As has been widely reported, a lawsuit was filed Monday by five same-sex couples arguing against Alaska’s same-sex marriage ban. It’s the first one in the state since the ban was passed 1998, which was in reaction to Anchorage couple Jay Brause and Gene Dugan’s Supreme Court challenge. All told, 18 states across the country allow for same-sex marriage. Arkansas joined the group on Monday.
As far as I know, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Byron Mallott is the only candidate so far to respond to the news. Here’s his release:
I welcome today’s news that five Alaskan couples have challenged Alaska’s ban on same sex marriage. Alaska’s constitutional framers declared that “all persons have a natural right to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and the enjoyment of the rewards of their own industry” and that they are “equal and entitled to equal rights, opportunities and protection under the law” they didn’t add the caveat “except for gays and lesbians”. Gay and lesbian Alaskans should be treated fairly and equally under the law. I will work to make sure that same-sex couples have the freedom to marry like anyone else. The freedom to marry is a basic right that more and more states are recognizing. Alaska should become a leader in this movement.
Thank you Byron (and Amanda for reporting on this) for those words. Although the ban on our right to marry was the reason for our departure from Alaska
after decades of nonprofit service (my home for nearly 30 years, and the place where Jay grew up) we had no choice but to leave and move to where our relationship could be respected. And yes, we are still AK voters and contributors. — the Alaskan formerly known as Gene Dugan
Once public funds were authorized for domestic partners that should have ended the debate about gender of partners. What business does the government have deciding any issue related to marriage that doesn’t involve disbursement of public funds?
While I’ve not decided whom to vote for, yet, Byron is absolutely correct on this matter.
I gather that Parnell, who believes the earth is 6,000 yrs old, will shove his beliefs into fighting this and direct his staff at the AG office to counter suit? Or what ever the legal terms are.