Subscribe to Breaking News
Loading ...LGBT group critical of gay Republican endorsement of McCain
09.03.2008 9:06am EDT
(Minneapolis, Minnesota) The nation’s largest LGBT civil rights organization is taking Log Cabin Republicans to task for endorsing John McCain and Sarah Palin.
“John McCain claims to be a maverick who breaks with his party, but on matters of LGBT equality, he’s shown that he’s anything but,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.“He actively campaigned for a constitutional amendment that would have banned marriage and domestic partnerships for same-sex couples in his home state of Arizona. He went so far as to appear in television commercials for that campaign, is now supporting an amendment to strip marriage equality from California couples and has said that he would vote for a federal marriage amendment if laws already banning marriage equality were to be struck down by federal courts,” he said.
HRC is equally concerned about the Log Cabin endorsement of Vice Presidential candidate Palin:
“Sarah Palin has also supported bans on marriage and even domestic partner benefits in Alaska. The Republican Party, McCain and Palin’s party, has declared in its platform that they want to pass the federal marriage amendment. Their party’s platform also calls gay and lesbian Americans unfit for military service, supports policies that would allow faith-based organizations to deny us jobs and services using federal dollars, and attacks judges who acknowledge our equality under the law. The Human Rights Campaign endorses mavericks on both sides of the aisle— neither John McCain nor Sarah Palin is among them,” said Solmonese.
Log Cabin’s endorsement of the McCain/Palin ticket was not unexpected. The gay GOP group made its announcement Tuesday following a 12-2 vote of its national board of directors.
“On the most important issue that LGBT Americans faced in the last decade—the federal marriage amendment—Sen. John McCain stood with us. Now we stand with him,” said Log Cabin Republicans President Patrick Sammon.
“Sen. McCain showed courage by bucking his own party’s leadership and the president – twice voting against the amendment. He gave an impassioned speech on the Senate floor, calling the amendment ‘antithetical in every way to the core philosophy of Republicans.’ He paid a political price for his vote,” said Sammon.
Log Cabin noted, however, that it does have some disagreements with McCain on LGBT issues.
“We have honest disagreements with Sen. McCain on a number of gay rights issues. Log Cabin will continue our conversation with him and other Republican leaders about issues affecting gay and lesbian Americans. We will speak out when there’s disagreement—either during the upcoming campaign or when John McCain is President,” said Sammon.
Log Cabin Republicans endorsed then-Governor George W. Bush in 2000, but declined to endorse President Bush in 2004—largely over the president’s push for a federal anti-gay marriage constitutional amendment and his decision to use gay people as a wedge issue in winning re-election.
The true horror here is that we can degenerate so completely and speak to one another with such vile language. I do not support the Log Cabin Republican’s decision, but I support them having the right to make that decision. Regardless of our political persuations, we should be focused on furthering our goals via constructive and group-advancing conversations. Learn from those that do not agree with us, and find effective ways to counter their arguments. Both candidates will work to improve America. Obama’s plan currently sounds better to me based on his focus on the middle class tax cuts rather than corporate tax cuts. The DNC convention included high profile inclusive comments toward Gays and Lesbians. So far, I have not heard the same during the RNC. Let’s stick with facts and avoid debasing ourselves.
The LCR may not have the chance to “change the party from within”. We all need to be focused on the Supreme Court. The next administration may have the opportunity to shape the way the Court views individual rights for decades. While the LCRs are working for change, the Republicans will be appointing Scalia-like justices.
OMG – has everyone gone nuts? Of course we all have the right to say whatever we want, but seriously, the Gay GOP is delusional. Apologies if I offend, but what on earth are you thinking?
Please tell, explain, dissect your thought processes for us – how do you support McPain who clearly has told us that he does not support us? How much MORE clear does he have to be? How many times must he say publicly that he against Gay rights? How many more times must he say that he will appoint more ‘Alito’s and Thomas’ to the Supreme Court – effectively sending GLBT folk back to 1940!
How much more “evidence” does one logically need?
McPain and Co. have told us directly, in black and white, in stark, clear language…what would then lead the LogCabiners to think that he doesn’t speak for himself? Or that he will change?
Oh – and yes, Gov. Palin supports teaching creationism in public schools – if THAT does not speak volumes to you, then I give up…
Right on Greg. It is not logical, except to explain it as mental illness. Don’t get it.
