Thompson Honing Gay Marriage Position

Republican Backs Constitutional Amendment, But Doesn't Go As Far As Some Conservatives

(AP)  Republican presidential hopeful Fred Thompson said he's met frequently with influential social conservatives who are willing to accept his position on a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage even though it doesn't go quite as far as they would like.

Thompson favors a constitutional amendment that bars judges from legalizing gay marriage, but also leaves open the door for state legislatures to approve the practice. He said social and religious conservatives who would prefer an amendment that also bars legislatures from legalizing gay marriage can live with his view.

“Everyone I have talked to in my meetings like this, the answer has been yes,” said Thompson. He conceded there are reservations.

“I think they prefer their own wording. They are primarily concerned about marriage being a union between a man and a woman,” said Thompson. He said his solution strikes a balance.

Thompson didn't identify the conservative leaders he has met with.

“What I have done is fashion something that says judges can't do that any more,” said Thompson. He said the practical effect of his proposal would be a ban on gay marriages.

“It'll stop the process in its tracks because it's all judge-made,” said Thompson. “No state legislature accompanied by a governor's signature has gone down that road.”

The former Tennessee senator opened a three-day campaign swing in Iowa, where precinct caucuses traditionally launch the nominating season. He mingled with evangelical conservatives over the weekend, and moved aggressively to ease worries that he doesn't favor a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. His alternative, Thompson said, “is a good, sound, conservative thing.”

In making his case, Thompson said he was balancing the competing interests of preserving traditional marriage, while also calling for sharp limits on the role of the federal government. Amending the constitution, he argued, should only be done carefully and to the least extent possible.

“You've got to be awfully, awfully reticent to go in and do more than is absolutely necessary in terms of a constitutional amendment,” said Thompson. “They understand that and appreciate that and I think they think I have a good approach. I can say they think they have a better approach.”

Thompson said his plan “will work more in our favor than if we totally eliminate the concept of federalism.”

He said his argument for a limited federal government helps balance conservatives' worries regarding gay marriage.

“They respect my position on federalism,” said Thompson. “Good friends can differ on the details of any approach.”

Thompson opened his campaign day mingling with about 200 people jammed into the Mid Town Cafe on the town square in Newton, a traditional stop on the presidential campaign trail for candidates of both parties. He then headed for Marshalltown to make his pitch to about 250 people jammed into a restaurant there.

Meeting with reporters, Thompson was asked about comments from rival John McCain about the U.S. being a Christian nation unlikely to vote for Muslim candidates. Thompson steered a middle course.

“Factually, the Judeo-Christian heritage of the United States is certainly factual,” said Thompson. He warned that not all Muslims are radical and warned against stereotypes.

“There are a lot of Islamic individuals and citizens of this country who are not radical, who are good citizens,” said Thompson. “I can't say I would vote for or against anybody in any category.”

[briannorwood]

Hey Fred...would you like some FLIP with that FLOP?

[rushlimpdrug]

Because in a time of war knowing a presidential candidate''s position on gay is sooooo important."

He said his argument for a limited federal government helps balance conservatives'' worries regarding gay marriage."
-What? ? ? ?

This guy is loonier than I thought.

[micma-2009]

In the absence of anything substantive to contribute to the discussion of Americas real problems, Republicons like Thompson reach for the divisive issues that rally the right wingnut base. Here we go again. The question is, will America buy what these crooks are selling?

[hwy71so]

I could probably go with that. Sure beats any other proposal in that regard to date.

There''s nothing about two of the same gender that is condusive of marriage. The woman was made for the man as the man was made for the woman.

[wadyaknow]

"There''''s nothing about two of the same gender that is condusive of marriage. The woman was made for the man as the man was made for the woman."

Who were people who have sexual characteristics - physical or emotional - of both made for?
Does this exclude them?
What about if you have any gay children who are they made for or will you force them into the closet and make them suffer?
I''ve had it with morons!

[hwy71so]

Homosexual activity is a choice one makes, just like abstinence, adultery, or fornication. Its merely a choice one makes; an unwholesome choice.

[geezer62]

Hwy71So....
Your claim that homosexuality is a "choice" is somewhat suspect. Studies have shown that homosexuals are born that way. Otherwise, how do you account for the fact that many *** have said that they knew when they were children that they were "different"? Do you really believe that a person wakes up one morning and says, "Gee, I think I''ll be gay"? In view of the attitudes of society against ***, why would anyone in their right mind make that "choice"? Your arguement is just one of many used by politicians to divide the country. Compared to other issues it doesn''t mean much to most of us. Let''s concentrate of issues that really matter.

