Living up to her staunch conservative marquee, Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann was the first Republican presidential candidate to sign a controversial pledge that calls homosexuality a choice and a health risk in addition to supporting a federal amendment to the U.S. Constitution banning same-sex marriage.The oath is part of a strict moral platform being pushed by The Family Leader, a conservative group in Iowa that supports banning all pornography and "divorce reform", among other things. Candidates who sign the pledge are in effect supporting the organization's so-called "marriage vow."From The Des Moines Register:In addition, candidates are asked to recognize that “robust childrearing and reproduction is beneficial to U.S. demographic, economic, strategic and actuarial health and security.”
Alice Stewart, a Bachmann aide, said the congresswoman had no qualms about signing the Family Leader’s pledge. “She has been married for over 30 years and has a strong marriage and faith.”
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Former state Sen. Jeff Angelo of Ames, who recently established a group known as Iowa Republicans for Freedom, which supports same-sex marriage, issued a statement criticizing the marriage pledge.
“Iowans are having a very important dialogue about ensuring that all residents are treated fairly by their government–a long-standing and central principle of our state. This pledge is an attempt to shut down dialogue between voters and the people vying to represent them,” Angelo said.
For the full pledge, go here.