Brownback speech stuns local gay-rights advocates / LJWorld.com

Archive for Tuesday, July 13, 2004

By Brooke Wehner

July 13, 2004

Advertisement

Members of a Lawrence gay and lesbian organization were taken aback by U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback's speech Monday proposing that gay marriages be outlawed.

"It's hard to believe that he stands there and suggests that gay marriage will weaken his marriage," said Bruce Ney, vice president of NetworQ.

The Senate is debating an amendment to the Constitution that states, "Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman."

Brownback, R-Kan., is the co-sponsor of the amendment.

Within the first few minutes of his speech, Brownback addressed the issue by saying it "is not a battle over civil rights."

The statement instantly ignited NetworQ members.

"It's always easy for the person who has the right to say it's not about that. Once you deny something to someone else, you're taking away a right," Ney said.

Brownback said gay marriage would weaken the institution of marriage and therefore could make children more likely to commit crimes, have early and promiscuous sex, and commit suicide.

Brownback presented data such as rates of child crime, sex and suicide and related it to broken families.

"If we were truly concerned about the children of this country, then we should be working on educating them rather than working on an issue that is already prohibited in this state," said Dave Greenbaum, of NetworQ.

Mike Silverman, a NetworQ member, said he found the message hurtful.

text

6News video: Brownback's support of constitutional amendment disappoints advocates (7-12-04)

"He's saying our families are somewhat less than his family. It sends the wrong message about Kansas and what the U.S. is really about," he said.

NetworQ is a Lawrence organization that is a networking tool for gays and lesbians in the area. The group has about 70 members.

-- The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Top ads RSS

Top jobs · Top rentals · Top transportation

Marketplace

Lawrence Humane Society 785-843-6835

Find more businesses on Marketplace

Arts & Entertainment · Bars · Theatres · Restaurants · Coffeehouses · Libraries · Antiques · Services

Blog: Everybody Knows A Henry July 9, 2009 · 26 comments
Secular freedom July 9, 2009 · 129 comments
Police surround Jayhawk Motel, apprehend juvenile robbery suspect July 9, 2009 · 62 comments
Tiahrt's plan to repeal federal stimulus would deepen state budget cuts July 9, 2009 · 18 comments
Eudora retirement home residents' complaints prompt two-day inspection by state July 9, 2009 · 2 comments
Blog: Songs With The Name Of A State Or City In Their Title Or Lyrics July 7, 2009 · 225 comments
Donor ready to write Lawrence schools a check for new locker rooms at Free State — but there's a catch July 9, 2009 · 23 comments
Twisted sisters July 9, 2009 · 8 comments
Nation of faith July 8, 2009 · 99 comments
Sidewalk step July 9, 2009 · 30 comments

More than 2,750 turn out for community workout July 8, 2009
Round Corner Drug, Cheese Shoppe closes July 8, 2009
Donor ready to write Lawrence schools a check for new locker rooms at Free State — but there's a catch July 9, 2009
North Lawrence intersection poised for reconstruction July 8, 2009
Police surround Jayhawk Motel, apprehend juvenile robbery suspect July 9, 2009
New cardiovascular director hired at KU July 9, 2009
Make a financial master list for your will July 9, 2009
Kansas education secretary nominated for federal job July 7, 2009
Rest for the weary July 9, 2009
Lawrence Arts Center director announces resignation July 8, 2009