Democratic gubernatorial candidate Farouk Shami again expressed his support for same-sex marriage tonight during a debate against frontrunner Bill White in Fort Worth.
“I support them all the way,” Shami said of same-sex couples, adding that he believes it’s a question of personal freedom.
Strangely, though, White wasn’t allowed to respond to the question about same-sex marriage posed by Dave Montgomery of The Star-Telegram. The question came during a portion of the debate when both candidates were supposed to answer each question. Yet KERA’s Shelly Kofler interjected when it was White’s turn to answer and began a new question (an honest mistake?).
Of course, thanks to Dallas Voice, we already know White’s stated position on same-sex marriage: He supports civil unions instead. But it still would have been nice to hear him explain said position on live TV.
4 Comments
I noticed that and was disappointed that he was not allowed to answer. But this community needs to understand a few things:
1. Bill White has always been a supporter of the LGBT community, a support evidenced by actions taken as Mayor to extend partner benefits to city employees in Houston, his overwhelming opposition to the Texas marriage amendment and his own personal background (his close brother was gay).
2. The Governor cannot overturn a Constitutional amendment. Unfortunately, this is already there. It is more important that we have an advocate in the Governor’s mansion.
3. Shami is not going to win. Bill is the closest we have since Ann to win this race thanks in large part to Perry’s numerous bad decisions. It is important that White leaves the primary with as much support as possible.
4. Shami does not have any command over the issues and how the government works.
I truly believe both are genuine people who are supportive of our community, but we need a leader who will be an advocate for us and can win.
We will all agree anything is better than Perry.
Jared,
One correction to your comment. Bill White didn’t extend partner benefits to Houston city employees. The city has a charter amendment prohibiting DP benefits that was passed before he became mayor.
Actually Bill White wouldnt have answered the question. He has been asked it several times publically, and on conference calls, and will not give a clear answer. So I am disappointed in the moderator for not having him answer the question on live tv. Even though Shami sucked in that debate, they seemed to be a bit unfair to him cutting him off several times.
I have been asking this same question since first hearing of Bill White’s run for Governor. I have never received any kind of an answer then, now nor do I ever expect to hear that he supports gay marriage. I have never received any correspondence from them on this question whatsoever. I DO GET asked for DONATIONS all the time though. I think that Bill White would be a good Governor for the State of Texas, since Texas state is in such a mess. But please answer valid questions