Texas GOP Blocks Gay Conservatives From Having Booth At State Convention [View all]

[Capt. Obvious]

The Texas Republican Party denied requests from the Log Cabin Republicans, a group representing gay conservatives, to host a booth at its annual convention next week.

Jeffrey Davis, chairman of the Log Cabin Republicans of Texas, said Thursday in a written statement that the Texas GOP denied the group's "several attempts" to apply for a booth, "citing archaic language in the party platform" as justification.

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"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," he said, adding that in an election year, the state party's failure to be inclusive could contribute to turning Texas blue.

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The state Republican Party's 2012 platform states its position on 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. 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.

TPM