(Washington, DC)—Log Cabin Republicans today launched an ambitious campaign to defend the Constitution and stop efforts to pass an anti-family Constitutional amendment. The centerpiece of this $1,000,000 effort is a television commercial, which will begin airing on Thursday in the Washington, DC region and swing states around the nation, with plans for national broadcast during the weeks ahead.
“The radical right wanted a culture war. They’ve got it now. I can proudly say that thousands of Log Cabin Republicans and our allies across America are fighting back—in defense of freedom, fairness, and equality,” said Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director Patrick Guerriero. This is the first-ever television advertising campaign in Log Cabin’s 27-year history.
The anti-family Federal Marriage Amendment would turn back the clock on gay and lesbian civil rights by denying not only civil marriage, but also jeopardizing civil unions and possibly even any domestic partner benefits.
“We have launched this unprecedented campaign effort because the exclusion and discrimination embodied in this amendment violates the principles upon which the Republican Party is founded. It’s wrong to use the Constitution as a way of scoring political points in an election year,” continued Guerriero.
Log Cabin’s 30-second television commercial begins airing on Thursday, March 11th in the Washington, DC region and seven crucial swing states: Ohio, Missouri, Florida, Minnesota, New Mexico, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin. “We will not remain silent as gay and lesbian families are used as wedge issues to divide America.”
In addition to being broadcast, Log Cabin is delivering 1,000 copies of the commercial to key Republicans around the nation. Every GOP member of the U.S. House and Senate, along with every Republican governor and every member of the Republican National Committee will receive a copy.
Log Cabin developed the ad using results from a nationwide poll conducted last month. The commercial uses excerpts from then Vice-Presidential candidate Dick Cheney during his 2000 debate with Senator Joe Lieberman. Referring to the legal recognition of same-sex relationships, Mr. Cheney said, “That matter is regulated by the states. I think different states are likely to come to different conclusions, and that's appropriate. I don't think there should necessarily be a federal policy in this area.”
“Vice-President Dick Cheney makes a powerful case against amending our sacred Constitution. His position in 2000 is as true today as it was when he said it,” continued Guerriero.
Log Cabin’s ad campaign also will include print advertisements during the weeks ahead. This is one part of a larger effort to defeat the amendment. It will include the most intense lobbying effort and grassroots mobilization in Log Cabin’s history. As part of the effort, Log Cabin recently launched its new web site—www.logcabin.org.
“As Republicans, it is our obligation to stand up and speak out when our party is headed in the wrong direction,” continued Guerriero. “Log Cabin has received unprecedented support from our gay and straight allies around the nation. We also are encouraged by the growing number of courageous GOP members of Congress and Republican leaders around the nation who are speaking out against this amendment. These inclusive voices represent the future of the Republican Party.”
“The Republican Party has a choice. Be the party of Lincoln, Reagan, Schwarzenegger, and Guiliani or be the party of Bauer, Falwell, Robertson, and Buchanan. The choice is clear. Choosing the wrong path will put the Republican Party on the wrong side of history. Fairness and freedom will prevail over intolerance and exclusion,” concluded Guerriero.
Journalists can access a downloadable version of this commercial at www.newstream.com. Or the commercial can be viewed at www.logcabin.org
