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Bill Clinton's opinion is of no consequence. He was an embarassment to this country. He brought shame to the office of president.

Well Bill is just looking for better options since he does seem to not believe in a marriage vow!

Let’s look at the fact who cares about a person that is a liar and a cheat and what they think of marriage.

I don’t care if there is same sex marriage. Nevertheless, we should take away all the benefit’s the people get from being married and when they are no longer there let’s see how many of these people still want to be married.

I knew I was a lesbian at 7 years old. For those who read this with a compasionate heart and a critical mind, PLEASE stop believing that homosexuality is a conscious choice. No one in their right mind would "choose" to be shunned, judged, condemned and stigmatized throughout history in the name of love. I have been with the same woman for 6 years, I am a Christian, I have raised 2 amazing sons, and I am working on my PhD in epidemiology. Love is love, and please support those who dare to venture into it.

Being gay is a lifestyle choice. Fine, this is a free country. But gays should not be allowed to have anything to do with children in any way, shape or form. Children should not be taught that such choices are ok. Such choices are an abberation and not conducive to the proliferation of the species. All ccksuckers should be put on one deserted island and all cntlickers should be put on another desert island and allowed to live out their lives,,,,,be allowed to die out.

Such lifestyle choices are the reason this country is going by way of the roman empire, for the same reasons as the roman empire is no more. Only this country is going down much quicker. At least the roman empire lasted a thousand years or so.

This will probably, be stuck in "moderation," like all correct posts.

Just like people say we have to much government interferance we have to many people butting into peoples personal lives. Good for you Mr. Clinton. The same people how holler about the government also want to run the way people live and worship. Lifetime commitments are good for everyone. Most of the people yelling the loudest are also the ones having afairs.

DOMA will never be repealed. Marriage is between a man and a woman. The rest is sodomy.

Government does not belong in religion

Religion does not belong in government.

If you think your personal religious belief has to be catered to by everyone else in the country, the place to live is Iran.

The US should eliminate "marriage" as a legal institution and establish domestic or civil partnerships. Let "marriage" be something defined by the couple and their personal religious (or non-religious) belief. But for pity's sake, get religious extremists out of the bedrooms of peopel who don't even belong to their church.

Really, Bill, the author of "My Lies" is newsworthy? I haven't cared about his opinion or self-righteous ego for a LONG LONG time. He would lie about anything if he thinks he can get on the news.

They have their "civil unions" and already have plenty of rights. They just want additional rights. No, Mainstream America does not agree with it because it is wrong. We will not change the definition of marriage to support this perversion so Mr. Clinton your point is moot.

That's right. Mainstream America has not changed their views on gay marriage and will not change them for several lifetimes to come, so gay marriage will remain illegal because it is WRONG. His opinion is NOT newsworthy and has not been so for some time!

Jesus, the Messiah, hates sin, but he died for sinners! The freedom to be whole is the plan! Some choices just miss the mark!

Clinton probably is sincere in this, though he could have just been compromising his personal position for political purposes earlier in his career. Regardless, I am opposed to changing the historic institution of marriage for many reasons. One is that the drive to "legally" approve homosexuality and same-sex marriage is pushing to prevent anyone from believing otherwise. I am for live and let live, I have my view, I don't hate anyone else for having a different view, but I am seeing how those who disagree with me are increasingly represented by hate toward me and a desire to keep me from being able to express (or even "believe") what I feel!

The Bible is mere fables passed by humankind for generations and massaged by each and even mortal men decided which fables to canonize.

A giant climbs up a beanstalk to heaven and a man walks on water, both are fables. But both fables have a story to present and it is worth telling.

But, neither is the word of God, just the words of mortal men.

There is a name for gay marriage, its called civil union, and guess what, you can even pass laws to allow it the same rights as marriage. Let the homophobes be happy in their ignorance and you'll get your equal rights. Can we please move on to something more important now?

P.S. I see nothing wrong with a man who wants to marry a man, and three women, polygamy isn't necessarily a bad thing if its amount consenting adults of legal age. Why should five people who love each other be entitled to the same rights as married couples or civil union couples. I think their biggest problem would be finding a bed large enough.

Anything goes – how about incest...! Thank God Obama is not the Messiah!

You're a few years too late Bill. Irrelevant.

when it comes to tax payer rights what has the bible got to do with it

Government should get out of marriage altogether.

It find it upsetting that the government has the power to decide whether they want someone to get married or not.

When it counted he was against us (DOMA), when it doesn't he's with us. Typical Clinton. They talk the talk but don't walk the walk.

And the Jesus people here, just wow. You're all living in Fairyland Forest! The great sky god is going to send his baby boy back to burn all the gays and heathens for eternity whilste you while up to heaven? Oh, that's rational and sane! There goes the Easter bunny with a witch who just turned into a cat! Burn her! Burn them both! Santa Claus too!
LOL!

Fine! Let them make vows to each other and legal agreements – the sacrement of marriage was established by God as the union of one man and one woman – a HOLY act. Homosexuality is not HOLY! Homosexuality is a cop-out to your genetics and natural law which God established for mankind. Just like gravity affects everyone alike, men can't naturally get together and have a baby. Forcing homosexual marriage on our country is just self-centered tripe, catering to the lowest common denominator of self-indulgence. Mr Clinton is obviously looking for more votes after the Healthcare debacle has alienated so many moderates.

the bible is not law – it is what people of religion "believe in". law applies to all, regardless of religion or not.

why di people of religion insist that everyone lives like them.

Gee. What a surprise. Did anyone really believe he was sincere and honest before? Just laying the ground work for the Obama recalibration. The idea of calling a union between two people of the same gender is a farce and contrary to nature. "Hi, I'm Steve and this is my spouse John." What a (sad) joke.

Better late than never! Good for Bill Clinton, but it easy for and ex-President. Where is Obama on this issue? Obama so far has betrayed to gay community that supported him with money and votes. He has done nothing to change his status as Descriminator in Chief against our gay and lesbians in the military who risk their lives daily to keep our nation safe and secure. He has done nothing to ease the descrimination against gay ment and women when it comes to civil unions and marriage. Obama and the Democrats are on the side of the Descriminators despite their promises. They've betrayed and lied to the gay communcity. Until the democrats keep their promises they should get one penny or vote from any gay man or woman in the country. Now is the time to demand that Obama and the Democrats keep their promises or pay the price at the polls!!

For everyone who claims that "this country was founded on moral values, and to allow homogenous marriage would negate those values" need to pick up a history book, and not a bible. Less than half of the founding fathers, defined as those men who signed the Declaration of Independance, were of an organized religion. IF moral values include that African Americans should be slaves, women should be property, and the only people who can vote or serve in office are white, property-owning men, than I say let them change! And as far as Christian values being a part of the founding of this country, get it right! Most founding fathers were openly athiest or agnostic.

quite clearly the homophobes are on the wrong side of history. bill clinton is already married to a man, so get over it

Too little too late. I'm glad you changed your mind Bill but it would have meant a lot more 15 years ago.

Love Bill Clinton BUT i beg to totally differ on this one. I belive God made Adam & Eve NOT Adam and Steve. And while it is true that some are born gay, I belive most are lured or drawn by their environment....that is, if a child lives aound men or women same sex lovers, then he/she will grow up thinking its okay to have sex with same sex and might fall into bisexual or homosexual situations.
That is why Gay marriages (if they happen) should not be allowed to adopt children.

The more we see this ,the more we make it acceptable,the more this cancer eats into our soceity.God does not make mistakes and regardless of your religious beliefs,i am sure your religion does not have any regard for homosexuality.

It's about time, Bill. And don't ask-don't tell is really stupid as it hurts our country. So many good men and women who want to served their country can't. And we need them more than ever now!

If the creator wanted same sex marriage he would not of made two genders or took the rib of Adam and made him a female companion.
My opinion of these people is they can't find anyone in the same sex that will have them so they find someone else with the same problem.

its about time!

1. The bible is an old old book, you believe in that, you may as well read a 100 year old biology book to get your information.

2. Marriage is no longer just a religious sanctity. It is something people do to become "established" or to show their friends and family that they are serious about each other. I know many people who get married and have no religious affiliation, it is more of a concept. That being said, gay marriage should be acceptable.

Let's move forward America, no form of education tells you to hold onto old ideas, you may as well still think the World is flat if you reference the bible.

I wonder who Bill met that made him change his mind, and when we'll get to meet him?

The government should just issue civil union licenses.
If 2 people want to be bonded in "holy matrimony", let them go talk with their pastor.
Problem solved.

I think that gay marriage opponents have become a pitiful laughingstock. Seriously, worry about more pressing issues. I am proud of Bill and the only negative thing I can say to him, is seriously you are just supporting this NOW? Way to stay current dude

All reasonable, educated and intelligent people support equality – as long as they don't have to run for office!

My question is. Why does anyone get married? We have been married 53 years, and it isn't the piece of paper that keeps us that way.

I just think its scary when a government can go and change the meaning or definition of marriage. I am with Bill Clinton, if they want to devote their lives to each other, great. But even with "Joes" rant about the definition of marriage over the millenia, yeah it has NEVER EVER included male and male, or female and female. We can all try and call a cat a dog all we want, but a cat is still a cat. Whatever a homosexual couple wants to call their union is fine with me, but its not MARRIAGE.

And, sooner or later, because of media bias, and how its "evil" and "bigotry" to try and defend the definition of marriage, pretty much all states will go with same sex marriage, which is why I think the government should get out of marriage period. If the government didn't recognize any marriage but just recognized all "unions" both heterosexual and homosexual, thats fine with me, just stop calling it marriage when its between a man and a man or a woman and a woman.

Courage in leadership the Clinton. Obama's cut of the same cloth. No convictions when they are responsbile, only when someone else is.

TeamClinton 2012!

Geez, could this guy be any less obvious in his efforts to undermine Obama at every turn and get TeamClinton back in the position they crave more than anything else in the universe: leaders of the free world.

Now that Obama has essentially marginalized Sec State Hil, Bill is the mouthpiece for TeamClinton 2012.

This can only get more "interesting" as 2012 approaches. I'll make popcorn.

"if someone wants to marry multiple men/women, that is none of my business as long as everyone is a willing participant, and no abuse is involved."
Would that it were so simple. But, what if "brainwashing" is involved, or some other subtle forms of coercion yet to be defined by expert social scientists? What about incest... if it's consensual? What does "willing participant" mean? What is "abuse". Why do we persecute polygamists?
Marriage between one man and one woman was not a naive concept when it was first defined, nor is it now. I helps maintain a just and orderly society... not a perfect society, but one that promotes a rational and constructive foundation for our social institutions.

Does this mean Bill is going to "come clean" and tell us there were others besides Monica....maybe...Barney.
Would not be at all surprised!

"One nation, under God ..." And God says NO to same sex marriage. The United States is becoming Sodom and Gomorrah.

I think it's only fair to acknowledge the fact that there ARE christian groups in most every denomination that support the full-inclusion and rights of LGBTQ people. I, for one, am a member of such a group, and have greatly appreciated the support, love, and grace they have shown me as I seek to be a faithful, gay Christian.

As a former Arkansan from Hope, I can only say that I hope that President Clinton's comments will stir the stagnant waters of this debate and move us forward in conversation and action. It is very important, and I believe Mr. Clinton knows this, that no matter where we stand we keep avenues of communication open and mutual respect at the forefront of all we do. It's the only way that ANY kind of change can happen.

