COLORADO: State GOP Invites Log Cabin To Share Booth At Right Wing Convention

Via the Denver Post:

The Colorado Republican Party has invited a gay GOP group that wasn't allowed to set up a table at the Western Conservative Summit in Denver to share its booth. Party Chairman Steve House, who took over in March, made the announcement Thursday afternoon, one day after a firestorm over the snub by summit organizers to the Log Cabin Republicans. "We're fine with the Colorado Republicans sharing some table space at the summit with all their affiliated groups. We're not fine with the shaming and bullying pressure tactics of Log Cabin Republicans' national office," said summit chairman John Andrews. The summit, which has become a must-attend for some of nation's best-known conservatives, will be at the Colorado Convention Center June 26 to 28. Speakers including several presidential hopefuls. It is put on by Colorado Christian University and its think tank, the Centennial Institute.

I'll update this post when Log Cabin issues a reaction. (Tipped by JMG reader TJ)

Right Wing Convention Bans Log Cabin

Via the Associated Press:

Organizers of a conservative conference in Denver this summer have told a gay Republican group it cannot have a booth at the event. The Western Conservative Summit is scheduled for June in Denver, where thousands of conservative activists will gather to hear Republican presidential hopefuls like Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and former Pennsylvania Sen Rick Santorum speak. The event is organized by The Centennial Institute, a think tank affiliated with Colorado Christian University.

On Wednesday, the president of the Centennial Institute, John Andrews, said his group had returned a $250 registration fee that the Log Cabin Republicans had sent in to secure a booth at the three-day summit. Because the group advocates for gay marriage, it cannot have an official presence at an event that promotes traditional family structure, he said. "We'd love to have them attend the summit and be in the discussion. But we have to draw the line at a formal relationship between two organizations with diametrically opposed policy beliefs," Andrews said.

Log Cabin says they are "stunned" to be rejected. More from the Denver Post:

The summit is sponsored by Colorado Christian University in Lakewood and its think tank, the Centennial Institute. Summit chairman and institute director John Andrews said Wednesday that the Log Cabin Republicans "advocate contrary to our agenda and our core beliefs." "The Log Cabin Republicans exists to redefine the family," he said. "Log Cabin Republicans think gay marriage should be the law of the land, and Colorado Christian University doesn't believe it should be." Log Cabin Republican members have been told they can still purchase tickets and attend the summit, scheduled for June 26- 28 at the Colorado Convention Center. "It is a pretty common issue we face. They'll take our money but want us in the closet," said Denver resident Michael Carr, a former state Senate candidate and secretary of the state chapter of Log Cabin Republicans.

The Human Rights Campaign is calling on Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker to pull out of the convention unless Log Cabin is allowed to have a booth.

Log Cabin Republicans Question Hillary Clinton's Support For The LGBT Community

Moments after Hillary Clinton issued yesterday's announcement video, the Log Cabin Republicans fired out the below list of questions.

“With her candidacy formally declared, Mrs. Clinton now has the duty of providing answers to numerous questions that should give LGBT voters and allies pause, regardless of party affiliation,” Log Cabin Republicans National Executive Director Gregory T. Angelo stated. There are questions Mrs. Clinton needs to answer: Does Mrs. Clinton still hold the belief that “marriage had always been a matter left to the states,” as she stated to Terry Gross on NPR, less than a year ago?  If Mrs. Clinton’s position has changed, when did it change? And what is the reason for that flip-flop?  Did Mrs. Clinton support the Federal Defense of Marriage Act, signed into law by her husband President Bill Clinton while she was First Lady? 

Did Mrs. Clinton support the military’s discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, signed by her husband while she was First Lady? Does Mrs. Clinton support open service for all LGBT Americans seeking to defend our freedoms?  Given the surge of broad discriminatory so-called “religious freedom” bills emerging across the country, did Mrs. Clinton support the original Religious Freedom Restoration Act signed into law by her husband while she was First Lady upon which this new crop of RFRA legislation is based? Although she was a leader on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act while she was a United States Senator, does Mrs. Clinton support more comprehensive civil rights legislation for LGBT Americans?

