Mitt Romney and his wife Ann currently enjoy full marital benefits.
Romney does not support equal rights for same-sex couples.
Mitt Romney’s views on same-sex marriage—and marriage equality—aren’t a secret. And he had no trouble looking straight into the eyes of a 63-year-old Vietnam veteran’s eyes in Manchester, N.H. this morning, and telling him he didn’t think his marriage to his husband was equal to his own.
According to the Boston Globe, Bob Garon asked the former Massachusetts governor whether he supports repealing New Hampshire’s same-sex marriage law.
Romney said he did, saying, “I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. That’s my view.”
With that, “it started to become clear that a routine campaign conversation could become hostile,” writes Matt Viser of the Globe. “Though Romney had no reason to know it, Garon—a 63-year-old from Epsom, N.H.—was sitting at the table with his husband.”
Garon challenged Romney, saying, “If two men get married, apparently a veteran’s spouse would not be entitled to any burial benefits or medical benefits or anything that the serviceman has devoted his time and effort to his country, and you just don’t support equality in terms of same-sex marriage?”
Romney reiterated his support for the Defense of Marriage Act, and added, “And we apparently disagree.”
“It’s good to know how you feel,” Garon said. “That you do not believe that everyone is entitled to their constitutional rights.”
“No, actually, I think at the time the Constitution was written it was pretty clear that marriage is between a man and a woman,” Romney replied. “And I don’t believe the Supreme Court has changed that.”
With that, a Romney aide interrupted, saying, “Governor, we’ve got to get on with Fox News right now.”
“Oh,” said Garon. “I guess the question was too hot.”
“No, I gave you the answer,” Romney said.
“You did,” Garon said. “And I appreciate your answer. And you know, I also learned something and New Hampshire is right. You have to look a man in the eye to get a good answer, and you know what, Governor, good luck.”
“Thank you, appreciate it,” Romney said. “Have a good day to you, sir.”
“You’re going to need it,” Garon replied.
“You are right about that,” Romney said as he left the table, and a group of reporters crowded around Garon, Viser writes.
Asked by reporters after Romney left why he feels so strongly about the issue, Garon grew even more passionate, reports ABC news.
“Because I’m gay, all right?” he said. “And I happen to love a man just like you probably love your wife.”
Garon was sitting in a booth with his husband, whom he said he married in June.
“I went and fought for my country and I think my spouse should be entitled to the same [benefits as they would] if I were married to a woman,” he said. “What the hell is the difference?”
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