Arizona Dems: ICYMI: Arizona Republic Highlights Ducey’s Support for Harsh Agenda Against Women’s Rights
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Ducey also opposes marriage equality for gay couples, and has promised to work with his campaign co-chair
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The entire article can be read below.
Social issues influence governor's race
Abortion, religious freedom and marriage rights haven't dominated the competitive governor's race, but whoever occupies the executive tower for the next four years almost certainly will grapple with such social issues.
Democrat
As he campaigns, Republican
While
No other issue exemplifies the gubernatorial contenders' contrasting views on social issues more than SB 1062, which would have offered a legal defense for individuals and businesses facing discrimination lawsuits if they could have proved they acted upon a "sincerely held religious belief." Critics say the bill would have instead legalized discrimination, and, on
DuVal declared his opposition to the bill on
At the same time, on
Ducey has refused to say how he would handle similar legislation if it comes before him next Legislative session.
In a
Ducey said Tuesday he thought the
The candidates' positions on abortion and marriage reflect their party's long-held platforms. But SB 1062, which opened a rift in the
To win, "Ducey can't rely solely on Republicans, he has to rely on independent voters," who tend to be younger and more liberal on social issues, said
But those issues will be unavoidable for the next governor. During her five years as governor, Brewerhas frequently considered questions touching on religion, abortion and same-sex partnerships.
Brewer and state lawmakers tried unsuccessfully, for example, to eliminate health coverage for the domestic partners of state and university employees, most of whom are same-sex couples.
Employees sued the state and got the law halted; the case is still moving through the courts.
On abortion, Brewer signed what at the time was the most restrictive abortion law in the country, prohibiting abortions after 20 weeks. The courts also halted that law.
DuVal and his campaign have tried to cast Ducey as a "hardcore social conservative" who has embraced and validated some of the most divisive voices in
DuVal has also seized on donations Ducey's family foundation has made to the
Ducey's campaign has not attacked DuVal over his stances on social issues. Instead, it paints hm as a big-spender whose "credentials in job creation or matters related to the economy are largely non-existent."
'Matters of conscience'
DuVal, an Episcopalian, says many social issues are "matters of conscience for me. I soul-search, reflect on my faith, my Constitution."
On abortion, DuVal says he believes women's "reproductive choices" have been eroded "year in, year out" and that would end if he won the governorship.
"I believe that women's reproductive choices are for women to make, in consultation with family and physicians," he said.
He favors allowing same-sex couples to marry, saying his family has experienced the pain of marital restrictions. He has an uncle who "lived in the shadows of shame" with his partner, whom DuVal did not meet before his uncle passed away. A cousin lives happily in a civil union with her partner in
"I am, as a matter of culture and faith ... pro-marriage and I believe we should have more of it -- the more the better," he said. "Marriage equality is good for loving couples and is good for society and is good for our economy -- it's good to have an inviting, inclusive place for us to draw talent, and marriage equality is right as a matter of law, and a matter of human rights."
DuVal, who is comfortable talking about these social issues, says he seeks advice from a variety of close advisers and friends, including the Rev.
"Fred and I, we've had long talks together on spiritual growth and development and some of these hot-button issues and he brings his faith, his relationship with Jesus into this process," Jackson said. "Fred will do that with everything he's faced with as governor."
Woods, a friend of DuVal's since high school, said DuVal "has had a lifetime of standing up for non-discrimination," and would take that philosophy to the governor's suite.
"He's a guy who doesn't have a mean bone in his body," Woods said. "He's been way ahead of, I think, the country on issues related to sexual orientation, and for that matter, issues related to civil rights in general."
'What I'm going to govern on'
Ducey, a Catholic who attends St. Patrick's
He has said he favors "traditional marriage" but added the issue isn't one that will be decided by a governor. In his candidate questionnaire with
Ducey is anti-abortion, answering in his survey that he supports "prohibiting abortion except when it is necessary to prevent the death of the mother." He touts his endorsement by Arizona Right to Life political action committee.
He is less forthcoming on religious-rights issues. During a meeting with
"I'm focusing on the issues that bring people together and build broad majorities," Ducey said. "I believe what I believe, but to me, I think the area for opportunity in this state are on those two issues, in addition to projecting our state outward, in terms of I'm proud to live here."
When told there was still confusion about how he would act on future religious-rights legislation, he referenced his prior statement that he would veto SB 1062 and added that he's been married for nearly 24 years and that he and his wife, Angela, don't agree on every issue.
"But we found a way to work together," he said. "I don't agree with everyone in my coalition on every issue. I'm campaigning on what I'm going to govern on."
Asked how he would act on legislation similar to SB 1062, he said, "To say that I'm going to veto something that I haven't read, is just -- or sign something that I haven't read -- I don't think is good policy for any chief executive."
He added, "I don't know that legislation has to put us unnecessarily in the national spotlight." When asked what was objectionable about SB 1062, he said, "I don't think it was necessary."
Ducey says his beliefs and principles guide him on most issues. When he needs guidance, he calls former U.S. Sen.
Ducey's campaign said he also seeks advice from people like Republican
Marquez-Peterson said she has not given Ducey advice on social issues. She hopes Ducey would veto bills such as SB 1062, which she says "would hurt the economy."
Keegan, who mostly advises Ducey on education issues, says she has told Ducey of her support for marriage equality and reproductive rights.
"It's very clear he's a committed Catholic and he follows that doctrine," Keegansaid, but seeks advice from others because "he's a thoroughly decent human being who wants to understand. Sometimes, all you can do is try to plant a seed."
Herrod downplayed her role in Ducey's campaign. She played up his "pro-life and pro-family" positions.
"The advisory group is just symbolic of the broad coalition that
She said Ducey, as governor, would "pull people around the table and develop a consensus when there might be disagreements," among advisers.
Most of the lawmakers who have endorsed him are among
Herrod would not say whether she will push another version of SB 1062 this session, or how Ducey would act, if elected: "I will make no speculation at all. The issues raised by 1062 are real issues. But I have no speculation on what will happen next."
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