News

Log Cabin Expands National Ad Campaign to California

Television Ad Aims to Defend the US Constitution

March 22, 2004

(Sacramento, CA) – Log Cabin Republicans today announced plans to expand their national television campaign into California. Log Cabin's television commercial will begin airing in Sacramento on March 22, 2004. "Log Cabin is receiving unprecedented support in our effort to defend the Constitution. Americans don't want discrimination written into our sacred Constitution," said Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director Patrick Guerriero.

The decision to begin airing this ad in California comes less than two weeks after Log Cabin announced its ambitious campaign. Log Cabin's $1,000,000 effort to defend the Constitution includes not only the television ad, but also print ads, the most intense lobbying effort in its history, and the grassroots mobilization of Log Cabin members across America.

This is the first-ever television advertising campaign in Log Cabin's 27-year history. Log Cabin got its start in the Golden State when Ronald Reagan worked with Log Cabin supporters to defeat the Briggs Initiative, which would have prohibited gays and lesbians from teaching in California public schools. "Log Cabin members answered that challenge three decades ago. Today, we again step forward to defend freedom and fairness," said Jeff Bissiri, President of Log Cabin California.

"California is at ground zero in the debate about equality for gay and lesbian families. No matter what happens here in the months and years ahead, the U.S. Constitution should not be used as a tool to discriminate against gay and lesbian families. Individual states are working through this difficult issue, to figure out how best to recognize gay and lesbian families," said the President of Log Cabin's Sacramento chapter, Jeff Scott.

The anti-family Federal Marriage Amendment would turn back the clock on gay and lesbian civil rights by denying not only civil marriage, but also jeopardizing civil unions and possibly even any domestic partner benefits.

Aside from California, Log Cabin's 30-second television commercial is airing in the Washington, DC region and seven crucial swing states: Ohio, Missouri, Florida, Minnesota, New Mexico, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin.

Log Cabin developed the ad using results from a nationwide poll conducted last month. The commercial uses excerpts from then Vice-Presidential candidate Dick Cheney during his 2000 debate with Senator Joe Lieberman. Referring to the legal recognition of same-sex relationships, Mr. Cheney said, "That matter is regulated by the states. I think different states are likely to come to different conclusions, and that's appropriate. I don't think there should necessarily be a federal policy in this area."

"Vice-President Dick Cheney makes a powerful case against amending our sacred Constitution. His position in 2000 is as true today as it was when he said it," continued Guerriero.

"As Republicans, it is our obligation to speak out when our party is headed in the wrong direction," continued Guerriero. "Log Cabin has received unprecedented support from our gay and straight allies around the nation. We also are encouraged by the growing number of courageous GOP members of Congress and Republican leaders around the nation who are speaking out against this amendment. These inclusive voices represent the future of our Party."

"California must stand up to this effort to write discrimination into the Constitution and lead the nation in opposition to this mean-spirited attack on families," says Geoffrey Kors, Executive Director for Equality California.

Kors noted, "California can set an example by passing a resolution and going on record in opposition to this discriminatory amendment. Equality California is committed to working with the Log Cabin Republicans in our efforts to protect and affirm the equal rights of all Americans."

Equality California is the sponsor of a resolution to make California the first state in the nation to go on record against a Federal Constitutional Amendment to deny Constitutional protections.

"The Republican Party has a choice. Be the party of Lincoln, Reagan, Schwarzenegger, and Guiliani or be the party of Bauer, Falwell, Robertson, and Buchanan. The choice is clear. Choosing the wrong path will put the Republican Party on the wrong side of history. We believe this party should follow Gov. Schwarzenegger's lead in working to build a more inclusive party based on equality and freedom," concluded Guerriero.

Log Cabin Republicans will be holding its largest National Convention ever in Palm Springs, California from April 16-18. Registration information can be found on Log Cabin's new web site www.logcabin.org.

The commercial can be viewed at www.logcabin.org.