TOPEKA, Kan. — Republican Gov. Sam Brownback said Tuesday that Kansas should defend the state constitution’s ban on gay marriage in court because it was enacted through a statewide vote, while Democrat Paul Davis’ campaign described him as focused on other issues.
Brownback is in a tough race for re-election, and his public support for the gay marriage ban in the face of adverse court decisions could energize conservative Catholics and Christian evangelicals who’ve been a key part of his political base ahead of the Nov. 4 election.
Davis, the Kansas House minority leader, opposed the gay-marriage ban as a lawmaker, but he’s portraying himself as a bipartisan centrist in wooing disaffected Republicans.
The Kansas GOP’s platform supports “traditional” marriage as “the foundation of society,” while the Democratic counterpart says, “Kansas Democrats support marriage equality.”
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The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected appeals from five states seeking to maintain gay-marriage bans, including Utah, which is in the same federal appeals court circuit as Kansas. Gay couples in several counties seeking marriage licenses were turned away, and the American Civil Liberties Union expects to file a federal lawsuit.
Kansas amended its constitution in 2005 – with nearly 70 percent of voters approving the measure – to ban gay marriage and deny same-sex couples any “rights or incidents” associated with marriage. Brownback issued a statement Monday saying, “activist judges should not overrule the people of Kansas.”
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Davis spokesman Chris Pumpelly said the Democrat’s agenda includes improving the economy, boosting funding for public schools and “working across the aisle to solve problems.” As for gay marriage, Pumpelly said, “Moving forward, this issue will likely be determined by the courts. As governor, Paul will focus on priorities that unite Kansans.”
In the Kansas House, Davis voted against a proposed ban three times in 2004 and 2005.
“It’s important for Kansas to portray a welcoming image,” Pumpelly said.
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