Homocons Join GOP Prop 8 Brief

Yesterday we learned that about 75 GOP figures had signed onto a joint Supreme Court brief supporting the overturn of Prop 8.  Today we get the full list of names and note that a number of  well-known homocons have signed on. Most notable, of course, is that the brief itself bears the name of former RNC chairman Ken Mehlman, the homocon mastermind of 21 successful anti-gay state ballot initiatives during the Bush II administration. 

Other homocon brief signees include former Log Cabin head R. Clark Cooper, former UN ambassadors spokesman Richard Grenell (who spent two hot minutes with the Romney campaign before getting canned), former Log Cabin head Patrick Guerriero, former Rep. Michael Huffington,  former Rep. Jim Kolbe, and former MA state Rep. Richard Tisei, who ran unsuccessfully for the US House last year.

RELATED: Last month a separate trio of homocons, David Benkof, Doug Mainwaring, and Robert Oscar Lopez, filed a Supreme Court brief against the repeal of Proposition 8.

New Log Cabin Head Gregory Angelo Backed Newt Gingrich For President

Today the Log Cabin Republicans announced that executive director R. Clarke Cooper will be stepping down next week, apparently as planned. Taking Cooper's place as interim head will be Gregory T. Angelo, who announced his support for Newt Gingrich's presidential bid just weeks after Gingrich signed NOM's hate pledge to destroy LGBT rights on the federal level.

From the LCR's press release:

"I am both humbled and thrilled to have the support of the Log Cabin Republicans National Board of Directors and to follow in the footsteps of the inimitable Clarke Cooper," Mr. Angelo stated. "There has never been a more exciting and historic time to be a gay Republican-with the wind at our backs following four referendum victories for the freedom to marry last November and the United States Supreme Court soon to rule on marriage equality, 2013 could mark a turning point in the fight for equal rights for all. It has never been more critical to advocate for equality to Republicans, as Republicans. As the Interim Executive Director of this esteemed organization, I will do everything I can to work for Republican victories that return the party to its roots of freedom, fairness, and liberty for all." Mr. Angelo is the current Chairman of Log Cabin Republicans of New York State, a position he has held since 2009. As New York State Chairman, Mr. Angelo led Log Cabin Republicans as part of New Yorkers United for Marriage, a coalition that collaborated to make marriage equality legal through legislative vote for the first time in a Republican-controlled legislature.

Judging by this 2011 interview, Angelo appears to be the typical homocon who proclaims his Christianity and denounces gay pride parades.  Because, you know, he's butch. Or something.

Most of the other gay Republicans Greg knows, he says, are not fans of the pride parade. They’re not wearing their sexuality on their sleeve, he says. Many are partnered. A lot are business owners. “The bottom line is many just want to live their lives in quiet dignity. Their rights are important to them and achieving equal rights is important to them but the way to do it isn’t really to go out and bang a drum and make a lot of noise. It’s more so to make a difference within the party and to sit down with fellow Republicans and sit down with their partners, sit down with the foster children they’re taking care of, sit down and explain that they’re a business owner who is also not happy with the MTA payroll tax in New York and make the case that we are normal,” he says. Greg has met with people who think all gay men are hairdressers or fashion designers.

(Top image via JMG reader Tee Jay)

Log Cabin Cheers Newt Gingrich

"Log Cabin Republicans welcome former Speaker Newt Gingrich's remarks calling for a Republican reality check on marriage. Gingrich speaks for many Republicans who are concerned about our party's future, and who are ready to accept the freedom to marry matters to many Americans, gay and straight. As Gingrich noted, LGBT people are part of every family and every community, and the time has come for greater inclusion. It is particularly important and welcome to hear that Gingrich now understands the difference between church ceremonies and a civil marriage license, and that equality is no threat to religious freedom." - R. Clark Cooper, responding to today's statement by Newt Gingrich. (Via press release)

Log Cabin Head Vs Chris Matthews

Last night MSNBC host Chris Matthews called out Log Cabin head R. Clarke Cooper for supporting a party that opposes LGBT rights. Cooper wasn't having it and points out that his group fought to have anti-gay language removed from the 2012 platform during the Republican Convention. That attempt actually made the platform worse, according to one Log Cabin member.

