Florida
gubernatorial candidate supports adoption by gay
couples, not marriage

Same-sex couples should be able to adopt children, Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jim Davis told a largely gay group Saturday. But the Tampa congressman later told reporters that he does not support same-sex marriage in Florida. Davis spoke at a conference of the Florida Gay-Lesbian-Bisexual-Transgender Democratic Caucus. "I believe, as my grandfather did, that we are all equal in the eyes of God," he said. "What matters is on the inside." Davis also told the conference that he would work to reduce school class sizes and fight oil drilling off Florida beaches. Citing the Terri Schiavo case, he said he thought family members should make end-of-life decisions without government interference. He told reporters afterward that he supported civil unions, but he did not think the state was ready for a Massachusetts-style system allowing marriage between same-sex partners. "I think marriage is a religious sacrament, and I don't think the government should get involved in that," Davis said. "But I do think as governor I have an obligation to make sure that every person is treated fairly." According to census data, about 1.2 million of Florida's estimated 10 million voters consider themselves to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, said Stephen Gaskill, the caucus's communications director. About 70% of those voters are Democrats, Gaskill said. Davis and state senator Rod Smith are competing in the September 5 primary for the gubernatorial nomination. The winner will face either Atty. Gen. Charlie Crist or state chief financial officer Tom Gallagher, who seek the Republican nomination. The general election is November 7. (AP)