[signof4]

''Thompson Honing Gay Marriage Position''

Let''s hope he chooses the top! :)

[mudrose-2009]

Hwy71So....
Your claim that homosexuality is a "choice" is somewhat suspect. Studies have shown that homosexuals are born that way. ...Your arguement is just one of many used by politicians to divide the country. Compared to other issues it doesn''''t mean much to most of us. Let''''s concentrate of issues that really matter.
Posted by geezer62

This is an issue that matters. And it brings to the foreground the fact that our system of government is out of wack with the Constitution. Each Branch of Government has separate and distinct functions. The Congress is the Legislative Branch although these lazy S.O.B.s prefer that the courts legislate for them on issues they find distasteful. The Executive Branch has the responsibility for upholding the Constitution and Defense of the Nation, and the Judiciary has the responsibility to follow precedent set by the Constitution. Instead what we have today is a Judiciary creating laws, and a legislature encroaching on the Executive. Marriage is a social institution, not a personal relationship. It''s about family, it''s about children. Courts have no right to change social constructs. That''s solely the jurisdiction of the people and how they choose to structure their societies. The last time the Court granted a right was abortion. It has divided the nation for over 40 years. We will not tolerate the Courts granting rights that have never existed at the expense of the people.

[wadyaknow]

"Homosexual activity is a choice one makes, just like abstinence, adultery, or fornication. Its merely a choice one makes; an unwholesome choice."
You didn''t answer my questions because you can''t.
Now when did you choose to be str8? and why does CBS blank out the word g-a-y-s like it was something dirty? Oh and has your Republican Senator/congressman been caught in a mensroom lately trying to pick up other "I''m not gay" men?

[geezer62]

Wow mudrose....
I wasn''t looking for a lesson in constitutional law. I just commented that I disagreed about homosexuality being a choice that a person makes. I don''t think there is mention in the constitution concerning that subject. Maybe I''m wrong but I don''t think so. If you feel that threatened by *** that is your right. Sorry you got so upset by my comment. Someone recently advised me to "get a sense of humor", maybe you should too.

[mudrose-2009]

Wow mudrose....
I wasn''''t looking for a lesson in constitutional law. I just commented that I disagreed about homosexuality being a choice that a person makes. I don''''t think there is mention in the constitution concerning that subject. Maybe I''''m wrong but I don''''t think so. If you feel that threatened by *** that is your right. Sorry you got so upset by my comment. Someone recently advised me to "get a sense of humor", maybe you should too.
Posted by geezer62

Well, I believe you wanted serious dialogue. When you get it, you get overwhelmed. That''s right. There is no mention of same-*** marriage in the Constitution. There isn''t mention of marriage in the Constitution either. However, same-*** marriage is not a right. Same way abortion isn''t. But I will tell you one thing that is in the Bill of Rights and that is the right to "life".

[pwrslm]

the average homosexual will die at 41 years old

not because of love or marriage

but because homosexuality is a dangerous lifestyle

71% of all homosexuals carry an uncurable STD that will be the cause of thier deaths

the government should not be legislating weather or not to let them made a dash at civil rights (the right to be perverted is already guaranteed under the constitution)

they should be telling people that this unnatural lifestyle is nothing more than a burden on society and should not be encouraged

[pwrslm]

Studies have shown that homosexuals are born that way.
Posted by geezer62


Funny thing is, nobody can document those studies. Alot of homosexual backers try to claim these studies exist, but they dont exist. Not one. Really!!

The ONLY ones that claimed sodomy was caused by genetics were discredited because of faulty research. To date, not one single study was valid.

[hwy71so]

wadyaknow said;
"Who were people who have sexual characteristics - physical or emotional - of both made for?
Does this exclude them?"

Being born with both is a birth defect. Its a RARE occurrence. I would have to be placed in that position before I could judge which direction to take.

Simply put, homosexuality is the unnatural use of sexual organs. If you are born male, your union is designed to be with a female. If you are born female then your union is designed to be with a male.

Homosexuality is genicide, an abomination. It is not conducive to reproduction therefore it is a waste of time and a crime against, God, man and nature.

[kansas1946]

Good God. This is about the biggest bunch of double-talk, goofy-speak, BS, that I have ever heard, and these "influential social conservatives" are only influential because politicans allow them to be. They stick their noses up these guy''s rear ends for votes, but try and leave the door open so they can get out of it later. These people are evil and harmful to America. They promote hatred, division, and bigotry. Politicians should just stop answering when they call.
Who cares about marriage. Marriage is only a legal term that affords certain protections to spouses in the event of death, tax structures, and retirement benefits, etc.
So, if you don''t want to call it marriage, just provide those same protections to civil unions and get over it. Geesh.

