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A Vote of Conscience

Posted by Nick Stone Culture, GLBT, marriage 9:12 AM

CNN: Senator Mary Haugen (D-WA) votes against herself, for her constituents

By: Jessica Osman

Washington is one step closer to passing a measure allowing for marriage equality in the state. The measure was proposed by Governor Christine Gregoire and just received the last vote it needed to begin moving through the Legislature. Senator Mary Margaret Haugen was the vote that got the marriage bill over the first hurdle. It is important to note that Haugen believes that marriage is between a man and a woman, yet she has announced support for the bill.

In a statement she released, Senator Haugen states that this was not an easy decision for her and she spent much time listening to her constituents on both sides of the issue. Her decision is based not on her own beliefs, but on respect for others and an understanding that her individual beliefs should not decide what others should believe and or deny them rights simply because that belief is contradictory to hers. Haugen is voting for marriage equality “to allow all men and women in [Washington] to enjoy the same privileges that are so important in [her] life”.

What I find striking here is that Senator Haugen is able to put aside her personal beliefs and vote according to her constituents, which is how it should be. She is able to put aside her personal beliefs and vote opposite of them because she sees that the best interest for her constituents (and the state) is to actually vote against her beliefs.

The issue of marriage equality aside, this is a great example of how a representative of the people should act. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said that elected officials’ titles and job descriptions are the same: representative. I fear that too often our leaders focus on their own beliefs (or on the beliefs on their biggest donors) rather than what their constituents want. During campaigns it’s all talk about “being one of you” and “I’ll be your voice in the Capitol”, but once elected so many forget that they are representatives and ignore (or don’t even bother to find out) the feelings of those they are supposed to be representing.

Senator Haugen took her beliefs out of the equation, weighed both sides of the issue and voted according to what would be best for the people of Washington. That’s a true representative of the people and a leader. I hope that all of our leaders will follow Senator Haugen’s example when they cast their votes and show support for measures, not only for marriage equality but for all issues they face while governing.

You can read Senator Haugen‘s full statement here.