Posted on 05/25/2012 1:15:11 AM PDT by Bratch
WASHINGTON — A quiet transformation is taking place in the Republican Party, which has begun to embrace openly gay candidates – and among gay Republicans, who now feel more comfortable speaking out in a party that may have accepted them but didn’t always show it.
While differences still exist, the party is on the cusp of a generational shift in which the longtime foes of gay rights are replaced by younger party leaders who are more accepting.
“It’s an exponential change from a few years ago,” said former Republican Rep. Jim Kolbe. “It’s happening, and it’s going to continue to happen.”
Kolbe, who represented the southeast corner of Arizona from 1985 to 2007, was one of only two openly gay Republicans ever to serve in Congress.
There are issues on which many gay Republicans differ with their party, not the least of which is same-sex marriage. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and other party leaders oppose it, and that stance is embedded in the party’s platform. While they may have welcomed President Barack Obama’s support of same-sex marriage last week, on other issues – such as taxes, regulation and the size of government – gay Republicans are as steadfast as any other party member.
There are only four openly gay members of Congress now, all Democrats. But that could change this year.
“You’ll elect at least one gay Republican for Congress this year,” Kolbe said.
It might be Richard Tisei, a former Massachusetts state senator, who’s campaigning on what he describes as the number one issue for gay voters and everyone else in the state’s 6th Congressional District, north of Boston.
“In general, the campaign I’m running on is based on the economy,” he said.
(Excerpt) Read more at mcclatchydc.com ...
LLS
There are millions of us friend and we are not happy.
LLS
Good idea. And let’s have some emergency room reality shows, too. Let’s see the after effects: HIV, papilloma virus and warts, anal cancer, Hepatitis A and C, E. coli infection, weakening of the anal sphincter, tears and lesions, perforated colon, etc.
People are very good at rationalizing what they do. A person can wear firefighter gear to mitigate the risks of playing with fire, but that doesn’t mean it’s wise to play with fire. Same thing with anal sodomy. A person can try to reduce the risk and rationalize it’s OK, but isn’t it wiser to simply avoid that activity? I think so.
If you love someone, you don’t risk harming them for a temporary sexual high.
“As far as I am concerned, people can shut their mouths when it regards their sexual behavior. Then it never has to be an issue.
When a person tries to force society to celebrate their sexual behavior, THEN it becomes an issue.
I have worked with homosexuals and counted them among my friends. They never discussed their inclinations with me to any great degree, and there was no animosity at all...so yes, we all CAN get along.”
I agree. Don’t shove it in my face or force me to accept the lifestyle. Leave me alone and I will leave you alone to do whatever you want to do in your own home and with your own friends.
“very state whose execrable former Governor is about to be coronated for President”
How many of the polls showing him in the lead, offer people the choice between him, Virgil Goode, and Obama?
Well, the republican party decided that they didn’t need my vote when they nominated Mitt Romney. I can take a hint when I’m not welcome.
The Constitution Party gratefully acknowledges the blessing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as Creator, Preserver and Ruler of the Universe and of these United States. We hereby appeal to Him for mercy, aid, comfort, guidance and the protection of His Providence as we work to restore and preserve these United States.
That says it all, as far as I am concerned. The Democrats and Republicans can both go rot...
Well said...
Yep. Mitt fans can go jump in the lake. Want me to vote Republican? Nominate someone who didn’t get elected on a platform of being a better baby killer supporter than Teddy Kennedy.
“...the longtime foes of gay rights...”
See that, Republicans? You are opposed to “gay rights.”
What exactly are “gay rights” and how are they being denied again?
The Party is leaving me too.
Ditto. Not all homosexuals are the in-your-face activist scum that push for special rights or legalization of perversions. We don't discuss it much, but those I consider friends know and accept my opinions on the "issues".
In this article from that day, Delegates consider boycott of Kolbe speech, he is quoted saying, "I've never denied my sexual orientation. I just don't make a point of it. It isn't what I do."
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.