Giuliani: Same-sex Marriage

When it comes to Republicans, George W. Bush and Dick Cheney definitely come to mind. But Rudolph Giuliani?

We know him as the former mayor of New York City, a pivotal leader during and after 9/11, and a man who cheated on his wife. You might also know him for being a staunch supporter of gay rights.

When it comes to matters of the heart, Giuliani proves a little too left for his party's comfort. While he has always publicly stated that marriage should, in his opinion, remain a sacred union between a man and a woman, that may not be enough for his critics. Conservative Republicans who see homosexuality as a freak of nature or purposeful act against society are afraid of the legal protections he's given to lesbians and gays. They surely aren't in support of them.

All the same, Rudy Giuliani has remained one of America's heroes despite repeatedly working against his own party. New York City in the '90s was the breeding grounds for legally established domestic partnerships. These protected assets, extended health care coverage and gave homosexuals many of the same rights as heterosexual spouses.

Giuliani's offical website - Join Rudy 2008 (http://www.joinrudy2008.com) - has this to say on the matter:

"Rudy Giuliani believes marriage is between a man and a woman. He does not - and has never - supported gay marriage. But he believes in equal rights under law for all Americans. That's why he supports domestic partnerships that provide stability for committed partners in important legal and personal matters, while preserving the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman."

"Preserving the sanctity of marriage" may seem like a hypocritical take on the issue from a man who first cheated on then later divorced his wife to marry his mistress.

Giuliani wouldn't be the first Presidential candidate to show more of a commitment to country than family, but his statements and actions seem to conflict. Is all this talk about gay marriage just an issue of semantics? Will gay and lesbian families be allowed the same rights as married heterosexuals under "domestic partner" laws? Will this be enough for the alternative family movement, or a stepping stone toward homosexual marriage?

Rudy Giuliani's policies regarding families lean a little too left for right, but his actions at home may sway Democrats against him. If anything, it will be interesting to watch his stance on gay and lesbian unions during the 2008 election.