Howard Dean, "Christianist:" Defines Marriage As Between A Man And Woman On The 700 Club

St. Andrew of the Sacred Heart-Ache just had a conniption.

Democratic Party Chair Howard Dean has contradicted his party's platform and infuriated gay rights advocates by saying the party's platform states "marriage is between a man and a woman."

Democratic Party Chair Howard Dean, appearing on the Christian Broadcasting Network, erroneously stated that the party's 2004 platform says 'marriage is between a man and a woman.' Christian conservative Pat Robertson is host of the program.

"The Democratic Party platform from 2004 says marriage is between a man and a woman," Dean said May 10 during a "700 Club" program hosted by conservative Christian leader Pat Robertson on his Christian Broadcasting Network.

That statement contradicts the Democratic National Committee's official stance, which was adopted in 2004.

"We support full inclusion of gay and lesbian families in the life of our nation and seek equal responsibilities, benefits, and protections for these families," the platform says.

...

Jo Wyrick, interim executive director of National Stonewall Democrats, a gay partisan group, noted Dean was not accurately representing the Democratic Party's position.

"Democrats do not believe that the federal government should forcefully dictate family policy for individual states, as championed by congressional Republicans and the Bush administration," she said in a statement. "Therefore, we strongly point out that Governor Dean incorrectly spoke when stating that the 2004 Democratic Party platform defines marriage as between a man and a woman."

Within hours of the program's broadcast, the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force denounced Dean's misrepresentation.

"Disturbingly, this is not the first time he has misrepresented this important and affirming plank [of the Democratic Party platform], and he has been asked before to correct the record and to cease making these misleading statements," said Matt Foreman, executive director of the Task Force.

Let me get this straight: A prominent spokesman for Democrats is misrepresenting the actual Democratic position on a hot-button issue in order to make a play for centrist voters?

My mind spins and my stomach churns. It's as if the very foundations of reality have buckled and snapped beneath me.

Thanks to Andrew. Not sure which one. They seem to travel in packs, like gazelles, hyenas, and retards.

posted by Ace at 12:17 PM

| Access Comments