November 12, 2004

The New York Times > National > Caution in Court for Gay Rights Groups

These comments show the degree that gay rights advocates see America's courts out of step with public opinion and beliefs. This thinking argues for different courts and judges. Never has it been so clear that the Constitution and the underlying moral beliefs that led to it's creation are under attack.

Gay marriage is NOT a civil right.

"Matthew Coles, the director of the American Civil Liberties Union's lesbian and gay rights project, said that groups like his would adopt a measured pace in filing lawsuits.

"The consequences - the risks - of losing are great," Mr. Coles said. "And we're unprepared for the consequences of winning." In his eyes, he said, winning in court too soon could mean losing in the court of public opinion, in Congress and under the United States Constitution.

The challenge now, gay rights leaders said, is to change public attitudes.

"There is no putting lipstick on this pig," said Matt Foreman, who is the executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and who will give the keynote address on Friday morning at the group's conference in St. Louis. "Our legal strategy is at least 10 years ahead of our political and legislative strategy."

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