Some Guys Are Normal

Texas Republican Party 2004 Platform

Off of the idea of Pam, I went in search of the Texas Republican Party's Party Platform. I couldn't find a 2006 Platform, but they are having their convention this week in San Antonio, so they'll probably be releasing it soon. For now, the 2004 one will have to do.

As you might imagine, I was looking for their thoughts on gays. I figured their marriage platform would be against gay marriage and for a Constitutional Amendment (check on that one), but they took the opportunity to rub it in a bit more for the gays in a whole separate section (should we feel lucky?). Here's what they had to say:

Homosexuality – The Party believes that the practice of sodomy tears at the fabric of society, contributes to the breakdown of the family unit, and leads to the spread of dangerous, communicable diseases. Homosexual behavior is contrary to the fundamental, unchanging truths that have been ordained by God, recognized by our country’s founders, and shared by the majority of Texans. Homosexuality must not be presented as an acceptable "alternative" lifestyle in our public education and policy, nor should "family" be redefined to include homosexual "couples." We are opposed to any granting of special legal entitlements, recognition, or privileges including, but not limited to, marriage between persons of the same sex, custody of children by homosexuals, homosexual partner insurance or retirement benefits. We oppose any criminal or civil penalties against those who oppose homosexuality out of faith, conviction, or belief in traditional values.

Texas Sodomy Statutes – The Party opposes the legalization of sodomy. The Party demands Congress exercise its authority granted by the U.S. Constitution to withhold jurisdiction from the federal courts from cases involving sodomy.

How considerate of them to make homosexuality so simple. Nothing like breaking down gay people to one term--sodomy. Notice too that they call marriage, custody (not just adoption-custody, that's pretty broad if you ask me) and insurance benefits "special legal privileges." Right, special privileges that everyone else gets, I forgot.

They also would love to make sexual relationships by people of the same sex a crime. I've had several online conversations with conservatives that claimed that while they disagreed with the way Lawrence was ruled, they agreed that the laws were nonsense. Most even said that no one was really supporting the law itself, they just didn't want the courts to make the call. I guess they were wrong (sorry, it's been a while, so no links for this conversation).

Ok, that's it. The Republican Party of Texas has officially turned the entire issue of being gay into one inflammatory word. I guess asking them to, at the very least, have some compassion for the debate or those people that aren't perfect like them would be too much to ask. (Ok, that was a cheap shot), but what do you expect, instead of addressing the issue calmly they threw out every negative thing they could and offered no sort of compassion in the slightest.

Can't wait to hear what 2006 has in store...

posted by Brady @ 11:11 AM