Buddy Roemer - Gay Marriage

Summary

Governor Roemer supports the traditional definition of marriage as between one man and one woman. However, he believes that the issue of marriage is one that should be decided at the state level.

In March of 2011, Governor Roemer stated that he was a traditionalist, but that he was comfortable with the states having the discussion. He stated that if the states voted to legalize gay marriage or civil unions, he would oppose the effort but honor the results.

In interviews and mock debates, Governor Roemer has stated that he supports the Defense of Marriage Act. He was critical of President Obama's decision to cease protection of the law in court.

Huffington Post

In a March 2011 interview with the Huffington Post, Governor Roemer clarified his position on marriage and discussed his support for the Defense of Marriage Act.

Governor Roemer: I’m a traditionalist in marriage. Here’s as far as I can go: I’m comfortable with the states having this discussion. And I’m all for -- in my extended family, not my wife or kids, but beyond -- cousins, that sort of thing -- we have a gay member. We honor him. He’s a great guy. He moved to California so he would be in a community where he would be more comfortable. And I love living in a country where gays are honored and esteemed, but traditional lives can continue as well.

Huffington Post: So if a state voted to legalize gay marriage or a form of civil unions, you’d be fine with that?

Governor Roemer: That’s right. [If] I was living in the state or was part of the debate, I would oppose it, I want to make that clear. But that’s why we have 50 states. They’re all a little bit different.

Top Line Appearance

In March of 2011, Governor Roemer appeared on ABC New's Top Line and discussed marriage. Governor Roemer stated that he personallly believed that marriage was between one man and one woman, but that each state had the right to decide the issue.

I'm a traditionalist. I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. I don't think it's the right thing to do. (legalizing same-sex marriage) But there's an even bigger issue guys -- it's how is the debate conducted: state by state.

Each state has a right to determine how it defines a marriage. I'm a Methodist boy. Our church believes that a marriage is between a man and a woman. And I'm not trying to put anybody down. That's what I believe with my heart and soul. Nothing has changed on that.

CBS News Appearance

In March of 2011, Governor Roemer appeared on CBS News and was asked about previous statements concerning marriage. He reasserts his viewpoint that marriage is between one man and one woman. He also discusses recent actions taken by the Obama administration to cease defense of the Defense of Marriage Act.

Governor Roemer: I think that a man and a woman get married. Any other union has to be called something else. I am a traditionalist. I'm a fair person. I'll honor anybody, whatever their sexual preference. But in terms of marraige ... in my church i'm a Methodis boy ... and in my life, it's a man and a woman.

Interviewer: So should those people, even if you call it something else, should they have the same rights as a married couple?

Governor Roemer: Well now, that's a question for the federal government and it has decided by passing laws on such unions that they do not have ...

Interviewer: But what's your personal viewpoint?

Governor Roemer: I will support that law. I like that law. I also like having a state decide what works in it's state. But there is a federal law that says "man and a woman." That's the law, I support it. And I think that this President should support it. If he doesn't like it, he ought to take it to Congress and change it.

South Carolina Debate

In May of 2011, Governor Roemer held an individual debate to mirror the GOP debate in South Carolina which he was not participating in. He states that the President should have continued defending the Defense of Marriage Act or go to Congress to have the law changed.

New Hampshire Debate

In a debate style rally to counter the South Carolina debate, Governor Roemer states that he supports traditional marriage, but that states have the right to implement the laws they see fit.

References

[1] Website: Huffington Post Article: Buddy Roemer Clarifies Position On Gay Marriage, Reaffirms Support For DOMA Author: Sam Stein Accessed on: 08/25/2011

[2] Website: Huffington Post Article: Buddy Roemer Is Fine With State-Sanctioned Gay Marriage, Just Not In His State Author: Sam Stein Accessed on: 08/25/2011

[3] Website: ABC News Article: Buddy Roemer: ‘Each State has a Right to Determine’ Whether to Allow Gay Marriage Author: Rick Klein Accessed on: 08/25/2011

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