The Republican Platform has arrived after much anticipation. It may very well be the most conservative platform the Party has yet to produce. The document embraces right leaning positions on everything from expanding gun rights to prosecuting pornography. But for those of us with a keen interest in the LGBT rights movement, the platform notably takes some positions that simply do not reflect reality.
It is important to approach and analyze the platform planks not from a partisan perspective, but from an academic, fact-driven one.
The Republican platform's declares that, "We . . . condemn the State blacklisting of religious groups which decline to arrange adoptions by same-sex couples. We condemn the hate campaigns, threats of violence, and vandalism by proponents of same-sex marriage against advocates of traditional marriage and call for a federal investigation into attempts to deny religious believers their civil rights."
I've long studied marriage equality in the state legislative and judicial process. Through dozens of interviews, combing through statutory language, reviews of floor debates, and reading numerous journalistic accounts, I have and continue to piece together this important story. I cannot faithfully say that the crux of the Party's assertion is true.
It is true that adoption agencies, most notably Catholic Charities, were forced to close their doors in Washington, D.C., Illinois, and Massachusetts because they did not want to adopt out to same-sex couples. The merits of permitting these types of agencies to discriminate based on sexual orientation notwithstanding; the GOP has a clear position on the issue that is grounded in reality.
However, I am sincerely perplexed and dumbfounded at the notion that marriage equality efforts have been uncivil or violent. Indeed, floor debates in Washington and Maryland, for example, were thoughtful and respectful. Both proponents and opponents of same-sex marriage ensured that decorum was maintained. Arguments were made on both sides of the issue that were heartfelt, honest, and respectful. Dozens upon dozens of state legislators-- Republicans, Democrats, marriage equality supporters, and those opposed-- served with admirable distinction to raise the level of discourse. MORE!
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