While the GOP has done much to hinder equality for LGBT Americans, it’s nice to be reminded that there are also Republicans taking a stand for us. Here are some recent quotables:
“[Amendment 2] could set us back…unnecessarily or could set us on the road to progress and equality 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.” — Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), on her opposition to amend Florida’s constitution
“The night I took the vote in June, I was told I would never be elected again. I’m running unopposed.” — New York Republican Assemblywoman, Teresa Sayward, on her vote for marriage equality
August 7th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Brian, thank you for this post. The New York Sun published today an article amounting to nothing more than an attack piece on these important Republican allies.
Rep. Sayward is among those blasted:
Their donations also far surpassed political giving from the national gay rights movement to Assembly Democrats who voted for the bill, including Democratic members in upstate districts with conservative leanings.
“It was very shocking to me to watch it come in,” a Republican assemblywoman, Teresa Sayward, one of four Republicans who voted in favor of gay marriage, said.
During the most recent six-month campaign-finance filing period that ended July 15, Ms. Sayward, a former dairy farmer who represents a district in the state’s North Country, received 30 out-of-state contributions from individuals out of a total of 68 donors.
About two-thirds of the money she raised from individuals came from donors in California, Colorado, North Carolina, Illinois, Arizona, Florida, Ohio, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.
August 8th, 2008 at 11:31 am
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Rep. Ros-Lehtinen in person. She is very nice, and her support for the gay community is sincere. Most Cuban-Americans are Republicans, but they are a closer to the libertarian sort than the ultra social conservative.
Did you catch any of the hearing on Don’t ask, Don’t tell? Rep. Shays, another Republican, from Connecticut really stood up for us during that hearing.
August 8th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Not entirely sure if the Sun article is that much of an attack. Particularly later in the article, you see some nice quotes from the Republicans in question explaining their votes, and the (non) reaction from their constituents. I’ve seen people put out hits claiming a candidate is a slave to the gay special interest, taking money from powerful out-of-state activist groups… this lacks the markers of that sort of thing. If it’s an attack, it’s fairly subtle. Frankly, I’m happy to see the rewards of supporting equality get a bit of press. For too long, gays have been written off by the GOP – show them there are benefits to catering to us, and maybe we’ll stop being taken for granted by one party, and ignored (at best) by the other.
August 8th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Pepe – couldn’t agree more about Ros-Lehtinen… she’s a very cool lady. I think you’re on to something about the Cuban-American Republicans – the Diaz-Balart brothers are pretty good on gay issues, too. As for Shays – I may disagree with him on a few things, but I was dang proud to listen to him during that hearing… it was even better in person, particularly in a room full of folks who every day go past both the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetary. The tide really is changing on Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
August 11th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
I’ve noticed a few other Republicans leaning our way. Maybe they are working from the heart and not for the heartless conservative fundies out there. Brian – thanks for the article and your thoughts.
August 11th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Thanks all for your comments. Juanito, I’m with you. I’ve noticed this becoming less and less a partisan issue. There are pro-equality Republicans and there are anti-equality Democrats.
While I don’t think that a President Obama will necessarily usher in an era of LGBT equality, I am excited to see what politicians in all levels of government will do in the next term. It’s an exciting time.
August 14th, 2008 at 8:24 am
[...] Brian’s eloquent post praising the brave equality stands of a couple New York Republicans, I thought it was interesting [...]