Dick Cheney Defends Daughter Liz Cheney in Sisters' Same-Sex Marriage Spat
Former Vice President Dick Cheney has involved himself in the recent online feud between his two daughters, Liz and Mary, after the two had a public tiff regarding same-sex marriage on Facebook over the weekend. The former political figure said in a joint statement with his wife, Lynne, that they are "pained" to see their family disagree on such issues, adding that Liz, who supports traditional marriage as being between one man and one woman, has always showed "love and respect" toward her sister's family and same-sex partner.
"This is an issue we have dealt with privately for many years, and we are pained to see it become public," Lynne and Dick said in a joint statement given to the Associated Press. "Since it has, one thing should be clear. Liz has always believed in the traditional definition of marriage. She has also always treated her sister and her sister's family with love and respect, exactly as she should have done."
The spat began on Sunday when Liz Cheney, who is challenging Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) in the upcoming GOP state primary election, said on "Fox News Sunday" that she is in support of traditional marriage. Mary, Liz's younger sister, is a lesbian and an outspoken proponent of gay marriage.
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"I love Mary very much, I love her family very much," Liz Cheney said on "Fox News Sunday," adding "This is just an issue on which we disagree."
Cheney went on to say that she supports enabling health benefits for same-sex partners and opposes a constitutional amendment legalizing same-sex marriage.
Shortly after Liz's comments, Mary Cheney took to her Facebook page to reprimand her sister, saying: "Liz - this isn't just an issue on which we disagree you're just wrong - and on the wrong side of history."
Mary's partner, Heather Poe, also criticized Liz on Facebook, writing: "Liz has been a guest in our home, has spent time and shared holidays with our children, and when Mary and I got married in 2012 - she didn't hesitate to tell us how happy she was for us," Poe said. "To have her now say she doesn't support our right to marry is offensive to say the least."
In her challenge against GOP Senator Mike Enzi, Liz Cheney has been criticized by some conservatives for taking a soft approach towards same-sex marriage, although she has repeatedly stated that she supports traditional marriage, adding that any gay marriage changes should be put up to a state-by-state popular vote.
Dick Cheney, who served as vice president under George W. Bush, has voiced his support for same-sex marriage, saying in June 2009 that he supports the redefinition of marriage on a state-by-state basis.
