Former NJ Governor Tells Republicans to Stop Fighting Gay Marriage

The former Republican Governor of New Jersey Christine Whitman in speaking to the Log Cabin Republicans has called for a repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, and for the Republican party to remove their opposition to same-sex marriage from the GOP platform.

She argued that "civil marriage should be for everyone, and that gay couples marrying does not threaten her marriage". She went on to say that she respects that "there is a place for Conservative Christians in the party, but said that there should be a place for pro-equality Republicans as well".

Christine Whitman along with other moderate Republicans have created the Republican Leadership Council which seeks to get back to the fundamentals of the Republican party while striving for pro-LGBT, pro-choice, eco-friendly, and racial justice legislation.

2009 Log Cabin Republicans National Convention

Register Now for the 2009 Log Cabin Republicans National Convention & Liberty Education Forum National Symposium.

The Westin Washington, DC City Center
1400 M St., NW
Washington, DC 20005

202-429-1700

4/16/2009 5:00 pm
to 4/19/2009 12:00 pm (Eastern Time)

Log Cabin Republicans
1901 Pennsylvania Ave NW Suite 902 Washington, DC 20006

Rebuild The Party - Feedback Forum for the GOP

The Grand Old Party, hasn't exactly been the Gay Old Party, at least not openly. The Republicans after suffering major defeats at the polls this month are looking for suggestions to move forward. I am sure you have plenty ideas of your own.

Here are some of my ideas (feel free to steal them) in your message to the GOP.

-Stop using gays and lesbians as a political wedge issue.

-Remove language from the party platform that seeks to eliminate rights based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

-Be more inclusive of the Log Cabin Republicans an (LGBT GOP organization).

-Less government means no constitutional amendments, and not policing what people do in their homes/bedrooms.

http://ideas.rebuildtheparty.com/

Log Cabin Republicans are Vital to LGBT Liberation

In an interview on CNN prior to the election, Patrick Sammon of the Log Cabin Republicans makes a strong point that I agree with about working within the system:

"It's important to work from inside the party to make it better, because ultimately gay rights will be impossible to achieve unless there is support from both republicans and democrats"

Granted this blog proudly supported and is enthusiastic about the Obama win but in fairness to the spirit of our LGBT brothers and sisters who are trying to create reform and change for our lives in the republican party I think it is equally important for us to support their efforts to create change within the GOP.

http://online.logcabin.org/

Republicans Against 8 - Reagan & Schwarzenegger both said NO to Anti-Gay Measures

Republicans Against 8: "It's Backwards"

New video from Republicans Against 8 fighting the California "marriage protection" amendment.

McCain Sits Down With Washington Blade

John McCain has taken a historic move by being the first republican presidential candidate to sit down for an interview with a gay publication.

The Blade asked McCain about his personal experiences with gay people, his position on LGBT issues, and his policy towards HIV/AIDS, among other important topics such as hate crimes, and ENDA.

McCain said he appreciated the Log Cabin Republicans endorsing him and that he hopes “gay and lesbian Americans will give full consideration to supporting him.”

(Click here to read the full article in the Washington Blade)

While I think this interview is a big step and historic in nature it also goes to show that McCain's policies are either lackluster or plainly anti-queer.

Republicans Against 8 Video

http://www.republicansagainst8.com

Republicans Against Proposition 8

"Republicans Against 8 is a Campaign Committee of concerned California Republicans who believe in limited government, personal responsibility, the maintenance of Constitutionally-protected rights and freedoms, and in protecting California’s business climate.

Republicans Against 8 was founded by the Log Cabin Republicans, the nation’s largest coalition of gay and lesbian Republicans, and their allies. The Log Cabin Republicans were founded in 1978, when they joined with Gov. Ronald Reagan to fight Proposition 6, the “Briggs Amendment,” which would have banned gay and lesbian Californians from teaching in public schools.

Today, Republicans Against 8 stands with another California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, to fight for fundamental freedoms—the principle that all Californians’ right to marry should be treated fairly and equally under the law."

http://www.republicansagainst8.com/

Log Cabin Republicans Seeking Out Gay Delegates

"Log Cabin is busy making preparations for the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis – St. Paul on Sept. 1-4.

Are you going to the convention as a delegate or alternate delegate? We are keeping a list of openly gay & lesbian delegates and alternate delegates. Please let us know if you are a delegate or alternate so we can make sure not to leave anyone out. jlasalvia@logcabin.org

We are hosting several events, including the Log Cabin Republicans Big Tent Event on Tuesday, September 2. Please let us know if you are planning to be in Minneapolis – St. Paul for the convention, so that we can make sure you receive invitations to Log Cabin's events.* For more information please contact Jimmy LaSalvia jlasalvia@logcabin.org

Sponsorships are still available! You can be a part of the action in the Twin Cities. Sign on as a sponsor of Log Cabin's convention activities.* For more information about sponsorship levels please contact John Sinovic jsinovic@logcabin.org"

H/T to the Miami Herald for the alert.