*** ORBUSMAX GUEST OP/ED ***

Standing on the Fence - Kerry and Gay Marriage - By Warren E. Peterson

March 1, 2004

John F. Kerry favors a woman's right to choose. It states on his web site "he will support only pro choice judges to the Supreme Court." On the same web site are the words "John Kerry supports same-sex civil unions…" We learn from his debate appearances, however, that he opposes a constitutional amendment codifying the ancient and traditional definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman. For some degree of consistency, would he be willing to approve only judges who support the traditional definition of marriage? Not likely.

On an issue as volatile as gay marriage, JFK will, as he has on so many other positions, follow the old political adage: "Some of my friends are for it, some of my friends are against it and I'm for my friends." It has served him well thus far: for the Iraq war, against the Iraq war; for NAFTA, against NAFTA; for his lobbyist friends, against special interests and so forth.

He could, by one brilliant stroke of political legerdemain, neutralize the whole gay issue in the presidential race. Simply agree with President Bush. Since he and the President both support civil unions and both recognize that some courts are allowing gay marriage, Kerry should announce that he, like Bush, favors a constitutional amendment. But whoa you say. What about his gay constituency? What about handing Nader a wedge issue? What about his friends? Remember, it is not about conviction; it is all about balance. What would be a more perfect balance than a vice-presidential choice that disagrees with him on gay marriage, say - the Mayor of San Francisco?

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Warren E. Peterson graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, served three and a half years in the Navy, one term in the Washington State House of Representatives and is now retired after 34 years with Boeing.