The Log Cabin Story That Won't Die

Over at the Washington Blade, Chris Johnson reports that Mitt Romney met with Log Cabin head R. Clark Cooper last week in a Virginia farmhouse.

R. Clarke Cooper, Log Cabin’s executive director, said workplace non-discrimination protections were the focus of the meeting, which took place Oct. 17 at Greenwood Farm in Leesburg, Va., which was a precursor the organization’s endorsement of the candidate announced on Tuesday.  The Log Cabin chief was non-commital when asked if he gathered from the meeting that Romney would sign a version of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act if it reached his desk. “I can say with confidence that the Romney administration would work on desirable outcomes for workplace non-discrimination,” Cooper said. “I’m going to leave it broad like that because I think there’s room for administrative action as well as legislative. I also think it’s probably fair to say that legislation in a form of an ENDA or an ENDA-like legislation is certainly realistic.”

In the photo above, the man on the right is former GOP House Rep. Jim Kolbe, who was outed by activists in 1996 after he voted in favor of DOMA. According to the above-linked story, Kolbe complained to Romney about the potential deportation of his foreign-born partner. Romney reportedly nodded but offered no response.

Did Romney Secretly Promise To Support ENDA In Return For The Endorsement From Log Cabin Republicans?

Tonight the LGBT corner of the web is heating up due to a post from Nation blogger Ben Adler, who finds the Log Cabin Republican's endorsement of Mitt Romney to have a curious sticking point, particularly this passage:

We are confident that there will be no retreat from the significant gains we’ve made in recent years, most importantly on repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” With regard to the LGBT issue most likely to reach the president’s desk and most vital to many in our community today—workplace nondiscrimination—we are persuaded that we can work with a Romney administration to achieve a desirable outcome.

Adler called Log Cabin head R. Clarke Cooper to press him on what that means.

Cooper asserted repeatedly that, “with a President Romney we’re confident we can work with him [on ENDA].” But when asked why, Cooper offered only reasons that Romney should work with them: that discrimination is a form of economic inefficiency and impediment to job growth. But you could make the same argument to any president. The question is what Romney has said that gives them such confidence. Cooper says, “Romney been clear in his opposition to workplace discrimination.” As I’ve written before, Romney has spoken of his personal preference not to practice discrimination, but he has not actually publicly called for outlawing workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Cooper said he would e-mail me Romney quotes I may have missed that do call for such legislation, but as of this writing he had not done so.  As I continued to press this point, Cooper blurted out, “Have you met with Romney’s domestic policy team?” And therein lies the answer to how Romney secured LCR’s endorsement. His advisers have privately assured LCR that Romney supports ENDA, even though he so fears the wrath of the religious right that he will not adopt this position in public. (Although ENDA polls very well, major social conservative groups, such as the American Family Association, continue to oppose it and demand that Romney do the same.)

Bolding is mine. You may choose to interpret Cooper's response otherwise.  Wherever the truth may lie, the next few days may prove quite interesting, should Romney's team respond to the hail of questions that are surely coming their way. AmericaBlog reminds us to consider what happened to Richard Grenell, the last homocon shown favor by Mitt Romney.

Barney Frank Vs Homocons, Part 2

Metro Weekly's Justin Snow has the latest round of quotes.

Rep. Barney Frank:

"I am not surprised that members of the Log Cabin Republicans are offended by my comparing them to Uncle Tom. They are no more offended than I am by their campaigning in the name of LGBT rights to elect the candidate and party who diametrically oppose our rights against a President who has forcefully and effectively supported our rights. That is the first reason for my admittedly very harsh criticism. This election is clearly one in which there is an extremely stark contrast between the two parties on LGBT rights. The Democratic President and platform fully embrace all of the legal issues we are seeking to resolve in favor of equality. The Republican candidate for President and the platform on which he runs vehemently oppose us in all cases. On the face of this, for a group of largely LGBT people to work for our strong opponent against our greatest ally is a betrayal of any supposed commitment to our legal equality."

