US Senate candidate backs marriage equality

In the video above, Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, who is also the Democratic candidate for US Senator from Illinois, re-states and explains his support for full marriage equality. His Republican opponent opposes marriage equality, of course.

One might wonder why this matters for Congressional candidates, when marriage is supposed to be a state matter. Unfortunately, national Republicans continue to try to federalise it in order to use it as a wedge issue. DOMA (the vile “Defence of Marriage Act”) will eventually be repealed or declared unconstitutional. Regardless of how that happens, the right wingers—of both parties—will fight repeal, and then continue to fight any effort to end federal discrimination against legally married same-sex couples. So, it’s important to have a strong supporter of marriage equality in the US Senate.

Giannoulias has been consistent in his support throughout the campaign. While polls have shown a majority of Illinoisans favour some sort of legal recognition for same-sex couples, Giannoulias’ position could very well cost him more votes than it gains him (the majority won’t care either way). Giannoulias also supports repeal of DOMA and DADT as well as passage of an inclusive ENDA.

Personally, I find it refreshing to see a US politician take a principled stand rather than equivocate for the sake of political expediency.