Just wanted to point out that Senator Obama, although he does not support use of the word "marriage," has said that "the state" should grant to same-sex couples all the same rights as those granted to opposite-sex couples. I understand his practical position on this, based in a fundamental sense of fairness.
But I would very much like to know what he means by "the state." Does anyone know if he means that literally, as in, "the state of Texas," or whether he means it in a broaders sense, as in "any form of government." It's a very important distinction, because, although many argue that marriage is a "state" issue (that is, to be decided individually among the patchwork of 50 interdependent "states"), the reality is that only one-third of the rights, privileges, and legal provisions associated with marriage are granted at the state level; two-thirds are granted by the federal government.
My spouse is not a U.S. citizen. He is here on a work visa. If we were of opposite sexes, our relationship would be deemed "good enough" to empower me to sponsor him for a green card. Obviously, immigration is an issue entirely under the jurisdiction of the federal government.
We happen to live in the state of Texas. If by "state," Sen. Obama means that states should have the right individually to deny equal marriage rights, then we're sunk. If, on the other hand, he means "the state" as in "any level of government," then we may be okay, assuming that at some point the federal government (probably the Supreme Court) were to rule that equal protection under the law actually does apply to LGBT persons. Even if we lived in California, this current ruling would mean almost nothing to us, since the question of my sponsoring him would still be a federal -- and thus, moot -- issue.
The trigger for my strong support of Senator Obama was his appearance on Meet the Press (or was it just "Tim Russert") in which he stated that he would afford to same-sex couples every one of the 1,100+ federal rights and recognitions of marriage. If that were to come to pass, the fact that we live in Texas would have little bearing.
I understand the necessity for candidates seeking elective office to at times leave their positions on some controversial issues somewhat fuzzy. But I sure would like to know, before our application for permanent residency in Canada goes through, whether the Senator means "state," or "State."
Thank you