Does Mrs. Clinton support full repeal of the Death Tax, the discriminatory tax that prompted the Supreme Court’s historic 2013 Windsor ruling overturning Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act that was signed into law by her husband? Will Mrs. Clinton be as willing to engage with foreign nations guilty of gross human rights abuses against the gay community as she has been with her foundation? "Now that her candidacy is official, we hope Mrs. Clinton answers these questions expeditiously,” Angelo concluded. “The gay left may be willing to make assumptions about Mrs. Clinton’s support for the LGBT community, but Log Cabin Republicans will not.”

Remember that Log Cabin endorsed Mitt Romney, who signed NOM's anti-gay marriage pledge and who opposed the repeal of DADT.

California GOP Recognizes Log Cabin

From the Los Angeles Times:

In a historic move, the California Republican Party on Sunday officially recognized a gay GOP group. The Log Cabin Republicans, a 38-year-old organization that had unsuccessfully sought a charter from the state party several times in the past, received the formal imprimatur on a 861-293 vote at the party’s biannual convention in Sacramento. It is among the first gay groups officially sanctioned by a state Republican Party. Brandon Gesicki, a delegate from Carmel who supported the effort, said the vote showed how much the party in California has changed in recent years. “It would have been the complete opposite 15 years ago,” said Gesicki, who also turned in a proxy vote from former Lt. Gov. Abel Maldonado supporting the recognition. “The fringe does not control the party anymore. We truly are a big tent once again.” Charles Moran, chairman of the Log Cabin California chapter, was visibly emotional after Sunday’s vote. “I’m personally overwhelmed,” he said, noting that he got his start in politics as a staffer at the state party in 1999. “This is the culmination of a 15-year journey for me.”

The party platform of the California GOP still says this: "We believe public policy and education should not be exploited to present or teach homosexuality as an acceptable ‘alternative’ lifestyle. We oppose same-sex partner benefits, child custody, and adoption."

Log Cabin Takes A Swing At Jeb Bush

"It's disappointing to see that Jeb Bush has the same opinion of marriage equality as the presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Jeb had a chance to differentiate himself from her, and at the very least say that, in Florida, marriage equality is settled law and there are more pressing issues demanding attention. As it stands, Jeb tacks the same line as Hillary: that marriage is something that should be left to the states." - Log Cabin Republicans head Gregory Angelo, speaking to the Huffington Post about yesterday's statement by Jeb Bush.

As the above-linked article notes, in June 2014 Clinton said that she believes marriage should be a "matter left to the states." That quote came during a contentious interview with NPR host Terry Gross, who sparred with Clinton over her evolution on same-sex marriage. Unlike Bush, however, Clinton has endorsed marriage equality.

FLORIDA: Log Cabins Republicans Of Miami Applaud Reelection Of Rick Scott

"For this particular election cycle, Governor Rick Scott was clearly the better choice for Florida as a whole. What is important to us is ensuring that the LGBT community as well as everyone in general, has the opportunity to find jobs, to grow their businesses (many gay businesses included), for our state to be debt-free, to allow people to flourish and not be burdened with higher taxes and yes to defend our Constitution. Log Cabin Republicans of Miami is confident that marriage equality will not be an issue in the near future. The courts will decide and Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi will ensure that, moving forward, the Constitution will continue to be protected, as they are sworn to do, and marriage equality will be one of those rights they will be defending. We move forward with confidence and perseverance in our fight for marriage equality here in Florida and across the nation." - Log Cabin Republicans of Miami, via press release. (Tipped by JMG reader Bobby)

Log Cabin Endorses FL Gov. Rick Scott

I missed it at the time, but last week the Log Cabin Republicans of Miami endorsed Florida Gov. Rick Scott. The Miami Herald has the press release:

Log Cabin Republicans of Miami are proud to Endorse the Re-Election of Rick Scott for Governor of Florida. Actions speak louder than words. Rick Scott Campaigned in 2010 on creating jobs and lowering our debt, he is a man of his word. Unemployment dropped to 6.2% from 11.1%. Florida went from a deficit of 3.6 Billion dollars to a SURPLUS of 1.2 Billion. He cut taxes 40 times and created 620,700 jobs. He also cut cost of prepaid tuitions by nearly $20,000. This has all been accomplished in less than 4 years! Numbers do not lie. We here at LCR Miami are on board with helping our Governor get re-elected so that he can continue the work he set out to do – Make Florida the best State in the Country to live and work in. LCR Miami stands strong with Governor Rick Scott!

