Jim DeMint, tea party poster boy, sounds off on gays, marriage, and federalism

Veteran Washington journalist Al Hunt profiles Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina, the darling of the "tea party" movement, and his all-far-right, all-the-time views. DeMint's views on gays reveal both a theocratic view of government and a dangerous ignorance of the constitutional scheme of federalism:

He takes a hard line on social issues — he’s passionately anti-abortion and pro-guns. He has been most outspoken as an opponent of any form of gay marriage.

“Marriage is a religious institution. The federal government has no business redefining what it is,” Mr. DeMint says.

This is one issue where he doesn’t support states’ rights; state government shouldn’t have the right to permit gay marriage.

My comment: I would also add that as long as people are required to purchase a state issued marriage license, and get federal tax benefits, religion is secondary.

“Governments should not be in the business of promoting a behavior that’s proven to be destructive to our society.”

My comment: I would challenge Mr. DeMint to provide any legal proof that same sex marriage has any destructive properties, of any kind, to our society, or in any other capacity.

He cringes at the notion of a gay or lesbian president: “It would be bothersome to me just personally because I consider it immoral.”

You can read the full article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/14/us/14iht-letter.html?_r=2&scp=10&sq=gay&st=cse/