Howard Dean's Erroneous 700 Club Comments Outrage Gays

Today's Top Five

1. Dean to Pat Robertson's show: Democrats oppose gay marriage
Howard Dean clumsily attempted to woo religious conservatives during his 2004 presidential campaign, then vowed to reach evangelical voters when he became chairman of the Democratic Party. Now he's going so far as to appear on Pat Robertson's 700 Club television program to assure viewers that Democrats "have an enormous amount in common with the Christian community, and particularly with the evangelical Christian community."

"One of the biggest things that Democrats worry about is the materialism of our country, what's on television that our kids are seeing, and the lack of spirituality. And that's something we have in common," Dean told the show's David Brody. When asked about his party's positions on abortion and same-sex marriage, his comments put him at odds with some party activists. "Let's discuss abortion first," he said. "I think what we have in common with the evangelical community is that we ought to have a lot fewer abortions than we do. … The difference is that we don't think making criminals out of doctors and women is a good idea."

But it's Dean's comments on same-sex marriage that have him in trouble. "The Democratic Party platform from 2004 says that marriage is between a man and a woman. That's what it says. I think where we may take exception with some religious leaders is that we believe in inclusion, that everybody deserves to live with dignity and respect, and that equal rights under the law are important."

Gay media outlets, such as 365Gay.com and the Washington Blade were quick to point out that the platform doesn't actually say that marriage is between a man and a woman. Instead, it says

We support full inclusion of gay ...

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