Republicans Obsessed with Gay Marriage

by: Dean Barker

Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 05:26:40 AM EDT

That same April 2007 news release complained that the civil unions bill really was the equivalent of a same-sex marriage bill. Sen. Robert Letourneau was quite direct on that point, saying, "Let's just call it what it really is, no sugarcoating ... This creates same-sex marriage."

If they really thought that was the case, then why all the fuss this year? Why waste precious time forcing unnecessary debate over marriage equality? Why not move on to another issue? But same-gender marriage seems to be all the Republican leadership is interested in. I took a quick look at the state Republican Party Web site. Of the five most recent items listed under "Headlines," four had to do with marriage equality and one with a special election. Not one was about the state budget.