Giannoulias supports same-sex marriage in Senate race
Mon. September 7, 2009 12:00 AM by ChicagoPride.com News Staff
alexi giannoulias, pictured with wgn's dean richards
photo credit // frank failing
Giannoulias sets self apart for Republican candidate in Senate race, becomes first in Illinois history to favor same-sex marriage
Chicago, IL -
State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias says he favors legalization of same-sex marriage and, if elected, would seek to repeal a federal law that defines marriage as being between one man and one woman. A Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, Giannoulias, is the first major statewide candidate to take that position in Illinois history.
In an interview with Chicago Sun-Times columnist Mark Brown, Giannoulias says he also backs a slate of other crucial civil rights reforms, including the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act and the U.S. military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
"This goes to what this country was founded on -- equality and fairness,"Giannoulias told the Sun-Times.
The 33-year-old Ginnaoulias, who announced his bid for the U.S. Senate seat once held by President Barack Obama in July, has been a longtime supporter of gay rights and Chicago's LGBT community. ChicagoPride.com photographer Frank Failing last spotted him at Dance for Life, to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS care, prevention and education, on August 29. (photo to right)
Giannoulias position on same-sex marriage stands in direct contrast to Republican candidate Mark Kirk. Brown reported that a spokesperson said that "Congressman Kirk opposes gay marriage, supports the Defense of Marriage Act, and agrees with President Clinton's policy of 'Don't Ask Don't Tell.'"
"I don't think we're asking for special rights," Giannoulias said. "They're equal rights."
Giannoulias thinks that we will revisit this marriage debate in a decade and "be amazed we didn't do this sooner."
In an interview with Chicago Sun-Times columnist Mark Brown, Giannoulias says he also backs a slate of other crucial civil rights reforms, including the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act and the U.S. military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
"This goes to what this country was founded on -- equality and fairness,"Giannoulias told the Sun-Times.
The 33-year-old Ginnaoulias, who announced his bid for the U.S. Senate seat once held by President Barack Obama in July, has been a longtime supporter of gay rights and Chicago's LGBT community. ChicagoPride.com photographer Frank Failing last spotted him at Dance for Life, to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS care, prevention and education, on August 29. (photo to right)
Giannoulias position on same-sex marriage stands in direct contrast to Republican candidate Mark Kirk. Brown reported that a spokesperson said that "Congressman Kirk opposes gay marriage, supports the Defense of Marriage Act, and agrees with President Clinton's policy of 'Don't Ask Don't Tell.'"
"I don't think we're asking for special rights," Giannoulias said. "They're equal rights."
Giannoulias thinks that we will revisit this marriage debate in a decade and "be amazed we didn't do this sooner."