Arnie gives views on drugs, abortion, gays

Terminator star Arnold Schwarzenegger has spelled out his views on issues ranging from abortion to taxes in a radio broadcast during his campaign for the governorship of California.

Bowing to weeks of criticism that the action star’s campaign has been all style and no substance, Schwarzenegger’s comments were his most detailed so far in his bid to replace Gov Gray Davis in the October 7 recall election.

The Republican said he backed legalising marijuana for medicinal purposes, abortion rights, an assault-weapons ban and background checks on gun purchases. He said he was against offshore drilling, gay marriage and granting driving licences to illegal immigrants.

Efforts to recall California’s governor have been fuelled by voter anger over the state’s energy crisis and a $38bn (€35bn) state budget deficit. The two-part ballot will ask voters whether Davis should be removed, and then ask them to chose from among 135 candidates to replace him if he is.

Asked whether he thought Schwarzenegger would make a good governor, Davis said the Austrian-born actor met the minimal age and state resident qualifications.

“Sometimes people want a little more,” Davis said while visiting the Pacific Stock Exchange in San Francisco. “Like a little experience.”

Schwarzenegger gave his opinions during a call to a radio show, which was also broadcast live on the Fox Television channel.

Schwarzenegger described himself as “pro-choice” but said he did not support late-stage procedures described as “partial-birth” abortions.

Asked whether he was in favour of parental notification when minors sought abortions, he replied: “I am. But in some cases when there is abuse in the family or problems in the family, then the courts should decide.”

Asked about gay marriage, Schwarzenegger said he supported “domestic partnerships” but was against gay marriage. He said marriage should be between a man and a woman.

Although his positions on such issues have nothing to do with ending California’s financial crisis, which Schwarzenegger has said would be his main concern as governor, they are important because they could help him gain support from the conservative wing of the Republican Party.