CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Breaking weeks of silence on the gay marriage issue, which has dominated the headlines in her hometown of San Francisco for nearly a month, U.S. House minority leader Nancy Pelosi says she believes gay couples have the right to marry and that she approves of Mayor Gavin Newsom's decision to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples. In a televised interview on Fox News on Wednesday, Pelosi--who has voiced strong opposition to a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage while steering clear of endorsing Newsom's action--was pressed by host Neil Cavuto to clarify her position. "Can same-sex couples marry?" Cavuto asked. "Yes," Pelosi responded. "So what the mayor of San Francisco is doing, you would approve of it?" Cavuto asked. "Yes," Pelosi said. The gay marriage question has posed a vexing political dilemma for Pelosi since mid February, when Newsom decided to buck state law and allow gays and lesbians to wed. While considered a strong advocate of gay rights, Pelosi in numerous interviews has refused to publicly support same-sex marriage until now. At a press conference in Washington, D.C., on February 26, for example, Pelosi focused on the legal questions surrounding gay marriage when asked whether she supported Newsom's action. "Within the state, Mayor Newsom has gone down a path which will be reviewed in court, and that decision will be by the court as to what equity will prevail in the state constitution," Pelosi said. Aides said that while Pelosi does support the rights of gay couples to marry, they feared her full endorsement of such unions could endanger Democratic congressional candidates in districts where anti-gay marriage sentiment runs high. As House minority leader, Pelosi campaigns across the country for Democratic candidates and is a highly visible spokeswoman for the party. Gay rights leaders praised Pelosi's comments, saying they reflect the views of her San Francisco constituents--a majority of whom support same-sex marriage, polls show. "The most powerful Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives has just come out for full marriage equality," said Dave Noble, executive director for the National Stonewall Democrats. "In contrast, the most powerful Republican, Tom DeLay, is attempting to use the issue of marriage to tear Americans apart. The difference in leadership, and between our two parties, is strikingly clear." But Winnie Stachelberg, political director for the gay rights group Human Rights Campaign, said that blocking the proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage remains the top goal for activists, rather than persuading elected officials to endorse legalizing such unions. "There are plenty of people who do not support gay marriage but oppose amending the constitution; you can actually hold both positions," Stachelberg said. "I agree with that priority, which is also the priority of Congresswoman Pelosi and other Democratic leaders."
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Here Are Our 2024 Election Predictions. Will They Come True?
November 07 2023 1:46 PM
Meet all 37 of the queer women in this season's WNBA
April 17 2024 11:24 AM
17 Celebs Who Are Out & Proud of Their Trans & Nonbinary Kids
November 30 2023 10:41 AM
Here Are the 15 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities in the U.S.
November 01 2023 5:09 PM
Which State Is the Queerest? These Are the States With the Most LGBTQ+ People
December 11 2023 10:00 AM
These 27 Senate Hearing Room Gay Sex Jokes Are Truly Exquisite
December 17 2023 3:33 PM
10 Cheeky and Homoerotic Photos From Bob Mizer's Nude Films
November 18 2023 10:05 PM
42 Flaming Hot Photos From 2024's Australian Firefighters Calendar
November 10 2023 6:08 PM
These Are the 5 States With the Smallest Percentage of LGBTQ+ People
December 13 2023 9:15 AM
Here are the 15 gayest travel destinations in the world: report
March 26 2024 9:23 AM
Watch Now: The Daily
Trending stories from our video partner Advocate Channel.
For more videos and shows go to advocatechannel.com.
Trending stories from our video partner Advocate Channel.
For more videos and shows go to advocatechannel.com.
Latest Stories
Over 90% of trans youth live in states pushing anti-trans legislation: report
April 23 2024 10:08 PM
George Santos pulls out of New York congressional race
April 23 2024 7:04 PM
Biden will hammer Trump over abortion bans in Florida speech
April 23 2024 5:00 AM
Tristan Snell, who brought down Trump University, sees conviction in hush money case
April 22 2024 7:36 PM
Joe Biden admin marks Earth Day with major environmental initiatives
April 22 2024 4:18 PM
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott: 'We want to end' trans and gender nonconforming teachers
April 22 2024 4:13 PM
Nonbinary 17-year-old killed two years after being reported missing
April 22 2024 3:46 PM