“Like the vast majority of Americans, I’ve opposed same-sex marriage, but I’ve also opposed unjust discrimination against anyone, for racial or religious reasons, or for sexual preference. Americans are a tolerant, generous, and kind people. We all oppose bigotry and disparagement. But the debate over same-sex marriage is not a debate over tolerance. It is a debate about the purpose of the institution of marriage and it is a debate about activist judges who make up the law rather than interpret the law.” – Mitt Romney 12/14/06 National Review Online
Summary: Mitt Romney on Same-Sex Marriage
- Marriage should only be between a man and a woman.
- Supports a constitutional amendment that would define marriage as between a man and a woman.
- In favor of recognizing domestic partnerships that include the opportunity for shared health benefits and rights of survivorship.
- Every child deserves a father and a mother.
Videos: Mitt Romney on Same-Sex Marriage
Mitt Romney Disagrees with Massachusetts Court Ruling on Same-Sex Marriage
Mitt Romney Discusses Same-Sex Marriage with Chris Matthews
Quotes: Mitt Romney on Same-Sex Marriage
Mitt Romney on Need For Constitutional Amendment Defining Marriage:
“I join with those who support a federal constitutional amendment. Massachusetts has a law that attempts to restrain this infringement by restricting marriages of out-of-state couples to those where no impediment to marry exists in their home state. Even with this law, valid same-sex marriages will migrate to other states. For each state to preserve its own power in relation to marriage, a federal amendment to define marriage is necessary.” – 6/24/04 testimony before U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee
Mitt Romney on Consequences of Allowing Same-Sex Marriage:
“The status of marriage, if it’s allowed among the same sex individuals in one state is going to spread to the entire nation. And that’s why it’s important to have a national standard for marriage. And I’m committed to making sure that we reinforce the institution of marriage in this country by insisting that all states have a right to have marriage as defined as between a man and a woman; and we don’t have unelected judges saying we’re going to impose same-sex marriage where it was clearly not in their state constitution.” – 8/21/07 at Orlando, FL debate
Mitt Romney on History and Tradition of Marriage:
“I agree with 3000 years of recorded history. I believe marriage is a sacred institution between a man and a woman and I have been rock solid in my support of traditional marriage. Marriage is first and foremost about nurturing and developing children. It’s unfortunate that those who choose to defend the institution of marriage are often demonized.” – 12/14/06 National Review Online