seems that the prudent thing for Obama to do is to take the position that it’s a state’s rights issue, not under the overview of the federal government. I see three reasons for this; [ul] [li]This will keep from offending those opposed to SSM which could be a significant stumbling block to re-election.[/li][li]The battle the state level seems to be going in the right direction.[/li][li]Although the progress is painfully slow more ground has been gained in the last 5 years than in the last 5 decades (OK that may be hyperbole on my part I admit).[/li][/ul]I understand the desire to make a stand and draw a line in the sand but frankly in the current political environment it could actually cost Obama the election and the result would be a President openly hostile to the cause. The best thing Obama can do for SSM at this point is to keep his mouth shut. ---
**Author:** ![Simplicio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c37758/32.png) [@Simplicio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simplicio)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2012, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-marriage-equality-be-a-part-of-the-democratic-party-platform-this-year/613556/38 "2012-02-21T23:31:02Z")
> [@woodstockbirdybird](#): > > I don’t know that this is true. I’ve seen very few Democratic pols come out in favor of SSM. Cristie’s opponent for the Governorship said he’d sign a bill in favor of SSM if it passed while he was in office. He lost and when such a bill did pass the (Democratically controlled) legislature, Cristie vetoed it. Elections are important and their results have real consequences for peoples lives. People that think “the results are the same” irregardless of which party wins aren’t paying attention. (on preview, several people have made this point, but I’ll post since I think its worth noting that in NJ the candidates for governor explicitly had differing views on the issue). ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2012, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-marriage-equality-be-a-part-of-the-democratic-party-platform-this-year/613556/39 "2012-02-21T23:41:42Z")
> [@Simplicio](#): > > …irregardless… Must…maintain…composure… I think **zoid** got it exactly right. Marriage is a state issue, and Obama, as president, should oppose DOMA, but not take a stand as to what the states should do. ---
**Author:** ![amarinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2012, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-marriage-equality-be-a-part-of-the-democratic-party-platform-this-year/613556/40 "2012-02-21T23:45:05Z")
National - no. But I think it will be on a lot of state party platforms. And as an issue, some states’ parties will use it to help draw voters to the polls. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-marriage-equality-be-a-part-of-the-democratic-party-platform-this-year/613556.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-marriage-equality-be-a-part-of-the-democratic-party-platform-this-year/613556.md?page=3)