As members of the LGBT community, we understand the importance of marriage equality. However we are not and have never been one issue voters. While Rick Scott has not publicly expressed full support for marriage equality, he has never argued against it. He has, however, improved the State of Florida by leaps and bounds! We must remember that as responsible citizens we cannot simply cast a vote based on one issue. We must choose the best candidate who will represent the state and provide a better quality of life for all. We believe this can best be accomplished by improving our economy, creating jobs and cutting taxes, all of which Governor Rick Scott has a clear and proven record on. Again, LCR Miami stands strong with Rick Scott for Governor!

(Tipped by JMG reader Brad)

Texas GOP Bans LCR From Convention

"It’s simply unconscionable that more than a dozen years since Log Cabin Republicans took the fight for gay equality against the homophobic fringe of the Party, the Texas State GOP still doesn’t get it. We are your friends and neighbors; we are your colleagues and family members; above all else, we are loyal Republicans, and deserve a literal seat at the table at the Texas State GOP Convention. Make no mistake: This isn’t about disagreements we may have on civil marriage; this isn’t about the party platform — this is about an anti-gay wing of the party that hates gay people so much they can’t even stand to see us acknowledged as a necessary part of a winning Republican coalition. At a time when Democrats are working overtime to turn Texas from red to purple and then a vibrant blue, now is not the time for the politics of subtraction and division in the GOP; it is time for addition and multiplication. The Texas State GOP and its leadership ignore that advice at their peril." - Log Cabin Republicans head Gregory Angelo.

I am also surprised that Log Cabin has been banned. They certainly say ALL the right things.

From The Head Of Log Cabin Republicans

Log Cabin Slams Democrats On IL Vote

"The betrayal of the Illinois Democrats’ promise to bring this bill to the floor should not diminish the courage of Republican Representatives Ed Sullivan and Ron Sandack, as well as Senator Jason Barickman, whose bold support for religious liberty and individual liberty exemplified true conservatism; nor does it lessen the bravery exemplified by GOP Chairman Pat Brady and Senator Mark Kirk for encouraging their colleagues to err on the right side of history. When the Illinois legislature next votes on the freedom to marry, we hope the peers of these great patriots follow their lead." - Log Cabin head Gregory Angelo.

NOTE: There are 47 Republicans in the Illinois House and only two pledged to support marriage.

Log Cabin Praises Sen. Rob Portman

"If there was any doubt that the conservative logjam on the issue of civil marriage for committed gay and lesbian couples has broken, Senator Portman's support for the freedom to marry has erased it. Senator Portman's evolution on this issue highlights how personal it is for Americans — whether they're the Junior Senator from Ohio or your next-door neighbor, all Americans have a gay friend, colleague or family member, and understand them to be as deserving as their straight counterparts of the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness that are the promise of the United States." - Log Cabin Republicans head Gregory Angelo, via press release.

Quote Of The Day - Chuck Hagel

"I fully support the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 and value the service of all those who fight for our country. I know firsthand the profound sacrifice our service members and their families make, and if confirmed as Secretary of Defense, I will do everything possible to the extent permissible under current law to provide equal benefits to the families of all our service members." - Chuck Hagel, in a letter to Sen. Barbara Boxer.

Huffington Post has a reaction from Log Cabin Republicans head Gregory Angelo.