Over the years we have seen certain people in our country throw up road blocks that impede the progress of another group. Frist it was womens rights, then it was rights for African Americans and other minorities...and now it is the fight for equal rights for our gay and lesbian CITIZENS. If you are a woman or minority you should be supporting this movement or give up your rights by defualt.

Equal rights applies to everyone...not just the people that look/act/and have sex like you.

The same right that gives Christians the right to practice their religion without persecution is the same right a lot of Christians are trampling on!

Of course he's changing his stance. He no longer has to worry about getting elected. It would be nice if politicians would just let us know what they really think instead of what they think we want to hear to advance their political careers.

You all need to grow up and Chelsea is not gay she's been in a long term relationship with a guy for a few years showed up at CGI today of course you all will argue that doesn't matter lord knows toe tapping repbulican who deny beign gay have been outed, so maybe you ALL are gay no matter how long you have been married or an a heterosexual relationship.

We're proud of you, Bill!!!!!

The people who care about gays only having civil unions and not marriages are the same ones who get worked up whether or not Ford is better than Chevy. Who cares?!?!

As for the people who say gay marriage will lead to people marrying animals I say more power to them. For some of the married couples I see it would be a definate upgrade.

Christians are insane idiots who are afraid of things they know nothing about.

What did you do?

Bill Clinton changes is postion and it makes news??? This guy doesn't have a moral compass its more of a weather vain that suits his momentary needs.

Wow! Bill Clinton does a flip-flop, who would have guessed?

that's because he isn't running for office.

Any two people, heterosexuals or homosexuals, an uncle without children and his favoriate niece or nephew, an elderly person and a younger person, should be able to form a civil union so that both are legally taken care of.

In France, gay marriage was overwhelmingly voted down. But when civil union was made available to all, it passed overwhelmingly. And most Frenchmen and women who have a civil union agreement are heterosexuals because it's a win-win solution for everyone.

But we Americans are so stupid in our prejudices.

Interesting how as soon as Christians reply, some of you turn into Bible scholars. Jesus FULFILLED the law. That means the dietary laws (which BTW never applied to Christians, since the Christian church started in the NEW TESTAMENT and not the Old!) DOES NOT APPLY. In addition, somebody please show me where polygamy is mentioned in the NEW TESTAMENT! BTW the NEW TESTAMENT or new covenent or new promise started at the death of JESUS, not in the book of MATTHEW! Lastly for the last time separation of Church and State is NOT found in the Constitution. It was in a letter from Thomas Jefferson to CHRISTIANS in the northeast (Boston, I believe). Just google it and stop spreading an untruth!

Come on! What happen to you? Maybe you are nuts.

There will come a day when this homosexual bigotry and ignorance will come to an end. Marriage is not a religious issue, but one of the heart. It's a matter of two people loving, being the best they can be together, being able to take care of each other with the same dignity and legal rights as anyone else.

Im sure Bill is just doing what so many others in this country have been doing for the past 12 years...letting the media do his thinking for him (more evident in the past 3 years).

two gay people that love each other have more of a right to get married than two straight people that don't love each other. enough said

So what? Ronald Reagan changed his mind about gun control after he left office (supporting both the Brady Bill in 1991 and later the assault-weapon ban in 1994). Guns still haven't been banned.

The Bible is not the law of the land.

If you think it says not to do something, and you respect it, then don't do it yourself. Try to convince other people not to do it.

Just don't claim it as a reason for their to be laws on a subject.

You personally will never be forced to marry a person of the same sex by the state. You will not be forced to attend, or oficiate. You will not be forced to invite them over for dinner and be nice to them.

For those of you who are making the slippery slope argument, there is a bright line guide: consent. i

Human destroying themselves! if you can't reproduce thats the end of human kind. If HIV aids virus was from monkeys, how long have those cameroonians tribe were eating monkeys? may be since the time immemorial! so the theory of monkey eating is false!!. HIV aids is a disease from homosexuals, if you mix crap and sperm tell me whether you wont come up with a time bomb disease! its just a common sense theory and it has nothing to do with the bible!!!. Bill you can't force a weirdo on people!

I wonder just how many of the Evangelical women who support Biblical marriage would be truely willing to share thier husbands with thier new "sister wives", to kick off thier shoes and stay in the kitchen, and to submit to regular whippings.

I'm glad Clinton has changed his mind. I agree with his comments. If consenting adults are willing to commit the rest of their lives to being a family, then who are we to judge or get in their way.

It's interesting that the christian conservatives are saying "small government, not government intervention in their business, no health reform it will raise my taxes," but I cant marry the guy I've been involved with since 1987 and been living with since 1993. Suddenly it's ok for Uncle Sam to intervene. hmmm may I'd buy a loaded automatic weapon and go stand in the doorway at the local cathedral.

It's nice to see Mr. Clinton's change of mind. Actions speak louder than words, and so I hope he'll be at least half as active in trying to promote tolerance and acceptance in this issue as he is committed to his Global Initiative.
That said, I totally support same-sex marriage. At least they've found someone to love and make a commitment!
Homosexuality isn't a "disease" that people can "catch" by being exposed to LGBTs, and
Tom Coburn's chief of staff is...ahem, skewed in his thinking, to say the least.
And I don't see anything wrong with same-sex couples wanting to raise a family, either. If they can provide a loving, nurturing environment, isn't that better than children exposed to physical and other forms of abuse in a heterosexual home?

Why is it that public schools are teaching students to be proud to be gay, but teaching heterosexual students abstinance? Are they trying to tell teens that if they want to have sex (and what teen doesn't) to only have sex with their own sex?

They can make a committment right now, nothing is stopping them.

It's all about taxes and health care.

Gay marriage is picking up more supporters with each day – it's only a matter of time before everyone has the rights they each deserve! It's WAY past due!

We must set HATE aside or risk killing our Union. Even though I believe, as a religious person, that marriage is between a man and a woman, I do not hate Gays.

I have been waiting for a member of the Gay community to explain why they are so set on "marriage"? Call me stupid, I just want to understand.

I am a Liberal-Catholic, voted for President Obama, just so you know that I am not a narrow minded-GOPer.

Please, someone explain WHY its SO important that it be marriage and not Civil Union? Thank you.

Peace everyone.

Too late.

What the media blitz for with the clinton?

You would think that all of the right wing nuts would be for gay marriage. The government intruding into people's lives, the very thing they are against. You may even be able to call it a form socialism...

Chelsea's coming out of the closet

Why would I care what Bill Clinton thinks? He obviously read a poll somewhere and figures he might be more popular if he changes his view. This guy is not qualified to speak about marriage period !!!!

It's good to see that Bill Clinton is joining with Dick Cheney in advancing the rights of gays. Now if only Obama will get on board.

It is immoral.

they toss gay around like it's a piece of meat, when in all reality this is the heart and soul of a human being. It should never be voted on it is their civil liberties. We as people have done the gay community the biggest wrong done to man kind. This is not a choice and enough blood has been shed because of religious beliefs. Alma

Say it aint' so Bill....does this mean Hillary has come out of the closet or did you too find a 'soul' mate that's bi? So disappointed Bill....

Bob R. of Lanham, Maryland is right. The issue in not about any of the several "bibles," love, religion, or God even though hose arguments have been made. It should be be clear that the idea of marriage is to perpetuate the human race.

Could be that he's puffing more than cigars now...

Glad to hear it. I'd like to see marriage unlegislated for all adults.

Reading some of these comments disturbs me quite a bit–ignorant people are lumping same-sex marriage with polygamy, incest, and bestiality. Seriously?

These idiots are the same people who would have had a problem with interracial marriage 50 years ago. Back then, people believed that interracial marriage would lead to the breakdown of "morals" and the fall of society. Except that, of course, 50 years later, society is doing just fine, even as many choose to marry someone outside their race. It's been proven that interracial marriage does not hurt anyone. Obama is a product of an interracial marriage, and now he sits in the highest seat in the land–PotUS! Of course, there are still people who believe that anyone who dabbles in interracial relationships ought to be burned alive, but unfortunately, racism isn't dead, and neither is homophobia.

It all comes down to ignorance and fear. Folks were afraid of what interracial marriage would do to morals and society (nothing), and now folks are afraid of what same-sex marriage will do to morals and society (also will ultimately be nothing).

Seperate but equal is unconstitutional, also freedom of religion, is likewise Freedome FROM religion. You can't legislate laws based on religion because of your particular faith. There are an array of different religious beliefs on the planet and to say that you're particular faith outshines everyone else's and that laws need to be based on them is wrong. Also i would like to mention that its not illegal for Athiests, Agnostics, Buddhists, Islamics, Hindus, Jewish, and every other religion to get married, wwhich proves its not religion motivated, and also proves that is discrimination solely against gay people. For those of you using the argument of whats next? beastiality, polygamy, pedophilia? Those are all illegal and break individual laws. If a gay person slept with an animal, that would be illegal, if a gay person slept with a minor (which also statistically speaking most pedophiles prey on young girls and are heterosexual), that would be illegal, and polygamy (considering most places still have an unconstitutional ban on gay marraige, once again the only one practicing polygamy are heterosexuals as well) . However a gay person of age being in a consenting relationship with another gay person of age is not illegal.

welcome to bipedalism and the 21st century Bill.

I'm glad he feels he can say this now. I assume at the time of his presidency it was deemed a political disaster. All this judging of people based on sexual orientation is so ridiculous. The world moves on and does not end due to change. Did the world end when we abolished slavery? Or gave women the vote? The world is a better place for those actions. Good grief I just recalled that in my childhood a young schoolgirl in slacks was a no-no! We are evidently more resilient than we think and can tolerate change. Good for us!

Good for him I rendered services to a couple this week. They a just like everyone else.

We don't get to decide who we're attracted to. We're merely bystanders, only spectators to the chemical reaction. If you don't believe in gays marrying, then don't marry a gay person. Problem solved... NEXT!!!

Only nutjobs oppose gay marriage. Why do I care if someone else wants to enter into a same sex marriage? I don't, unless I am someone who thinks that people should live their lives the way I say they should. And we know who those people are. Too bad most of them can't live their own lives.

Bravo, Pres. Clinton. I see the change of minds all over the country and in time gay marriages won't even be a big deal in any state. It wasn't all that many years ago when people gave all the stupid idiotic reasons to bar blacks and whites from marrying. That really was awful. Fortunately that period of American stupidity ran it's course, as stupidity just can't hold up over a long period of time. People do get smarter eventually, unfortunately it takes some folks longer than others. We are progressing. Thank goodness.

I have several gay friends and relatives and they were all born that way. Allowing gay people to marry is not going to "change the mind" of anyone.

"Blue" states have lower divorce rates than "Red" states ... traditionally "Bible-belt" states have higher teenage pregnancy rates ... More than 50% of "straight" marriages end in divorce (I'd have to look up the stats about "gay" marriages, but I'm guessing it's lower).

I just feel like we've got bigger fish to fry than worrying about gay people getting married. I'm a Christian and like everyone, I pick and choose what I want to believe about the Bible (because we all know it's been written and re-written by well-meaning and not so well-meaning people over the centuries to justify their own political and social needs).

Anyway, I pick the part about us all being children of God and what Christ preached about love, forgiveness, compassion, charity, kindness, social justice, etc., etc.

If gay people want to get married – fine by me!

Whew !!!! I was afraid he had given up on interns. Or, maybe this new attitude of his enables him to pursue both male and female.

