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Log Cabin Republicans Condemn Office of Florida Governor Jeb Bush for Anti-Gay Statements

Call on Governor Bush to Repudiate Statements Made By His Office in a Constituent Letter

June 15, 2004

(Washington, DC) – The Log Cabin Republicans call on Florida Governor Jeb Bush to repudiate anti-gay statements made by his Office, ostensibly on his behalf, in a constituent letter. The authenticity of the letter was confirmed by Lauren O'Connor in the Governor's Office of Citizen's Services. The letter, in referring to basic protections for gays and lesbians, claims that Governor Bush "believes that the state should not be in the business of actively sanctioning this particular lifestyle."

The letter voices the Governor's opposition not only to civil marriage equality but also to "gay and lesbian adoptions, and the extension of domestic partner benefits."

"These statements are out of step with mainstream Florida families. They are opinions you would have expected in 1974 not 2004. The vast majority of Americans support domestic partnership legislation," said Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director Patrick Guerriero.

"We call on Governor Bush to repudiate the statements made by his office. These statements violate the face of principles of inclusion and tolerance. At a time when states, localities, and businesses all across this country are working to ensure that gays and lesbians receive basic protections, it is shocking that anyone, much less the Office of the Governor of Florida, would refer to such basic protections as 'special rights'. The right to visit one's partner in the hospital, the right to tax fairness, and basic employment protections are not special rights, these are basic rights," said Guerriero.

"For years loyal and courageous gays and lesbians in Florida have been working within the Florida Republican Party. This statement is an affront to their work on behalf of this Party and this Governor," continued Guerriero.

The statements from Governor Bush's Office are just the latest example of the effect the culture war launched by the radical right has had on our nation. The culture war's center-piece is a proposal to write discrimination into the United States Constitution with an anti-family amendment.

"The sad reality is that the culture war launched by the far right has polluted what should be a legitimate debate over how our laws deal with gays and lesbians and their families," said Guerriero.

"These narrow-minded comments divide our party, divide the citizens of the state of Florida, and divide our entire nation at a time when we need to be united to face the challenges ahead," concluded Guerriero.

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TEXT OF CONSTITUENT LETTER

From: Governor Jeb Bush
To: Governor Jeb Bush
Sent: Thursday, May 20, 2004 5:28 PM
Subject: Your recent e-mail regarding gay and lesbian issues

Thank you for your recent e-mail explaining your views and opinions regarding gay and lesbian issues. Governor Bush is glad you took the time to share your perspective and has asked me to respond on his behalf.

While the Governor respects the great diversity of our state and the rights of individuals, he is not in favor of extending "special rights" to the gay and lesbian community. In the past, Governor Bush has voiced his opposition to same-sex marriages, gay and lesbian adoptions, and the extension of domestic partner benefits. Since taking office, the Governor's views on these subjects have not changed. There is a difference between showing tolerance and using the powers of the state to advance gay and lesbian issues. Governor Bush believes that the state should not be in the business of actively sanctioning this particular lifestyle.

While Governor Bush is glad to review your comments regarding the Federal Marriage Amendment, your best source of assistance is your congressional delegation, comprised of United States Senators Bob Graham and Bill Nelson and your local congressional representative. You may contact the Senators at the following addresses:

The Honorable Bill Nelson
Suite 410
225 East Robinson Street
Orlando, Florida 32801

The Honorable Bill Nelson
Suite 410
225 East Robinson Street
Orlando, Florida 32801

Again, thank you for writing, and I hope this information has helped to clarify the Governor's views on this matter. He will remember your views when talking to federal officials.

Sincerely,

L. O'Connor
Office of Citizens' Services