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February 23, 2009

Polls and Principles on Marriage

Justin Katz

I have to say that I'm not sure what to make of Joe Trillo's planned strategy for dealing with same-sex marriage if he becomes governor and the issue comes up:

Were a bill allowing same-sex marriage to make it to his desk as governor, Trillo said he would let a public poll determine whether he vetoed it. "If over 60 percent of the people supported gay marriage ... I would not veto it." Conversely, he says he would "absolutely" sign into law Republican Sen. Leo Blais' bill to prohibit same-sex marriage.

But Trillo said he supports "civil unions" or "life partnerships" because "I basically believe in their cause" and "I think it needs a term or a word used to describe it that would make it totally understandable for what it is."

Now there's a guy hedging his bets. It's as if politicians have such an aversion to this topic that they don't wish to investigate why supporters of traditional marriage believe that the difference is more profound than just a word.

It would also be nice if the quoted political personages — or even the Providence Journal reporter who quotes them, Katherine Gregg — gave some indication of awareness that Senator Leo Blais has also placed on the table a proposal to create "reciprocal beneficiary agreements." Members of the public could justifiably argue that there's a difference from "civil unions," but at least the ruling class and the media would be furthering debate, rather than a cause.

Comments

Joe Trillo? Please. This is a guy who has no principles what so ever. This guy is simply not Governor material. He just lacks the basic brain power, he is nothing more than an anti-union blow hard. Give me a break. If this is the best the Republican party has to offer then we are guaranteed a Democratic Governor!

Posted by: Tim R at February 23, 2009 1:43 PM

Frank Caprio executed a much better and somewhat more believable straddle on the issue. All Trillo is ensure that neither side trusts him.

Posted by: rhody at February 23, 2009 2:06 PM

What happens when the same sex marriage bill comes to the Governor's desk when Laffey is Governor?

Denied!

Posted by: Rasputin at February 23, 2009 2:08 PM

Trillo doesn't get it that the folks from MERI will never never support him, though, this dolt thinks "if I vacillate, den, everybody will love me"
What a moron!

Posted by: Tim R at February 23, 2009 2:12 PM

I'll be elected governor before he is. And I'll never be elected governor! So who cares what this manifestly self serving pol says.

Posted by: Ken at February 23, 2009 8:30 PM

The State's budget is balanced. Pension liabilities are fully funded.
Rhode Islanders are among the lowest taxed in the nation.
Rhode Island schools are among America's best.
RI jobs are growing at 15,000 per year.
RI roads and bridges are all up to snuff.
OK, now lets talk about gay marriage.

Posted by: George at February 24, 2009 8:11 PM