One word – collaborators.
Jalene, your the one who should be ashamed of yourself! you say that we are acting like a bunch of 9th graders when all we are doing is trying to get our fair rights. you say you see very little love in the LGBT but the whole reason we are fighting for our rights is so we can do things like getting married. now if I’m correct marriage is probably the best way you could express your love to someone. how else do you expect us to get our rights? sitting around and doing nothing wont do anything, we have already proven that.
Oh please, spare me the “politically correct” crap. By coddling these self-loathing homosexuals we are only enabling them. They support a party that ACTIVELY UNDERMINES our rites. I don’t owe them a damn thing and I won’t hold back my thoughts as I have done for far too long and let another moron further send this country to hell in a handbasket because it might offend their self-seving sensibilities. I call it as I see it. As far as I’m concerned, the “Log Cabin Republicans” are no better than “Focus on the Family” or any other similiar group. How they can manage to rationalize what could hardly be a more clear contrast between two parties is staggering in its level of arrogance and self-delusion. When the history of the advacement of GLBT rites is written – it will be the DEMOCRATIC party that will be credited with advancing those rites – NOT the Republican Party. It’s high time that GLBT people start calling it as IT IS and if some sensibilities are offended – at this point in the game – that’s too damn bad. SOMEBODY has to stand up and say NO MORE! SOMEBODY has to say its time to call these other GLBT people to task for supporting a party that ACTIVELY undermines our rites. As a result – they are hurting ALL OF OUR rites and I WILL NOT stand idly by and allow that to happen. If someone is offended or disagrees – that’s their perogative. But I will be here saying what at long last NEEDS TO BE SAID! Love it, hate it – whatever, that’s the way it’s going to be.
Confused……
You say in one sentence that McCain voted for the ban on gay marriages, and then you say a few paragraphs that he voted against it twice. Which one was it, and if both are true, what order did they occur?
If one is a untrue, is it your writings or the Log Cabin’s words? I’m personally against McCain, I would just like to have the facts stright.
Thank You,
-William
I didn’t even have to read this article to know what it’s about. More of all you whining babies that want your self interests fulfilled. Blame McCain, blame Obama, nothing new there . Why don’t you quit with the tabloid mentality and start thinking of real concerns. And it isn’t just problems at home, it’s universal. It’s not too late to do some good this time. All these sideshows is just what they want you to concentrate on. Surely we’re not that stupid. Or do you really care so much for cheap theatrics. You decide. Peace friends.
((((MY OPINION))))
The Log Cabin Republicans are NUTZ to support such a political party that really isn’t for LGBT. I agree and disagree with a few comments in here. Yes the Log Cabin Republicans have their rights to chose whom they want to swing to. My mouth though will speak that they are just trying to protect teh CASH ! Marriage has now been so over rated. Yes i would like the right. But my main concern as a US CITIZEN is that my partner and I have the same rights a married couple has. The bible may state that marriage is between a man and a women. But unless revised the bible doesn’t state that by getting married you will be giving certain rights and power. I say power cause people use the bible as a power againts us LGBT. SOme of us don’t care about the marriage just the rights. I prefer both but willing to settle with all spousal rights besides the ” I DO” in church. There are always commitment cerewmonies that doesn;t really need a church. Now the Log Cabin Republicans support McCain in whom he supports an ammendment to not only to strip same sex marriage but also civil unions. Now that’s what i don’y/ OBAMA said it that night in his speech ” we all have different views on same sex marriage but it doesn;t mean that our GAY brrothers and sister cant have civil rights” (not a direct quote, but close enough)lol…. I stand for my rights and if MC Cain is trying to take that away the Log Cabin Republicans needs to rethink again cause this affects the LGBT Community. Money may buy you a lot of things but our rights is greater that any cash value because it allows us freely to be able to love our partners without a discrimination. This is supposly the FREE COUNTRY but not really…
P.S> (lol) I live in AZ and i am gonna agree with a comment posted here. He supported the AZ State ammendment….
LETS GO FOR A CHANGE YOU GUYS>>>
AND THEN I WANT WORLD PEACE!!!!! (LOL)
I went back and read all the comments. You all, me included, sure solved everything, didn’t we? and now for my real comment” Log Cabin Republicans’ is maple syrup, ain’t it?” hee hee
Completely ignoring the idiotic comments from certain contributors, I don’t find the article surprising.
