After denying two groups supportive of homosexual marriage the right to purchase booths at the convention, the Republican Party of Texas is poised to delete a portion of the party’s platform related to homosexuality. From David Taffet on DallasVoice.com:
“Good news!” Schlein wrote. “Platform subcommittee votes unanimously to remove the hateful antigay language in the platform.”
The removed language read: Homosexuality ― We affirm that the practice of homosexuality tears at the fabric of society and contributes to the breakdown of the family unit. 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.
To put the supposedly to be removed language in context, here is the full text of the 2012 party platform related to homosexuality:
Homosexuality ― We affirm that the practice of homosexuality tears at the fabric of society and contributes to the breakdown of the family unit. 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 public policy, nor should “family” be redefined to include homosexual “couples.” We believe there should be no granting of special legal entitlements or creation of special status for homosexual behavior, regardless of state of origin. Additionally, we oppose any criminal or civil penalties against those who oppose homosexuality out of faith, conviction or belief in traditional values.
So if the reports are true, then the revised platform would read:
Homosexuality ― Homosexuality must not be presented as an acceptable “alternative” lifestyle, in public policy, nor should “family” be redefined to include homosexual “couples.” We believe there should be no granting of special legal entitlements or creation of special status for homosexual behavior, regardless of state of origin. Additionally, we oppose any criminal or civil penalties against those who oppose homosexuality out of faith, conviction or belief in traditional values.
It will be interesting to see if the platform actually changes or if Dr. Steve Hotze, Terry Lowry, Jared Woodfill, et. al., successfully block the changes. Speaking of those guys, this came in the InBox:
Support The Defense of Texas Marriage Amendment
The Defense of Texas Marriage Amendment Rally is coming up on Thursday, June 6th in Fort Worth at 7:30 pm. A federal judge in San Antonio has ruled the Marriage Amendment in the Texas Constitution, Article 1, Section 32, to be unconstitutional. The case is being appealed to a higher court. In 2005, 76{997ab4c1e65fa660c64e6dfea23d436a73c89d6254ad3ae72f887cf583448986} of Texans voted to pass the amendment agreeing that marriage consists of a union between one man and one woman. As Texas citizens, we deserve to have our beliefs and choices acknowledged.
If you would like to join the effort to keep traditional marriage in Texas, I urge you to sign the petition and RSVP to attend the rally in Fort Worth: http://www.crtpac.com/defense-of-texas-marriage-amendment-rally/
I look forward to seeing you in Forth Worth!
Jared Woodfill
While many people expect the biggest fight to be about the Texas Solution and immigration policy, I wouldn’t count out a fight over LGBT issues. Dr. Hotze in particular is obsessed with LGBT issues and coming off his recent statewide success in getting his slate of candidates elected, he might think he can put back some of the language that was taken out in 2010, specifically the language about adoption.