This article talks about Kathryn Lehman, a fervent Republican who has come out of the closet. Before coming out, she helped to pass a law banning Same Sex marriage, but now, Lehman works towards marriage equality. Her story and the story of other cited Republican lesbians tie in with our discussion of a potential realignment of the Republican party. I found this article to be reflective of the changing demographics we had talked about. Whereas we often hear stories about homosexuals supporting the Democratic party, this article showed a different perspective. I hope the Republican party can embrace these individuals and reassess their position on gay marriage.
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This is really interesting! I am happy that they pointed out that not all gays an lesbians are from the Democratic party. I also like how they compared themselves to a "Unicorn." This idea that Kathryn Lehman is doing is wonderful I think. For her to come out like that and be part of the Republican party sure makes people think twice about the usual "stereotype" are she says. I agree with Talia that I hope the Republican party changes there stance on gay and lesbian marriage. If they do, the Democrats and the Republicans can work together and get a law passed in no time!
ReplyDeleteI am glad that individuals like Kathryn Lehman are Republicans; we need all the help we can get, especially right now when the biggest issues are not social ones, like gay marriage or legalizing marijuana, but rather still the economy. I think these people can have valuable ideas to contribute to the party. However, just as all party members don't always agree on all issues, I don't think support gay marriage will come about in the Republican party. Don't get me wrong- I believe in personal freedom;you have every right to your own sexual orientation. But what I do not agree with is then calling that marriage.
ReplyDeleteGrace - I agree with you that there are other issues to pay attention to, but I would argue that gay marriage is very important. I believe humans should have the same rights regardless of sexual orientation. That means the same legal rights and terminology as well. Not everyone needs to agree with gay marriage, but I believe that as a democratic nation founded on the principal of liberty, it is crucial that every individual have equal opportunity. Love is love, and same sex marriage is just as justified as marriage between a man and a woman.
DeleteI agree completely with Talia. I don't understand why gay marriage is even still an issue. Someones sexual preference doesn't make them any different from anyone else. People shouldn't be telling others who they can love and what is socially acceptable and what is not.
DeleteI'm extremely happy that there are people who "shouldn't" be a Republican (gays, blacks, the poor, women, etc.) who are speaking out for their beliefs. I run a separate blog from this and follow many Republicans that are gay. However, as Grace said, the realignment of the Republican party will not likely happen. I agree that I believe in personal freedom. You can choose, if you will, whatever sexual orientation and/or lifestyle you choose. However, I don't feel marriage is a right. I think the government needs to get out of the terms of marriage and leave it up to churches to decide whether they want to wed a gay couple.
ReplyDeleteIt makes be very happy to hear that more people of political power, especially those not in the expected Democratic party, are coming out or at least supporting same sex marriage. I also believe this could steam roll and help the Republicans gain a better social image. I think the fact that the economy is such a priority actually means they should stop resisting giving the right to same sex marriages so it's a given, and therefore not a deciding factor in choosing a candidate. Also, it's simply a matter of human rights, so I want it to become that, a human right, as soon as possible. It amazes me how long it has taken to even get this far.
ReplyDeleteI agree that hopefully with more focus on the economy, there will be less debate about whether or not same sex marriage should be legalized. It IS hard to believe that this issue is still contested so fervently. After all, don't we all have a right to liberty, as in the freedom to marry whom we please?
DeleteI think that it helps all parties to have prominent members of all minorities included in their party, like Kathryn Lehman so that as many differing viewpoints as possible can be included into the respective party platforms and individuals have different role models within each party as opposed to looking at each party being exclusively on one side of every issue.
ReplyDeleteI think Kathryn Lehman will inspire other Republicans to come out and share who they truly are. I wonder if her coming out will effect how other Republicans think about her and if she will be discriminate by her party.
ReplyDeleteI think that members of the two dominant parties who represent minorities, such as Kathryn Lehman, are a key influence not only on the electorate but among fellow Republicans/Democrats. Not only is this important for supporting the individual rights and diversity among individuals, but in providing for a well-rounded, less biased position on issues among parties.
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to see Republicans coming forth with differing/ more open views on gay rights, in this case, on civil union; however, I am simply undecided whether there should be same sex marriage, not because I don't feel that those who are gay or lesbian shouldn't have equal rights and all the protections that marriage implies legally, but in awarding them the ability for a union under marriage would be, in my opinion, redefining the term marriage. I would be completely happy with a same sex union with the same benefits of those who undergo "marriage" but simply under a different name. I also must agree with Grace; if the economy is not doing well then no aspect of life is doing well; thus, the economy must be addressed with higher standing than social issues.
ReplyDeleteThis article is extremely interesting to me because of the sheer irony of it all; it is quite rare to come across a female Republican political figure who helped "to write the law that bans federal recognition of same-sex marriages" but then recognizes that she is gay and turns to support "Freedom to Marry." I completely understand gay activists' viewpoint when they say that, in many cases, these rare "'unicorns' were Republican before they were gay." It seems like a very difficult challenge to win over a good portion of the gay population to the Republicans to the Democrats, but Kathryn Lehman may gradually win some over.
ReplyDeleteI think that everyone should just be a little more tolerant of what may seem like "conflicting beliefs". I recognize that lesbian republicans are very rare, but as long as they are supporting or working for what they believe in, it makes sense to me. I know that if left up to the churches to decide the issue of gay marriage though, that we would end up with an even bigger mess on our hands than we do now. Some of the most liberal parts of the country, such as northeastern cities have large Catholic populations for instance, and there is now way a Catholic priest would ever even consider marrying two women or two men. While there are other religions that are more tolerant I believe that leaving this issue up to churches is a bad idea. The government does have a hand in all marriages through marriage licenses, and having it be legal, so I actually think it makes sense to have the government legalize same sex marriage. I do think that it should be left to the states to decide though, because it is a states' rights issue, and the federal government should butt out on this one.
ReplyDeleteEveryone has heard cliches about the ol' ball and chain and not having any fun once your married and such so why deny one group of people that right. If they want to experience what marriage is all about and truly be happy then who is any one to stop that regardless of their sexual preference and what the Bible says about to men getting married being an abomination. It really is just a waste of valuable time and resources to even have this debate in congress.
ReplyDeleteI agree that people should change their views on gay marriage and it's good, for them, that the Republicans have an openly lesbian activist because that could attract voters. In my personal opinion, I don't see why people are against gay marriage; it doesn't effect them in any way. It's not like just because it's passed it will change anything. The people will be spending their lives together anyway regardless of being "actually" married or not.
ReplyDeleteSome may believe that marriage is not a right but I believe otherwise. Each citizen was guaranteed the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Therefore, I believe that if marriage is the way that one pursues happiness it is their right to marry regardless of their sexual orientation. I am extremely impressed that Kathryn Lehman came out of the closest and am hoping that this will help the Republican party become more lenient towards the gay community.
ReplyDeleteI believe that it is a positive action to see a member of the Republican party come out and support her beliefs. She is definitely a role model as others have said and she will help others relate to what they believe. It is always a positive sign to see someone "famous" or "popular" express his or her beliefs.
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