Is Newt Gingrich caving on same-sex marriage?

[Baltimatt]

Interview with the Huffington Post.

On gay marriage, meanwhile, Gingrich argued that Republicans could no longer close their eyes to the course of public opinion. While he continued to profess a belief that marriage is defined as being between a man and a woman, he suggested that the party (and he himself) could accept a distinction between a "marriage in a church from a legal document issued by the state" -- the latter being acceptable.

"I think that this will be much more difficult than immigration for conservatism to come to grips with," he said, noting that the debate's dynamics had changed after state referenda began resulting in the legalization of same-sex marriage. "It is in every family. It is in every community. The momentum is clearly now in the direction in finding some way to ... accommodate and deal with reality. And the reality is going to be that in a number of American states -- and it will be more after 2014 -- gay relationships will be legal, period."

Is he just noticing there is a difference between civil an religious marriage? Gays have been asking for civil marriage licenses. Religious bodies can decide for themseves whether or not to marry same-sex couples.

And while gay relationships are already legal (as opposed to illegal), they are not legally recognized in most states.

[ms maggie]

Newt will say anything to try to maintain his relevance.

[flyboy56]

Interview with the Huffington Post.



Is he just noticing there is a difference between civil an religious marriage? Gays have been asking for civil marriage licenses. Religious bodies can decide for themseves whether or not to marry same-sex couples.

And while gay relationships are already legal (as opposed to illegal), they are not legally recognized in most states.

Is there a difference between civil unions and civil marriages?

[Baltimatt]

flyboy--

Civil marriages are offered in all states (as of January 1, 2013, nine states will offer marriage to same-sex couples). Civil unions are only offered in a small handful. Generally, states with civil unions offer them to same-sex couples, some also to opposite-sex couples.

Same-sex marriages are not recognized by the federal government because of the Defense of Marriage Act. Should we get rid of DOMA, same-sex marriage will be recognized by the feds, but there's a question of whether civil unions will be. Also, I believe some have complained the civil unions do not have the recognition that marriages do.

[Sprightly]

Why do you care what Newt Gingrich thinks?

[Baltimatt]

Sprightly--

Well, it's interesting to see he appears to be softening on his opposition to SSM.

[octoburn]

Interview with the Huffington Post.



Is he just noticing there is a difference between civil an religious marriage? Gays have been asking for civil marriage licenses. Religious bodies can decide for themseves whether or not to marry same-sex couples.

And while gay relationships are already legal (as opposed to illegal), they are not legally recognized in most states.

I can see where someone who has been married ~ three times? ~ so far, and changes religion to one that does not allow divorce, might be a tad confused from time to time while attempting to pontificate on morality and what constitutes a real marriage.

[Sprightly]

Sprightly--

Well, it's interesting to see he appears to be softening on his opposition to SSM.

I suspect as is my neighbor, but he is about as relevant as Gingrich.

[Baltimatt]

Octoburn--

It might be better said the Church doesn't recognize civil divorce and considers the couple still married. However, it does not permit remarriage of divorced persons (unless a prior marriage has been annulled by the Church), and such a marriage to a new spouse bars a Catholic from receiving the sacraments.

http://www.cuf.org/faithfacts/details_view.asp?ffID=54

[BlandFood]

Sprightly--

Well, it's interesting to see he appears to be softening on his opposition to SSM.

He holds what office and can do what?

[octoburn]

Octoburn--

It might be better said the Church doesn't recognize civil divorce and considers the couple still married. However, it does not permit remarriage of divorced persons (unless a prior marriage has been annulled by the Church), and such a marriage to a new spouse bars a Catholic from receiving the sacraments.

http://www.cuf.org/faithfacts/details_view.asp?ffID=54

Newt changes religions as often as he changes wives. He was a Lutheran, and then a Baptist before becoming a Roman Catholic.

[Baltimatt]

Newt is not in office, but he did run for president in 2012 and won two state primaries, South Carolina and Georgia.

[octoburn]

Newt is not in office, but he did run for president in 2012 and won two state primaries, South Carolina and Georgia.

And it's certainly not like he doesn't want to be in office.

[johnpolitics]

FYI- His step sitter is gay.

[Baltimatt]

johnpolitics--

It's actually his half-sister, Candace Gringrich-Jones.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/candac...b_2340430.html

There also is something that my brother said in the interview with which I do not agree (you knew it couldn't last!). Newt suggested that both he and the Republican Party could accept a distinction between a "marriage in a church from a legal document issued by the state." The fact is that there already is a distinction between ceremonial marriage (whether in a church, a synagogue or a temple, or on the beach, in a fire hall, etc.) and a legal marriage license. Marriage opponents have been effective at clouding this issue, but marriage equality will not and cannot force anyone to perform or hold a wedding ceremony in their house of worship. One of the important pieces of the marriage equality legislation in my home state of Maryland was clearly worded language that spelled this out. (On a related note, Maryland also passed the DREAM Act, another type of bill that my brother suggested Republicans should support.)

On a personal level, reading the interview made me proud of my brother. The time that my wife Rebecca and I have spent with Newt has had an effect, and he has evolved on marriage. I know this was just one interview, and I don't imagine he'll be googling PFLAG anytime soon, but it is most definitely progress. And while the rest of America may not get the spotlight my family does, this same progress is happening everywhere. It is inspiring to know that the conversations we as LGBT people have with our families and loved ones, neighbors, co-workers and classmates can lead to real change in hearts and minds. It's not an easy journey, and it sure ain't over, but I hope our family's experience can give a little hope to those who are on the same path.

[BlandFood]

FYI- His step sitter is gay.

Oh noes!!!!~! A homosexual!

[SalisburySage]

Why do you care what Newt Gingrich thinks?

Well we don't but he is signaling a change in the Republican Party.

[kudzu]

On gay marriage, meanwhile, Gingrich argued that Republicans could no longer close their eyes to the course of public opinion. While he continued to profess a belief that marriage is defined as being between a man and a woman, he suggested that the party (and he himself) could accept a distinction between a "marriage in a church from a legal document issued by the state" -- the latter being acceptable

i.e: civil unions and/or domestic partnerships being equal to, but not the same as "marriage".

I've been saying this for years, matt.

[Baltimatt]

Kudzu--

Wow. Newt Gingrich has progressed further than you. How does that make you feel?

[kudzu]

Kudzu--

Wow. Newt Gingrich has progressed further than you. How does that make you feel?

Oh ye of little faith...

Noot has merely manged to grasp wht I understood two decades ago.