I find it depressing that so many gay rights organizations are just naive shills for the democratic party. Particularly because the democratic party, at least on the national level, has seldom done anything positive for our community. The democrats make vague promises, but when they don’t deliver, our community thinks it’s the GOPs fault.
When will the gay community wake up to the fact that its largely fanatical support of the democratic party is impeding our progress? Unless we start demanding they do actually do something instead of naively blaming the republicans for all of our problems, we will never be equal citizens.
Black Pot vs Black Kettle….
The HRC has been in the hip-pocket of the Democratic Party for decades while the DNC treats the G/L community as an ATM. The HRC doesn’t even pretend to be nonpartisan or ven bipartisan any more.
I’m supposed to be surprised that the HRC and the LCR disagree on McCain vs Obama bin Biden?
Sorry Jalene, but imo, it is YOU that should be ashamed of yourself as YOU sound exactly like those you preach against. You do not even sound gay/lesbian, what with all your references to us as “you”. I see plenty in the LGBT community that is encouraging – commitment, love, loyalty, truth, honesty (except for the LCRs) – as this community is really no different than the vast majority of ordinary Americans. Certainly we want no more, less or other than what is promised to ALL Amerians – equal treatment before the law.
Your comparison of us to “right wing religious goons and the left wing haters of America” is so off the mark. WE do not wish to deny or take away anyone’s rights or privileges as citizens. THEY do! Yet you do not speak of the ‘right wing haters’. Odd, that.
Please take the time to actually READ the article above these remarks. There you will find references such as:
“[McCain] actively campaigned for a constitutional amendment that would have banned marriage and domestic partnerships for same-sex couples in his home state of Arizona”.
And,
“[McCain] is now supporting an amendment to strip marriage equality from California couples”.
And,
“[McCain] would vote for a federal marriage amendment if laws already banning marriage equality were to be struck down by federal courts”.
Clearly McCain is no friend to the GLBT community (of which I am hard-pressed to believe you are a member).
Likewise Mrs Palin…
“Sarah Palin has also supported bans on marriage and even domestic partner benefits in Alaska.”
And,
“The Republican Party, McCain and Palin’s party, has declared in its platform that they want to pass the federal marriage amendment.”
And,
“The party’s platform also calls gay and lesbian Americans unfit for military service, supports policies that would allow faith-based organizations to deny us jobs and services using federal dollars, and attacks judges who acknowledge our equality under the law.”
Did you miss, skip over or just ignore those parts?
These are truly hateful (not to mention untruthful- “unfit for military service”???) remarks, intended solely to make GLBT Americans permanently 2nd class citizens.
You said: “The discusting [sic] acts at the republican convention and the hate promoted against Mrs. Palin has pushed me to support the Log Cabin Republicans.”
Care to elaborate just exactly what disgusting acts were perpetrated at the Republican Convention? What “hate” is being promoted aginst Mrs Palin? Her policies DO include teaching creationism, DO include abstinence only education (didn’t seem to work for either her or her 2nd oldest child). This isn’t “hate”; it’s the truth.
You also said, “The hate being promoted on 365 by the LGBT community has done nothing but give me the belief that the LGBT community desrves nothing.”
This last is specifically what makes me think you are not part of this community. And nothing is what we’ll get (less than nothing, if they succeed in taking away our hard-fought, hard-won rights – whatever happened to the rights to the pursuit of liberty and happiness, anyway?) from closeted Republicans who continue to vote against their own best interests, not to mention continue to delude themselves that the GOP are their ‘friends’. (With ‘friends’ like those, who needs enemas, eh?)
“Stop and look at yourselves, you sound exactly like those you speak of.”
No, Jalene, YOU stop and look at yourself and what you typed – vile, exclusionary cant. I see very little love and respect in you.
“Every one of you are [sic] running with the crap being promoted by the very left wing trash in America.”
Equality is not “crap” and it should by no means be limited to only the ‘very right wing trash’ that promulgate lies and hatred about their gay and lesbian children/parents/siblings/co-workers, friends, etc.
“You are not doing any faviors [sic] for the LGBT community but only hurting every evert [sic] to gain equal rights.”
And YOUR rant helps us gain equal rights HOW?
“support of the democratic party is impeding our progress”???
Thanx 4 the laff. Like supporting God’s Own Party doesn’t impede our equality. Time for a reality check, Kari.