Kucinich on gay marriage, and my own thoughts
A note to Muslims: In an earlier entry, I posted a fatwa from Shakyh Muhammad al-Munajjid concerning whether and in what circumstances Muslims can or should vote in elections in a non-Muslim country. This is a decision that can only be made by, as Shaykh Munajjid notes, "weighing up the pros and cons, what is in the interests of Islam and what is detrimental". It is likely that no candidate is ideal; each candidate will probably have at least one position that Muslims in general disagree with, perhaps greatly so. It's hard to imagine voting for the candidate in that case, it feels like giving one's support to doing something wrong. But as Shaykh Munajjid said, we need to look at the larger issue. Overall, will the candidate be of more benefit than harm to Muslims? If not, will he still be less harmful to Muslims than any of the other candidates?
Many Muslims agree with Bush on social issues, but at the same time feel that overall his Administration has done great harm to Muslims, both in the U.S. and abroad. Another candidate may pursue foreign and domestic policies that reduce harm to Muslims but have positions on social issues that Muslims don't agree with. We need to think about what the possible consequences are. If Muslims refrain from voting for a Democratic candidate because of his positions on social issues, will this lead to a Bush victory? Do we really want another four years of Bush's policies? What is the course of action that will lead to the greatest benefit or least harm for Muslims? Is the price of inaction letting something bad happen? These are the questions we need to be asking ourselves. The answers may change as time passes. This early in the campaign, we have a good opportunity to influence what Democratic candidate is selected and to support the candidate who will bring us the most benefit. At a later stage, a different candidate may be selected who is not friendly to Muslims. At that time, we can make a new decision about what to do, one that may involve switching to another candidate or refraining from voting if our actions can make no difference at all.
Overall, I believe that the benefit that Kucinich can do for Muslims through repealing the Patriot Act, stopping the violation of Muslims' civil liberties, and ending the warmongering policies of the Bush Administration, is greater than the harm that might come of his position on gay rights. For this reason, even though his position is contrary to the teachings of Islam, I am continuing to support him as a candidate, being always aware that this is a "lesser of two evils" situation. I understand that others may not feel the same way and that to them the harm caused by his position is greater than any benefit he could bring through his positions on civil liberties and foreign policy, or they may feel that they could not vote for him for this reason, even if refraining means another four years of Bush. I respect that. Ultimately, each person must do what he or she thinks is best and what he or she will be able to answer Allah SWT on the Last Day about. I hope that you will understand in return that I do not endorse his position; it is just that I feel this is the least harmful course.
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Kucinich posted this entry in his blog on July 16, 2003.
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The real power of America is its promise of freedom and equality and in extending that freedom and equality to all Americans regardless of race, color, creed, or sexual orientation. I believe it's time that America enables, through federal law, same sex marriage. When two committed people love each other they should not have to go state to state in search of a place to be married. As President, I will lead this country towards greater tolerance, greater compassion and greater opportunities for all. I ask you to join me in support of fairness and equal justice.
Dennis J. Kucinich
Washington D.C.
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