I am confused. Are people in this thread really not aware that posts from people like 'typical Republican' or 'clem Christian' probably are neither from a republican or a in the other case a Christian? Just read the content of their message. It'd be like someone who is a republican calling themselves "committed democrat" and then leaving a post on a health care article about how they can't wait to 'rule and ruin the country by squeezing out all insurance companies with the unfolding of our public option.' It's too bad that people are afraid to state their case without identity theft along the way – - or that the CNN approval people can't see that it destroys the thread to hear from people who represent themselves as the people they most want to tear down to reinforce negative stereotypes against Christians, or homosexuals, or republicans or whomever else they hate today. CNN – you should be wise enough to see through those posts and care enough about the quality of your threads to post comments that move the discussion forward rather backwards.

Most, if not all states provide civil union commitments for which same-sex (homosexual) partners can enter. Marriage, or matrimony, is a sacred rite reserved for those (two individuals) of opposite gender (heterosexual)...Period! I understand the economic benefits of allowing same-sex unions however, the issue of moral acceptance is troubling. Why is it that we are constantly being pressured by this element of our society to accept and espouse homosexuality as normal behavior? Since when did the word "gay" be redefined as one who practices homosexuality? Now, it seems, that the institute of marriage is being redefined in an attempt to re-program traditional values and critical thinking.

I am a conservative republican and none of this bothers me. Two people who love each other and can spend their lifetime together is A.OK. Just as long as states don't force churches or religious organizations to perform gay marriage.

As as far as I am concerned, there is only one way to make a baby. And it's not between two same-sex couples.

Let the truth be the truth. God bless America! Long live the truth.

Marriage of a man and woman is wrong – a consenting adult male and a consenting adult female is right. Gays, lesbians, and the rest cannot accept the fact they are simply wired wrong. It is obvious to the vast majority of people that the primary purpose of marriage is to perpetuate the human race, not to "give pleasure" to each another. My lovely wife gave me her hand 49 years ago in a hetero-sexual marriage. Both pairs of our parents stayed married more than 50 years each. Some of my 8 siblings have also stayed married together for mor than 50 years. Mr. Clinton does not seem to know what constitute sexual relations so what i sthe value of his opinion?

To liberals-

Take heart! This country is going through sweeping demographic changes that can allow mainstream politicians from the Bible Belt to air views of this nature where they could not have just 10 years ago. We are becoming more diverse, more urban, and more tolerant. Just like other civil rights movements, there is too much momentum here for a handful of whiney bigots to stop. Their strident hysterics are the death rattle of a bygone era. We must be patient, but this too shall pass, and so will gay marriage.

If you don't want a "gay marriage" – you don't have to have one! Why are so many people – the same ones who want – nay, demand, freedom and personal choice are usually the first in line to throw the first stone .. they will quote the Bible when it matches their views but when its the Golden Rule ... that's the passage that is always ignored ...

... like health care ... isn't there something about "in doing for the least you are doing it For Me" in Scripture? Then why are the evangelicals so against reforming health care????? They get to the Pearly Gates – they may have some 'splaining " to do!

Bill Clinton was/is/and always will be a great politition (and liar).
I'm really don't think his views are news worthy anymore now that we are on his 2nd predecessor. I do hope that he doesn't do anything to embarrass America and her friends.

One thing I have learned from following politics for many years is that anything spoken or written by a seasoned politician like Bill Clinton is not by mistake. It has been carefully analyzed and calculated for effect, immediate and in the future.

Same sex marriage – as an issue – will gain more visibility in the USA in the next few years, and if Mr. Clinton has his wife safely positioned on the right side of it, she will have a good chance to capture the LBGT vote.

Remember what she did in West Virginia?

I still do not rule out the possibility that she may do an in-party challenge to Barack Obama in 2012. She did not take her defeat well.

But I don't think she will ever get many African American votes. They all saw the reall HRC in 2008.

Having said that – I think she is a fantastic Secretary of State. A huge improvement over Ms. Rice – "the Queen of travel and photo ops".

hmm is Bill about to make an announcement?

Bill Clinton, I love you even more now. I'm not a homosexual, but I deeply support same-sex marriage. I mean, if Bill Clinton, probably the non-gay man in the history of the universe can support it without catching 'TEH GHEY', then why is there so much fear that people will suddenly turn gay if same sex marriage is legalized?

How can straight people( Ellen) say that gay marriage will be forced on you..you are not gettiong gay married are you...???

Judge not lest ye be judged right? Whatever happened to allowing others to live as they see fit? Unless you feel like you yourself will be sitting on the right hand of the Father on judgement day all you are giving is an opinion and I thought in America we ALL had a right to the persuit of happiness....how can one person define what will make another person happy or limit their options to get to that happiness. Your Freedom is supposed to end where someone elses begins.

We demand that gay people pay the same taxes we do, we demand they fight the same wars that we do, we demand that they obey the same laws that we do.

Yet we deny them the right to spend the rest of their life legally with the person they chose to love and cherish and to share hard fought benefits with them also.

This to me is the height of Christian hypocrisy....no forgiveness in religions that base themselves on forgiveness....funny how some conveniently forget that because they are blinded by hate that Jesus himself included prostitutes and theives in his Kingdom . Bless you and I pray you grow out of your hatred.

Well done, Mr. Clinton. I don't care if you've come late to the party. What's important is that you've decided to vocally support equal rights for all Americans.

It is LONG PAST time for this acceptance from you Bill. But, I guess, better late than never. I hope your stature will lead to some positive action.

And I also love how republicans rant on and on about how government needs to stay out of people's lives, except, well of course, our marriages and our uterus's. Opportunistic hypocrites.

i'M STILL WAITING ON AMERICAN CULTURE TO 'EVOLVE' FULLY. i have my eye on this cute little siamese feline down the alley.

I'm a heterosexual democrat married to the same man for 38 years and I support gay marriage.
It doesn't threaten me nor my marriage at all.
Frankly, marriage doesn't make any difference at all. I know a hetro couple who have been together for more than 30 years, never got married for fear it would ruin their relationship.
I know several hetero couples who are afraid to get married because of what they have witnessed in their parents' generation.
I know hetero couples who have chosen not to have children, but their marriages were fantastic.
And I know plenty of hetero couples who have been married and divorced several times. Christian, non-christian, but all good people. It really doesn't matter at all.

Bill Clinton is someone who can speak with authority on people making lifetime commitments? Thank you so much for your insight!

Well, since Bill let gays in the military under the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, he might as well go ahead and condone gay marriages.

Wow, there mustn't be ANYTHING else we could be covering in the news, eh CNN?

Clinton is not a weeble but he still waffuls and wallbles to this day.

I will never, never understand why these christians wont stay out of my life, I don't care if they want to quoate their bible to each other and pray 7/24. Just keep your dogma out of MY life.

Can't you all see that Billy boy is still confused. His wife is gay and now his daughter is gay. Does Bill like both? Remember he "never had sex" with that woman. Get real, Gay marriage is not sanctioned by God, it never will be. Stop trying to sway public opinion by using washed up presidents. Mr. Obama was supposed to fix all of this but he cannot go against his Muslim brothers. Just another diversion tactic.

God has created Man an Woman with a specific purpose. Same sex marriage is sincerely not acceptable if we consider in biblical aspect. Men and Women are human beings created by god and have a great role in creation. If same sex marriage becomes widespeard we will be in an era where animals dominate humans.

Clinton is getting crazier every day. He must have a brain tumor.

Bravo!!!! Here's to freedom. Thank God there are those who see that it's none of the government's business if you want to marry the person you love.

I love those that say it needs to stay between a man and a woman. That's the definition of course!

How about when the definition of marriage was between one man and many women? Or one 50 year old man and a 10 year old girl? Or how about the fact that marriage was a way of passing on property(that includes women) to retain family blood lines? Do women want to go back to essentially being men's property through that God binding contract?

So go ahead and pick which era marriage you think it needs to be defined as. Or just call it "separate but equal" when you say you're OK with unions but don't you dare think you can be apart of the marriage club.

Because what have we learned from Massachusetts? OH yeah, it's the state with the lowest divorce rate...so much for the doomsday "Rome is falling because of the gays!" scenario...

But what about the children? Isn't it bad enough that the schools are now teaching that racism is wrong? What if our gay children grow up in a country that doesn't hate them? Then other children might want to try out that lifestyle. What is this world coming to? I want to raise my daughter to marry a man. He doesn't have to be a great man. Just a man. If he beats the @%$# out of her well that's life. As long as he's a man. Remember Lot from the bible. He was ready to give up his virgin daughters to be raped by strange men, all to avoid male on male relations. And the bible can't be wrong about anything, can it?

sarcasim by the way

gay, longterm relationship (18 yrs), we made a baby, 5 yr old boy, and teacher in the deep south

Marriage would be a good thing for us. Then I could put my partner and son on my insurance and take them off medicaid. You wouldn't have to pay for them anymore.

way to go bill, about time

It's time.

Cheers, Joe Mustich, Justice of the Peace,
Washington, Connecticut, USA.

All summer long couples have been coming to CT to wed from all around the country. Congrats to all!

And let's not forget that marriage is firstly a civil matter in America, as marriage licenses are issued by and recorded in town halls, not church halls, or mosques or temples.

And to the marriage foes, and sexually phobic, please find something else to do with your time, because life's just too short. Find love...

This makes me happy. It's just nice to see someone finally come to their senses and realize that they have no right to interfere in the lives of two consenting adults. If they want to get married, let them. They're not hurting anyone. This is America. You know, land of the free? Yeah. it's not "land of the free...but only if you're straight..." Go Bill!

Stop it...we MUST protect the wholly union of man and woman, like Brittney Spears marriage...all 15 minutes of it!

I've been married for 20 years to the same woman, but if those evil gay people are allowed to get married, my marriage will be destroyed. It's a good thing most of my heterosexual friends are divorced, or gays would threaten their marriages, too.

Ah this debate reminds me why I am not a christian anymore. Such judgment and self righteousness from people who are imperfect themselves. Everyone in this country deserves equal rights, and should enjoy the same benefits as everyone else. And it is just asinine to compare a gay couple getting married to someone marrying an animal. Come on. An animal cannot speak and consent to marriage, and neither can a child. And if someone wants to marry multiple men/women, that is none of my business as long as everyone is a willing participant, and no abuse is involved. Who are any of you to tell someone how to live there life? Jesus himself? Please.

IMO, they should remove marrage all together from the gov books and remove all special rights for everyone.

This way all couples would be required to fill out the appropriate documents to share whatever they need, making ALL unions domestic unions. The religious can have what ever ceremony they wish.

Say no to church and State.

John in Iowa: Where will the line be drawn?? why not marry multiple people you poligamist! you sir are the reason this country is headed the way its headed. Pretty soon it will be 3 people marriages and then marry children too?? I'm sure thats fine for you, but not for me.

Natural for a man and woman, you say? Haven't you noticed male on male sex among animals? Cats, dogs, sheep, horses, etc. That's as natural as you can get.
The Mayflower Compact signers realized that nowhere in the NEW Testament is a minister required to make a marriage legal. Can anybody site chatpet and verse otherwise? New Testament Only.

Bill Clinton, the human windsock. You know, I wonder if this guy has one single belief or principle that he would NOT be willing to sacrifice for the sake of being popular. After all of these years since leaving the White House, he probably still gets up every morning and reads the daily tracking polls on each issue to see what he should believe for that particular day. He reminds me of the annoying, insecure kid in highschool who would do anything to get the other kids to like him. Bill is hopelessly addicted to popularity. He's pathetic.

That's fine if he is for it. But gay Marriage is not acceptable. I have no problem if they want to have Civil Unions, but unfortunately, this is going to be forced on us no matter what. "Democracy" in action.

