Gay Adoption in Arizona
March 26, 2010 – The State Column
Arizona is considering a bill of a different sort; one that would block gays from the adoption process.
Under the proposal, gays and singles would be exempt from the adoption process; married couples alone would be considered. The bill, written by Republican State Representative Warde Nichols, seems to have little political support. However, it indicates that the gay marriage debate is alive and far from over.
Recent polls indicate voters’ main concern is the economy; however, gay marriage remains in the spotlight. Governor David Paterson, a pro-marriage advocate, recently opted out of the New York gubernatorial race, eliciting an outcry from the gay community. Harold Ford Jr. who is considering a run for the New York Senate Seat, found himself mired in controversy over his stance on gay marriage the same day. Meg Whitman, a gubernatorial candidate in California and the most prominent voice in a state embroiled in the gay marriage debate. Whitman, whose support from voters seems steady, recently came out in support of civil unions, but not marriage—a common position for candidates nowadays.
With the upcoming mid-term elections, state and federal organizations are ramping up their organizing efforts and volunteers. As first reported by the New York Times, a group of well-financed gay rights advocates started a political action committee to take aim at state senators opposing same-sex marriage. Meanwhile, the D.C. Appeals court recently unanimously rejected an attempt to stop the city from recognizing same-sex marriages next month. Surprisingly, anti-marriage supporters have found themselves with support in unlikely gay-marriage strongholds such as Iowa, where former-governor and current Fox News host, Mike Huckabee stumped for congressional candidates.
Regardless of what happens with gay marriage one thing is for certain: if the economy does not improve, gay marriage will be a side issue. Voters remain concerned about the direction of the economy and, as indicated by the summit held by U.S. President, Congressional members will be judged according to what happens with health care in the coming months. However, should Republicans reclaim the necessary seats to retake the House and Senate, that could change. The emergence of the Tea Party movement has pinned Republicans in a corner. Moderates can expect challenges to their records (see John McCain), forcing them to take more extreme positions in order to be reelected. If voters opt to dismiss Democrats, look for more measures like that proposed in Arizona.