RNC Chair Sending Dangerous Signals about Same Sex Marriage

Reince Priebus / Gage Skidmore / Foter.com / CC BY-SA

The GOP platform leaves no doubt about its absolute opposition to same-sex marriage, but Republican National Chairman Reince Priebus says the party needs to welcome those with other views on a combustible issue that is being considered by the Supreme Court. Priebus told reporters “I don’t believe we need to act like Old Testament heretics.”

The Supreme Court is hearing arguments over the constitutionality of Proposition 8, California’s ban on same-sex marriage and a challenge to the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibits the federal government from extending spousal benefits to same-sex couples.

The GOP platform states, “We believe that marriage, the union of one man and one woman must be upheld as the national standard, a goal to stand for, encourage, and promote through laws governing marriage.”