Religious fundamentalists just pick and choose things from the Bible to support their hateful agendas. The Bible says that eating shellfish is an abomination in the sight of God, and those who work on Sunday should be put to death.

Let's see–I guess millions of Americans who are guilty of these sins and others can now be discriminated against or executed.

Right-wing fundamentalists are the modern Pharisees–nothing but dogmatic hypocrites. Their actions are the opposite of what Jesus taught.

the fear and ignorance on this page is astounding!

and for all of you making homophobic posts, i guarantee each of you has a gay brother, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin or co-worker. So shame on all of you!

That's fine if he is for it. But gay Marriage is not acceptable. I have no problem if they want to have Civil Unions.

My whole family are inbred mutants.

Of course Bill supports same-sex marriage... he doesn't understand what it means to be in a faithful traditional marriage.

Let the LBGT have their Civil Unions, but it needs to stop there. Marriage is between a man and woman, period. Once we change that for one interest group, then another, and another are going to come out of the woodwork demanding their marriage rights. Where does it end? I'll tell you where it ends... it ends with the greatest society on Earth losing the values which made us great to begin with. Pretty soon people are going to be running around demanding recognition for their special interest group; rather than coming together to be one country.

Rick

What's the difference? You're taking life away. Why is justified in one situation and not another?

Again..this was directed at someone who proclaimed to have a set, STRICT code of morals by which to live. So logically....

So funny to see the idiots posting here that are saying that if you allow gay marriage it will lead to marrying animals.
So much crap from such small minds.

Why is it that in the name of their religious beliefs.. people that are against same sex marriage or abortion oppose to something it is NONE of their business
-------------------------
Whatever people do in the privacy of their homes is their business, unless it is illegal! When the government involves itself, it then becames my business! Answer this:
Why are school sreading about gay penguins or Billy with his 2 dads or Molly with her 2 moms to little kids? You and I both know what the agenda is!
Lastly, I wil freely practice my faith! Still America, right? I am not interested in turning this country into a theocracy! I am however, still free to believe abortion and same sex marriage is wrong!

S September 25th, 2009 5:35 pm ET

My mother is losing her health insurance. I would like to marry her so that she can be added to my benefits plan. Problem?
-----------------------–
Move to the south and become a republican...they do it all the time out there. PS: Be careful of the pastors, they will do things to your son that he would not like being done to him.

Bill Clinton is right.

Thanks Don: Don September 25th, 2009 5:34 pm ET

And the international stage can't figure out why the US is so backward when it comes to civil rights. Search my comment below:

Jasmine in Germany September 25th, 2009 5:11 pm ET

Awesome Bill! It is OK to change one's belief. Can we just let people be & do?

Smiley,

come again??? maybe in english this time....

Politicians do not change their minds for nothing. It is either that Bill Clinton or Chelsea is gay, or he is paving the way for a paving the way for Hillary or Chelsea in 2012.
According to the Bible, same sex relationship is an abomination. The word marriage refers to a man and a woman coming together in holy matrimony. If people decide to formalize their relationships as homosexuals, they shd call it something else- not marriage.
Clinton needs deliverance.
I am a christian and I have democratic beleifs.

Since when does Clinton have any room to talk about marriage?? whether its between man and a woman or not. Keep your opinion to yourself Bill.

September 25th, 2009 5:30 pm ET

"Following the logic of the "homosexuals are not able to have kids" argument, it looks like heterosexual couples who are sterile are out of luck. They can only bring children into the world through a third party. No marriage there?"

Not a very good counter arguement. I don't think anyone can argue that two of the same sex is a natural sexual union. Despite being sterile, a man and woman still have the correct biological components to reproduce when paired.

I agree this should not be a basis for civil unions but your counter arguement falls a little flat. Let's just say unions show commitment to one another and leave procreation out.

Wow, it is amazing to me just how ignorant so many people are, in this world, when it comes to the Bible and what the true creator of this world and mankind has to say about same sex marriage. The true King, Jesus Christ, was very specific in his word that marriage exists between a man and a woman, not between a man and a man or a woman and a woman. When I read stuff like this and read comments from individuals like I have it just gives me more of a reason to pray that Jesus comes back soon and picks up his church.

Dear Bill Clinton,

Gays can currently make lifelong commitments to each other...you dont need a piece of paper that says your married to make a committment...They also have unions for gays...

or all the gays can move to gay friendly states...that way non-gay friendly states dont have to deal with so many gays....which in turn, lowers hate crimes against gays....

Thanks,

Clay

PS. what is the preferred word by gays for gays? ive never relaly known what they prefer to be called... homos? gays? same-sex lovers? what am i suppose to call them without an uproar?

I want to marry three women. Then when that doesn't work, I want to marry my dog.

well i actually knew that straight people have lot of problem like sex offense, abuse, rape, cheat, divorce, murder, so much... i noticed that straight people like to involve with gay people which would be less problem... gay people are nothing wrong with you all guys... leave them alone

Kelly: you need a hug geez. talk about hate mongoring. Seems to me you have more hate in your heart then any of these people you speak about. see a phsychiatrist

Someone compared homosexuality to Sodom and Gomorrah. They haven't read Ezekiel 16:49 which states that their sins were "pride, excess of food and prosperous, but did not aid the poor and needy." The main concern about marriage throughout the Bible is NOT that it be heterosexual or even monogamous, but rather that it not lead people astray from God. The purely monogamous marriage between Ahab and Jezebel in 1 Kings 16:31 was not commended because it was heterosexual, but rather condemned, because it led Ahab into idolatry. Every context in which homosexuality is condemned, such as idolatry in Romans 1, so is heterosexuality, such as in Numbers 25:1-8, which led to virulent condemnation and a plague because of this idolatrous heterosexuality.

Thank you Bill. What took you so long!

For the Bible thumpers...

Also in the Bible is the fact that Abraham had multiple wifes and concubines upon whom he fathered children. Does that mean he was not legally married, or should we all reconsider about multiple spouse marriage because HE did it?

There are also Biblical injuctions about a lot of things that are considered relatively normal American sexual activity. Are we to redefine what people can do in the privacy of their bedrooms even when legally married by your standards? Boy, is that an expansion of government!

The Bible also calls for compassion, to love one another, and not to judge others. I wish you would read THOSE sections more often.

As for homosexual behavior...anthropologists will tell you that homosexual behavior has been documented back to neolithic times and maybe even earlier. Animals, in particular other primates, exhibit it. True, it is not the most prevalent behavior, obviously, since it would limit species continuity, but it happens. Marriage, as a monagamous institution, is relatively new in terms of human history.

I'm not gay, but I'm also not judgmental. Other peoples rights end where mine begin...as long as their behavior does not impact me or mine. And I truly believe that the Constitution does mean equal rights for all citizens.

Well, now I pretty much unequivocally love him. His opposition to gay marriage bothered me, but YOU GO, SIR. Heh. The minds, they are a'changin', and for the better. I hope it's not too much longer before all American adults share the same rights, because the discrimination and inequality has gone on far, far too long.

Who is it hurting when a gay couple gets married? Really?
It isn't affecting anyone but the couple.
That's my stance on the subject.
I don't think I have the right to dictate who someone else can fall in love with.

My mother is losing her health insurance. I would like to marry her so that she can be added to my benefits plan. Problem?

good call bill...enough with the religous right crap.

Wow, what an incredibly aware and open mind point of view Bill!

Only problem is that it's 2009 and most of the rest the world's civilized leaders already got this concept 20 years ago!!!

maximus (NY) September 25th, 2009 5:02 pm ET

I just can't wait for the " Judgment day". I'll be buying my ticket for the front row from now to sit and watch and laugh them out to hell, Sodomians and Gomorrahans.

You sir are the most christian of christians. You compassion knows no bounds. You deserve a place at the right hand of god; Push jesus out of his place while you are at it.
It sounds as though you will be spending eternity in hell. If I believed in an afterlife I would laugh at this.

In 2000 years will Elvis be a god? Oh, that's blasphemy. LOL

Keep waiting for the "judgement day," and keep laughing.

What is obvious to folks in the north and in Canada for years has not been so obvious to those living in the bible belt. You've got to forgive Bill–his roots in the bible belt have slowed him down in coming around to the right stance on this issue. But he has finally arrived.

Following the logic of the "homosexuals are not able to have kids" argument, it looks like heterosexual couples who are sterile are out of luck. They can only bring children into the world through a third party. No marriage there?

Why are people so happy... or sad? ITS TOO LATE! He is no longer prez. He has no say, he had his chance. Too litlle too late for the pro-gay crowd, and yippeee for the anti-gay people. Having an ex-prez come to a conclustion is a null opinion. As an ex-prez, he has no bully pulpit, or executive order power or anything. Personally I just think he is just setting the stage for Hillary to run later and is gearing up for the gay vote. Black people showed the Clintions how much they appreciated them already in the primaries (despite how much the Clinton's did for the black community), so they have to work on the base.

I like to use Bill Clinton as my moral compass. He is such a good role model.

Wow. How is he living up to his "lifelong commitment"? Geez.

Bill Clinton is a despicable human being and nobody cares what he thinks.

@#$% your god, the church of England, or any other religious dogma that believes they have authority on morals in the Land of the Free. At best you Christians who hate queers have a marginally organized group of voters were able to tip the scale on a handful of important elections. You better get on with the love and forgiveness soon 'cause after all the baby boomers clear out you will all be a memory – and you can be remembered as a hateful bigoted stain on our constitution or under-appreciated lovers of mankind. If it were me and I believed in Peter, judgment day, and all that nonsense you best hope that your pork eating, premarital sex having, sinful bigoted ways are forgiven by your savior in a way you never could forgive your neighbors and countrymen in life.

Where is the proof there is a god? Oh, that's right, it's faith.

Chelsea is gay, that is the hidden story, nobody changes a fundamental belief like that after years of being in politics without it hitting close to home.

If I marry my she goat or she dog will that be marriage?

I'm an agnostic who strongly supports traditional marriage. I don't care what President Clinton has to say about anything–especially on issues of marriage. Maybe he's being a faithful husband for once and readying the 2012 field for Hillary's next presidential run.

Ray, killing is not wrong murder is wrong. That is the difference between putting someone to death for a crime or during war and randomly killing someone in the street.

Too bad he has changed his belief! Is Chelsea coming out of the closet or something? Same sex marriage should be shunned by the U.S. as being not natural as marriage is between a man and woman. Civil unions is the correct term except for the loud mouthed liberals. Send them all over to Iran and Iraq once they get "married."

I'm personally against gay marriage. All you people who sit there and call it "equal rights" are crazy. What happens 10 years from now when people decide that they want to marry an animal? Would you consider that equal rights too? The way this country is going we will end up like the movie "Total Recall" in 15 yrs

independent_me – you are wrong. Jesus said he came to fulfill the law not abolish it. Read the whole bible, acquire the Holy Spirit and then you will be qualified to speak about it. Jesus also said, "You must be born again." Please post this truth, CNN

Let's call a spade a spade Bill. Niether your nor your wife have any more elections to worry about, or any voter bases to upset, so now you tell us what you really think.

My personal opionion, which has never changed, is that the only role goverment has in marriage is ensuring both parties entering into a marriage are adults, doing so of their own free will and not married to anyone else. Period.

We have no room for discrimination of any way, shape or form in the United States!

P.S. I am a Christian and a Republican.

That is fine that Bill Clinton has decided he no longer opposed marriage equality...

