Babies' Rights & the Definition of Marriage

by Jennifer Mesko, Editor, CitizenLink: Values voters should look closely at what the presidential candidates had to say on the issues that matter. Leading up to Saturday's Civil Forum on the Presidency at Saddleback Church, the Rev. Rick Warren said he would address "issues that are bridging divides in our nation, such as poverty, HIV/AIDS, climate and human rights.” Family advocates wondered if Warren also would ask Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain about abortion and marriage. He did. . . .

Here's a recap:
Warren: "At what point is a baby entitled to human rights?"
Obama: "Answering that question with specificity, you know, is above my pay grade." . . .
Obama continued: "I am pro-choice. I believe in Roe v. Wade and come to that conclusion not because I'm pro-abortion, but because ultimately I don't think women make these decisions casually. They wrestle with these things in profound ways." Obama went on to say that when life begins apparently is not up for discussion: "If you believe that life begins at conception, and you are consistent in that belief, then I can't argue with you on that because that is a core issue of faith for you." . . .

Warren: "Define marriage."
Obama: "I believe that marriage is the union between a man and a woman. Now for me as a Christian, it's also a sacred union. God's in the mix." Obama went on to say that while he doesn't "promote" same-sex "marriage," he does support civil unions. He opposes a federal constitutional amendment to protect marriage. . . .

Warren: "At what point is a baby entitled to human rights?"
McCain: "At the moment of conception. I have a 25-year pro-life record in the Congress, in the Senate. I will be a pro-life president, and this presidency will have pro-life policies. That's my commitment to you." . . .

Warren: Define marriage.
McCain: A union between one man and one woman.
McCain went on to say he believes the California Supreme Court overstepped its bounds this year when it struck down state law and legalized same-sex "marriage." He expressed support for the marriage-protection amendment on the ballot in his home state of Arizona, though he has not supported a federal marriage amendment. . . . [See: Babies' Rights and the Definition of Marriage & Complete Transcript]

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