Log Cabin head R. Clarke Cooper:

"Congressman Frank, of all people, should understand the importance of perseverance when working within a party to achieve change - after all, it was not so long ago his party was indifferent at best when it came to respecting gay families. Leaders committed to LGBT equality know that every victory our community has achieved has required bipartisan advocacy and bipartisan votes, and winning support from Republicans will only be more important in the days ahead. Come January, Republicans will maintain a majority in the House and likely secure a majority in the Senate. Without Log Cabin Republicans working with fellow conservatives, LGBT Americans would be left without a credible voice within the GOP. Barney Frank's denial of Log Cabin Republicans success, particularly on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal and the freedom to marry in New York, is sad but unsurprising. It is time for him to pass on the baton to leaders better suited to a world where equality is not a partisan issue."

GOProud head Jimmy LaSalvia:

"I don't give two shits what that asshole thinks about GOProud. We don't represent him. We represent gay conservatives and our allies. I'll just be glad to see him out of office because his policies have hurt our country," LaSalvia told Metro Weekly, describing Frank as an "embarrassment to the gay community."

Hit the Metro Weekly link for the much longer statement by Rep. Barney Frank.

Log Cabin Hits Back At Barney Frank

"As far as Log Cabin Republicans are concerned, it's a badge of honor to be attacked by a partisan hack like Barney Frank. We understand that Barney has earned his protected place within the Democrat Party by being their attack dog on gay rights issues, demonizing Republicans and undermining efforts at bipartisanship that would actually improve LGBT Americans lives. We expect this kind of bile from Barney, especially when it plays into the Obama campaign's efforts to divide, distract and deceive the American people." - Log Cabin Republicans head R. Clark Cooper, responding to this statement by Rep. Barney Frank.

Log Cabin: You Didn't See The Good Work We Did On The GOP Platform

"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. 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." - Log Cabin Republicans head R. Clark Cooper, via press release.

Cooper must be referring to this kind of DOMA debate, during which the delegate compared gay marriage to drug use and polygamy.

Log Cabin: Romney Should Back ENDA

"As a candidate, Barack Obama vowed to sign an executive order adding LGBT people to the list of groups federal contractors are barred from discriminating against. The White House then made it clear that no executive order would be signed, leaving 1.8 million Americans unprotected. It is wrong that federal contractors who are paid with taxpayer money are allowed to fire people for being LGBT. Romney has said that he opposes workplace discrimination. By vowing to sign an executive order preventing federal contractors from firing people for being LGBT, and joining Paul Ryan in support for ENDA, Romney can draw a favorable contrast between himself and the president.

"Today, 4.3 million LGBT Americans live in the 31 states without basic protections from workplace discrimination. In rural Texas (or the swing states of Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania or Virginia), same-sex marriage is a beautiful dream, but especially in this job market, the fear of losing a paycheck for being gay or transgender is very real. By supporting ENDA and the federal contractor executive order, Romney and Ryan can turn the conversation about LGBT equality back to the economy." - Log Cabin Republicans head R. Clark Cooper, via press release.

UPDATE: Zack Ford reacts at Think Progress:

The distortion Cooper attempts is nothing short of delusional. There is no liberal strategy to paint Republicans as anti-gay — they proudly own that in all of their position statements, much as it may chagrin the Log Cabin Republicans to admit it. Romney openly opposes ENDA, and given Ryan’s refusal to offer a nondiscrimination statement for his own Congressional office, it seems that neither has truly demonstrated “leadership” on the matter. Despite the fact that President Obama has not signed the executive order Cooper mentions, it would take a whole lot more than that for Romney to “draw a favorable contrast”; his opposition to ENDA, marriage equality, and all other LGBT issues would easily maintain a significant imbalance. Cooper’s clinging to a position that neither Romney nor Ryan actually holds. Cooper’s motives are clear: he’s a Republican, he identifies with other Republicans, and he wants Republicans in power for economic reasons, even if LGBT equality has to take a backseat.

