Categories: General News Off Topic
| On 12 years ago

Kluwe Goes To Bat For Same Sex Marriage

By Adam Warwas

You thought the Vikings stadium debate was a drawn out, controversial one?  That pales in comparison to a number of hot button issues that have dominated our social politics for decades, including same sex marriage.

Vikings punter Chris Kluwe, who never seems to shy away from speaking his mind, has lent his celebrity voice to a series of ads aimed at shutting down a Minnesota ballot initiative that would redefine marriage within the state as only between a man and a woman.

Kluwe says that his wife’s brother is gay but that he doesn’t really know if he has any friends that are.

“Honestly, I’ve never really asked anyone,” said Kluwe.  “I’m more interested in if you’re going to play video games with me!”

Kluwe, a married man with two daughters, believes that the same sex issue is a clear cut one and has no qualms about saying so.

“One of the things my parents [Ron and Sandy] brought me up with is that you should have equality for everyone,” he said.  “I would like to think I have a pretty strong sense of justice and right and wrong. [The proposed marriage amendment] is just blatant discrimination and that’s not right, that’s wrong.”

In a league that has a fairly strong reputation as being homophobic, Kluwe’s involvement with this campaign is noteworthy if for no other reason than to point out that there, in theory, could be a risk of backlash.

Of course, Kluwe has never been the type to care what anyone else thinks about him.

“People should treat each other the way they want to be treated and that’s basically what life boils down to,” Kluwe concluded.

Adam Warwas

Adam Warwas (Founder) has been writing about the Vikings for a total of eight years. Five of those years have been here at Vikings Territory where he continues to surround himself with enough talented individuals that people keep coming back. As proud as he is of what Vikings Territory has become, his real treasures are in his home... a beautiful wife and three amazing children (and a dog named Percy).

Tags: chris kluwe

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  • Always wondered if Kluwe was a switch hitter and I guess this confirms my suspicions. Hey Kluwe you idiot marriage is between a man and a woman end of story. I'll echo Skol and say Kluwe has lost all my respect also.

  • Tough crowd. Even if you're on the complete opposite side of the spectrum on the issue, I don't know how you can have less respect for Kluwe after he spoke up about such a controversial topic. I think the guy showed some balls by speaking up when most folks in the public eye would offer up a no comment.

    • Dan,

      If we assume that Kluwe takes the opposite position and he states as BJohnny did that marriage is between a man a women, and goes on to say that this is a very clear cut issue, what do you think the reaction of the community would be? Perhaps he would be labeled as a "homophobic" ? Those who use such words as short sighted, biggoted, homophobic silence any discussion on a topic such as this. Just because one doesn't agree with Kluwe's take doesn't make him a bigot, or homophobic. Many have very strong reasons for the believe that marriage should only be between one man and one women, this doesn't make them bigots.

      For the sake of clarification, Freds isn't saying you are taking one side or another or that you are calling anyone homophobic, Freds is just posing the question to you regarding your respect for Kluwe about tackling a tough topic. As usual Kluwe is a 40 character twitter idiot who has little open discussion rather a one sided internet post.

      Again, nothing said above was aimed at you Dan.

      • Freds is using some parlor tricks here. "Kluwe you idiot marriage is between a man and a woman end of story" is expressly divisive. To point out that some may say homophobic or biggoted before it's mentioned doesn't negate the possibility of it having some traction.

        You clearly have spent time on political websites honing your online debating skillset, to the point of preemptive action.

        I have no dog in this fight, as I'm not homosexual, but if you want to deny two consenting adults marriage because you find it "icky," well, then people may think you're not big on that whole golden rule thing.

        I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'...we all ha

        • damned computer.

          I mean to say "we all have our opinions, but is it OK to foist it on other people?"

  • AK -

    This is news, "In a league that has a fairly strong reputation as being homophobic". Freds has never heard that NFL players have a reputation for being afraid of homosexuals. Are there facts on such things?

    • Freds, as usual, I am not trying to take a stance on the political topic at hand (I'll save that for poker night), but I will defend the sentence you chose to single out.

