Source: Beliefnet

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/139/story_13980_1.html

On February 11, 2004 Beliefnet published an editorial by Tom Bethell on John Kerry and Catholicism: "Forty-four years ago, the controversy about Kennedy's Catholicism centered on whether his faith would unduly influence U.S. policy. Then, abortion was illegal in all 50 states. Today, when abortion is widespread and vigilantly defended, and, thanks to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, same-sex marriage is growing more likely, Kerry's "Catholic problem" may be how little influence his religion may have. Kerry tends to be a straightforward 'Massachusetts liberal' on social issues. He not only supports abortion, but has repeatedly voted against restrictions on partial birth abortion. He has said that, if elected, he would not nominate a pro-life candidate to the Supreme Court. On gay marriage he has ducked and weaved a bit, voting against the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996, but trimming his public statements since then, perhaps in deference to polls showing that same-sex marriage is unpopular."