(Tampa, FL) - While Log Cabin Republicans commend the delegates
who proposed inclusion of pro-equality language in the 2012 Republican
Party platform, the final document is marred by outdated social
conservative ideology.
"Tony Perkins may be boasting today about having written an
antigay marriage plank into the Republican Party platform, but it will
be a hollow and short-lived victory," said Log Cabin Republicans
Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper. "The obsessive exclusion of gay
couples, including military families, from the rights and
responsibilities of marriage, combined with bizarre rhetoric about
'hate campaigns' and 'the homosexual rights agenda' are clear signs of
desperation among social conservatives who know that public opinion is
rapidly turning in favor of equality.
Unfortunately, what voters can't see in this document is the
significant debate within the Committee. We were pleased to see
vigorous debate on amendments in support of civil unions and to delete
language regarding DOMA. While these measures failed, the future
direction of our party clearly trends toward inclusion. This may well
be the last time a platform will cater to the likes of the Family
Research Council on marriage, and the fact is, platforms rarely
influence policy. Tony will never see his discrimination written into
the United States Constitution."
Cooper continued, "Together with Young Conservatives for the
Freedom to Marry, Log Cabin Republicans are proud to have encouraged
this important debate at the Republican National Convention. Only by
being in the room and speaking conservative to conservative will we
succeed in building a stronger and more inclusive Republican
party.
Despite abysmal marriage rhetoric, in certain places the 2012
Republican platform is an improvement compared to the 2008 document for
LGBT Americans. Log Cabin Republicans advocated for the exclusion of
any language calling for the return of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' - there
is no longer any reference to the supposed 'incompatibility of
homosexuality with military service.' We are pleased that the 2012
platform's language on refugees no longer presents a barrier for asylum
of LGBT people who are persecuted and threatened with execution in
places like Iran. Finally, we appreciate the inclusion of language
recognizing that all Americans have the right to be treated with
dignity and respect. While there is clearly a long way to go and the
language regarding marriage will be harmful to Republicans in November,
these changes should not be overlooked."
Log Cabin Republicans participation at the 2012 Republican
National Convention will continue, with the organization hosting four
events between August 26-30. Details about these events are available
at
www.logcabin.org/RNC.