Log Cabin Republicans are the nation’s largest and oldest Republican organization in the gay and lesbian community. (John Lund/MNS)
WASHINGTON– In the political universe, hot-button issues like gay marriage and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell are divisive. Democrats are more likely to support the gay community than their Republican counterparts. But one Republican group is bucking that trend.
The Log Cabin Republicans are the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer and advocacy organization of conservatives and Republicans in the gay and lesbian community, said Charles Moran, national spokesman for the Log Cabin Republicans.
Established: Late 1970s in California
Members: 30,000 in the United States, 500 in Washington, D.C.
Chapters: 43
Beliefs:
• Balanced budget and fiscal discipline
• Comprehensive tax reform
• Revitalizing Social Security through allowing individuals to invest in their futures.
• Strong national defense
• Legal immigration reforms that are fair and humane
• Marriage equality for all Americans
• Broad, inclusive definition of family in America
• Non-discrimination in employment
The group has about 30,000 members nation-wide, and is growing in popularity – particularly among those under 30.
Moran, 29, said recent events like the defeat of Proposition 8 that ended same-sex marriage in California in 2008 have sparked activism. “There has been a wave throughout the country of younger activists getting involved saying we can’t rely on other people to fight our battles for us,” Moran said. “We need to do it for ourselves.”
A recent Pew survey suggests views on gay rights in generational. 50 percent of voters under the age of 30 support gay marriage, more than any other generation.
Tina Stanton, campaign manager for Marc Morgan, an openly gay Republican candidate for D.C. City Council, said eventually equality issues will be non-issues.
“My children someday, the next generation – its never going to be a question – whether or not someone is gay and wants to get married or is gay and wants to get into politics – its not going to cross their mind,” Stanton, 25, said.
Log Cabin Republicans are quick to point out that the Republican Party is still the party of Lincoln – one that fought for civil rights and that the modern-day fight for equal rights for gays shouldn’t be any different. Members are reaching out to fellow Republicans to open minds and expand views.
• Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act
Would entitle federal employees and their domestic partners to all benefits and obligations of married federal employees and their spouses.
• Employment Non-Discrimination Act
Would extending federal employment discrimination protections currently in place based on race, religion, sex, national origin, age and disability to sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Military Readiness Enhancement Act
Would repeal the federal law banning military service by openly lesbian, gay and bisexual Americans, commonly referred to as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
• Respect for Marriage Act
Would repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act to provide legally married same-sex couples recognition under federal law.
• Safe Schools Improvement Act
Would provide funds for schools to prevent bullying and harassment, including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as requiring states to report bullying and harassment data to the Department of Education.
• Tax Equity for Health Plan Beneficiaries Act
Would provide uniform tax treatment for employer-provided health insurance, ending taxation of benefits for domestic partners under employers’ health plans.
— logcabin.org
“We always try to make the party more inclusive, accepting, and more respective of the GLBT community across the board.” said Log Cabin Republican Torrey Shearer, 25. “But a day doesn’t go by when I don’t try to identify a Republican member [of Congress] who hasn’t been supportive in the past and do my best to explain to them that, you know, its tough politics sometimes, but it’s good for America. This is good for you, and its good for your constituents.”
Log Cabin Republican Andrew Powaleny, 22, said lobbying for support from fellow Republicans can be hard work, but sees progress.
“The Republican Party is a big tent. There’s going to be people that disagree with you, and people that do agree with you,” said Powaleny. “But I think we’re getting to the point where you have more people on the side of thinking, ‘You know what? You’re in the party and lets get more Republicans elected to Congress and not push people to the side like has happened so much in the past.’”
Although Sherear is working to sway Republican opinion, he said passage of gay rights legislation will not come from just one side of the political aisle.
“I realized lately, that equality is not going to happen with one party,” Shearer said. “It’s going to happen with a bipartisan effort with Republicans and Democrats.”
Heading into the 2010 elections, Log Cabin Republicans plan to continue lobbying Congress and add to their ranks.