Dick Cheney Lobbies For Marriage Equality

On Friday, Maryland legislators voted to pass a marriage equality bill. Care2′s Miranda Perry noted that a “day of dramatic and emotional debate” preceded the vote in the Maryland House of Delegates, where the measure passed by a vote of 71-67. One behind-the-scenes supporter was said to be former Vice President Dick Cheney, whose daughter, Mary Cheney, is a lesbian; Cheney and his wife have spoken publicly on talk shows about her and her family.

Maryland Republican Delegate Wade Kach voted in favor of the measure; his support is described as “stunning” in the Baltimore Sun. The New Civil Rights Movement explains (via Igor Volsky) that, as recently as last Monday, Kach was opposed to the marriage equality measure and had even co-sponsored a bill defining marriage as only between a man and a woman. Cheney reportedly left a voice mail for Kach offering to speak to him.

The New Civil Rights Movement underscores the importance of Cheney’s throwing his political support behind marriage equality legislation. The Huffington Post observers that Cheney has spoken out more and more about his support for same-sex marriage since leaving the White House. Said Cheney in 2009,

“I think that freedom means freedom for everyone. As many of you know, one of my daughters is gay and it is something we have lived with for a long time in our family. I think people ought to be free to enter into any kind of union they wish. Any kind of arrangement they wish.”

Indeed, Cheney’s advocacy on behalf of gay marriage indeed puts “him in the rare position of being more progressive than President Barack Obama on a policy issue.” As political activist John Aravosis observes, Cheney’s reported support “poses a bit of a dilemma for Democrats,” especially in an election year.

Related Care2 Coverage

BREAKING: Maryland House Passes Marriage Equality Bill

Washington State Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

CA Gay Marriage Ban Found Unconstitutional…Again

Photo by Gage Skidmore

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Chad A.

5:13AM PST on Feb 25, 2012

This is how social change happens. People who are affected in a personal way push for change. People of conscience join them. Eventually a tipping point is reached and it becomes hard to imagine how things ever could have continued the old way. I am happy to be on board with Cheney on this.

send a green star

Jarno L.

4:33AM PST on Feb 23, 2012

Just goes to show that it's far more difficult to hate some minority group if someone you love belongs to that group.

I know that there are people who manage even that feat, throwing their kids out of the house if they come out as gay, but for the people not deeply indoctrinated in fundamentalist religion, it's pretty hard to let the views of your political buddies overtake the love you have for your child, or other loved one. Suddenly even the thickest biggot will have trouble seeing that group as the vile thing they thought they were.

About as far from a fan of Chaney as I can be, but at least on this issue, he's working for something that is right, and going against most of his fellow Republicans - he deserves thanks for that.

Jane B.

9:29PM PST on Feb 22, 2012

Wow, does this mean Dick Cheney knows there is such a thing as SEX? Can he even remember having it?

Denise L.

9:27AM PST on Feb 22, 2012

It is important that he is supporting his daughter, especially in such a public way. It just goes to show that love can win out. It was love for his child that has opened his mind and encouraged to give his support to this cause

Sandra L.

7:52PM PST on Feb 20, 2012

Good for him to finally see the light.

Meta R.

7:09PM PST on Feb 20, 2012

There is appears to be a crack in the Darth Vader outfit; unbelievable!

Barry C.

7:06PM PST on Feb 20, 2012

I think it's significant that he supports his daughter. Many on the right do not support their kids. I still despise him for all of the problems he has caused in America and in the world.

Mary M.

5:33PM PST on Feb 20, 2012

Of course, he promotes gay marriage, after all his daughter is lesbian. That's their business. However, I would wonder if she was not, how his views on the subject would be? I'm sure he would be jumping up and down like the rest of the bigots on gays and lesbians.

Linda L.

5:20PM PST on Feb 20, 2012

I don't know if it makes up for his previous silence, I'm glad he didn't reject his daughter and speaks up now.

Laura S.

1:34PM PST on Feb 20, 2012

Good for him supporting this! Too bad he won't live long to fight this nationally. We need more people like him, younger ones!