      Since when are reputations based on facts? In my experience, they are far more likely to be based on perception. A quick google search will reveal plenty of players, coaches, and outsiders that perceive the NFL community as being homophobic... and, yes, in some cases I agree with you that the word is often mis-used (or redefined) to mean opposition to the social issue instead of the literal meaning: fear of gay people.

      Again, not trying to ruffle any feathers... and as I said, I thought the news was noteworthy enough to post (although I admittedly hesitated) because of the possible backlash Kluwe could experience on this one.

  • You are correct my friend, a redefined word is exactly right. How does one defend themself from a word like homophobic? It becomes "mainstream" and is redefined to intentionally squelch conversation on a very difficult topic. No doubt the NFL is populated by very strong men with overflowing feelings of being tough and rough. It's a bad man's league. This does not mean the league is known for being a fairly homophoic group. Are there idiots, no doubt. Some who hate gays, yes. "A league that has a fairly strong reputation as being homophobic, no. There are no facts that lend itself to this statement. It's a cop out AK. You took the easy road on this one.

    • There were also not enough facts to call O.J. Simpson a murderer, Michael Jackson a molester, or Bert & Ernie a gay couple... but the PERCEPTION is there, and thus their reputation is tied to such labels.

      Cop out? I guess that is the perception, eh? I'll try not to make it a habit, wouldn't want to get that reputation :)

  • I don't understand how society can deny gay couples the right to marry the person who they truly love. Homosexuality is not a choice and I don't get how we can continue to discriminate those people for doing nothing wrong, not harming anyone, doing no damage whatsoever. If they want to marry, let them. What's with the hate?

    For me, Kluwe continues to be one of my most respected players out there and I don't understand how you can disrespect a guy for something like that, even you choose to disagree with him.

    • I am sick of people using the argument, it doesn't hurt anyone... Where will the line be drawn? Homosexuality is abnormal and considered deviant behavior. The argument could be used for almost any sexual deviancy (It is discrimination, it doesn't hurt anyone, it does no damage what so ever, ect...). Heck, can I marry my TV or case of bud light, I love them too and it wouldn't hurt anyone.

      I normally like Kluwe's twitter rants because they deal with FOOTBALL and other players, not politics. Especially a topic such as this where people feel so strongly.

      • Seriously? You compare a living human being with a TV set? Wow.

        Of course you have to draw the line somewhere, but we are talking about normal people. Are they in the minority, yes, but does that mean they aren't entitled to their basic human rights? I consider a marriage between two unrelated, adult humans a basic right, whether it's between opposite sex or same sex. And for the last time, being gay is not abnormal, not unnatural. This way of thinking is nothing but outdated.

  • This is a free country (for now) and everyone is entitled to their opinion. Here are a few.

    Chris Kluwe should focus on punting the S*** out of the football. If he wants to play gay ball, go join the Canadian Football league. Switch hitters are more accepted there.

    Marriage is between one man and one woman. If it's something else, don't call it marriage.
    I personally don't care if two guys or two gals want to formalize a committed relationship, just don't call it marriage. Here's the problem, where does it end? Can I marry my granddaughter or grandson to gain some kind or medical benefit or tax advantage? Why limit this "Marriage" to one spouse? How about dudes who want many wifes, of all sexes? How about some hot babe who wants to marry multiple billionaires? Then there are the guys in Wisconsin who like to do it with dead deer? What about their rights? Don't forget about the Iowegians and their sheep fetish. They have rights!

    Where does it end? Simple, marriage is between one man and one woman.

    • got a good laff there, ole, but now johnny's gonna kick your ass for dissin' his 'kids'

      and, did ya know, opinions are like assholes? everybody's got one, and everybody thinks everyobody else's stinks

  • Damn, why are we talkin' about this kinda crap? Guess this is the nadir of the off season.

    • Yeah, I don't really want to talk about this stuff either. Let's debate sports, not politics.

  • ok, here's something new. i did a job for terrell davis and his wife at their house today. very nice people

          • Oh neat. I see what you did there. You equated Kluwe and Harvest because the views differed from yours.

            Brilliant.

            Let's use the tool you introduced, flip it, and see how it floats.

            Why do you and the Taliban/Muslims have so much hate for the gays? Do you strive for Sharia Law?

            People need to freakin' relax the judgment.