But I have a problem with his idea that everyone should be part of the debate.. Equal treatment under the law is a constitutional right. Equal rights should never have been put up for a vote, and ultimately I believe the Supreme Court will overturn all of the state laws that recognize a marriage as only between one man and one woman...

Progress.

We'll win on this issue. Equal rights always wins. It's only a matter of time.

Tanya Williams,

I can try to appreciate your view, but as someone pointed out on here earlier, there is NO proof that homosexuality is a choice people make. There is also NO proof that it's a predisposition people are born into. Until there is proof, it would be terrible to judge people this way, based on personal assumption and bias.

I agree with President Clinton. I love him. A truly great man. I have to believe that another great man, President Obama feels the same way.

If President Clinton was in the WH instead of President Obama, former President Clinton would be fighting with his wife to preserve at least one part DOMA.

It's simply too little, too late.

I am the mother of a gay son and I will dance at this legal marriage someday, no thanks to the Clintons.

For all the hysterical Christians, my son wants nothing to do with your church, thank you very much. He wants the same LEGAL rights as you and your children.

No Limits –

"In any case, family law has always been decided at the state level and should remain so."

Does that mean you support repealing the Defense of Marriage Act? Because DOMA is preventing legally married gay people in Vermont from getting federal benefits, even though their state already decided gay marriage is okay.

I notice a lot of people who support "states rights" are the same ones who love DOMA and were pushing for the U.S. Constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.

Homosexuals are not the ones ruining marriage. Straight people who get divorced, remarried, divorced again, and so on, people who cheat on each other, people who abuse their spouse and children, etc. are the ones ruining it. My bible thumping grandmother has been married a few times and at the ripe age of 65 has a boyfriend...it's not just people who aren't christian who have these issues. I am straight, and I also have no interest in marriage at the point. I am 100% for gay marriage and always will be. Women and African Americans had to fight hard, but eventually accomplished what they fought so hard for. The same is true for homosexuals. Just wait, it will happen. This fight is just going to take more time.

Bill...IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!!

I think people confuse morality with religion. I see a couple comments stating a movement towards the moral destruction of America. A staunch atheist can still have morals. Christians and religious folk base their morals in religion but that doesn't mean a moral person must be religious!

I believe in God but i also believe what other people choose to do is none of our business. I can't say I agree with homosexuality (like it matters if I agree or not anyway!!) but I can say they deserve the same rights we all enjoy!

The government should simply offer civil licenses and leave the semantics of marriage to individual churches. It would seem to help resolve this issue once and for all.

How can Clinton talk about commitment with a straight face.

This country WASN'T founded by the Puritan religion. There may have been Puritans here in the beginning, but this country's founding fathers CLEARLY were skeptics at best and strongly believed in the separation of church and state. Many were agnositc, if not atheist. To believe differently is to ignore the history and facts of our founding fathers. People came to America to escape religious persecution and to practice their own religions, including none at all!

Congrats Bill. One less bigot who just saved himself from burning in hell.

Marriage existed long before Christianity. It is a legal union and has nothing to do with religion (unless you choose so for yourself). You don't go to your minister to get divorced–you go to court.

lol @leo for not understanding history. Puritanism wasn't a religion, it was a movement within Christianity. and while they did found the Plymouth colony, that was not the founding of america. the founding of america was done by George washington, ben franklin, etc. Those guys weren't Christians, they were Deists.

My personal opinion marriage mean between Man and Woman

But I agree with president Clinton

Some time we have to change our life style to respect human feelings

How can Bill Clinton talk about commitment between partners with a straight face.

To: ediMasterMatt – Bethlehem, PA September 25th, 2009 4:45 pm ET

Thanks, you said it clearly and nicely. This is a civil and human rights matter. People should not be judged or discriminated against by their sexuality. I'm tired of the ignorance, too. I'm not gay, but I am an advocate of human rights.

Interesting enough, in Germany (where I live) , a legal civil union (through an official office of the City Hall) is mandated for all "legal marriages". If a couple wants to marry in a church, this is done separately and afterwards, usually the next day. The person performing the marriage in the church does not have the authority to proclaim the civil and legal union, as in the US. The civil union counts in legal terms. Yes, in Germany, "married" couples celebrate their anniversary on their civil union date, and many have a 2nd anniversary date, the date they were unified in a church. Perhaps the "Separation of Church and State" makes more sense in other countries than in the US.

Say NO to same sex marriages..We cant keep hiding the fact that these people have some sort of mental problem, If more people had better healthcare, they could go to a medical doctor for relief instead of looking at their friend of the same sex and having sexual thoughts....Thats Just sick........Do they know they cant produce or is it just a fad... something to do for the moment or something to commit to for life..Its terrible how people live,doing things, just tomake them feel good, even if it hurts society.....They are no better that Drug Addicts who need counseling......whats the difference between a regular friendship and gay friendship......they decided to have sex???? Can I be your partner without us having sex....what make us different ......we are not gay....and just dont see where reality steps in within this problem......God Bless America......And kids please fight those temptations.......the puzzle piece does not fit.....Dont put it there Tommy or Annie

Yay Bill!!!

Well, he's certainly not the poster child for the sanctity of marriage, that's for sure. But then again, a lot of the family-values, anti-gay-marriage types ought to spend more time tending to their own marriages (Sanford, Vitter, Craig...need I go on?) than railing against other peoples' right to get married.

I've never understood opposition to gay marriage. Honestly, why would anyone care whether or not other consenting adults get married? As the people of Iowa found out, society won't collapse if gay people can get married–a recent poll showed that 92% of Iowans said that legalized gay marriage had not affected their lives in any way. Duh!

The moment a married man and woman stepped foot into a court room to get a divorce was the minute the term "marriage" ceased to have a strictly religious definition. It became a matter of law. While this is probably the only thing I am in agreement with liberals on, its not about right, left, or center. Its about the Constitution. Glad I'm a libertarian.

Michael Hsu

Surely, under your "moral absoultism" killing is wrong. Then surely, you are a person against the death penalty and war. Also, likely, a member of PETA.

If a Republican came out and said he changed his opinion from "opposed to gay marriage" to "not longer opposed to gay marriage," I'm sure the responses on here would include a lot more posts calling him a flip-flopper, or accusing him of lying about his real beliefs.

That's Slick Willie for ya, the weather vane of politics. His views change depending upon which way the political wind is blowing.

Okay, let them wed. But since they don't have the ability to reproduce together, they need to go childless.

Obviously doesn't believe in traditional Marriage, so this is a logical step.

End result is...........Who cares about Bill Clinton.

This is to John, Brooklyn, New York

to answer your 1st question our government is so involved in this marriage debate because it goes all the way back to when this country was founded by the puritan religion....

ajk68

What about couples who can't have children?

I have always thought that marriage is a religious institution, and I believe that marriage has no place as a legal institution. I think at one point when women were seen as subservient to men, it had a purpose. Women have become as independent as men, although it still is a little tougher for them due to lingering traditional values.

As far as children go, both parents are responsible for that child unless one of the parents releases the other from the responsibility. The parents should also be able to give that responsibility to another if that person agrees to take it.

If government recognizes marriages, should they also recognize Communions, Bat Mitzvahs and Bar Mitzvahs, Baptisms, etc. Religion and Government should not mix.

OMG, Chelsea is a lesbo !!! didn't realize it but now I see the pattern.

I (Dick Cheney) had to do the same thing last year!!

I just can't wait for the " Judgment day". I'll be buying my ticket for the front row from now to sit and watch and laugh them out to hell, Sodomians and Gomorrahans.

Man and man is not marriage. Its a gay relationship.

I'm not interested in a same sex partner for marriage and it makes me no difference one way or the other. If you're not gay or a closet gay then butt out or come out of the closet.

Wasn't the word "marriage" already redefined on "C" Street?

@ajk68

i commend you for having a reasonable argument against gay marriage/civil unions, but there are several problems with your statement.

first, gay couples can adopt children, and raise them effectively in good homes. this is perhaps the strongest reason FOR gay marriage/civil unions, as since they cant breed their own children adoption is the most likely option. taking children out of foster care and placing them in loving is a benefit to society worth rewarding with tax breaks.

secondly, if your statement that the tax breaks given to married couples were a carrot to encourage good child rearing households, then the many straight couples who do not or cannot have children would have their tax status stripped, which they do not.

finally, the tax breaks associated with marriage are only a single benefit to that status. more importantly is medical power of attorney. w/o a lawyer and filing legal papers, the only person who is allowed to make medical decisions on your behalf, or even visit you in the hospital, is your parents or your spouse. it is a terrible situation to find yourself helpless to affect the medical outcomes of a loved one because the state does not recognize your union with them in any form.

i agree that calling in marriage or a civil union is semantics. the rights granted by the state are what matters. besides...population grown isn't exactly the US's biggest concern right now. we're lucky enough to live in a country that isn't drastically over populated...measure that aim to encourage breeding aren't necessary.

A few thoughts for those Chrisitans with heated opinions on this topic from The Bible:

"He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity."

"A gentle answer turns away wrath."

"A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."

"The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit."

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

First, there's the controlled tongue, which thinks before speaking (or e-mailing), knows when to stay silent and offers sound advice.

Then there's the caring tongue, which speaks truthfully but tactfully, with a constructive goal of encouraging and improving.

Then there's the conniving tongue, which speaks with wrong motives and uses gossip, rumors and slander to twist the truth.

And finally, there's the careless tongue, which utters lies, curses and hot-tempered words that lead to damage and destruction.

he was on your side Roy, did you even read the Bible Post?

Well said, STU!!!!!!!

I think you nailed it.

I haven't changed my opposition to gay marriages. You see, there is such a thing as moral absolutism (which says gay marriages is wrong). The problem with moral relativism is that weasels, like a certain person who doesn't know what the words "is" or "sex" means, should not be allowed to redefine morailty for themselves or others.

Kudos to Bill.

matt September 25th, 2009 4:13 pm ET
—————————————————————————

If I had the time, I could debunk your theory as well. I love the liberals. Moral standing is a bad thing to them. All this entertainment and a paycheck too!
______________________________________________________

How could you debunk my theory that the Bible has contradictions, when its not a theory at all, its proven fact? Do a horizontal reading (meaning you read one gospel story in Mark and read the same one presented by Matthew) of the Gospels and youll see that Luke and Matthew, for example, give two different stories of Jesus's birth and how Joseph and Mary got to Bethlahem and how both are historically inaccurate. And whose against moral standing? As a student of history and philosophy I understand that moral standing is not a religious trait. Morality stood long before Christianity and will stand long after! i just dont believe in fairy tales cause if I did I would think Santa came on Dec. 24th with gifts!

Now I know he is far left with the rest of the nuts in the White House.

I already thought Bill was awesome but as a proud gay man this makes me think even more highly of him. His opinion matters and his voice is a powerful voice to have on such an important issue. Bill is the man! Everyone deserves to be happy. People cling to hate because its all they have, let go of the hate and maybe you will see there is nothing to be scared of in allowing people to be happy. Make yourself better instead of dragging down others. The church needs to stick its hypocritical nose somewhere else. Those who blindly oblige need to learn to think independently.

Just like a man marrying his dog? ha, ridiculous argument.

The last ones to equate humans with animals were the Nazis. At least they agreed with you. Dogs are not consenting human adults, and your argument is a straw man. However, if you want to align yourself with Nazis, go ahead, it reveals your true self.

A couple of thoughts regarding postings below:

1) If, in fact, "marriage" is a religious status, then why would the government be regulating it in the first place? Wouldn't that be our churches' role?

