|
Angus King on Civil Rights
Independent Former ME Governor
|
Supports gay marriage
King would pass a general Democratic litmus test: He is prochoice on abortion, supports gay marriage, backs President Obama's health care law, and opposes GOP efforts to transform Medicare into a voucher program.
Indeed, he has endorsed Obama for reelection.But he insists that he has conservative values when it comes to fiscal responsibility. "I think you should have a 'pay-as-you-go' system,'' he said.
Source: Boston Globe, "Independent", on 2012 Maine Senate Debates
, Apr 19, 2012
We piously judge slaveowners; would we endure peer censure?
One of our stops was the terrific Charleston museum, the oldest museum in the United States. It was very well done, with a lot of local history; I found the images of slavery on the rice plantations especially moving, and appalling.
Now, barely 150 years later, we are incredulous that such an institution could exist in our midst, and somewhat piously judge these benighted souls who maintained and fought for it.
I devoutly hope that we are, in fact, more enlightened; but which of us would brave the censure of our peers, given a different context? The vote for secession at the South Carolina convention of
December 1860 (the precipitating factor was Lincoln's election a month before), for example, was unanimous.
Source: Governor`s Travels, by Gov. Angus King, p. 39-40
, Aug 16, 2011
Required Maine insurers to recognize domestic partnerships
A bill just inked by Maine Governor Angus King requires state health insurers and HMOs to offer coverage to domestic partners, effective January 2002. The law defines domestic partner as a mentally competent adult who has "legally
domiciled" with the health plan member for at least a year. Eligible partners can obtain health coverage under the same terms and conditions as spouses of married health plan members.
Source: CBS Business Network Resource Library, "Domestic Partner"
, Jul 1, 2001
Support principles embodied in the Equal Rights Amendment.
King adopted the National Governors Association policy:
In 1976 the National Governors Association expressed support for ratification and implementation of the Equal Rights Amendment, which would constitutionally guarantee full citizenship rights and opportunities for women. In 1982 the drive for ratification fell short, and efforts to initiate the amendatory process were taken.
The National Governors Association reaffirms its support for the principles embodied in the Equal Rights Amendment, i.e., that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on the basis of gender.
Source: NGA Executive Committee Policy EC-14: Equal Rights Policy 01-NGA1 on Feb 15, 2001
Page last updated: Apr 21, 2013
