As Same Sex Unions Continue To Be An Issue

July 01, 2011

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Birthplace of Independent Conservatism
Liberty -vs- Tyranny

Republicans in general seem to be squarely on the wrong side of history with respect to same sex unions. As a conservative with libertarian leanings I believe it time to put the issue aside and focus on pressing issues that impact the states, and our nation by far more than this one does.

One problem the republican party is facing is the size of it's tent if you will. Republican leaders, whether at the state or national level who alienate rational individuals because of their insistence on preventing same sex unions do so at a potential cost. As the tent shrinks because of the leadership's narrow mindedness on this issue so too will their influence shrink.

New York, having just recently passes a same sex union law with the support of four republican lawmakers has put the issue front and center once again. It likely won't be the last time as the issue will most assuredly present itself in a growing number of states.

From YNN.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — There may be political fallout for some New York State lawmakers who voted for the same sex marriage law.

In a fundraising email to supporters, the National Organization for Marriage announced its pledging $2 million to help reverse the gay marriage law and oust the lawmakers who supported it.

"These Republicans, especially who betrayed their party, betrayed their voters, are going to need to be held accountable, and we pledged $2 million to make sure that that happens," said Brian Brown, president of the National Organization for Marriage.

Brown says one Republican lawmaker in particular is the top of the list.

"Mark Grisanti's vote was an absolute and total betrayal. Mark Grisanti asked us in his first bid for the Senate in 2008 to support him. He promised that he would protect marriage as the union between a man and a woman,” said Brown. “He not only betrayed us, he betrayed his voters. He is at the top of our target list."

"I'm comfortable with my decision and my vote because I think it was a balance, and whatever NOM wants to do, as I said, that's what makes this country great. Go ahead and do what you’ve got to do" said Sen. Grisanti, (R).

Grisanti was one of four Republicans and three Democrats who changed their vote in favor of same sex marriage. Grisanti defends his vote, saying it was based on fairness, not his religious beliefs or political survival. {Read More and View Video}