Libertarian Party Applauds DOMA Strikedown.

FYI - From the Libertarian Party and www.LP.org.

-ADY "A Regular Guy On The Issues"

News Release June 26, 2013   Libertarian Party applauds DOMA strikedown The Libertarian Party applauds the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision today to strike the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a federal law that discriminates against non-heterosexual marriages. The Libertarian Party has supported marriage equality since its founding in 1971. "The Republican Party has never supported marriage equality," said Laura Delhomme, 2013 Libertarian candidate for delegate in Virginia. "Democrats, despite their alleged support of civil liberties, only added a reference to same-sex marriage to their party platform in 2012 — when it became politically convenient." DOMA was pushed through by a GOP-led Congress and signed by a Democratic president. "This is a landmark victory for personal freedom," said Geoffrey J. Neale, chair of the Libertarian National Committee. "The Democrats and Republicans who have advanced, defended, and let stand government intrusion into the private contracts and choices of consenting adults will be remembered for their inhumanity on this issue." Ending DOMA means that the federal government will recognize the legal marriages of same-sex couples in states that recognize marriage equality. This is a good first step toward ending government discrimination that has affected millions of Americans. Libertarian candidates have long rallied for marriage equality. This year, Robert Sarvis, Libertarian Party of Virginia candidate for governor, along with Delhomme and several other candidates for legislature, have vowed to press for recognition of same-sex marriage in Virginia. Libertarian candidates in New Jersey, the only other state that is holding legislative races this year, are also calling for marriage equality. "Same-sex couples are denied the right to marry because the governor vetoed the marriage equality bill that would have guaranteed their civil rights," said Ken Kaplan, Libertarian for governor in New Jersey. "I will sign such a bill." The Libertarian Party platform states that "Sexual orientation, preference, gender, or gender identity should have no impact on the government's treatment of individuals, such as in current marriage, child custody, adoption, immigration or military service laws." A recent poll from ABC News/Washington Post shows that 58 percent of Americans support marriage equality, a rapid change from just a decade ago, when only 39 percent supported it. Americans are coming around to the Libertarian view that big government does not belong in our lives, whether it’s our bedrooms or our wallets. Visit LP.org to share this release!   Please donate to the Libertarian Party, working to advance peace, individual rights, and American prosperity. Paid for by the Libertarian National Committee 2600 Virginia Ave, N.W. Suite 200, Washington D.C. 20037 Content not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

JOHNSON-GRAY PRESIDENTIAL TICKET ENDORSES OHIO’S FREEDOM TO MARRY ACT.

FYI - From GaryJohnson2012.com.

Unlike President Obama, Gov. Johnson truly does support marriage equality! LIVE FREE and VOTE JOHNSON/GRAY 2012!

-ADY "A Regular Guy On The Issues"

Libertarian Presidential Ticket Endorses Freedom To Marry Act In Ohio.

JOHNSON-GRAY PRESIDENTIAL TICKET ENDORSES OHIO’S FREEDOM TO MARRY ACT

August 4, 2012, Toledo, OH – Libertarian Party Vice Presidential nominee Judge Jim Gray today urged Ohio voters to place the proposed Freedom to Marry amendment on the 2013 statewide ballot and to approve it. Gray endorsed the measure on behalf of both himself and presidential candidate and former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson.

Judge Gray announced the Libertarian ticket’s support for Freedom to Marry at a news conference Saturday morning at the County Courthouse in Toledo.

Gray said, “Unlike Mitt Romney or President Obama, Governor Johnson and I believe the right to marry who we choose is a constitutionally protected right. People of different faiths and different beliefs are free to follow those beliefs when it comes to embracing or opposing same-sex marriage within those faiths and beliefs. However, it should not be the purview of government to impose one set of beliefs over another. And government absolutely should not sanction discrimination against gay Americans who choose to marry.

“Ohio’s Freedom to Marry amendment is an important step toward marriage equality in a key state. Governor Johnson and I are proud to lend our support, and urge the good people of Ohio to put their state on the side of equality and against government being in the business of deciding who can marry whom.”

Ian James, Co-Founder, FreedomOhio, said, “The FreedomOhio movement is honored to have Gary Johnson and Judge Jim Gray’s endorsement of the Freedom to Marry and Religious Freedom amendment.

“Ohioans know marriage helps committed couples take care of each other and their families. Marriage is a public promise that allows a couple to build a life together based upon love and commitment,” James continued.

“The seismic shifts in public opinion on marriage equality make it clear: It’s time to grant two loving and committed adults the freedom to marry, while ensuring religious institutions have the freedom to perform or recognize a marriage.

“Ohio’s Midwestern values are the secret ingredients for success of this amendment.”

GOVERNOR GARY JOHNSON ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR GAY MARRIAGE.

FYI - From Gary Johnson 2012


-ADY "A Regular Guy On The Issues"

GOVERNOR GARY JOHNSON ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR GAY MARRIAGE

December 1, 2011

 December 1, 2011, Santa Fe NM – Presidential candidate and former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson announced during an on-line Town Hall Thursday night that he supports civil marriage for gay Americans.  Having long supported civil unions for gay couples, Johnson’s decision to endorse gay marriage is based on “a great deal of deliberation, discussion with the gay community, and a conclusion that government has no business choosing who should be allowed the benefits of marriage and who should not.”

Announcing his support for gay marriage, Johnson said, “As a believer   in individual freedom and keeping government out of personal lives, I simply cannot find a legitimate justification for federal laws, such as the Defense of Marriage Act, which ‘define’ marriage.  That definition should be left to religions and individuals – not government.  Government’s role when it comes to marriage is one of granting benefits and rights to couples who choose to enter into a marriage ‘contract’.  As I have examined this issue, consulted with folks on all sides, and viewed it through the lens of individual freedom and equal rights, it has become clear to me that denying those rights and benefits to gay couples is discrimination, plain and simple. 

“Certainly, religions and people of various faiths have the right to view marriage as they wish, and sanction marriage according to those beliefs.  Just as government shouldn’t interfere with individual rights, government should not interfere with how marriage is treated as a ceremony, a sacrament or a privilege within a set of religious beliefs.  However, when it comes to the rights of individuals and couples under the law, government’s promise should be to insure equal access to those rights to all Americans, gay or straight.

“For a very long time, society has viewed gay marriage as a moral and, yes, religious issue.  Today, I believe we have arrived at a point in history where more and more Americans are viewing it as a question of liberty and freedom.  That evolution is important, and the time has come for us to align our marriage laws with the notion that every individual should be treated equally.”

Johnson’s announcement came during an on-line Town Hall co-hosted with GOProud, an organization of gay conservatives and their allies.