News

In Iowa, Republican Candidates Diverge on Marriage

November 28, 2011

(Washington, DC) - The issue of marriage is dividing Republican presidential contenders in Iowa. Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX) has recently argued that the federal government should not define marriage at all, while former Governor Mitt Romney is distributing flyers highlighting past support for a federal marriage amendment.

"Congressman Ron Paul's belief that the federal government should not be in the business of defining marriage is quickly becoming the mainstream Republican position. Even former Congressman Bob Barr (R-GA), the author of the 'Defense of Marriage' Act, agrees and says that DOMA should be repealed," said R. Clarke Cooper, Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director. "On the other hand, Governor Romney is playing to a shrinking demographic by touting his support for an amendment with little popular support and no chance of passing. This is a sharp retreat from Governor Romney's pledges to Log Cabin Republicans that he would be a staunch advocate for equal rights for gay and lesbian Americans. Recent polls show support for marriage equality is particularly strong among the independents and younger voters that Republicans need to win the White House in 2012, with sixty percent in favor. The conversation today is not about amending the Constitution, but rather ending the penalty inflicted by the federal government on businesses and states which recognize these families. As the former governor of a state where gay and lesbian couples have been marrying for nearly a decade without incident, Governor Romney should understand that marriage equality is a part of the fabric of America, particularly in its promotion of stronger families. In light of experience, it is time for Governor Romney to adopt an agenda for the Twenty-First Century."