Over the past decade, opposition to gay marriage has declined rapidly both nationallyand in our state. Even within the Republican Party, there has been some movement towards acceptance. Usually it's when a Republican politician learns that someone they care about is gay, like Sen. Rob Portman whose son had recently come out.
Despite the obvious empathy problem, it is still brave for a Republican to take a stance contrary to their official party platform. It's commendable. And even for those who oppose gay marriage, I respect them for having the courage to say so in the face of a changing public conscience. They're wrong, but at least they're willing to take a position.
The Wisconsin Republican Party has instead chosen the coward's path. Take a look at their official platform and you'll see absolutely no mention of gay marriage. According to Devin Gatton, it was groups like his Log Cabin Republicans (a pro-gay rights Republican organization) that fought to prevent an amendment to the platform opposing gay marriage. Now, if the leaders of the Wisconsin Republican Party actually supported ending opposition to gay marriage, like in Nevada, I would celebrate. But I have no idea if the party actually supports the move.
After numerous e-mails, phone calls, and voicemails, the Wisconsin Republican Party did not respond for comment. And I don't mean they said no comment. I mean they never replied. Several unanswered voicemails went directly to Jesse Dougherty, their Press Secretary, whose job it is to answer these questions. While trying to schedule a simple phone meeting with Dougherty, his staff claimed that they never know when he is in the office and have no access to his calendar. Your donations hard at work, Republicans!
But regardless if you support or oppose gay marriage, the radio silence from the Wisconsin Republican Party should bother you. The party is using silence to play both sides of the argument. They get to avoid being openly against gay marriage making them seem more moderate, more in line with changing norms, more relatable to younger voters. All the while Republican lawmakers fight against LGBT rights, like for instance Walker choosing to defend the state's gay marriage ban.
The problem with playing both sides is that it offends everyone. Those who support gay marriage will easily see through the ploy. And trust me, a politician will never inspire someone to vote for them by being neutral on LGBT rights.
And if I were opposed to gay marriage, I would be especially annoyed. The party is willing to pay my faith lip service but is unwilling to take a stand on marriage simply because it is politically expedient? That's not only gutless, but soulless.
I think Bill "The Butcher" Cutting summed it up best while paraphrasing Revelation 3:16 in Gangs of New York when speaking to politician Boss Tweed: "I know your works. You are neither cold nor hot. So because you are lukewarm, I will spew you out of my mouth." Republicans need to grow a backbone and take a stand on the issue. Because right now, they make me want to spew.
Originally posted at http://www.jsonline.com/...