April 21, 2008
Meanwhile, Barack Obama Reiterates Opposition to Gay Equality, Sputters Meaningless Gobbledygook in Pennsylvania
Obama Addresses Crowd In Berks County. . .
The senator also addressed several topics on Sunday including a local issue he has so far been reluctant to take on, legislation pending in Harrisburg that would ban gay marriage in the commonwealth.
“If I were in the state legislature, I would oppose it,” Obama said.
OK. So far, so good.
Obama’s silence on the proposed amendment to the state’s constitution has proven worrisome to local gay rights groups who have largely thrown their support behind Hillary Clinton and just two days before the primary he made his position clear.
It would have been better for Obama if he’d stayed silent, because he does make his stubborn opposition to marriage equality quite clear — and then in the same breath utters an idea we can’t make heads nor tails of:
“I’m not in favor of gay marriage but I certainly don’t want to see a court suggesting that somehow we can’t pass laws that say gays and lesbians aren’t being discriminated against,” Obama said.
“I’m not in favor of gay marriage” is clear — and certainly consistent; Obama has never wavered on the idea that our unions aren’t as good and worthy as his and Michelle’s, and we don’t deserve the same rights he has — but what in blazes is the rest of that confounded sentence supposed to mean?
“…I certainly don’t want to see a court suggesting that somehow we can’t pass laws that say gays and lesbians aren’t being discriminated against.”
Uh, m’kay, Barry. But — Mr. Consitutional Lawyer — is there such a thing as a “law” that says gays and lesbians aren’t being discriminated against? Maybe a resolution or two (or a hundred), but a law? And when did any court ever “suggest” anything (courts make rulings, not “suggestions”), much less rule that “we can’t pass laws that say gays and lesbians aren’t being discriminated against”?
What the hell are you talking about, Barry? Do you even know?
If we parse that sentence (and we’re trying!), it sounds like you’re saying you do want to see courts free to rule that gay and lesbian Americans do not face discrimination, thus clearing the way to discriminate against us — or to block legislation that would protect us against discrimination.
I’ll tell you what else it sounds like, Barry: It sounds like you agree with Greg Brophy!
In the end, only one thing is clear, Barry: You are opposed to my equality. Period.
Filed under: Barack Obama, Election 2008, Hillary Clinton, Homophobia, Marriage, Pennsylvania