2) The answer, of course, is that it isn't simply a religious status...its a civil status as well. And, as long as it is a civil status, it needs to be accessible to all citizens...not just those that pass the "relligious tests for elligibility.

3) As a gay Baptist (yes, I've heard all the oxymoron jokes) I can understand and support those who oppose conferring a religious status for those who a church may not be able to reconcile. I am fine with a "civil union" status that does not offend my faithful brothers and sisters.

4) That having been said, however, I think that the government needs to get out of the marriage business if, as many of you have said, it is a religious status that is santified by the church. As such....in the spirit of tearing down separate but equal barriers that are never in reality equal....I would suggest that the only reasonable solution is that ALL people should be given CIVIL UNION status to gain legal standing...with marriages being conducted only by churches.

Go Bill Go!

I think 50 years from now our children and grandchildren will look back and think we were crazy for trying to ban gay marriage.

The whole argument is not even in defense of traditional marriage, as a real defense of marriage would be to end divorce or ban reproductively challenged couples from marrying.

As Trudeau said 40 yearsago,
The state has no business to interfere on what goes on in anyones bedroom

To boil it all down, Bill is for sex, period, anyway, anytime, anybody, anyhow!

I guess once he doesn't have to run for office anymore his true opinions can be voiced.

Considering how many gays and lesbians have been in committed relationships for decades, and Mr Clinton's promiscuity over the same decades, it would seem the gay community might follow its own standards of conduct and forget about Mr Clinton on every single issue affecting the Human Condition.

Mr Clinton's as relevant as Lieberman and Limbaugh these days.

Which means their time is running shorter than they might care to admit.

Older and wiser. I applaud Mr. Clinton.

There is no legal basis on which to deny gay people and gay couples full equality under the law, including access to a civil marriage certificate.

Gay Americans pay their taxes and abide by the laws like everyone else.

Until we let gay couples wed, we are failing in our promise as a nation. They do this kind of thing in Iran. Not in the U.S.

And if some people can't tell the simple difference between a religious marriage ritual and a civil marriage license, they are too dumb to be Amercians anyway.

So either Chelsea or Hilary came out of the closet to him recently!!

Personally, this heterosexual female would rather the dead than wed again.
However, why should heteros be the only ones to suffer? I agree with Bill that gay folks should be allowed to legally marry.

Sarah Tourjee ... I agree with you 100%

whether you agree with gay marriage or not, it is so obviously happening anyway. and these kinds of strides don't tend to reverse once they get moving. get over it people. you're in serious denial if you don't believe that gay marriage is going to be legal nationwide really really soon. and guess what…if you're not gay, gay marriage won't change your life at all!

Way to go Bill. Its not for us to judge. God is the ultimate judge. And people should not be critical of you for your stance. They are setting themselves up to be Judge, Jury, and Prosecution. Shame , Shame, Shame.

As a gay man, I am sick and tired of the Right and the Left arguing over a civil rights issue. 'Marriage' equates to a religious ceremony of a union between two persons. IF the US Government would give me and my partner the same rights legally that any str8 couple gets through 'Marriage', I don't care what the hell they call it.

All you left-wingers stop acting like brats who aren't getting what they want just because the words don't meet your standards!

...and all you right-wingers, civil unions/marriage of gays and lesbians WILL NOT affect your marriage, cause hell to freeze over, or the world to end...stop pushing YOUR morals on the rest of us. How dare you affect our lives by banning our unions while gay marriage/civil unions would do NOTHING to change yours in any way, shape or form!

I have no problem with civil unions. However, redefining the word "marriage" is wrong.

No one is re-defining the word marriage. Marriage was never a religious term. "Holy Matrimony" is a different story. Marriage is nothing more than a legal document and all it encompasses is financial things such as taxes.

Think before you talk people!

Thank you Bill! People are hung up on semantics. Marriage/civil unions are both the same...two people declaring publicly their love and devotion to one another..since when did the religious patent the word "marriage". Many heterosexual couples marry civilly which has nothing to do with religion.
Y'all need to get over yourselves and treat ALL Americans equally, not a select group because they conform to what society deems normal!

Thanks for speaking your position Mr. President!

Why are breeders afraid of faithful committed loving gay couples being married? I'll never understand. I don't care who gets married. It's not my business.

Equal rights for all in the land of the free,,,

The interest of the state in marriage is to make sure children grow up in a stable and healthy environment. The tax breaks and other financial benefits are there solely for that purpose.

Since gay couple do not have children, the state has no interest in recognizing gay relationships. Any attempt to "have children" in a gay relationship always involves a third party – so it cannot be marriage.

Part of the reason we have so much confusion over marriage is that the civil principles behind it have been betrayed for years – most notably by no-fault divorce.

Good. Its time the world started moving in the "non-childish" direction.

So which BIBLE, of the many differently interpreted, are you quoting scriptures from? What if the Bible didnt exist, then how would you feel? Homosexuality hasnt hindered populations throughout the world from growing, so what in the hell is your problem with Gays marrying? How does it affect your desire to marry the person you love and have a family? Silly people. Btw, if youre going to use bible scriptures to condemn, remember there are many scriptures that will condemn you as well.

matt September 25th, 2009 4:13 pm ET
-------------------------

If I had the time, I could debunk your theory as well. I love the liberals. Moral standing is a bad thing to them. All this entertainment and a paycheck too!

It's odd.. People see marriage as a god thing – it is a contract thing. Also, you don't have to agree with my so-called lifestyle. Get over yourself.

I don't care if it's called a kick in the rear, just so long as the same rights are afforded.. So, go on your merry little way and practice your archaic non-sense believing that a "higher being" gives a rats behind about what happens in this world.... Do you care if ants get married? Thought not...

One other point: regarding the real debate, instead of the Mr. POLORIZING-Clinton, a civil union should provide the same rights as a marriage. This of course will cost time and money. All state laws will be changed. Insurance policies, eg car, home, life, will have to be amended. Inheritance laws will change. So, the issue is not just changing a norm; it is about spending time and money. That ALWAYS causes hesitation.
The desire to change the meaning of marriage is also holding up this issue. Again, leave the meaining alone. This will appease not only Christians, but Jews, Muslims and other traditional religious minorities. However, in doing so, the civil union laws MUST afford the same rights as marriage. This is the only compromise that will work.

THE BIBLE ALSO SAYS

Women should forever be subservient to men (Genesis 3:16)

Man should not eat pork (Leviticus 11:1-47) (Deuteronomy 14: 3-20)

Though shall not suffer a witch to live (Exodus 22:18) (which justified the killing of innocent women during the Salem Witch Trials)

And of course, most famously the bible appears to sanction incest when Lot sleeps with his own daughters to bear him children (Genesis 19:32)

*********************************************************************
Let's not forget the Bible was written by man, and translated many times by man, and is a reflection of the times it was written in. Even the Catechism has updated many of its teachings for application today. Although the Catholic Church hasn't sanctioned homosexuality, many of its priests however don't seem to have any problem with it!!

Probably hooked up with an TV and enjoyed it.

The issue is not for the government to decide. Its easy to write off as a sickness, mental illness, or abberation. However, until science proves anything, I'll not judge those who choose, as consenting adults, to be with a person of the same gender. Since marriage is really an ancient tradition probably originating in men's desire to control breeding stock (women) and say "that's mine", and needing some way to justify that over and above themselves, the religious connotation was attached.

This from a die-hard GOP member!

Thanks for sharing your personal feelings on gay marriage. Your opinions still carry a lot of weight and credibility.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that ALL men are created equal.."

The dictionary defines marriage as "the social institution under which a man and woman establish their decision to live as husband and wife by legal commitments, religious ceremonies, etc." Notice that the first part of that is LEGAL commitments? First and foremost, marriage is a legal institution; that's why priests and pastors say "by the authority granted to me by the state of "X", I now declare you man and wife", and why marriages can be made via a justice of the peace, a ship's captain, or without anyone saying words over the couple but by them saying them to each other in front of witnesses and with a license. A civil union does not carry the same legal connotations or give the same legal rights as marriage, and cannot therefore be used as a substitute.

If you do not feel like gays should be married in your church, by all means, talk to your pastor. But your religion should not affect whether others of a differing view point shouldn't feel free to make up their own minds.

As for ENOUGH, et. al.; former President Clinton was a chief executive of this country and dealt with this issue during his terms in office. His previous stance was well known. His opinion is at least as valid, if not more so, than many who spout off about it from the NO position. And it shows what I have always known about Mr. Clinton; he's a thoughtful, intelligent man that is not adverse to reconsidering a decision when warranted. Did he make mistakes as President? Sure, he did and he paid for them. Does that invalidate everything he says, well no, it shouldn't. We would then have to consider everything that Senator McCain says (he was an adulterer who divorced his wife and married his lover), or everything that any other legislator or public figure says that hasn't led a perfectly blameless life as invalid.

whether you agree with gay marriage or not, it is so obviously happening anyway. and these kinds of strides don't tend to reverse once they get moving. get over it people. you're in serious denial if you don't believe that gay marriage is going to be legal nationwide really really soon. and guess what...if you're not gay, gay marriage won't change your life at all!

Never seen so much ignorrance. Oral sex is sodomy too – idiot. Marriage only between man and woman, so who are you to say so – because of how you interpet some little black book why should you or anyone else tell some one what is right or wrong – hypocrite!
Hey moron – Bill and Hilary are still legally married – how many years together now, and each of them for the first time – most repubs can't say that!!
Eat your pill clown boy, mainstream accepts people, you are the old and decaying, next generation doesn't carry your hate or ignorrance.
Gays have been around a lot longer than the bible!
I've been in my first marraige for seventeen years, and no one, not even gays have a thing to do with our relationship. It's up to us, take some resonsiblity homo-phobes!
In fact all these hypocrites afraid of gay marriage are the ones we should all be afraid of – who will they choose to demonize next is the question?

Alright children hold the negative comments towards Former Pres. Bill Clinton. I am not gay but... say BETTER LATE THAN NEVER!"

Hey this is a very sensitive issue, Gays have a rights just as much as conservitves do. I am sick and tired of this please will you all give it a rest. Talk about Education like for Math and Science. We are dead last in Math and dead last in Science. My parents have been married for 33 years and I love them both. At least when I met the Gay people at work, at least they are nice to me. Didn't your mothers those living and gone teach you any manners? I take things very seriously. Bill Clinton was right about changing his mind and he did it wisely.

Three Cheers for Bill Clinton. I want People to think twice or thrice about making comments on Gay Marriage.

Suppose it was about the Enviorment. If you wanted a power plant next to it. I would oppose it.

LOL, Bill must have a boyfriend. Trouble in the household hillary? Better be careful.

I'm glad Bill Clinton is speaking out and able to embrace a change in his stance.

Covering this lying fool is as bad as covering that senile lying fool Carter. In the meantime, there is a public school in Philadelphia that is having 2nd graders sing songs praising Obama and the teacher (bless her little NEA corrupted heart) thinks its wonderful. There is an appointed member of the National Endowment for the Arts encouraging artists that they can get grants if they favorably portray Obama and his programs in their art. Does this not remind you of Communist China and the USSR in the 50's. Obama and the libs at work, destroying our freedom.