Ford concludes by suggesting Cooper join GOProud. Suh-NAP!

Log Cabin Loves Paul Ryan

"Congressman Paul Ryan is a strong choice for vice president, and his addition to the GOP ticket will help Republican candidates up and down the ballot. As chairman of the House Budget Committee and author of the Republican 'path to prosperity' that provided the blueprint for serious spending cuts in this Congress, nobody is more qualified to articulate a conservative economic vision to restore the American economy and stimulate job creation. At the same time, Congressman Ryan's 2007 vote in favor of the Employment Nondiscrimination Act and his consistent willingness to engage with Log Cabin on a range of issues speaks to his record as a fair-minded policymaker. Overall, while Log Cabin Republicans have not completed the endorsement process for the 2012 presidential election, this is a choice that all Republicans can be excited about, and which sends a good message about the kind of campaign Governor Romney wants to run, and the kind of president Governor Romney wants to be." - R. Clark Cooper, executive director of Log Cabin Republicans, via press release.

RELATED: Ryan did indeed vote for 2007's version of ENDA, a tactical move he may have made once its failure was guaranteed. However the Human Rights Campaign gives him a 0% rating on LGBT rights.

HomoQuotable - R. Clark Cooper

"Turning a chicken sandwich into Public Gay Enemy Number One makes LGBT people look superficial, vindictive and juvenile -- everything that we as a community have worked hard to overcome. Remember, employers don't want drama queens on the payroll, military service is serious business, and marriage is not a right society grants to spoiled children. While in a perfect world our equality should not depend on our good behavior, in a world where our rights too often hinge on political reality, the way our movement conducts itself matters.

"The 'movable middle' moves both ways, and they don't like seeing people attacked relentlessly for their religion. Whatever the nuances, these voters see a man standing up for his beliefs against a politically powerful mob dead-set on driving him out of business. It's un-American, and when fellow conservatives are finally standing up and speaking out for marriage equality as consistent with the sober values of responsibility and commitment, splashing a popular American company with metaphorical chicken blood in protest is nothing less than friendly fire." - Log Cabin Republicans head R. Clark Cooper, via press release.

Log Cabin On Romney At NAACP

"With his opening remarks to the NAACP today, Governor Romney sent a message that he recognizes the importance of an inclusive Republican vision for victory in November. He deserves credit for taking the step to include sexual orientation by name. That said, it is unfortunate that he countered his outreach to gay and lesbian Americans with a gratuitous attack on the freedom to marry. If Governor Romney truly desires to represent all Americans, Log Cabin Republicans encourages him to avoid divisive social issues and focus on jobs and the economy." - Log Cabin Republicans head R. Clarke Cooper, via press release.

Quote Of The Day - R. Clarke Cooper

"Governor Mitt Romney's statement in opposition to not just marriage but civil unions jeopardizes his ability to win moderates, women and younger voters, especially as a large majority of Americans favor some form of relationship recognition for their LGBT friends and neighbors. Ultimately, the response of the Republican candidates this election cycle will determine not just endorsements by Log Cabin Republicans, but the votes of millions of Americans who are simply tired of the culture wars." - LCR head R. Clark Cooper, via press release.

Log Cabin On Grenell's Resignation

"It is amazing how fast our community can forget that it was Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) who resurrected DADT repeal in the 2010 lame duck session, and it was New York Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R) who fulfilled a promise to Log Cabin Republicans to allow a vote on marriage in the GOP-led chamber. If it is true - or even if Americans only perceive it to be true - that far right activists like American Family Association's Bryan Fischer are powerful enough to force a good man out of a job he is the most qualified to fill, that will make it harder to move forward on the issues that matter to LGBT Americans.

