An openly gay candidate in Georgia says
he hopes to marry his partner of 16 years in Virginia.
Timothy
Swiney, a Republican turned Democrat, is vying for a seat in the
Georgia Senate.
Last week, a federal appeals court
upheld a lower court's ruling striking down Virginia's prohibition on
gay couples marrying. The ruling is set to take effect Thursday.
However, defendants in the case have asked the Supreme Court to
intervene. The
court may rule as early as Monday.
“I've been warned that this is a
'gift' to my Republican opponent [P.K. Martin] and that seeking a
marriage license at this time could damage my election chances come
November,” Swiney said in a statement.
“The fact is, I'm not a career
politician; I am a parent first. This decision is based on what is
best for our children and our family's security, not what will play
well in a local political campaign. If I lose this election because
of this decision, then I'm fine with that. It's that simple.”
“Let's be honest, those who will not
vote for me over this issue probably wouldn't have voted for me
anyway. And I'm OK with that,” he added.
Swiney and his fiance Eric Reid are
raising two adopted children.
“When it comes to family values I've
opened my home, my wallet, and my heart to children in need and have
adopted 2 minority children, one who is severely handicapped. I dare
say that unless my critics can say the same, then it's their values
that should be questioned, not mine,” Swiney said.