06/19/2008
Oregon Senator Smith Apologies for Linking Polygamy to Gay Marriage
Last week I posted a video of Senator Gordon Smith of Oregon likening persecution of gays to the persecution of Mormons for their beliefs about polygamy. In an interview with The Oregonian, Smith, who has supported a hate-crimes bill that covers attacks against gays, as well as Oregon's civil union law and more rights for domestic partners, apologized.
Said Smith: "My remarks referenced a point in time when a few of my ancestors were persecuted for not adhering to that belief. It was an unfortunate reference, and I apologize for making it...If you'd grown up a Mormon, and spent your life trying to get out from the shadow of that legacy -- it's an emotional scar that you carry. I meant no offense by sharing that part of my history."
Smith said that he still believes marriage is between a man and a woman.
Watch the clip with Smith's remarks, AFTER THE JUMP...
Sphere: Related ContentPosted 4:00 PM EST by Andy in Gay Marriage, News, Oregon, Religion | Permalink
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He should apoligize for being so predictable.
Posted by: Chas | Jun 19, 2008 4:07:25 PM
[looks at the ads in the sidebar]
Oh, so you are taking money from that homophobic singer.
Posted by: thin mint | Jun 19, 2008 4:15:50 PM
Oh please, the only reason the Mormon church ended polygamy was because it was pressured by the federal government with the threat of removing tax-exempt status.
Posted by: JLS | Jun 19, 2008 4:16:09 PM
[looks at the ads in the sidebar]
Oh, so you are taking money from that homophobic singer.
Posted by: thin mint | Jun 19, 2008 4:16:31 PM
There's certainly nothing wrong with polygamy, aside from the legal tangles it can create.
Posted by: DCN | Jun 19, 2008 6:01:12 PM
Not to mention the misogyny, inbreeding, and statutory rape.
Posted by: crispy | Jun 19, 2008 6:21:33 PM
He needs to apologize for that thing he's wearing on his head.
Posted by: 24play | Jun 19, 2008 6:29:47 PM
excluding the *forced* marriage of women, especially underage women, i actually agree. it shouldn't be anyone's business, who marries anyone else, whether that's a man marrying a man or a woman marrying a woman or a man marrying several women, assuming they're all consenting and agreeable adults. it's not your business.
Posted by: Richard | Jun 19, 2008 7:30:34 PM
By the way, Smith's Democratic opponent is Jeff Merkley who helped lead the fight for the pro LGBT legislation that was enacted in Oregon in 2007.
Don't be fooled by Smith. He is not our friend.
And if I recall my history correctly, the mormon church outlawed polygamy in order for Utah to gain statehood.
Posted by: Sean | Jun 19, 2008 9:13:00 PM
There's nothing wrong with polygamy OR gay marriage so who really gives a shit anyway?
Posted by: Shane | Jun 20, 2008 1:33:37 AM
Sean is right, the mormons caved in on the "sacred" practice to get in the union and maintain control of power. The only reason the polygs have resorted to bizarre practices is because they have been forced underground because of a single essentially harmless belief. Make it legal and they will get licenses, wait till they are of age and meet minimum requirements for cousin marriage. It's queer how adamant the conservatives are about regulating our relationships. I thought they believed in a smaller government that interferes less in peoples lives.
Posted by: Rikard | Jun 20, 2008 11:07:56 AM