Okay, he didn't actually talk to us. He had someone on his campaign staff fill out a questionnaire from the Washington Blade and send it back. But hey--that's more than any other republican candidate for president has ever done. And a progressive republican he is! McCain doesn't want to have us stoned in the public square. Well, not unless a state decides that's our appropriate fate. McCain is a strict federalist, he says and certain things should be left to the states:
"My home state of Arizona shouldn’t be compelled to recognize a marriage from California or Massachusetts. Those states can decide that issue by themselves. "
Of course he doesn't say this, but what he means is Arizona shouldn't be compelled to recognize same-sex couples married in California or Massachusetts. And that makes so much sense, since marital status changing from state-to-state has worked so well throughout U.S. history so far. Oh wait, never mind.
Straight, married readers, how would you like to have to check that wedding ring at every state line you cross? Imagine this: road trip from New Jersey to Vegas, you're married today, single tomorrow, married today... Or this, ladies: hubby's traveling for business and really isn't married when the woman in the slinky dress in the hotel bar asks. Or seriously, this: you're filling out those federal tax forms, a marriage certificate from your state hanging over the kitchen table. Which box do you check? Both "married" and "single" are a legal lie.
If we are going to keep awarding people rights and privileges based on their family formations (which we shouldn't, but that's a post for another day), marriage should most certainly not be left up to the states. Anyone--republican or democrat--who says so is weaseling out of supporting queer families without coming clean and saying so outright.
More on McCain/Palin and LGBT Issues:
McCain Talks to the Gays: Part One, Marriage
McCain Talks to the Gays: Part Two, Adoption
Love the Sinner
Sarah Palin: Pro-choice for Gays
Sarah Palin has a Gay BFF
Sarah Palin is not a Lesbian
