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House Majority Response to Same-Sex Civil Unions Question Goes ViralMembers of Republican-led House Majority now apologizing for laughterRelated Content
ANCHORAGE - Some Alaskan legislators may be wishing they could eat their words right now -- or at least their laughter. The moment members of the House Majority Caucus now regret happened Friday in Juneau. Republicans were outlining for the press what the caucus called their “guiding principles.” Citing a poll in which he said the majority of Alaskans would support legalizing same-sex civil unions, Juneau reporter Mark Miller asked the caucus if they too would support the idea of approving domestic partnership or civil unions open to same-sex couples. Miller’s question was greeted with laughter from caucus members and a muffled response about not seeing “that” in the list of guiding principles. Alix Layton is one person who didn’t find the response very funny. “Civil rights aren’t funny,” Layton said. “They are not a laughing matter at all.” Layton has two mothers and is active in the gay rights community. She also took offense at Majority Leader Lance Pruitt’s attempt to answer the reporter’s question by saying this: “I think what’s important about this caucus,” Pruitt said, “is that we focus on what allows people to have a great life." “I think being recognized as people, recognized as being in a relationship,” said Layton, “that would definitely contribute to a greater, happier life.” House Majority Leader Pruitt released a statement of apology today. In it he said the laughter was inappropriate, the subject matter was serious and that the caucus has taken no position on the matter. But some say the words have come too late. John Aronno runs a political website that follows the state legislature, called Alaska Commons. Aronno says he was surprised that after posting the video of the press conference, news organizations from around the country started running it, including the Huffington Post. Arrono said it wasn’t long before the comments started appearing and some of them were unflattering to the state. “We all lived through the Palin effect,’ said Aronno. “We can’t go outside without somebody wanting to know about Sarah Palin. I don’t want to take a trip to California or somewhere in the Lower 48 and have someone come up to me and say, 'god, you guys really hate the gays!'” Aronno said most Alaskans don’t hate their neighbors, but that’s a message that still needs to get out. |
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Anonymous said on Wednesday, Feb 20 at 9:31 AM
Whoa Sandy! Sounds like you have a few issues yourself? Nobody is talking about hate crimes here, so cool down your obvious prejudice. It's about equal rights for ALL Alaskans, whether you care less about them or not. And yes, there are probably a few closeted gay republicans somewhere but we may never know unless they get caught with their pants down. Would shake up the 'grand old party' too much if they came out. The only view I see being pushed is the view that all Alaskans should have access to the same benefits as citizens, despite the ridicule of you and your republican buddies.
114058882Sandy said on Tuesday, Feb 19 at 8:45 PM
The only ones in Alaska who care if someone is gay or not are libs and gays. the rest of us could care less. As far as if cali thinks we "hate" gays or not, who cares? The message of hate is a desire brought on by the lib agenda to push their views onto others non stop until they get their way like little child whining. If the gay think Alaskans "hate" them then they would move on. But we all know this is more lib bunk, passed on by people with close minded stupidity like tooljulie who thinks there are no gay Republicans. Alaskan news is riddled with gay bashing events, rock throwing at gay pride functions, burning down of the gay bars, etc, yah sure. Alaskans hate gays, and libs are honest.
114006661billy said on Tuesday, Feb 19 at 7:14 PM
Who took that poll they mention? Some lib rag? move back to cali and enjoy.
113999636lol at cool julie said on Tuesday, Feb 19 at 6:20 PM
I almost choked on my cookie laughing reading your comment but that about sums it up...lol...funny...
113995261justme said on Tuesday, Feb 19 at 4:53 AM
Next thing you know a man and woman living together will want to file joint returns
113915231RM said on Tuesday, Feb 19 at 12:28 AM
Same sex marriages can be a win-win for all. Charge the couples for filing for marriage, family insurance fees, give the same tax claims, and make sure when they break up they go through the same courts for a divorce as male to female marriages. The military is already offering benefits to domestic partners and they are not married. Legalize same sex marriage across the US and let's move on to a bigger issue; "US DEBT".
113903581cooljulie said on Tuesday, Feb 19 at 12:22 AM
Yeah well, Palin and the republicans fit the same mold of bigotry and close minded stupidity, so no surprise here.
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