"For years the Pentagon has been dragging its feet with regard to extending benefits to the families of gay service members. To ensure that action is taken on this front, we need to be sure that there is a champion for our cause at the helm of the defense department. There is nothing in Hagel's record to suggest he will be that champion. "While Senator Hagel's recent professed support for gay military families is encouraging, it stands at odds with his record of opposition to the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell and his broader record of opposition to equality for gay and lesbian Americans. We look forward to the confirmation hearings when the Senator will be able to explain his apparent epiphany in greater detail. We continue to remain cautious about his nomination until that time."

Log Cabin Slams Hagel On MSNBC

Just as the president was holding the press conference to nominate Chuck Hagel, Log Cabin interim head Gregory Angelo was on MSNBC to denounce Hagel's selection.

AFA Opposes Hagel Too

Log Cabin Republicans say they oppose Hagel because he's anti-gay. The American Family Association says they oppose Hagel because he's pro-gay.

HomoQuotable - Kevin Naff

"Log Cabin members are not self-loathing closet cases more concerned with their bank accounts than their basic civil rights. They are smart, thoughtful people working thanklessly for change within a party whose leadership disdains them. Withholding a Romney endorsement isn’t an easy decision and would certainly cost Log Cabin access to Romney. But let’s face it: Romney can’t win this thing. Sure, national polls are close, but in the handful of swing states that really matter, Romney would have to run the board of states all won by Obama in 2008 to prevail. Given his endless gaffes, sloppy and disorganized campaign, tone-deaf messaging and inability to connect with average voters, Romney is a deeply flawed and doomed candidate. Log Cabin should withhold its endorsement and continue working to change Republican hearts and minds with an eye on eliminating the anti-LGBT rhetoric in 2016." - Kevin Naff, editor of the Washington Blade.

Barney Frank Slams Log Cabin

"Frankly I’ve been appalled to see the Log Cabin club, in the face of this worse and worse record on public policy by Republicans on our issues. Mr. Cooper said, ‘Well at least they’re not saying bad things about us.' That’s just extraordinary. Again, 30 years ago when we were emerging from the vice of prejudice, I understood that. But no, we shouldn’t be accepting a kind of second class citizenship, [and saying], ‘You can treat us badly as long you don’t yell at us.’

"They’re accepted on [the GOP's] terms. They’re willing to be accepted with no rights -- no right to marry, no right to serve in the military, no right to be protected against hate crimes, no right to be protected in employment. I’ll be honest: For 20 years now I’ve heard how the Log Cabins are going to make Republicans better, but they’ve only gotten worse. I now understand why they call themselves Log Cabin: their role model is Uncle Tom." -Rep. Barney Frank, speaking today on Michelangelo Signorile's show at the DNC.

Log Cabin Republicans: The GOP Platform Was Made Worse By Our Presence

Earlier this month the Log Cabin Republicans boasted about being allowed to sit in on the drafting of the Republican party platform. But according to a Log Cabin member interviewed by National Public Radio, their presence at the drafting meeting made the document even more anti-gay.

"When you back someone into a corner, they fight back twice as hard," said Casey Pick of the Log Cabin Republicans, a national organization representing the interests of gays and lesbians. "The platform is ugly and harmful," she said during a Wednesday gathering of same-sex marriage supporters at a law firm just across the Hillsborough River from the site of this week's Republican convention in Tampa, Fla. [snip] "We've been invited to engage," said Log Cabin Deputy Director Donald Bramer, a Navy reservist and former official in the Commerce and Health and Human Services departments during the administration of President George H.W. Bush. "We've achieved a certain level of respect." Pick, the Log Cabin's program director and an evangelical Christian, however, characterized the tone of the party's discussions about same-sex marriage in meetings of the Constitution subcommittee as largely "hostile." "We lost," she said. "And you could say the social conservatives in our party dropped the hammer harder because we were there."

Bolding is mine.

Log Cabin Republicans Publish Full-Page Marriage Ad In Tampa Newspaper

Good for them! Now let's see if they endorse the man who has pledged to inflict an anti-gay marriage amendment upon the U.S. Constitution.

Stefon Reviews The GOP Convention

Source: Everywhere on Facebook.

Homocons Vs Homocons