Metro Weekly

GOP Platform Could Support “Dignity and Respect” of All Americans

A subcommittee tasked with drafting the language for the Republican Party’s national platform approved inclusive language earlier today that could be seen as an attempt to embrace gay Americans.

rnclogo.jpgAccording to the executive director of Log Cabin Republicans, R. Clarke Cooper, a member of the Hawaii delegation who supports marriage equality proposed language that reads:

“We embrace the principle that all Americans have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.”

Although the language does not directly mention gay Americans, it appears to be a nod toward the LGBT community.

“There has been positive and inclusive language proposed in several subcommittees today,” Cooper said in an email to Metro Weekly.

The news comes after Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry urged the platform-drafting committee to endorse marriage equality in a letter sent last week.

“Giving people more personal freedom is the foundation of the Republican Party, which, as the Party of Lincoln, has a proud tradition of expanding liberties,” the letter read.

Although the amendment is noticeably inclusionary, its failure to mention gay people stands in stark contrast to language set to be adopted by the Democratic Party, which not only embraces marriage equality but disavows the Defense of Marriage Act.

Platform amendments will undergo final consideration by the full Republican drafting committee tomorrow.

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