A federal judge on Wednesday ruled the Texas law “demeans the dignity” of same-sex couples “for no legitimate reason.” In an extensive 48-page decision, U.S. district judge Orlando Garcia stayed his ruling pending an appeal by state officials, meaning marriage practices in the state were not likely to change immediately.
Still, Patrick (or someone working for him) took to Twitter with a response that included the words, in all caps, MARRIAGE = ONE MAN & ONE MAN. His inadvertent endorsement of gay marriage was short-lived, soon replaced by one that more accurately reflects Patrick’s views -- ONE MAN & ONE WOMAN.
If any of his 11,300 Twitter followers were confused, he tweeted out this affirmation of his opposition.
The tweet quickly became a Twitter sensation, drawing derisive comments about whether the Patrick, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor who has been well known for his opposition to gay marriage, had changed his position.
And, with the all the attention to the Internet’s biggest typo of the day, he saw an opportunity for fundraising.
But the doubling down was not complete. Another tweet assigned blame to a media intern who Patrick now sought to replace.
The Internet is unforgiving. But the tweet that started it all will eventually be forgotten. Prospective voters were reminded by his #twittertypo post the senator neither forgets nor forgives.