What's in a name? What often gets overlooked in the debates on gay marriage is that Marriage is considered as a religious sacrament by many religions, some of which consider same-sex unions to be a sin. To avoid all this, but to safeguard an individual's rights in a civil union, why not dispense with the term Marriage for a civil union? Just call it a Civil Union, sanctioned by the state in which the contract for the union is consummated, with equal rights alike for same-sex partners and opposite-sex partners. Save the term Marriage for the religious sacrament whose rite is executed by the appropriate priest/rabbi. Leave it to the individual religion to decide whether or not the sacrament of Marriage will apply to same-sex partners in that faith.

Why not allow brothers and sisters to marry, or let a man have seven wives, or let 13 year old children get married, or allow a little old lady to marry her cat?

Gay marriage has nothing to do with equality, but everything to do with establishing cultural and moral boundaries within society. I'm sorry but I don't believe that there is anything biologically natural about homosexuality – and as such would seem to be a logical boundary to define appropriate behavior.

In any case, family law has always been decided at the state level and should remain so.

schmekel: September 25th, 2009 3:47 pm ET

"Is it possible to get them some of the same rights and leave the term "marriage" out of it?

Marriage is a commitment to God (whatever religion) between a man and a woman. When you say two men or women getting married, it is an insult."

So a marriage between two athiests shouldn't be referred to as a marriage? Once marriage was legally recognized, it became a nationally sanctioned institution. And since the United States recognizes all citizens as equals, we cannot exclude some just because of a religious argument. I find the link between marraige and religion to be insulting, but I don't try to ban others from loving each other. That is what marriage is: two people who love each other making a life-long commitment to love each other until they die. I cannot see the harm in that, in fact, it is a beautiful thing and this world needs more of it. Bravo to Clinton.

Why should heterosexuals be the only ones to suffer? As long as it's two consenting adults, go for it.

Marriages mean money to hire caterers and churches and ministers and judges.
Marriages mean extra money spent at the grocery store to buy enough food for two people, not just one.
Marriages also mean money for lawyers when divorces happen.

Allowing EVERYBODY to have the same equal rights (this is America, right?) means it could also help the economy.

Good news all around, huh?

I guess, just like Hillary, Mr. Faithfull is selling out. I am really ashamed that I used to support both at one time.

With President NObama at the helm and these two as his flunkies, God save America!

Who are we to judge the commitment two adults wish to make to one another? Arguments that lean heavily on scripture and biblical law are moot. In a country void of an official religion and founded on the principals of freedom and civil liberties, all people of legal and consenting age should be allowed to commit themselves fully to one another in the exact way and with the same benefits afforded all other citizens.

Those who tout "civil unions" as an equal alternative to marriage do not truly believe that the two are synonymous. If they were true equal, there would be no need for the different terminology.

What threat do you feel in marriages between adults of the same sex? In what ways will these marriages alter or infringe upon whatever sanctity you feel within your own heterosexual marriage? Depending on the source, 41%-50% of your beloved marriages end in divorce. What sanctity?

Why do the "Christians" keep bringing up what is says in the Bible? I thought there was supposed to be a separation of church and state? Isn't that one of the founding principles of this country? Why is it anyone else's business who marries who? How is anyone harmed by allowing someone the same rights as everyone else? And what about all those staight marriages of convenience? or for nothing more than money? How does your God look at those? Can you answer any of these questions intelligently without quoting the bible?

Marriage IS NOT a commitment to God...it's between the two individuals getting married. For those religious fanatics please stop hawking and imposing your religious views on everyone else who may not be BELIEVERS!

i sure value HIS opinion. Bill has such a deep respect for the institution of marraige, as evidenced by his own behavior toward a woman he claims to love and who is the mother of his child. But i'm sure he is very sincere when he says he thinks that people should have a choice. he's certainly exercised his right to choose again and again.

So schmeckel... Marriage is a commitment to God (whatever religion) between a man and a woman. When you say two men or women getting married, it is an insult.

So Athiests who enter into a marriage... it isn't marriage because they don't believe in "God," or how about Agnostics?

M-F, M-M or F-F... a committed union between two consenting adults is MARRIAGE.

This isn't about religion. This is about human rights!

Mr. Bill Clinton,

You are doing a great Job for our Country.

Thank you and God Bless the Clinton Family.

In response to "Tony/Stafford Springs, CT I'm the only redneck in America that supports same sex marriage. You're all out with the times. Your old fashioned ideas are bad for society. Whatever happened to land of the free? Freedom of religion?"

There are rednecks in Stafford Springs CT?

Too bed he didn't come to this conclusion when it would have mattered, but it's good to see Clinton moving to the right side of this basic human rights issue.

Why is it that some Christians can cite all kinds of Biblical texts against same sex orientation but DON'T mind skipping all the other moral commandments? Like adultery, coveting, worshiping other gods, tattoos, etc?

And just how did the Defense of Marriage Act PROTECT my marriage? My husband can cheat at any time or throw my butt onto the street with no negative repercussions. I have no protection.

I don't personally think Bill was truly against gay marriage. That would be inconsistent with a progressive philosophy. Because the right wing nuts and a weak Democratic Congress (sound familiar?) damaged his Presidency over the issue of gays in the military, he was compelled for political reasons to "oppose gay marriage". Now that the fog has lifted and most Americans are beginning to realize that the entire debate has been mean-spirited and driven by the usual right-wing extremists (the same folks who stoke our racial divisions), it is safe for Bill (and Hillary) to go with the progressive position.

I wish that it wasn't so political, but that's how I see it.

Seems like some people decided to rewrite the dictionary.

They have decided to define "right" to suit their own purposes. They think that because they call something a "right" that it then is one.

They have also decided to change civilized society's definition of "marriage." What's sad is that all this discussion might not be taking place if everyone had been allowed to choose who would make health care decisions for them when they were incapacitated and with whom they could own property - that kind of thing.

Now who wouldn't accept those as "civil rights?"

This one is for Peter that does not understand what sodomy really means.
Merriam-Webster; SODOMY: anal or oral copulation with a member of the same or opposite sex; also : copulation with an animal
You see, sodomy is not merry beetween same sex as you imply. And if they whan to get merry or 'civil union' or what ever...are you going to live with them?

Don't be ridiculuos Clinton! Are you looking for votes for your wife in the next presidential campaign? It seems to be that you are gearing for that and are breaking ground with the gay community of US. These politicians are all the same: they are always looking at satisfying their greed no matter how much they hurt the people they are supposed to protect. Same-sex marriage is the destruction of the nucleus of society, which is the family.

Maybe Billy Boy is getting a little bi-curious? Maybe we should get him a page instead of an intern.

I say that we should redefine the terms so that a "civil union" is a legal status thats joins two people for the purposes of a long term personal relationship, with all the legal benefits that we give marriage now. That this apply to all people, whether they be two men, two women, or one man and one woman. So that all such unions of two people are equal under law.

"Marriage" can then be defined as the non-legal unification of two people for a relationship, which would have no legal standing, yet would be keeping in the sense of marriage as it is currently defined. The ceremonies of marriage could be performed by religious or secular institutes for whatever reasons, and under whatever conditions they see fit.

With these definitions, gay couples can be granted all the legal rights of marriage under law, whereas marriage does not change at all, and it would under the discrimination of private, non-governmental institutions to decides who can be married under their system. Both sides win.

BILL, BILL, you are obviously looking for a new political appointment/FUTURE???? MISS the spotlight now don't you????
Well, time Hillary DUMPS you for good – you certainly are now jealous of HER fame and position.
And to think that I used to defend you????? Not your sexual meanderings – which now seem to have been MANY – but your political fortitude.
NO LONGER – NOW GO AWAY!!!!!

I always did think Hillary wore the pants in the family. Now I am convinced.

I have no problem with civil unions. However, redefining the word "marriage" is wrong.

Glad to hear Clinton caught up with the times. Now if only we could drag the Republicans onto the right side of history.

ICARE wrote:
Sorry, mainstream America has not changed its mind yet. And if we do, it's probably because it's the end of the world. That time has not arrived yet…

Meanwhile, let's pray that people that DO make babies lead this country
--------

The end of the world is driven by gay marriage? You are a complete idiot.

What a great opportunity for Anderson to come out! Congrats Anderson!!

The TRUTH is that most Americans either support same sex marriage or don't give a rat's tail.

I am a gay man and in no way am i settling for 'Civil Unions.' I am NOT a second class citizen and the term 'marriage' predates the bible anyways. As if that wasn't enough to convince the extremists, the law is NOT TIED TO RELIGION WHAT SO EVER! Seriously people, when did Jesus Christ write our constitution? And again, if this wasn't enough, explain to me the 'sanctity' of YOUR heterosexual marriage when the divorce rate is over 50%! According to your bible, divorce is sinful, no?

The time for the LGBT Civil Rights movement is now. Three states have already carried out Equality and the rest of the country is underway. Once the Baby Boomer generation is finally long gone, America will be able to live with far less discrimination once and for all. These are the same people who were against integration, interracial marriages, etc. Anything not the 'norm' they have to stick their fat republican noses in and interject themselves into peoples rights. If you don't like it, move to Iran. They'll agree with your tyranical point of view.

@Enough,

Because he is a former president. Also, probably because he siged a federal law about marriage being between a man ad a woman. Also if that moron Bush was to say something it would probably be on the news as well..

September 25th, 2009 4:02 pm ET

@Independent_me September 25th, 2009 3:45 pm ET
======================================================

Sorry, you are wrong.

Romans 1:26
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
1 Timothy 1:10

3 NEW Testament verses that are very clear.

CNN for the sake of fair and balanced opposition, please post this.
______________________________________________________

You cant seriously use the bible as a source of authority.....the book literally has more contradictions, errors, discrepancies than actual words! For god sake the book has two creation stories and both dont say the same thing......read these two books, they are by leading biblical scholar Bart D. Ehrman, one is called "Misquoting Jesus" and the other is called "Jesus, Interrupted: the hidden contradictions in the bible".....Im sure it wont change your faith in the book but itll open your eyes to how many mistakes and contradictions there are in that book!

What a great opportunity for Anderson to come out! Congrats Anderson!!

You make dog fight you go to jail but it is ok to marry someone from the same sex ........what kind of world we live in ?

As marriage is a religious act Govt should not have anything to do with marriage. If your religion of choice allows you to marry someone then have at it.
Pretty simple to follow the path of religious freedom, if you don't like it move to some backward country like one of those Pakistan, Afganistan, any of the 'stans – where barbaric life styles are embraced.
Religious freedom is American, religious bigotry is not!

@Biff Basham September 25th, 2009 4:03 pm ET

Just like God said , in the last days, people will call evil "good". God knew what He was talking about, for sure. And Clinton being a Bible-believing person, he says?

------------------------
hey Biff, your post is a great example...
Using the bible to spread hate. That's evil, and you're trying to make it something good.

Thanks Bill – only 15 years and an "I did not have sexual relations with that woman" too late.

At some point we will learn, it not always about what we think as Americans, or even the fact that we have the freedom to choose. Look at natue an see what God set in order.

Nothing wrong in what he says.

It's time for America to come out of the STONE AGE with regard to sexuality. A person is created with a sexual affinity. There is NO conscious choice about it. Period. And the same is true even within the animal kingdom where homosexuality is well documented.

It's time that we matured as a society and give all people the right to pursue lasting, committed, legally-recognized relationships no matter what their sexual-orientation.

Bill Clinton, the authority of lifelong committments.

First Dick Cheney, now Bill Clinton. Give me a break, why didn't they do something while they were in office?

Let's recap, Bill spent his time sharing Willy with God knows how many women?? So, he didn't honor his own marriage vows, but only now does he support the rights on many LGBT Americans to marry. And I voted for Bill twice.

