Candidate Responses
Supports civil unions for same-sex couples
According to his campaign web site, "He supports letting states determine how to recognize civil unions and define marriage."
Supports same-sex civil unions.
In an interview with ABC, Clinton said, "I put forth my position, which is in favor of civil unions." However, Clinton also has said she does not favor gay marriage, but would not oppose it politically.
Supports same-sex civil unions
"With two young daughters of my own, I want to ensure that they grow up in a world that is free of discrimination. That is why I supported Civil Unions in my home state," Dodd said on his web site.
Supports same-sex civil unions
Earlier this year, Edwards said, "New Hampshire's decision to recognize civil unions and grant gay and [filtered word] couples the same rights granted to heterosexual married couples is an important step in the fight for justice. This is an issue of fundamental fairness, and by passing this law, New Hampshire's leaders chose fairness over discrimination."
He supported a domestic partner bill while mayor of New York, but in 2007 came out in opposition of New Hampshire's new civil union law.
"Mayor Giuliani believes marriage is between one man and one woman. Domestic partnerships are the appropriate way to ensure that people are treated fairly," the Giuliani campaign said in a written response to a question from the New York Sun. "In this specific case (New Hampshire) the law states same sex civil unions are the equivalent of marriage and recognizes same sex unions from outside states. This goes too far and Mayor Giuliani does not support it."
Supports same-sex civil unions
"Senator Gravel supports same-sex marriage and opposes the Defense of Marriage Act," his web site states.
Opposes same-sex civil unions
"I co-sponsored and voted in favor of H.J. Res. 88, which proposes an amendment to the U.S. Constitution declaring that marriage in the United States shall consist solely of the union of a man and a woman. I firmly believe that children need the unique influence offered by both a father and a mother," he said on his web site.
Opposed amending Constitution to ban same-sex marriage; however, opposes any federal marriage definition. Says states should not be forced to recognize another state's same-sex marriage law.
Favors civil unions for same-sex couples.
"I support the right of gay, [filtered word], bisexual and transgendered persons to have the full protections and rights afforded under civil law including the right to marry the person of their choice," he said on his web site
Supports definition of marriage as a union between a man and woman; but also supports legal benefits for same-sex partners. However, he came out against the New Hampshire civil unions bill that was passed in 2007.
