USA
 

(Washington) - In response to the President's State of the Union address Tuesday night, Log Cabin Republicans warn the President that engaging in a culture war is a recipe for defeat.

"George W. Bush was elected in 2000 by bringing Americans together. State of the Union addresses should be used to unite all Americans around the nation's highest priorities. Americans are threatened by terrorism and job uncertainty - not gay and lesbian families," said Log Cabin executive director Patrick Guerriero.

"Log Cabin Republicans have stood with this President in the war on terror. Log Cabin supports the President on cutting taxes for American families and expanding efforts to combat HIV/AIDS at home and abroad. Log Cabin will not stand by while anyone attempts to write discrimination into the Constitution. It is unnecessary and it cheapens our sacred Constitution," added Guerriero.

In the State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, the President defended the sanctity of marriage then said the Defense of Marriage Act may not go far enough in protecting marriage. The President said, "Activist judges, however, have begun redefining marriage by court order, without regard for the will of the people and their elected representatives. On an issue of such great consequence, the people's voice must be heard. If judges insist on forcing their arbitrary will upon the people, the only alternative left to the people would be the constitutional process."

Log Cabin supports efforts to strengthen marriages and all American families. Denying gay and lesbian families civil protections with a Constitutional amendment weakens those efforts. The Republican Party has always championed family values. Log Cabin reminds our fellow Republicans that if you truly support family values you must value all families.

"The mission of Log Cabin is greater than one President or one issue. Last night's speech shows us how much work remains in our effort to build a more inclusive GOP. To be the majority party, the GOP must be built on a foundation of freedom, fairness and equality-- for all Americans," concluded Guerriero.

Log Cabin Republicans website

23 January 2004