"We need Log Cabin Republicans to work for change within the party, and when one of us falls, we all suffer for it. Social conservative leaders know this, which is why they are crowing today - but their litmus test of what it takes to be a conservative is bad politics, and in the long term they are destined to lose. This is a story that the Romney campaign never wanted; the Romney team would much rather be talking about jobs and the economy. The campaign deserves more credit for hiring Ric even though they fumbled the execution, but now they will be under real pressure to prove that Mitt Romney is not antigay to an American voting public that is increasingly intolerant of discrimination." - R. Clarke Cooper, head of Log Cabin Republicans, via press release.

Bryan Fischer Tangles With Log Cabin Head Over Romney's New Homocon

American Family Association radio host Bryan Fischer took to CNN today to continue his campaign against Mitt Romney's new spokes-quisling, Richard Grenell. Defending Romney was Log Cabin Republicans head R. Clarke Cooper, who actually did rather well when it came to Fischer's attacks on homosexuality itself. Think Progress has the video.

Quote Of The Day - R. Clarke Cooper

"In refusing to sign this executive order, President Barack Obama has turned his back on 1.8 million LGBT workers who need these protections for their livelihood. This President has been all about making promises and spouting empty words, but here he has failed to deliver on a policy that has broad, bipartisan support among the American people. It is a shame that our community's self-described 'fierce advocate' sees no need to expend the minimal political capital to keep this important promise, especially when a large majority of Americans, including conservatives, support such a policy. LGBT voters, particularly those looking for work in this economy, should remember this in November when Democrats try to tell us how much better they are on our issues." - Log Cabin Republicans head R. Clarke Cooper, via press release.

Brian Brown Vs Log Cabin Republicans

"NOM did not create the divide between blacks and homosexual marriage advocates, and standing for marriage is not standing for division or discrimination. Nor is it patronizing for media leaders to treat the heroic stand of the black church against homosexual marriage as a product of hateful politics. Reaching out to blacks and Hispanics who share our view is something conservatives do and should do more of. NOM will continue to reach out to these communities. The current round of media attacks on NOM for a single line in a 3-year-old document reflects the basic tactic of the political left: Use government to push a new moral norm, and when Americans with more traditional values object, attack them mercilessly, then blame conservatives (especially Christian conservatives) for being 'divisive.' Their end game? Silencing the voices of millions of Americans." - Brian Brown, writing for the Washington Times in response to this week's essay by LCR head R. Clarke Cooper, who called NOM "a cancer that needs to be removed."

NOTE: It's amusing to watch NOM simultaneously stand by their race-baiting AND dismiss it as a "single line in a three year-old document." And it was much, much more than a single line, as we all know.

Log Cabin Republicans: NOM Is A Cancer

"In addition to crude racial tactics, NOM has also engaged in a clear campaign of intimidation against any Republican official or candidate who dares to agree with Vice President Dick Cheney that 'freedom means freedom for everyone.' From threatening billboards to promising to pour millions of dollars into local elections to punish pro-equality Republicans, NOM’s leadership has set their sights on dividing the GOP at a time when we most need to be uniting to retake the White House. The debate surrounding the freedom to marry is ongoing, with good and loyal conservatives on both sides. However, NOM is a cancer that needs to be removed for the good of the conservative movement. Inclusion wins, and division loses. It is time to walk away from NOM – and buy a cup of Starbucks coffee for the road." - Log Cabin Republicans head R. Clarke Cooper, writing for the Washington Times.

JMG Vs LCR At Haas Convention

Fellow blogger Joe Mirabella tweeted my too-brief questioning of Log Cabin Republicans head R. Clark Cooper at this weekend's Haas Convention for LGBT journalists. Timeline is from the bottom up.Jeremy Hooper summed up the room's mood afterwards.UPDATE: Somebody is feeling ignored.