Pictured Wagner and Tomlin. Photo by Tracy Baim
'I am very disappointed not to be going to the Democratic National Convention, as I wholeheartedly believe that this election is vital to the future of our nation, and no one has more emotionally invested in the outcome than I. Although I don't believe it was the right decision, I am not angry with the HRC for withdrawing their invitation for me to perform. I will continue to support them, for we must remain united. Divided, we are of little use to each other. Unfortunately, I hear they have felt the destructive power of division as a result of their actions. I regret any harm that may have been done to them, and to the important cause of democracy. I believe in the right for all Americans to be equal, and for us to be treated with decency and respect, no matter who we are. As long as we reside within these borders, and call ourselves citizens of this great nation, we have a responsibility to uphold that greatness. I will continue to do my part, to rise above the unjust and unfair always, even when that justice and fairness is being withheld by my own people.' — Comic Margaret Cho on being disinvited—by the Human Rights Campaign—to the Unity event.
'Ah no, we [partner Jane Wagner and I] don't want to get married. But if people want to get married, they should get married.' — Comedian and actress Lily Tomlin to the Ottawa, Canada, gay publication To Be, July issue.
'A movement tends to become more rigid in its dogma than anything it might be struggling against ... a sense of, it's got to be this or that where you don't deviate from the party line. There's something perverse in that and I hate to be co-opted by any movement, and I don't care what it is.' — Lily Tomlin to the Ottawa, Canada, gay publication To Be, July issue.
'I thought that the formulation he [my husband] used in 2000 was very good. First of all, to be clear that people should be free to enter into their relationships that they choose. And, secondly, to recognize what's historically been the situation, that when it comes to conferring legal status on relationships, that is a matter left to the states. ... I think that the constitutional amendment discussion will give us an opportunity to look for ways to discuss ways in which we can keep the authority of the states intact.' — Lynne Cheney, wife of U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, disagreeing with his support for a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, on CNN, July 11. Four years ago, Dick agreed with Lynne. Their daughter Mary is openly gay.
'He asked about gay marriage. This is, first of all, a very sensitive issue, that people need to take a deep breath and debate with the ultimate of respect, for starters. I believe in the sanctity of marriage. I believe that marriage is a—I believe marriage an important part of the future of families, the traditional definition of marriage. I think it's —history has shown us that marriage between men and women has served society well, and any redefinition by itself will weaken marriage. Secondly, this is a subject which ought not be decided by courts. This is a decision which ought to be decided— this is too important a decision to have defined by four judges in a state, say, like Massachusetts. And therefore, I believe the people ought to be encouraged to participate in the process. Thirdly, one of the interesting issues that we're confronted with here in the country is that if a state decides to redefine marriage, people who are then married in that state can come to a state like Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania must accept that marriage. Now, that is right now protected, what's called the Defense of Marriage Act, signed by President Clinton. But there's a lot of legal experts who tell me that that act is going to be struck down in the court of law, which would then mean that a court could decide, redefine marriage—a court— the people would get married, and they'd come to another state and say, you must accept me—us as a married couple, which then redefines the marriage in the new state. Now, this is a sensitive issue that the people ought to decide, and the best way they ought to decide, in my judgment, is to be— is to have a constitutional process go forward that must be ratified by the state legislatures. That's how you get the people involved. And I repeat to you—my own view is, is that if a state—if people decide to— what they do in the privacy of their house, consenting adults should be able to do. This is America. It's a free society. But it doesn't mean we have to redefine traditional marriage.' — President George W. Bush answering a question at a campaign rally in Kutztown, Pa., July 9.
'Gays supporting George W. Bush is like chickens supporting Colonel Sanders.' — A comment to the Houston Voice's 'Bitch Session' feature, which is composed of comments anonymously phoned in or e-mailed.
'I think the relentless flow of homosexual propaganda in television and movies has taken a toll, so that people feel even defending marriage is an act of intolerance.' — Robert Knight, director of the Culture & Family Institute, to the San Francisco Chronicle, July 12.
'You know what, I got little tears in my eyes because truthfully I think it's what this country stands for. I'm proud of every single one of them who voted to reject it.' — Rosie O'Donnell to the TV show Extra after the U.S. Senate failed to pass an amendment to the U.S. Constitution banning same-sex marriage.
'I don't want to talk about gay marriage. ... What's the matter with right and wrong? Talk about right and wrong. It's either right or wrong. There's no in-between. And I'm not going to change, and you're not going to change me, no matter if some judge in the state of Massachusetts or the Supreme Court says it's right. It's not right. Wrong is wrong.' — Former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka announcing July 14 that he will not run for the U.S. Senate.
