The issue of same-sex marriage is prominent not only among religious communities, but also in political organizations.
In a recent interview with reporters from the Denver Post and the Rocky Mountain News, Vice President Dick Cheney declared that he would back President George W. Bush if he were to actively pursue creating a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.
Bush openly has stated that although he supports gay rights, marriage should recognize the joining of a man and woman. He also has considered backing a constitutional amendment recognizing this definition of marriage.
The issue of same-sex marriage legality has engrossed the nation after the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled in November that homosexual matrimony is legally protected by the state constitution.
Stacia Haynie, a University political science professor specializing in American politics, said this issue could hold a lot of power in regards to political support.
“The polls show the nation is divided on gay rights, although with gay marriage there does seem to be greater opposition,” Haynie said.
Anna Byars, an active member of the Spectrum Alliance, agrees with Haynie’s claim, especially with regards to students.
“Not a majority of students would support gay marriage,” Byars said. “But considering where we are, there is a lot of support for it.”
Students nationwide also are showing support for the legislation of homosexual marriage.
Organizations such as the National Gay and Lesbian Task-force and the Spectrum Alliance have held protests and submitted backlash legislation attempting to prevent the banning of homosexual marriage.
“I think that an individual should be given the right to choose how he or she wants to live his or her life,” said Stacy Stewart, an early-childhood education freshman. “People should be allowed to have same-sex marriage if they so choose.”
With the 2004 Presidential election months away, Haynie said this issue could be an important factor more for the Democratic candidates than for President Bush.
Because a majority of the President’s constituents oppose same-sex marriage, Haynie believes that Bush’s stance against the legislation of homosexual marriage strengthens his support from Republicans.
“Politically, it makes sense Bush would be supportive on a gay marriage ban,” Haynie said.
H aynie said that the Democratic candidates will have to choose which stance to take on the issue, thereby possibly splitting the Democratic vote.Contributing Writer