TEXAS: GOP Tentatively Removes "Worst" Of Anti-Gay Language From Platform

Via the Dallas Voice:

Metroplex Republicans President Rob Schlein reported from the Republican state convention in Fort Worth that wording his organization wanted removed from the platform is gone. “Good news!” Schlein wrote. “Platform subcommittee votes unanimously to remove the hateful antigay language in the platform.” The removed language read: "Homosexuality ― We affirm that the practice of homosexuality tears at the fabric of society and contributes to the breakdown of the family unit. Homosexual behavior is contrary to the fundamental, unchanging truths that have been ordained by God, recognized by our country’s founders, and shared by the majority of Texans."

The change must be approved by the full convention. Right Wing Watch notes that this bit remains in the platform:

Homosexuality must not be presented as an acceptable “alternative” lifestyle, in public policy, nor should “family” be redefined to include homosexual “couples.” We believe there should be no granting of special legal entitlements or creation of special status for homosexual behavior, regardless of state of origin. Additionally, we oppose any criminal or civil penalties against those who oppose homosexuality out of faith, conviction or belief in traditional values.

RELATED: In October 2011 the Log Cabin Republicans dissolved their Dallas chapter after its president, the above-quoted Rob Schlein, appeared on Michelangelo Signorile's radio show where he declared that businesses should have the right to fire people for being black.

"Texas is a right-to-work state. So as an employer, which I am, I can fire anybody at will," Schlein claimed. "You cannot fire somebody for being African-American," Signorile objected. "Well, I wouldn’t tell them," Schlein said. "You wouldn’t tell them, but you’d do it anyway?" Signorile asked. "I’d find a reason if I wanted to fire them," Schlein said, defending discrimination against black people while trying to prove an antidiscrimination law would make no difference to LGBT people.

Schlein went on to write a editorial backing Rick Perry for president. In April 2012, Schlein and the former members of the LCR Dallas chapter elected to formally affiliate with GOProud, which welcomed them without comment about the racism scandal.

“We are pleased to be able to announce our intention to affiliate with GOProud,” said Rob Schlein, President of Metroplex Republicans. “We have been admirers of the great work GOProud has done since their founding in 2009. In just three short years, GOProud has established itself as the leading voice nationally for gay conservatives. They have built bridges in the conservative movement, thought outside the box, and fundamentally transformed how the world thinks about gay conservatives. We are thrilled at the opportunity to join the GOProud family.”