NY Senate debate: on Civil Rights

Charles Schumer: Supports civil unions but not gay marriage

A: I’ve already opposed such amendment and let me tell you why. First, I believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman. That’s my personal belief. That is the belief that I think every church, synagogue, mosque, any other religious institution should not be forced by the state to decide who should be married. It should be up to them. And so I voted, for instance, for DOMA, which is called the Defense of Marriage Act, which said that one state didn’t have to recognize another state. But I also believe that the rights that the state gives should be neutral on this issue. So for instance, if a same-sex couple wanted hospital visitation rights, I’d be for that. If a same-sex couple wanted to file a tax return or have a will, I’d be for that. That’s called civil unions. And while I’m against gay marriage, I believe that we should have civil unions.

Howard Mills: Supports equal rights minus the use of marriage for gays

A: I do support the federal Defense of Marriage Act. I do believe that marriage is between a man and a woman and that it should be kept that way. And I would fight to keep it that way It is a critical cultural, religious concept in our society. I do support civil unions, and I do support equal rights minus the use of marriage for same-sex couples. This is an issue that really highlights why I am being criticized by some in this campaign. I do agree that the Defense of Marriage Act was good legislation. I would support it. Marriage is between a man and a woman. And I will do everything that I can as a US senator to keep the law that way. But we do have to express tolerance and support for same-sex couples as well.

Marilyn O`Grady: Supports a constitutional ban on same-sex marriages

A: I support the concept of a constitutional amendment to define marriage as between a man and a woman. I think this is the proper way to do this. And that by doing a constitutional amendment, that would be a legislative - allowing the people to decide this issue.