Cheney refuses to
discuss lesbian daughter on CNN

During a sit-down interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer on Wednesday, Vice President Dick Cheney said questions about his lesbian daughter and her recently announced pregnancy were "out of line." Mary Cheney, 37, and her partner of 15 years, Heather Poe, 45, are expecting a baby in late spring.

Antigay Christian leaders have voiced dismay at news of Mary Cheney's pregnancy, while the gay rights group Family Pride has said the vice president faces ''a lifetime of sleepless nights'' for serving in an administration that has opposed legal recognition for same-sex couples.

During Wednesday's interview Blitzer said, "All of us are happy" that Mary is having a baby, adding that "some critics, though, are suggesting, for example--a statement from someone representing Focus on the Family: 'Mary Cheney's pregnancy raises the question of what's best for children. Just because it's possible to conceive a child outside of the relationship of a married mother and father doesn't mean it's best for the child.' Do you want to respond to that?"

"No, I don't," Dick Cheney responded.

"She's obviously a good daughter," Blitzer continued.

"I'm delighted I'm about to have a sixth grandchild, Wolf, and obviously think the world of both of my daughters and all of my grandchildren," Cheney said. "And I think, frankly, you're out of line with that question."

"I think all of us appreciate..." Blitzer pressed.

"I think you're out of--I think you're out of line with that question," Cheney said.

"Your daughter. We like your daughters. Believe me, I'm very, very sympathetic to Liz and to Mary," Blitzer continued. "I like them both. That was just a question that's come up, and it's a responsible, fair question."

"I just fundamentally disagree with your perspective," Cheney responded. (The Advocate)