Is John Edwards a Fair Voice for Gay Americans?

To me, one of the most significant things that occurred on the recent Democratic debate sponsored by CNN and YouTube was John Edwards' response to the question of gay marriage.

Here's what was said, taken straight from CNN's transcript of the debate:

COOPER: This next question is for Senator Edwards.

QUESTION: I'm Reverend Reggie Longcrier. I'm the pastor of Exodus Mission and Outreach Church in Hickory, North Carolina.

Senator Edwards said his opposition to gay marriage is influenced by his Southern Baptist background. Most Americans agree it was wrong and unconstitutional to use religion to justify slavery, segregation, and denying women the right to vote.

So why is it still acceptable to use religion to deny gay American their full and equal rights?

(APPLAUSE)

EDWARDS: I think Reverend Longcrier asks a very important question, which is whether fundamentally -- whether it's right for any of our faith beliefs to be imposed on the American people when we're president of the United States. I do not believe that's right.

I feel enormous personal conflict about this issue. I want to end discrimination. I want to do some of the things that I just heard Bill Richardson talking about -- standing up for equal rights, substantive rights, civil unions, the thing that Chris Dodd just talked about. But I think that's something everybody on this stage will commit themselves to as president of the United States.

But I personally have been on a journey on this issue. I feel enormous conflict about it. As I think a lot of people know, Elizabeth spoke -- my wife Elizabeth spoke out a few weeks ago, and she actually supports gay marriage. I do not. But this is a very, very difficult issue for me. And I recognize and have enormous respect for people who have a different view of it.

COOPER: I should also point out that the reverend is actually in the audience tonight. Where is he? Right over here.

Reverend, do you feel he answered your question?

(APPLAUSE)

QUESTION: This question was just a catalyst that promoted some other things that wrapped around that particular question, especially when it comes to fair housing practices. Also...

COOPER: Do you think he answered the question, though?

QUESTION: Not like I would like to have heard it...

(LAUGHTER)

COOPER: What did you not hear?

QUESTION: I didn't quite get -- some people were moving around, and I didn't quite get all of his answer. I just heard...

COOPER: All right, there's 30 seconds more. Why is it OK to quite religious beliefs when talking about why you don't support something? That's essentially what's his question.

EDWARDS: It's not. I mean, I've been asked a personal question which is, I think, what Reverend Longcrier is raising, and that personal question is, do I believe and do I personally support gay marriage?

The honest answer to that is I don't. But I think it is absolutely wrong, as president of the United States, for me to have used that faith basis as a basis for denying anybody their rights, and I will not do that when I'm president of the United States.

During CNN's post-debate wrap up John Edwards' wife Elizabeth, who is an open supporter of gay marriage despite her husband's beliefs, further explained his difficulty reiterating that her husband is "...on a very difficult personal journey..." If that's the case, then I think it's a journey that many Americans struggle with: the difference between what they find to be morally acceptable and what's legally fair.

While I didn't like Edwards' answer on the topic of gay marriage because I don't support the idea civil unions, I have to admire the man's honesty. Although, the part that doesn't come through clearly in the transcript is the genuine emotional difficulty that Edwards felt answering the question. It was clear to me that he isn't just paying lip-service to the LGBT community, John Edwards truly is struggling to discern his own feelings on the matter and come up with the right solution.

I suggest everyone check out the video of John Edwards' response, as well as the other candidates' views on gay marriage expressed during the CNN/YouTube debate before forming an opinion on John Edwards' stance on this sensitive issue.