2016 Democrats on Federal Marriage Amendment

2004: CLINTON OPPOSED THE FEDERAL MARRIAGE AMENDMENT BUT SUPPORTED TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE Politifact: In 2004, Then-Senator Clinton Opposed The Federal Marriage Amendment, But Said On The Senate Floor “That She Believed That Marriage Was ‘A Sacred Bond Between A Man And A Woman.’” “Clinton spoke on the Senate floor against a proposed federal amendment to ban same-sex marriage. (The amendment ultimately failed.) Though she opposed it, she said that she believed that marriage was ‘a sacred bond between a man and a woman.’” [Politifact, 6/17/15] 2006: Then-Senator Clinton Voted Against The Federal Marriage Amendment. [S.J. Res. 1, Vote 163, 109th Congress, 6/7/05] O’MALLEY’S STANCE ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY SHIFTED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE EARLY 2000S 2001: O’Malley Would Not Say Whether He Supported Gay Marriage. “At times, testimony pushed the boundaries of civility. ‘Would you support and sanction same-sex marriages statewide?’ Sen. Larry Haines (R-Carroll), who opposes the bill, asked Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley (D). ‘Am I missing something?’ replied O'Malley, who supports the legislation. The proposal does not recognize same-sex marriages, but Haines said that if the legislation is passed, gay marriages could eventually be legalized. ‘Do you think homosexuality is immoral behavior?’ Haines asked O'Malley. ‘Is this is a theology class?’ O'Malley responded. ‘You don't have to answer the question,’ Haines said. ‘Well then, I won't,’ O'Malley replied.” [Washington Post, 3/15/01] 2001: O’Malley Supported Legislation In Maryland To “Extend Existing Laws Banning Discrimination In Housing, Employment And Public Accommodations To Gay Men And Lesbians.” “At times, testimony pushed the boundaries of civility. ‘Would you support and sanction same-sex marriages statewide?’ Sen. Larry Haines (R-Carroll), who opposes the bill, asked Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley (D). ‘Am I missing something?’ replied O'Malley, who supports the legislation. The proposal does not recognize same-sex marriages, but Haines said that if the legislation is passed, gay marriages could eventually be legalized. ‘Do you think homosexuality is immoral behavior?’ Haines asked O'Malley. ‘Is this is a theology class?’ O'Malley responded. ‘You don't have to answer the question,’ Haines said. ‘Well then, I won't,’ O'Malley replied. The proposal would extend existing laws banning discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations to gay men and lesbians. The proposal is one of Gov. Parris N. Glendening's main priorities this year. Baltimore and Montgomery, Prince George's and Howard counties have gay rights ordinances, but proponents said that more than half of the state's population is not protected by law.” [Washington Post, 3/15/01] Washington Blade: “In 2004, O’Malley Told A Baltimore TV Station, ‘I’m Not Opposed To Civil Marriages.’ Also That Year, He Emailed A Plaintiff In The State Marriage Lawsuit That Read, ‘I’m Just Supporting Something I Strongly Believe In,’ Referring To Marriage Equality.”[Washington Blade, 4/20/15] O’Malley In 2006: “I Was Raised To Believe That Marriage Is Between A Man And A Woman. This Is A Fundamental Issue Of The State’s Public Policy, And A Decision That Ultimately Should Not Be Made By A Single Trial Court Judge.” “[B]y 2006, O’Malley’s position was shifting and he said, ‘I was raised to believe that marriage is between a man and a woman. This is a fundamental issue of the state’s public policy, and a decision that ultimately should not be made by a single trial court judge.’ When confronted by gay activists after issuing that statement, O’Malley disavowed any previous support of marriage equality.” [Washington Blade, 4/20/15] 2006: WEBB OPPOSED THE FEDERAL MARRIAGE AMENDMENT BUT BELIEVED IN TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE Webb Said That If He Were In The Senate, He Would Have Voted Against The Federal Marriage Amendment. “James Webb on Friday accused his opponent in Virginia's Democratic Senate primary of trying to buy his way to the party's nomination by contributing nearly $1 million from his personal