FORIMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 20, 2012
Dan Rafter
Newt Gingrich Evolves on Marriage Equality
Gingrich – who oversaw the passage of theDefense of Marriage Act – urges GOP to stop fighting against marriage equality
Washington – In an interviewwith the Huffington Post,former Republican presidential candidate and House Speaker Newt Gingrich maderemarks indicating he and other GOP leaders should embrace civil marriageequality – the latest sign of powerful momentum for lesbian, gay, bisexual andtransgender (LGBT) equality this year. Gingrich served as Speaker of the Housein 1996, when the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was passed intolaw.
“NewtGingrich reflects the experience that has changed the minds of so manyAmericans in understanding that LGBT people are a part of every family andcommunity – including his own,” said Human Rights Campaign President ChadGriffin. “His evolution resonates with people on a very personal level and is aquintessential example of why momentum is on the side of equality.”
NewtGingrich is just the latest of those who once opposed marriage equality toevolve to a position of supporting the rights of gay and lesbian couples tomarry. David Blankenhorn, the star witness against marriage equality in theProposition 8 case, has had a similar change of heart. As another sign ofprogress, the Mormon Church, which was the largest funder of Prop 8, sat outthis election cycle and remained silent in the four victorious marriage fights.
In additionto last month’s marriage victories at the polls, Americans are continuing todemonstrate their support for equality in overwhelming numbers. In fact,support for marriage has increased21 percent in just eight years – a remarkable shift in public opinion overa short period of time. As more LGBT people share their personal stories,Americans – including an increasing number of Republicans like Gingrich – arejoining the ranks of equality supporters. Former Vice President Dick Cheney,former First Lady Laura Bush, San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, former Secretaryof State Colin Powell, Ted Olson, former RNC Chair Ken Mehlman, and Paul Singerare among those in the GOP who support marriageequality.
“Gingrich’srecognition that Americans now overwhelmingly support marriage equality draws asharp contrast with the few extremists continuing to fight against equality,”added Griffin. “Gingrich’s comments give other Republican leaders the room todo the right thing and embrace marriage equality – which is reflective of thefundamental conservative principles of freedom and individual liberty. The sixmillion LGBT people who voted this election cycle, along with the decisivevictories we secured across the board, make clear the direction in which ourcountry is heading.”
TheHuman Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual andtransgender political organization with members throughout the country. Iteffectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the publicto ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work andin the community.
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