Freedom for everybody: Liz Cheney admits to wrong stance on gay marriage

Liz Cheney, representative for Wyoming and daughter of former
United States Vice-President Dick Cheney, said that she was wrong to oppose gay
marriage in the past. She was speaking on CBS News’ broadcast of “60 Minutes”
which aired on Sunday. Liz Cheney’s change of heart is significant as the
Wyoming representative took a very public position against same-sex marriage in
2013, despite her sister being married to a woman and her father, former vice
president Richard B. Cheney, coming out in support of gay marriage at the time.

Also Read | School board ban on anti-racist, LGBT signs in Oregon irks supporters

Liz Cheney broke with her family after her objections caused a
rift with her sister, Mary, a married lesbian. After Cheney aired her
objections, Mary’s spouse Heather Poe had posted on Facebook that year that Liz
Cheney’s position was offensive and that “I always thought freedom meant
freedom for EVERYONE.”  

“I was wrong, I was wrong,” Liz Cheney said adding, “It’s a very
personal issue — and very personal for my family. I believe that my dad was
right. And my sister and I have had that conversation…Freedom means freedom for
everybody,” said Liz Cheney who continues to maintain her opposition to
abortion, the Affordable Care Act and gun control.

Also Read | Only pride, no prejudice: US Lutheran church instals first transgender bishop

Liz Cheney broke with Republican ranks to oppose former US
President Donald Trump in the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riots when supporters
of the president stormed the Capitol office in hopes of overturning his
election loss to now-President Joe Biden.

The 55-year-old Wyoming representative who is opposed to Donald
Trump also continues to maintain her opposition to Joe Biden, but with
qualifications. Liz Cheney believes President Biden has embraced harmful
policies for the economy and national security with the Afghanistan withdrawal.
“But the alternative cannot be a man who doesn’t believe in the rule of law,
and he who violated his oath of office,” Cheney said.

Also Read | LGBT Marches held in Poland amid opposition from far-right groups

Liz Cheney will be seeking re-election in next year’s primaries.
Donald Trump has vowed to defeat Cheney by backing Republican Harriet Hageman. “I
think it’s going to be the most important House race in the country in 2022.
And — and it will be one where people do have the opportunity to say, “We want
to stand for the Constitution,” Cheney said adding that her re-election will be
the most important House race in the country in 2022.  

(With inputs from Associated Press)