Sun-Times columnist Mark Brown breaks some exciting news in the race for U.S. Senate. In an interview with State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, the Democrat came out boldy in favor of same-sex marriage, the first major statewide candidate to take that position in Illinois history. He also backs a slate of other crucial civil rights reforms, including the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act and the U.S. military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy. From the piece:
"This goes to what this country was founded on -- equality and fairness," said Giannoulias, emphasizing that he sees same-sex marriage as a constitutional and legal issue in the context of past civil rights struggles. [...]
"This is what I believe in, and I'm sure not everyone is going to agree with me," Giannoulias told me in advance of his campaign issuing a position paper later this week. "I'd like to think the public is more accepting of gay and lesbian couples in committed relationships. It could be risky, but it's what I believe."
It's only natural that the 33-year old Giannoulias would come out in full support for equal rights. While opposition to same sex marriage is strong among those over 40, a wide majority (58 to 35 percent) of Millennials support the practice. And his position stands in direct contrast to Republican candidate Mark Kirk, himself one of the few supposed supporters of gay rights in the GOP. A spokesperson told Brown that "Congressman Kirk opposes gay marriage, supports the Defense of Marriage Act, and agrees with President Clinton's policy of 'Don't Ask Don't Tell.'" Moderate positions, those are not.
Giannoulias thinks that we will revisit this marriage debate in a decade and "be amazed we didn't do this sooner." He's exactly right. But we're very glad he's pushing the agenda now.
UPDATE (11:45 am): The Giannoulias campaign has now included a GLBT issues page on its website, which you can read here.
Comments
Chuck Anziulewicz (not verified) on Thu, 09/03/2009 - 09:47
AT LAST! A political figure who actually speaks with the courage of his convictions, rather than dancing away from a sensitive issue. It sounds like Alexi Giannoulias is the voice of the next generation. I mean, let's face it: 30 years ago most Americans didn't know of any friends, family members or co-workers who were Gay. Today most Americans DO, and with that awareness has come increasing acceptance and support.
And you know what? It's not because of court cases or media conspiracies or some insidious "Gay Agenda." It's because more and more Gay Americans are living their lives openly and honestly, and that we are demonstrating through example that we are just as capable of being valuable, productive citizens, and conducting our lives with dignity and humility, as our Straight counterparts.
Older folks may not understand this, but younger folks do, and it's the younger folks that Alexi Giannoulias is speaking to.
markg8 on Thu, 09/03/2009 - 13:53
Wait a minute. If Kirk is "one of the few supposed supporters of gay rights in the GOP" and he "opposes gay marriage, supports the Defense of Marriage Act, and agrees with President Clinton's policy of 'Don't Ask Don't Tell" then what exactly does he support that could be considered gay rights? He hasn't called for lynching gays or what?
Annie (not verified) on Thu, 09/03/2009 - 19:01
So Alexi Giannoulias is in favor of gay marriage, and Mark "Sidetracks" Kirk is against it?
Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/04/2009 - 15:27
yay!
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