Why Are They Proud?

Peter LaBarbera, who runs Americans for Truth About Homosexuality, said he disputes “their definition of ’conservative,’ which would have the movement’s Founding Fathers rolling in their graves.”

Matt Barber, who heads the Liberty Counsel, has been actively seeking a boycott of the event unless GOProud was dismissed as a co-sponsor.

“Among other things, GOProud advocates in favor of both ’gay marriage’ and ’civil unions,’ against pro-marriage constitutional amendments ; is pushing for the repeal of ’Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ and advocates in favor of federal ’partnership benefits’ for homosexuals,” LaBarbera quoted Barber as writing in an open email.

Now Focus on the Family has responded. Senior Vice-President Tom Minnery told right-wing site One News Now he has no problem with other CPAC co-sponsors disagreeing with Focus on the Family, including GOProud.

“We think we’ve got to engage the broader conservative movement and to be salt and light in that environment,” he said. “We believe that social conservatism, biblical Christianity has a lot to say to the political culture–and we want to be where the action is, so that’s why we’re engaging it.”

He opposes the boycott. Instead, he advocated coming to the conference “to counter the agenda of GOProud.”

On its website, GOProud wrote, “GOProud looks forward to continuing to work with the conservative movement to promote policies that will improve the lives of all Americans, including gays and lesbians.”

More at: Edge Boston!