Ann Parker
By Ann Parker
LGBTQ Republicans are celebrating the approval of a new GOP platform at the Republican National Convention (RNC), which notably omits any mention of same-sex marriage. For decades, the GOP platform has defined marriage as solely between one man and one woman, using this stance to rally social conservatives. The absence of this opposition to same-sex marriage in the new platform reflects both changing societal views on such relationships and the influence of former President Trump on the Republican Party.
The removal of same-sex marriage from the GOP platform is considered a victory for LGBTQ+ Republicans who have long sought inclusivity within the party. Charles Moran, the president of the Log Cabin Republicans, a GOP group advocating for gay rights, expressed satisfaction with the new platform. He stated that while it promotes the sanctity of marriage, it does not exclude LGBTQ+ marriages. Moran emphasized that the platform is pro-family and provides a place for all families, including those of LGBTQ+ individuals.
The 2024 platform, approved by a party the Republican Party Convention , is significantly shorter than previous versions, spanning only 16 pages. Notably, it no longer opposes abortion following the overturning of Roe vs. Wade. The platform states that the matter should be decided by individual states. This shift in policy has garnered attention and criticism from conservatives.
Some Republicans, including former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and the National Association of Christian Lawmakers, have expressed disappointment with the absence of language on marriage in the new platform. They believe that important principles have been compromised.
During the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, the RNC overwhelmingly voted to approve the new party platform with no mention of the gay community or marriage sanctity. Many attribute this outcome to Trump’s support for the proposal, which resulted in the exclusion of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.
Trump’s pragmatic approach to politics is evident in his views on same-sex marriage. Sasha Issenberg, the author of “The Engagement: America’s Quarter-Century Struggle Over Same-Sex Marriage,” explains that Trump is not particularly concerned with the sanctity of marriage or sexual issues. Same-sex marriage no longer has the divisive impact on voters it once did, as societal views have evolved over the past two decades.
In the past, the GOP’s opposition to same-sex marriage was an effective strategy for gaining votes. For instance, in 2004, then-Mayor of San Francisco Gavin Newsom allowed the issuance of marriage licenses to same-sex couples, which President George W. Bush capitalized on during his reelection campaign. However, public opinion has shifted significantly since then, with a Gallup poll indicating that 69% of Americans now recognize same-sex marriages as valid, compared to 27% in 1996.
During his presidency, Trump appointed Richard Grenell, an openly gay individual, as the U.S. ambassador to Germany and later as the acting director of national intelligence. Grenell, who received a standing ovation at the Republican convention, is expected to hold a high-ranking position in a potential second Trump administration. The Trump family, including former First Lady Melania, has also shown support for the Log Cabin Republicans, headlining fundraisers for the group.
Overall, the new GOP platform’s omission of same-sex marriage marks a significant change for the Republican Party and reflects evolving societal views. LGBTQ+ Republicans see it as a step towards inclusivity, while some conservatives express concern over the lack of language on marriage.
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