 |
|
A coalition of right-wing organizations has asked presidential candidates to sign a pledge saying they would not support GLBTQ efforts for equality in areas such as marriage, adoption and protection from discrimination. According to the Human Rights Campaign, former Vice President Dan Quayle, radio host Alan Keyes, publisher Steve Forbes, conservative activist Gary Bauer, Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah, and commentator Pat Buchanan signed the pledge.
The group, which includes American Family Association, Concerned Women for America, and Americans for Truth About Homosexuality, placed a full-page ad in the Des Moines Register on August 13, one day before a Republican straw poll in Iowa.
Among their requests were that candidates agree, if elected, to "resist all attempts to provide the benefits and privileges traditionally accorded married couples to unmarried 'domestic partners' - as such efforts diminish the unique role of marriage as the bedrock of family and society" and to oppose any federal anti-discrimination legislation that included "special protections based on sexual behavior or preference."
The HRC called this the first test for this crop of presidential hopefuls, who have so far been moderate in their stances on GLBTQ issues.
Winnie Stachelberg, political director of the national gay and lesbian political organization, reminded candidates about lessons learned at the polls in 1998. "Voters overwhelmingly reject extremism and divisive, anti-gay rhetoric," she said. "Those candidates who embrace the far right and sign this pledge will see that while it might energize one base of voters, it will be at the expense of mainstream voters."
