Tuesday, July 06, 2004

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--Presumed Democratic nominee John Kerry chose John Edwards as his running mate July 6 in hopes of balancing the ticket with a senator that some view as a southern moderate.

But on the social, hot-button issues -- abortion and homosexual rights -- Kerry and Edwards are virtually identical.

Both men oppose the Federal Marriage Amendment, support legalizing Vermont-style civil unions and favor eliminating the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy. In addition, both voted against the partial-birth abortion ban and have touted their pro-choice records.

After Kerry's announcement homosexual activist groups and abortion rights groups praised the selection of Edwards, saying that the North Carolina senator has been a leader for both pro-choice and "GLBT" (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender) issues.

"Senator Edwards is steadfast in his support of our community," Cheryl Jacques, president of the homosexual activist group Human Rights Campaign, said in a statement. "From co-sponsorship of key legislation to opposing anti-GLBT adoption policies, Sen. Edwards has demonstrated leadership on our issues in Congress."

Dave Noble, executive director of the National Stonewall Democrats, also praised the Democratic ticket.

"The selection of Senator Edwards solidifies the most pro-gay, pro-family ticket in the history of presidential politics," Noble said in a statement. "Senator Edwards has loudly demonstrated his support for our community and now our community is ready to stand with him. The Kerry/Edwards ticket greatly contrasts with a Republican ticket that insists on running a campaign that demeans our families and smears our community." More...