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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just like call the religious bigots out there always using the bible what a bunch of pathetic hypocrites
That's today's GOP, playing the denial of civil rights for a cheap laugh- and worse, their audience laughs.
The GOP lives in the past. If this were the early 1860s ( aperiod they seem attracted to) they wouldn't be the "Party of Lincoln", they'd be the Confederacy.
just like all metros, Romney included.Two girlymen who never went to war or worked a day.
No, their not bigots why would you think that? Using the word "gayer" as an insult is not only bigoted but irresponisible for a sitting US senator. Imagine, this is America?
Every time I think the GOP couldn't get more pathetic... they manage to do so.
Its amazing how threatened some people are by other people's love. God forbid two men or two women get married, it'll be the end of the world! Its amazing that people who are supposed to represent JC carry such hate for those who are different than them.
In the closet, is he? Methinks he doth protest too much.
There are absolutely no intelligent people in the GOP. Is it any wonder that their utter stupidity disgusts Americans?
Yes, and under Ron Paul, those gays will be put out to pasture. After all, remember what Jesus said about gays....ummm....ok, he didn't say anything about gays, but that doesn't stop Paul from saying it's a sin. All Jesus said was to love each other, don't judge others, and take care of those less fortunate than you. Paul missed that part, but what the hell, if you can get a gay then all's forgiven. Get them crosses out, let's go crucifying. Because Paul knows just what Jesus would want. Just ask him.
AS THE OLD SAYING GOES...." IT TAKES ONE TO KNOW ONE'....If this is all that he or any other twisted thinker can get out of this societal change then the whole thing is a bust!!! I know a few "gay" people and I respect their rights, but if this is the kind of reaction we get from a mouthy politician then where do they go from here??... Totally aside from this particular issue....this is the way the Repubs have reacted about everything for the last three years ...so nuts to them... they still have one foot in their mouths and now the other one is in the mud!!!!!
!
Gee Senator Paul, why are there so many versions of the Bible. Shouldn't there be just one? It is called The Word of God, not The Words of God. So as soon as you are able to tell us which is the real one, let us know but until then please be quiet.
And if that quote is not offensive to millions of "gay" people, what is? Everyone has a right to their own opinion, so respect the presidents just like he respects yours... Let the PEOPLE choose...!
Narrow minded bigoted Republican. Get off your pedestal and join the entire world, not just your own little dark corner.
Well, we knew this guy was a bigot – now we have absolute proof.
Getting closer and closer to State embracing Religion. That is when we will have lost The United States of America to terrorism.
Mr. Paul...no one is asking you to give up your traditions....but your traditions are not necessarily everyone else's.
CNN is totally consumed with Race and Gay issues. Every Day CNN talks either about Race or Gay Issues every hour, usually 5 – 10 times an hour. Turner is an Athiest, and CNN's "Faith" site is 85% dedicated to articles meant to cause doubt about Christ, cast Christians as racist or anti-gay, writes articles attacking Ministers, or trying to twist Bible Verses into incorrect meanings, and challenges validity of Regilious thought. All the while, America is about bankrupt in money and morality.
I guess he thinks Jesus's teachings were gay too.
What a stupid comment.
keep the church out of my government! MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!!! What a jerk!
As a patriotic American, a devout Christian, a public servant, a former Boy Scout, .....and someone who happens to be gay.....my only response to Senator Paul is.....THANK YOU! For those of us who aren't bigots, those words aren't an insult. Would women be insulted if he had said Mr. Obama's views "couldn't be any more sensitive to women"? Would Latinos be insulted if he had said that the president's views "couldn't be more Latino"? Would we Christians have been insulted had Mr. Paul indicated that Mr. Obama's views "couldn't be more Christian"? Of course not. Only bigots and those who capitalize on the politics of division would actually believe that describing the president's views as reflecting the point of view of any American demographic group would be an insult. Mr. Paul, thanks for revealing that the president could not be any more AMERICAN and, you, Mr. Paul, couldn't be more bigoted.
So he's of the delusion that two men or two women can't make a stable family?!?! What a bigot.
There you have it folks. THe Repubs are on the wrong side of history and they know it. Rand Paul should be ashamed of himself
The GOP doesn't get this:
Change is a strange thing... and it cannot be denied!
It's not the King James version, it's not the New American Standard, it's not the New Revised version.... how about using God's version? all thee revisions, who knows what was in the original books???