Fletcher Campaign Questions Beshear Stance on Gay Rights Issues

Nov 05, 04:08 AM

Current Headlines: By Bill Bartleman, The Paducah Sun, Ky.

Nov. 5--Gov. Ernie Fletcher is making a late campaign issue of Steve Beshear's endorsement by the Committee for Fairness and Individual Rights, a gay rights political action committee based in Louisville.

Fletcher campaign spokesman Jason Keller said Beshear owes an explanation to voters as to whether he supports special rights for gays and same-sex couples.

The group, in a statement released over the weekend, said that it is the first time it has endorsed a candidate for statewide office.

Vicki Glass, a spokeswoman for Beshear, said the issue of special rights for same-sex couples was resolved in 2004 when Kentuckians approved an amendment to the state constitution recognizing marriage as between a man and a woman.

"It is obvious that the Fletcher campaign has hit the panic button and is trying to distract voters from the issue of bringing honesty and integrity to the governor's office," Glass said.

However, she declined to respond directly to statements in a news release from the Fairness group saying that Beshear would support adoptions "of loving families regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity" and that he would "support recognition of same-gender relationships."

Keller said in his own statement that the release also implies that Beshear would sign an executive order that would have the effect of providing special benefits for homosexuals seeking state government employment, such as providing insurance benefits for domestic partners.

Asked to respond to statements by the Louisville group, Glass said:

"Steve Beshear's faith teaches him that marriage is between a man and a woman. He does, however, appreciate the support of many different groups throughout the state including Republicans, Democrats and independents as well as the endorsement of most of the major newspapers across the state. He does not believe in special treatment of any group of Kentuckians as he believes we are all equal."

Asked again for a more direct response to the statements by the gay rights group, Glass said she'd have "no further comment."

Copies of the news release from the Committee for Fairness and Individual Rights were circulated by e-mail and on the Internet Saturday and Sunday by supporters of Fletcher and other groups.

Fletcher and his running mate, Robbie Rudolph, also raised questions about the endorsement as they campaigned in central Kentucky on Saturday night and Sunday.

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Democratic gubernatorial nominee Steve Beshear and running mate Dan Mongiardo will visit Backwoods BBQ, 5172 Hinkleville Road in Paducah, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 today. They then will campaign elsewhere in the state.

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