Dick only supports this now that he has an illegitimate grandchild!! That's right, he was opposed to it for so long, while he kept Mary locked in the basement of their Wyoming home, letting her out only when he needed her for the 2004 race.

They're both losers in my mind on this issue! Too little, too late!!

I would think a male with his medical history, as one would say has
one foot in the grave and another on a banana peel, I might think he
would encourage people to do the right thing when choosing a mate,
one man and one woman. He knows better,

This guy really is obsessed with media attention. He is a sexist and border line pervert. He really should keep to himself regarding anything even remotely related to sexuality.
Furthermore, how can anyone believe what he says? He admitted lying about his prior conduct under oath in the sexual assault civil rights law suit filed against him by Paula Jones, he was temporarily disbarred from practicing law and he made blaming others for conduct and cheating on your wife a "presidential thing." See, eg numerous sentators and governors, the prior president, Williams, musicians, etc.

Why are you people so threatened by someone who wants to marry another person of the same sex? First and most important, if you have no interest in the person who is getting married, what difference does it make to you? Second, if it doesn't affect you personally, why do you want to legislate your morality on another person. Third, if you believe in states rights, why are you trying to impose your morality on a national basis? Fourth, if you believe that government is too involved in your life, why are you trying to get it to crawl into everyone's bed with them? You don't have to be a homosexual to see the clear contradictions of these useless efforts to theocracize the United States of America. You claim to defend the Constitution. Well put your money where your mouth is and stop being such hypocrites.

Well, I am okay with what he said. I mean honestly people it's always been my opinion if you are opposed to same sex marriage for goodness sakes then don't marry someone of the same sex its that simple.

He has an intelligent mind...............people of intellect can revisit their opinion on issues. Unlike the closed minded racists that are spewing hate now in the town halls and in the chambers by saying 'You Lie'.

Unfortunately, those who say marriage is a religious commitment are wrong. It is possible to get married by a 'Justice of the Peace' in some states, and it is possible for a sea captain to marry people – and these people are not necessarily religious officials. Let's be honest, marriage is a financial arrangement as far as the state and federal governments are concerned. They give financial benefits (or drawbacks), and nothing else. Those who are opposed to the religious aspect still have the ability to oppose same sex marriage in their churches, temples, etc. – which most religions require for the marriage to be considered valid in the eyes of God.

He would support it since he don't get none from you know who

President Clinton is speaking for the rights of others. He is not claiming that he did not make mistakes in his personal life.
(Consider the millions of people helped by the Clinton Foundattion.)

i see a few people saying give them same benefits but leave the term marriage out of it b/c that is a religious thing....

well, don't allow people to get "married" by a justice of the peace in a court then if it is such a "religious" ceremony – don't call all of those unions marriage then since it was not done by a pastor or priest or whatever

To all the ones who keep stating, "don't call it marriage, call it civil union," there's one problem: ONLY MARRIAGE CAN PROVIDE THE SAME RIGHTS TO SAME SEX COUPLES!! This goes to the married men posting on here. Spare us your sacred marriage spiel, cuz no one is buying!! I would be willing to bet my right arm that 99.9% of these men cheat on their wives!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm the only redneck in America that supports same sex marriage. You're all out with the times. Your old fashioned ideas are bad for society. Whatever happened to land of the free? Freedom of religion?

"Equal but separate" used to be a racists rationalization for segregation. If it ain't marriage, it ain't equal. Words matter and hate is not a family value.

Marriage is not about sex. Plenty of people remain married years after they stop having sex and I doubt they want their long term marriages called anything else. Anyone who wants to be married should be allowed to be married. As to Bill's promescuity...that is he and Hillary's marriage and their issue to deal with. If they chose to continue their committment despite their promises, they have the right to do so. He did not break a committment to the country, he broke it to his wife. How she dealt with it is none of our business.

News flash.

People have been getting married before we even had monotheism, before Christianity, before Islam.

Marriage has nothing to do with a god.

While you might want to brush up on world history, you might also want
to read the U.S Constitution and learn a little bit about separation of church and state

Please people, if Mr. Clinton wants to make this statement, fine. The suggestion of calling one thing a marraige and another a civil union is fine so long as all commitments made between concenting adults before the eyes of the government are called the same. That is, under our government ALL are called civil unions and can and should only be called marriages by the churches. Having family members who are jewish, christian, and mormon I can assure you that each of these churches have different requirements for there to be a marriage - so why shouldn't the churches who confer the opportunity to be so joined also be the insitituion which calls the couples married. That way the government stays out of churches and what they call a marriage and the churches stay the bleep out of the government. Civil unions for all.

It amazes me how much hate and intollerance still exists for one another. We are all living our lives and why does one person feel they can tell another they don't have the same rights as them? Do you think you are better? We are all equal and should not be so quick to label something that you don't agree with. I guess you will leave it up to your "God" to judge you.

Well, there's at least a small dose of enlightenment.

Just like God said , in the last days, people will call evil "good". God knew what He was talking about, for sure. And Clinton being a Bible-believing person, he says?

@Independent_me September 25th, 2009 3:45 pm ET
======================================================

Sorry, you are wrong.

Romans 1:26
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
1 Timothy 1:10

3 NEW Testament verses that are very clear.

CNN for the sake of fair and balanced opposition, please post this.

I STRONGLY support marriage equality for everyone.

They should have the right to be just as miserable as the rest of us! And God bless 'em!!

Is this really any surprise? After allegations that Hillary is bi, wanting people to "make commitments that last a lifetime" is not a far stretch. He's obviously embarrassed because he can't even call it what it really is.

More liberal idealism leading to the moral destruction on the once great United States of America. Thanks for nothing Bill!

Wow...and Bill Clinton's thoughts on lifetime committments carries alot of weight....

Thank you, Bill!

Many more political leaders will be following your lead!

On this issue, I agree with the conservatives (yeah, Kevin in Ohio) call it "Civil Union", please.

So if a man & woman, both non-believers, wed... it isn't a marriage.? Marriage is only for religious people???????

I don't think so.

As a gay man in a committed relationship for the past 14 years, I have a number of reactions to Mr. Clinton:

1) By signing DOMA when you were POTUS you killed the security of MARRIED gay people (e.g. Iowa, Massachusetts, Maine, etc.) to cross a state line and continue to be married. Now that your opinion has changed, what exactly are you planning to do to repent for the damage that you've caused?

2) Second, you seem to have come to the conclusion that gays "deserve" to be married if they are in a long-term committed relationship. This is an incredible double standard since, of course, straight people have never had to demonstrate that they "deserve" to have the right to be married because of any pre-set expectation of behavior. Heck, swinging, sex offending, murderers are allowed to be married...as long as they're straight.

And, by the way, were we ever UNdeserving? Are you implying that my partner and I deserve to be married but those other gay people who demonstrate different behaviors do not? Gee thanks...you can keep your condescending approval of my behavior.

3) Finally...sir, just as you managed your presidency, your personal opinions clearly follow, not lead, public opinion. The fact that you are now in support of gay marriage at a time when sexual orientation discrimination is frowned upon by a vast majority of Americans demonstrates that you are, frankly, late to the party...let alone failing to be courageous even in the slightest.

Why is it that in the name of their religious beliefs.. people that are against same sex marriage or abortion oppose to something it is NONE of their business...
People that want get married with someone from the same gender.. if that is what makes them happy.. then they should get married. Do those people that oppose call any of them when they are sick or they need money or buy their food or clothes or pay their mortgages? What right gives them the right to object to other people's happiness?
Don't they realize that any one has to respect their religious beliefs because that is what they believe. The same with abortion.. Most of the ones that oppose to abortion are those who call themselves believers in God.. Don't they realize that as much as their God was created as a result of ignorance of elements that human beings couldn't explain whey they happening, ligthning or thunder.
Those ones that oppose to what a woman wants to decide is the best for her.. it is HER BUSINESS. If a woman that brings a child to this world and she is alone, because she was raped or any other event.. Do those that oppose to abrotion will pay for the feeding, or health insurance or college tuition for that child that such woman brought to life.. Those that supposedly belief in the kindness, compassion, understanding and forgiveness of their GOD.. can believe anything they want and if a woman wants to have an abortion or 2 women or 2 men want to get married.. that is THIER RIGHT!

This sounds a little fruity

That is what equal rights is all about.

And Bill Clinton is the best voice for speaking on MARRIAGE? Give it a rest, Bill.

Bill Clinton....The moral compass for America. lol

Like the lifetime commitment he made to hilary? We all know how that turned out.

Mr President

Please, speak to Obama about keeping his campaign promises on Don't Ask, Don't Tell and DOMA. So far, he has been giving lots of speeches but not doing anything to fulfill his promises. He is a joke.

I agree with him. Just don't call it "marriage". Because it is NOT.

What the hell does he know about commitments? He's a lifelong cheater....what a joke.

By the way I could care less if gays want to get married.

Just like you, eh slick one?

Senile stage is creeping on Bill, no one should take him seriously. Same sex is not marriage. Marriage is between a man and a woman the rest is sodomy

Is it possible to get them some of the same rights and leave the term "marriage" out of it?

Marriage is a commitment to God (whatever religion) between a man and a woman. When you say two men or women getting married, it is an insult.

I don’t agree with their lifestyle, but I am not perfect and refuse to judge them. I will continue to care for my straight neighbors to my left as much as my gay neighbors to the right.

I don't care what Bill thinks and I don't care what Jimmy thinks.

Exactly.
People opposed to homosexuality qoute the Bible in support of their position...but they forget: the Old Testament was written to the Jews and, although through the Laws of the Old Testament homosexuality was forbidden to them, no such laws were given to the gentiles.

In the same way, the New Testament and all of its pronouncements are directed to the followers of Jesus Christ. So if you say that you are a follower of The Christ, then those laws apply to you. If you break them, that is a matter that you and God will have to deal with.

Christians who try to make secular law into biblicsal law are no different from the Muslim extremists who want to inflict Sharia law on the world.

Bill Clinton is right.

I have no problem with gay people having the rights that married couples have, but why must they dub the term marriage? Why not just call it a civil union and then everyone can carry on with their lives. Geesh!

Yes..... its called "Civil Union". Don't call this perversion "marriage".

how could you allow your self to fall in a situation such as this
i am done with you guys and your stance with all this mess
this is not gods way and you know it

Barack Obama is also sitting in the wrong seat..

Good for you Mr. President.

Why should it even have to be debated?? Its called equal rights!! Looking back, do you think slavery should be debated? Woman's rights? This is not an area of debate...its EQUAL RIGHTS!!! And for the bible thumpers, I respect your view, and I dont wish to marry in your churches or be a part of your religion. This is not about religion!!

Unfortunately saying anything of the sort when you're in office would cause an impeachment. Instead you were impeached for sexual favors so dangerous to our society we spent 300 Million on Kenneth Starr to prove it happened. Where was the whining from conservatives about spending then?

I'm glad he's taken a more pragmatic approach to this debate, a debate only heated due to religious implications.

Still, in this country for a candidate to be pro-gay marriage is almost as detremental to one's campaign as if the person was athiest. And there is NOTHING wrong with either.

Nice job Bill! Some Gay marriages (civil unions) have lasted longer than heterosexual marriages. People in general will be happier and I predict a lot less promiscuity. As a whole, gay people will be more easily acceptable if treated as an equal.

Sorry, mainstream America has not changed its mind yet. And if we do, it's probably because it's the end of the world. That time has not arrived yet...

Meanwhile, let's pray that people that DO make babies lead this country

So why is his opinion NEWS worthy?