Libertarians Suggest They Would Repeal Gay Marriage Ban DOMA, DADT
BY CARLOS SANTOSCOY
PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 25, 2010
The Libertarian Party is reminding gay voters that Libertarians are sexual orientation-blind, and criticizing Democrats for pandering to gay voters.
The move comes after Senate Democrats failed on Tuesday to advance
repeal of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell,” 17-year-old law that prohibits gay
troops from serving openly.
Party Chairman Mark Hinkle suggested that the gay community had
squandered its influence by backing Democrats.
“Exit polls indicate that Democrats get over 70% of the LGBT votes in
federal elections,” he said. “Those voters must really love the Democrats
' rhetoric, because they certainly aren't seeing any action.”
Hinkle added that despite having complete control of the federal
government, Democrats have not kept their promises to the gay
community.
“They could have repealed 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,'” he said. “They could
have gotten rid of the Defense of Marriage Act [the federal gay marriage
ban, DOMA]. But they didn't do either of those things. That's a complete
and total betrayal of all the promises they made to gay and lesbian voters
for years.”
Hinkle went on to suggest that Democrats only want to appear supportive
of gay rights.
“After a carefully orchestrated failure in the Senate, the Democrats are now blaming Republicans for blocking the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' Of
course, three Democrats just voted against it too, including Majority Leader
Harry Reid. Reid claims he voted for procedural reasons, but the whole
situation seems calculated to look like they're trying to help, while making
sure they don't actually help.”
Wes Benedict, executive director of the party, added that Libertarians
are sexual orientation-blind.
“The Libertarian Party neither supports nor opposes gay relationships,
” he said.
The White House has said it was “disappointed” with Tuesday's vote
against repeal of “Don't Ask” and that President Obama would continue
to work with Senate leaders to repeal the policy.
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