News / Politics

Democratic Party Adds Same Sex Marriage to Its Platform

By: Lauren Saccone

On Monday, the Democratic Party voted to endorse gay marriage. The topic will be included as one of its platforms for the upcoming November presidential election. The committee drafting the party’s positions voted unanimously to include the politically divisive issue as one of the key factors for November.

The platform will have to be approved by a broader committee once it is finalized in early September. But given President Obama’s support of same sex marriage and the increasing public support for the stance, it is unlikely that the platform will be rejected.

“We are proud that the Committee is including language that will ensure the Party is leading the way forward in supporting marriage for loving and committed same-sex couples and their families,” said Marc Solomon, campaign director for Freedom To Marry.

Two months ago, President Obama became the first standing president to officially endorse gay marriage. Although he has said that he believes states should have the deciding vote on the legalization of gay marriage, the President’s support has been a key point in this new Democratic Party position.

Despite his support, the White House has officially declined to make a statement on the new platform. This may be due to the complications it brings for the party – Democrats campaigning in conservative swing states may suffer as a result of this decision.

It’s equally possible that President Obama is waiting for a more conducive platform on which to endorse the Democratic Party’s decision. The Democratic National Convention will occur in September in Charlotte, NC, and there are going to be some political heavyweights throwing their support behind the president. Some have speculated that President Obama may be waiting until the last day of the convention to make an official announcement.

National polls have shown that Democrats overwhelmingly support same sex marriage, with 65% voting in favor, meanwhile only 24% of Republicans polled approve of gay marriage.

[Pic via Flickr - Fibonacci Blue]