The Denver Post pressed Vice President Dick Cheney on his views on gay marriage and the Federal Marriage
Amendment that would ban it, in an interview published Jan. 9. Cheney reiterated the view that he
expressed during the 2000 campaign, that such relationships ought to be legally recognized; that states were
the proper venue to make those decisions; and that they may choose varying approaches.
But then he
pledged political loyalty to George Bush with regard to federal aspects of marriage, if Bush decides to push the
amendment. 'The President is going to have to make a decision in terms of what administration policy is on
this particular provision and I will support whatever decision he makes.'
Cheney declined to discuss what
advice he has offered the President on this or any other issue. His daughter Mary is a lesbian in a long-term
relationship who also heads up the vice presidential reelection effort.
Meanwhile, the Human Rights
Campaign (HRC) in partnership with other organizations, has launched a $350,000 print and radio campaign
opposing the FMA.
It quotes conservative opponents to the amendment, such as former Republican Rep
Bob Barr, former Senator Alan Simpson, and columnist George F. Will. And it closes with the tag line 'Real
conservatives agree: be conservative with the Constitution – don't amend it.'