Hopefuls offer views on abortion, adoption by same-sex couples

NASHVILLE — The three top Republican candidates for governor promise that if elected they will work to remove language from the Tennessee Constitution that protects abortion rights.

The lone major Democrat in the race said he sees “no need” to amend the constitution on the abortion issue.

“While I am personally opposed to abortions, I believe that such decisions should ultimately be resolved by a woman and her doctor,” Democrat Mike McWherter said.

Stances cited by Mr. McWherter and the three top GOP candidates — Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey and U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp — came in response to a survey of candidates by the Tennessee Newspaper Network on social issues and values.

Tennessee’s next governor is expected to face the abortion issue in the form of Senate Joint Resolution 127. The resolution states that “nothing in this constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of an abortion.” It has passed the current 106th General Assembly but must win approval from two-thirds of the next legislature that begins in 2011 before it goes on the 2014 ballot.

Rep. Wamp, whose congressional district includes Chattanooga, said he “strongly” backs the resolution because it allows the state to “customize abortion laws to fit the values of Tennesseans.” He promised to “work to support passage in the legislature and when the amendment is on the 2014 ballot.”

Lt. Gov. Ramsey, the Senate speaker, and Mr. Haslam vowed to support the measure, saying it fits their stances against abortion.

The proposal is designed to overturn a 2000 Tennessee Supreme Court decision that declared the state constitution grants women a stronger right to abortion than does the U.S. Constitution.

Even if passed, SJR 127 would have little immediate impact on a woman’s ability to obtain abortion services but would give the state greater powers should the U.S. Supreme Court alter its 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

Abortion was among several social issues and values topics the Tennessee Newspaper Network submitted to candidates. The network is a content-sharing coalition that includes the Chattanooga Times Free Press and newspapers in Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville.

Mr. McWherter, a Jackson, Tenn., businessman, took issue with the Republican field on whether to allow unmarried couples, including those of the same sex, to continue to adopt children.

Lt. Gov. Ramsey backs a ban, saying, “Adoption is not an arena political correctness should be allowed to invade.”

The lieutenant governor said adoption is not an “abstract policy issue. It is the most critical moment in the life of a child looking for a permanent home.”

Mr. Haslam said the state should work to find a “stable, loving home with two married parents for every child.” But citing personal knowledge through church experience, he said, “There are many single, qualified individuals out there who could also provide the love and support needed to raise a child right.”

Rep. Wamp said he believes a married mother and father provide the “best environment.”

“While I do recognize the efforts of single parents to adopt,” he said, “I do not support allowing same-sex couples to adopt.”

The candidates differed on whether the state should require schools to teach alternatives to evolution such as intelligent design.

Lt. Gov. Ramsey said intelligent design and evolution should be taught in public schools.

“To choose one or the other would ignore the beliefs of large numbers of Tennesseans,” he said. “Our young people are smart enough to come to their own conclusions if both sides are presented fairly.”

Citing his belief that God “crafted human beings in his own image,” Rep. Wamp said, “I also believe in the scientific evolution of other species. However, most decisions on local school curriculum are best left to local school boards, educators and parents to debate and decide.”

In Mr. Haslam’s view, children should “master the tools of modern biology” and be encouraged “to critically examine every theory.”

Mr. McWherter said evolution is “founded in science and should be taught in science classes at school.”

“That does not preclude my belief and faith in God,” he said. “I believe in God, and what I have learned in church has not only helped strengthen my faith, but my children’s faith as well.”