Charlie Crist on Civil Rights

	Charlie Crist on Civil Rights Republican
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2010: Backed gay marriage ban; 2014: supports gay marriage

Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist is trying to make amends with the gay community--and the Democratic base-over his record on marriage equality. The Republican-turned-Democrat, who's running for his old job, directly apologized for previously supporting a state ban on same-sex unions. "I'm sorry I did that," Crist said in response to backing Amendment 2 to Florida's Constitution. "It was a mistake. I was wrong. Please forgive me."

After being pressed further, Crist once again addressed his evolving stance on the topic: "I made a mistake. I'm not perfect," he said. "That's the journey I'm on, and I'm still on it."

In 2010, he stood by the ban and said that he believes marriage is "a sacred institution between a man and a woman." Crist said he was inspired by President Obama to finally come out in support of marriage equality. "Everybody deserves to love who they want to. Everybody deserves to marry who they want to. Even the Pope has said, 'Who am I to judge?'"

Source: MSNBC coverage of 2014 Florida gubernatorial race , Jan 3, 2014

I support marriage equality in Florida

Charlie Crist is taking some heat for having backed a Florida gay marriage ban during his 2006 Republican primary for governor. Tonight he posted the following on Facebook:

"Some great news: On Tuesday, Delaware became the 11th state to allow marriage equality. And just a few days ago, RI adopted a similar measure, which followed victories last fall in ME, MD, and WA. I most certainly support marriage equality in Florida and look forward to the day it happens here."

Seems to us he still has some explaining to do about his position. Was it an evolution or an acknowledgement that he felt the need to discard his true feelings in '06 to avoid antagonizing social conservatives? Crist back then called himself a "live and let live" Republican and at one point suggested he backed civil unions (back then that position still carried some political risk). And yet he signed the petition for the gay marriage ban initiative, and sent campaign mailers touting his support for "traditional marriage."

Source: Adam C. Smith in Tampa Bay Times , May 8, 2013

Opposed gay adoption; then praised Court overturning ban

Meek pointed out that Crist has changed his position on several issues, including once being against allowing gay couples to adopt children and later praising a legal decision that said Florida's ban is unconstitutional.

"Charlie Crist stands on a wet paper box," Meek said. "You don't know where he is."

Rubio said neither Crist nor Meek would oppose the Obama administration.

Source: Associated Press coverage of 2010 Florida Senate Debate , Oct 6, 2010

Lifetime member of NAACP

He has appointed judges whom many Republicans deem liberal, and his support for restoring voting rights to ex-felons is hardly a Republican hobbyhorse. He boasts of being a "life member" of the N.A.A.C.P., and one black legislator called Crist the state's "first black governor." Source: New York Times on 2010 Florida Senate debate , Jan 10, 2010

Uphold Florida’s Defense of Marriage Act

Charlie strongly supports Second Amendment rights and advocates policies that strengthen Florida families, including fighting to uphold Florida’s Defense of Marriage Act. Source: 2006 Senate campaign website, www.charliecrist.com, “Issues” , Nov 7, 2006

Provide compensation to victims of racial discrimination

As the first elected Republican Attorney General of Florida, he fought for and obtained passage of new Civil Rights legislation to ensure that all Floridians are treated fairly. The first case brought under this law was settled in August 2005, providing compensation to victims of racial discrimination. Source: 2006 Senate campaign website, www.charliecrist.com, “Issues” , Nov 7, 2006

Discontinue affirmative action programs

The federal government should discontinue affirmative action programs.
The federal government should prosecute cases of discrimination in the public sector.
The federal government should prosecute cases of discrimination in the private sector.

Source: Congressional 1998 National Political Awareness Test , Nov 1, 1998

Click here for definitions & background information on Civil Rights. Click here for a summary of all issue stances of Charlie Crist. Click here for a profile of Charlie Crist. Click here for VoteMatch responses by Charlie Crist. Click here for issue positions of other FL politicians.
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Page last updated: Jan 10, 2014