[glossypan]

Herding the sheep who are dismayed by his lack of scruples in lobbying and new arm candy back into the fold.

[kansas1946]

Homosexuality is genicide, an abomination. It is not conducive to reproduction therefore it is a waste of time and a crime against, God, man and nature.
*****************
YEA!!!!! Since I am past menopause, I am telling my husband that his Saturday night advances are a waste of time, and a crime against God, women, and nature. I am so glad, because that "headache" excuse was really wearing thin. Thanks!!

[dutchfarmer]

Thompson is worthless. He needs to stay in Hollywood where sodomy is promoted. The Constitution is designed to limit the government, not the people. This issue is the authority of the individual states. Possibly we could anex the South Pole into the Union for all male sodomites and the North Pole for all female sodomites. In less than 30 years both will be uninhabited because sodomites cannot reproduce. They must recruit. All sodomites are fortunate that their parents didn''t practive what the sodomite believes. The same goes with the pro-abortion crowd. Ain''t free speech wonderful for an opposing viewpoint. When the electrician tries to connect two male outlets, the lights don''t turn on. Think on this one for a while.

[lieslies99]

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[pwrslm]

Homosexuality is genicide, an abomination. It is not conducive to reproduction therefore it is a waste of time and a crime against, God, man and nature.
*****************
YEA!!!!! Since I am past menopause, I am telling my husband that his Saturday night advances are a waste of time, and a crime against God, women, and nature. I am so glad, because that "headache" excuse was really wearing thin. Thanks!!

Posted by kansas1946

YAAA!!

So instead of giving you Hepatitus, Ghonorea, Siphilis, and Aids, you get nuttin huny.

I dono where you get the crime against nature old timer, but deviant sexual behavior is only a crime in places like Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Here, they let the perverts prey on our kids and start sodomite clubs in schools, and then have seminars to show them what fists are good for besides fighting.....

SO

Celebrate the fact that your lover wont out last you, you should die long after he is gone for his sodomite acts. Gotta figure, if you equate menopause with sodomy, then your really up to date on shiite mentality, eh!!

[jack3213]

A terrific example of what this country needs for change!,Thomson speaks simple and honest, forthright and heartfelt, relateable, direct, and inspirational. He may have started late, may not have as much money ( yet)may be judged by liberals harshly ( because they are afraid of the truth) and he may be more conservative than most BUT it is obvious and apparent that this country needs stability, a sense of security, and the ability to feel confident in someone who does not change his views to suit the masses. This country needs someone who can make America feel powerful and build back its self esteem. Believing in someone who can add strength, character, and consistancy is Fred Thompson. GO FRED!

[klingon69]

But I will tell you one thing that is in the Bill of Rights and that is the right to "life".
Posted by mudrose at 04:04 PM : Oct 02, 2007

The right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. If being g.a.y makes someone happy, more power to them. Like mixed marriages, same-gender relationships are not my concern, because it is not my choice. I made my choice to be heterosexual, but don''t have the right to tell anybody who they can and cannot fall in love with. As for gay-marriage, whatever works for them. I feel in NO way threatened because two persons of same gender wish to live in a union and it be called a marriage. There are far too many other problems plaguing our country/world to be worried about who and what happens in the privacy of ones own home.

[klingon69]

YEA!!!!! Since I am past menopause, I am telling my husband that his Saturday night advances are a waste of time, and a crime against God, women, and nature. I am so glad, because that "headache" excuse was really wearing thin. Thanks!!
Posted by kansas1946 at 08:27 PM : Oct 02, 2007

Well, at least he didn''t buy you an industrial size bottle of Excedrin.

[pwrslm]

Rights without respect of nature is no right at all...so when homosexuals speak of the right to practice a deviant sexual lifestyle, it does not give them the right to lie to our children, in our schools, and fill thier heads full of non sustainable information, like its natural. Natural is the use of the human body for the pursuit of its intended results, that being sexual reproduction. There is no purpose for in sodomy aside from lust, the fulfilment of which serves no purpose in society.

Its a self serving (*** ual) addiction of men/women who have a sexual dysfuntion. Not a civil right. ANYONE with good sense has this figured out by the time they are pre teen, a small percentage are aflicted by the dysfunction. Its not genetic, nor is alchoholism or drug addiction.

The pursuit of happiness is a right, but it has its moral limits.