California GOP Recognizes Log Cabin
In a historic move, the California Republican Party on Sunday officially recognized a gay GOP group. The Log Cabin Republicans, a 38-year-old organization that had unsuccessfully sought a charter from the state party several times in the past, received the formal imprimatur on a 861-293 vote at the party’s biannual convention in Sacramento. It is among the first gay groups officially sanctioned by a state Republican Party. Brandon Gesicki, a delegate from Carmel who supported the effort, said the vote showed how much the party in California has changed in recent years. “It would have been the complete opposite 15 years ago,” said Gesicki, who also turned in a proxy vote from former Lt. Gov. Abel Maldonado supporting the recognition. “The fringe does not control the party anymore. We truly are a big tent once again.” Charles Moran, chairman of the Log Cabin California chapter, was visibly emotional after Sunday’s vote. “I’m personally overwhelmed,” he said, noting that he got his start in politics as a staffer at the state party in 1999. “This is the culmination of a 15-year journey for me.”The party platform of the California GOP still says this: "We believe public policy and education should not be exploited to present or teach homosexuality as an acceptable ‘alternative’ lifestyle. We oppose same-sex partner benefits, child custody, and adoption."
Labels: California, GOP, homocons, LCR
