Sen. Paul: I didn't think Obama's 'views on marriage could get any gayer'
(CNN) – Sen. Rand Paul on Friday brushed off Barack Obama's recent reversal on same-sex marriage by saying he didn't think the president's views "could get any gayer."
The remarks from the Republican senator from Kentucky scored laughs among those attending an event held by Iowa's Faith and Freedom Coalition, a video uploaded on Saturday to the conservative website "The Iowa Republican" shows.
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"The president, you know, recently weighed in on marriage. And, you know, he said his views were evolving on marriage," the first-term senator said Friday evening. "Call me cynical, but I wasn't sure that his views on marriage could get any gayer."
Paul, who is the son of GOP presidential longshot and Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, made the comments two days after Obama announced that he supported same-sex marriage, which he had previously opposed, while adding he thought the issue should be left up to the states to decide.
Rand Paul had been advertised as the coalition's "special guest" for its 12th annual spring event. The organization's website also promoted the presence of Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Ralph Reed, who is the chairman of the national Faith and Freedom Coalition.
In the remarks captured on video, Paul spoke against abortion as well as same-sex marriage.
"I think we're in a spiritual crisis as a country," Paul said, "and I think you're going to need leaders beyond your political leaders."
The senator criticized Obama's explanation that the Golden Rule - to treat others how one wants to be treated - and his faith led to his evolved understanding of marriage. The Golden Rule has its roots in biblical verses.
"It did bother me though that he used the justification for it in a biblical reference," Paul said. "He said the biblical Golden Rule caused him to be for gay marriage. And I'm like, what version of the Bible is he reading?
"It's not the King James version, it's not the New American Standard, it's not the New Revised version," he added.
But Paul said his beliefs and those of other social conservatives and Christians do not "mean we have to be harsh and mean and hate people."
"We understand sin and if we believe it's a sin, we still are (sinners) and people sin," he said. "We're not out there preaching some sort of hateful dogma against people. But that doesn't mean that we have to go ahead and give up our traditions."
"Six thousand years of tradition" combined with "anthropological" evidence shows "there's stability in the family unit," he said.
Calls placed Saturday to the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition, as well as to Paul's offices and spokeswoman, were not immediately returned.
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Can we be surprised by the incredibly obtuse remarks of Congressman Paul? Hasn't he consistently shown us the true nature of his character? This one is simple. Rand Paul is an insensitive, unenlightened, jerk who insists on having everything his own way. He is representative of a certain, recently popular, sect of the American political landscape that believes the country should be dragged kicking and screaming in the nineteenth century.
This man deserves to be in thr United States Senate about as much as Rush Limbaugh. Maybe when he grows up and learns some decorum and respect for others, but not right now.
Rand Paul, another member of the Church of The Holy Bigot.
Ha! I like Rand's sense of humor.
Ah, the Pauls. The real, hateful comments shining through. The kind of comment spoken by true bullies.
I am going to be short and sweet. I go to church and consider myself a christian but religion should not play a part in this discussion or discision. Nor should any law in this country be based on reIigion. I am very disappointed with what is happening in this country right now. We are stepping backwards instead forwards as far as civil rights.
If we follow tradition, then women and people of color wouldn't even have the right to vote.
Republicans are always trying to deny someone their rights,first gay rights next women's rights and eventually your rights.
The Republicans just can't seem to help themselves, can they?
No Mr. Paul. You do not have six thousands years of tradition, the Jews (off-springs of Jacob) and the Arabs do.
As for lecturing anyone who disagree with the GOP's positions on religion, it shows that you really didn't understand a thing in the Bible!
why do we have to force views on everybody else if you are gay way do you want me to think it is ok you can teach who you raise that it's ok i think it is wrong just as some one who drinks smoke drugs ect. i do not hate those people they have a choice they can do what they want to but i have a choice to if my is different i am not a person that hates i think you are the one that hate anybody that don't agree with you
I don't think Rand Paul's statement could get any dumber.
These politicians are supposed to represent all Americans. Not only those who agree with their views. I hope as the younger voters come up they will put an end to these bigots in our government and make sure that our politicians do not have any rights to stand there and insult those of us who are different than them. I am sickened and angry and will fight to remove folks that do treat all Americans equally.
What we don't know fo certain we just make up
Humanity has always operated under this rule
It's more convenient and lots quicker when influencing the Masses
It is disappointing when seemingly good people justify the subjugation of others with the bible and the teachings of Jesus. What should be an ideal - a goal of self-actualization - is reduced to nothing more than a tool in the service of baser personal ideals - power, fear, and hatred. Every time Mr. Paul, Mr. Santorum, and clearly Mr. Romney invoke Jesus or the bible to dictate how we should live they demonstrate how common and uninspiring they really are.
Once again we have people who claim to love their Country, yet they want to limit the freedoms of those who hold a different view than their own. I feel saddened whenever I read something like this. This Country was FOUNDED on tolerance, freedom, and seperation of Church and State, yet we still have folks who want to legislate thier religious traditions. How unpatriotic can one get? And as far as what part of the Bible is the President reading, he is reading the part that says "treat others as you would want to be treated..." I would also add another favorite of mine, which is "judge not, lest ye be judged yourself," or "ye without sin cast the first stone." Just some other imprtant parts of the Good Book that these folks might want to keep in mind. I still fail to understand how gay marriage affects my personal life. The governmet should not judge who has a right to marriage. Let us leave that to the overly judgemental churches. If one church would allow gay marriage, what right does another church have in denying it? Isn't that infringment upon thier basic religious freedoms? Just asking.
Two words: Barry. Goldwater.
This nation was founded on the idea that government shouldn't impose religion on its people and that everyone should have equal rights and protection under the law. I'll take Obama's "gay" ideals over Rand's theocracy any day.
Randy, when you grow up to be a full size man,then maybe,just maybe what you say might just matter.Until then just shut up and grow,lol
I didn't realize Rand Paul could become even more of a loser.
Wow, opposes the freedom of people to marry and still manages to imply that he's a "good Christian." There are a lot of sick SOBs out there. It's really scary when they're in powerful government positions.
Rand Paul is a bigot. He wants us to end anti-discrimination laws. What more need I say?
Rand Paul wants us to end anti-discrimination laws. What more need I say?
The fact that sen Paul use the word " gayer" as a derogatory adjective, speaks to his lack of respect for the Gay community. Just another right wing politician that's trying to say that his way of living is the only and right way. Very sad, very sad indeed. Grow up Sen Paul, the word "gay" is only used in the same context as you did by teenagers !
No it's you that doesn't read your own Bible. LOL at your comments. 6000 years of man-woman marriage huh? Check the Bible again. Most of those "6000" years, Biblically, it was polygamy. Nice reflection of Old Earth Creationism too there, knuckledragger. Read your Bible.