Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn, who famously compared gays to “box turtles” in the draft of a 2004 speech, now says he wants to find common ground with LGBT Republicans.
Cornyn, who happens to be chair of the GOP’s Senate campaign committee, reportedly plans to visit a Log Cabin Republicans reception before the group’s national dinner in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 22, about six weeks before the critical mid-term elections. From the Standard-Times of San Angelo:
“Some things we won’t agree on,” Cornyn, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said. “But I think it’s always better to talk and then try find those things we can agree on rather than just assume there’s no common ground whatsoever.”
Cornyn said same-sex marriage is “absolutely” one of those things he and LCR members don’t agree on, but he’s happy to talk to them.
“I don’t want people to misunderstand and think that I don’t respect the dignity of every human being regardless of sexual orientation,” Cornyn said.
We’re sure some will try to argue this is a sign of progress, but we mustn’t forget Cornyn’s strong support for a federal marriage amendment, his vote against hate crimes last year, his stated opposition to DADT repeal, and his all-but-certain vote against ENDA if it ever reaches the Senate floor. Cornyn has received a zero on every Human Rights Campaign Congressional Scorecard since he took office.
So, until Cornyn puts his votes where his mouth is — and he very well might get a chance when DADT repeal comes to the Senate floor the same month he’s slated to visit Log Cabin — we see this visit as nothing more than pandering for votes and money from gay Republicans across the country. When the GOP platform in your home state calls for imprisoning gays, where can the common ground possibly be?
Cornyn is pandering again, like he always does. And the LCR will buy it hook line and sinker like they always do. Prove me wrong LCRs, stand up to your own party and stop supporting your enemies.
Oh, and the Democrats with a SUPERMAJORITY still haven’t placed ENDA in markup and put it on the calendar for a vote. Now, WHO IS PANDERING to whom, my friends?
Let’s look at Cornyn’s record:
S.3065 – Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010 (Repeal of DADT) NO Support
S.3390 – Student Nondiscrimination Act of 2010 (anti-bullying bill) No Support
S.RES.409 – A resolution calling on members of the Parliament in Uganda to reject the proposed “Anti-Homosexual Law”. No Support
S.1584 – ‘8/5/2009–Introduced.Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009 – No Support
S.1102 – ‘A bill to provide benefits to domestic partners of Federal employees. No Support
How’s that for a start?
“When the GOP platform in your home state calls for imprisoning gays, where can the common ground possibly be?”
Maybe this will be discussed at the gathering ! Does John agree with the Texas GOP platform ?
I hope they feed him turtle food.