Virginian Debate: Creigh Deeds waffles on gay adoption, Bob McDonnell opposes gays over straight couples
11:51 a.m.: Depuyt asks Deeds about gay adoption, currently illegal in Virginia. Deeds says something about not supporting discrimination and knowing families look different. He doesn’t quite answer. Deeds shifts the topic to right-to-work laws, which McDonnell just accused him of not supporting. Deeds says he’s supported by both unions and businesses. What does McDonnell have against working women?
From a LiveBlog at the Washington Post about the debate between Creigh Deeds and Bob McDonnell, the Democratic and Republican candidates for the heated race for Governor of Virginia. McDonnell’s opposition to virtually all things gay is now well established, but Deeds has not shown as much strength on GLBT issues as his supporters would prefer. He is currently losing in the polls against the socially conservaitve McDonnell in what is traditionally thought of as a state that is home to a mostly conservative voting block, though the last couple of Governors have been moderate Democrats. (Washington Post)
Both men agreed that the state’s current statutes — which allow a single parents to adopt regardless of sexual orientation (but not without the approval of the gov’t) — was enough. Deeds seemed eager to drop the topic though, saying “I leave it up to the decision of the courts in every situation” before changing the subject to right to work laws.
McDonnell was more comfortable talking about the issue, firmly stating that VA law says it is best that a heterosexual couple is “the best” environment for a child, but also agreeing that the law allowing for single parent adoptions was a good one. “I think Creigh and I agree on this one,” he said quickly.
From the Hotline On Call blog about today’s debate between Virginia’s candidates for Governor — Republican Bob McDonnell and Democrat Creigh Deeds. (HotlineOnCall)
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