Romney says he's "fine" with gay couples adopting children

AP

(CBS News) Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said Thursday that while he opposes same-sex marriage, he is "fine" with gay couples adopting children. The presumptive nominee also declined to criticize President Obama's reversal on the issue, saying he would "respect the right of the president to reach the conclusion he has."

In his most detailed comments to date on the issue of civil rights for gay people, Romney told Fox News television host Neil Cavuto, "I know many gay couples that are able to adopt children. That's fine. But my preference is that we ... continue to define marriage as the relationship between man and a women."

The statement seemed to put Romney in the position of condoning same-sex families with children as long as the parents do not marry.

Later in the interview, he said, "I believe that my record as a person who has supported civil rights is strong and powerful. At the same time, I believe that marriage has been defined the same way for literally thousands of years by virtually every civilization in history, and that marriage is literally, by its definition, a relationship between a man and a woman. And if two people of the same gender want to live together, want to have a loving relationship, or even to adopt a child -- in my state individuals of the same sex were able to adopt children. In my view, that's something that people have a right to do. But to call that marriage is something that in my view is a departure from the real meaning of that word."

Romney's fall opponent, President Obama, came out in favor of same-sex marriage on Wednesday after months of saying his views on the matter were "evolving." During his campaign for president in 2008, and as a candidate for the Senate in 2004 , Obama opposed gay marriage.

After declining yesterday to comment on the president's reversal, Romney told Cavuto, "This is an issue where you can't really convince someone about. It's something where you either believe one way or the other. It's very much like the issue of life. And we come down on different sides of this issue after giving it careful thought and consideration. I respect the right of the president to reach the conclusion he has, and I presume he respects my right to hold to the position that I've had from the beginning of this topic being raised."

Asked whether he would be at a disadvantage politically if gays galvanize behind Obama's reelection campaign, Romney said, "Hopefully, people are focusing on the major issues of the day, which relate to our economy, getting people back to work, dealing with Syria. ... But I know for many people, the issue of marriage is going to be a defining issue and they will make their decision on that basis. That is their right. But you don't change your position to try to win states or certain subgroups of Americans. You have the positions you have, and you know, for a long time, I think since the beginning of my career, I have made it very clear that I thought that marriage should be a relationship between a man and a women."

[pldabbs]

I am still having a hard time with Mitt's statement. I thought we had a man who wasn't afraid to stand up against the flow instead of go with it. I was afraid that it would be hard for Romney to be completely true to his beliefs. The pressure to compromise and to extend to everyone (gays included) 'equal rights' It's extremely difficult to be elected president and be a completely honest man, true to your beliefs 100%, and express those beliefs without fear of stepping on toes, or not for political expediency. But he is still far better than the other candidate.

[fedup12]

Just when you dont think that one person can be on every side of every issue I give you Mitt ROMNEY.

[expatriate2]

Normal by whose standards?

[Zann-Zel]

But my preference is that we ... continue to define marriage as the relationship between man and a women."
---------------
Man and "a women"? or Man and several women Romney??

And about that traditional definition...is it the one where a daughter is pretty much SOLD to a man without even asking her? Ya know, like in the Bible.

One more thing....all you people against abortion - you do realize Gay Couples won't be having Abortions don't you???

: )

[Lindag10]

I have a feeling that although Romney says he's "fine" with gay couples adopting, when the evangelicals start screaming he'll change his position. Beats why he's okay for the gays to adopt children, but not okay with them getting married. The children will be living in the SAME enviornment either way.

[AOCGUY]

I will say that Gov Romney is making it a whole lot easier to decide on who to vote for on election day.

[unclebernies]

Allow kids to be adopted by gay parents but forbid them to make the family whole. Makes sense to me.

[AOCGUY]

Are there no Romney supporters out there that want to wade in on this or has Romney finally just said enough stupid things that everyone is against him?

[Rafterman11]

If the Dems are smart, they won't go negative against Romney during the campaign. The Dem strategy should be to draw Romney into situations and topics where Romney will do what he does best - put his foot in his mouth.

The Dem and Repub bases aren't going to win this, they will vote for "their guy" no matter what. But the moderates and independents, the people who decide elections, will still take an even mediocre Obama over a human flub like Romney.

[AOCGUY]

I don't even think the dems will have to draw him in. It appears that Romney actually seeks out opportunities to say dumb things.

[KPeters_from_UK]

Anyone defending Romney on this issue can you explain to me how it would work if one gay parent went into the hospital for an emergency operation and the other parent couldn't visit because they were not married....the children would be the go between the parent in the hospital, the doctors and the other parent? Wow, that's twisted. How would that work?

[Truth_Bee_Told]

How does it work now for opposite sex couples who are living together and have children but aren't married?

[Truth_Bee_Told]

KPeters...if you can't answer that question I'll help you out. I'd tell the gay non-married couple the exact same thing I'd tell the straight non-married couple and the exact same thing I'd tell married people and people with no spouse, no significant other and no prospects whatsoever...get a living will and designate a healcare proxy. This way, no matter who you are, no matter what your marital status, you can always be sure the person you want there in the event of an emergency or serious illness is in fact there with you and able to speak with your doctors.

[AOCGUY]

Can't Romney's handlers put a muzzle on him? I know he is a reasonably smart man but good Lord he spouts off some of the dumbest remarks. So as already oft repeated he is fine with gay couples raising children just as long as they aren't married (i.e. have not committed to a stable long term relationship.) Makes alot of sense to me, . . . er, or not.