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Log Cabin Applauds Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen for Opposing Florida's "Amendment 2"

Republican Representative Speaks Out Against Florida Ballot Measure

July 28, 2008

(Washington, DC) – Log Cabin Republicans applaud U.S. Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) for speaking out against Florida's "Amendment 2," which if passed in November would ban marriage for gay and lesbian couples, as well as all civil unions and state-recognized domestic partnerships.

"[Amendment 2] could set us back... unnecessarily or could set us on the road to progress and equality," Ros-Lehtinen told Log Cabin members in Miami. "Because, although some proponents would like to phrase this debate as a gay versus straight issue, it is not that at all. We're talking about basic, fundamental rights that could be in jeopardy.

"I believe that Floridians at the end of the day will understand that. I believe that they know... they should reject Amendment 2," said Ros-Lehtinen.

"Rep. Ros-Lehtinen has been one our strongest and most steadfast allies in Congress and we are incredibly grateful for her support on this important issue," said Log Cabin President Patrick Sammon.

"Amendment 2 is a drastic and un-American measure aimed at dividing Americans and taking away basic fundamental rights," said Log Cabin-Miami President Robert Watson. "Good Republicans like Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen understand there is nothing conservative about amending the state constitution to prevent loving, committed partners from caring for one another."

Rep. Ros-Lehtinen's remarks came at a reception with Log Cabin-Miami over the weekend. Her vocal opposition to efforts to amend the state's constitution to deny gay and lesbian couples basic protections mirrors that of another prominent Republican. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA) spoke out at Log Cabin's national convention against a similar amendment on the ballot in California.