Bachmann Supports New York’s Right To Enact Marriage Equality Law

Late Friday, the New York legislature passed and Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) signed the state’s same-sex marriage bill into law, marking a major victory for equal rights. Today, Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace asked notorious anti-LGBT rights presidential candidate Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) what she thought of the new law, given her belief that marriage is between one man and one woman. Despite her right-wing view on marriage, Bachmann said she supports New York’s right to institute marriage equality because, under the 10th Amendment, the state has a right to do so:

BACHMANN: In New York state, they have passed the law at the state legislative level and, under the 10th amendment, the states have the right to set the laws that they want to set.

WALLACE: So even though you oppose it, then its ok from — your point of view — for New York to say that same-sex marriage is legal.

BACHMANN: That is up to the people of New York. I think that it’s best to allow the people to decide on this issue. I think it’s best if there is an amendment that goes on the ballot, where people can weigh in. [...]

WALLACE: But you would agree, if its passed by the state legislature and signed by the governor then that’s the state’s position.

BACHMANN: It’s state law. And the 10th amendmet reserves to the states that right.

Watch it:

Bachmann’s position is notable given the large number of politically active anti-LGBT activistsand Republican lawmakers across the country that would likely let their opposition to equality trump their belief in states rights. Bachmann later said, however, that she would prefer a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman, but that before such an amendment was enacted, the states should be free to do as they wish.