04/11/2013

Washington– At their spring meeting in Los Angeles this weekend, the Republican National Committee will consider a resolution that, if adopted, would dig in the party’s heels opposing marriage equality while the American people – Democrats, Independents and Republicans alike – continue to move in the opposite direction. 

“As the country and the GOP evolves on the issue of marriage for gay and lesbian couples, this resolution is a step backward from the party that Republican leaders say they are trying to build,” said Chad Griffin, Human Rights Campaign president.  “Instead of passing this resolution, the party should use this as an opportunity to reach young and independent voters who are tired of the divisive culture wars of the past.”

The latest Washington Post/ABC News poll shows nationwide support for marriage equality at 58 percent, and adults under 30 support marriage equality at 81 percent.  Support among seniors has jumped 26 percentage points in the last nine years, Republican support has jumped 18 points since 2004, and Independent support is at 62 percent compared to 38 percent nine years ago.  Evangelical Millennials also support marriage equality at 64 percent.

Additionally, a number of Republican leaders have spoken out for marriage equality recently including Sens. Rob Portman and Mark Kirk.  More than 100 prominent Republicans also signed on to a brief urging the Supreme Court to strike down bans on marriage for gay and lesbian couples in the Perry case.

“Party leaders should look to credible science and independent research rather than tired stereotypes and debunked reports to inform their position on this issue,” said Griffin.  “Every credible child welfare organization, most recently the American Academy of Pediatrics, says that marriage equality is good for children.”

After an extensive review of the academic literature on the subject of children being raised by gay and lesbian parents, the American Academy of Pediatrics said that marriage equality as well as adoption helps protect children’s rights to maintain relationships with both parents, eligibility for health benefits and financial security.

Even the star expert witness opposed to marriage equality in the Proposition 8 trial, David Blankenhorn, testified that equal marriage is undeniably good for the children of gay and lesbian couples. In 2010, he testified under oath that, “adopting same-sex marriage would be likely to improve the well-being of gay and lesbian households and their children.” He has since fully embraced marriage equality.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.