Gay GOP group Log Cabin Republicans has
criticized Mitt Romney for reiterating his opposition to gay
marriage.
Romney, the presumptive GOP
presidential nominee, drew cheers Wednesday when he broached the
issue during a speech at the NAACP's annual convention taking place
in Houston, Texas.
After stating that he hopes to
represent “all Americans, of every race, creed and sexual
orientation,” Romney added that as president he would “promote
strong families” and “defend traditional marriage.”
The cheering was out of step with the
NAACP leadership, which
in May followed President Barack Obama's lead in endorsing equal
marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples.
“With his opening remarks to the
NAACP today, Governor Romney sent a message that he recognizes the
importance of an inclusive Republican vision for victory in
November,” R. Clarke Cooper, executive director of Log Cabin
Republicans, said in a statement. “He deserves credit for taking
the step to include sexual orientation by name. That said, it is
unfortunate that he countered his outreach to gay and lesbian
Americans with a gratuitous attack on the freedom to marry. If
Governor Romney truly desires to represent all Americans, Log Cabin
Republicans encourages him to avoid divisive social issues and focus
on jobs and the economy.”