Two conservative groups which support
gay marriage have criticized the GOP's stance on marriage in a
full-page ad.
The ad, set to appear in Wednesday's
Tampa Tribune, is sponsored by Young Conservatives for the
Freedom to Marry and gay GOP group Log Cabin Republicans.
Last week, Republicans approved
language in the 2012 Republican Platform which supports a federal
constitutional amendment defining marriage as a heterosexual union.
Republicans meeting in Tampa this week are expected to ratify the
platform.
Tony Perkins, president of the Family
Research Council (FRC) and the architect of the GOP platform's
marriage plank, is quoted in the ad: “The institution of marriage
is the foundation of civil society. Its success as an institution
will determine our success as a nation.”
“We agree,” the ad continues.
“That's why Log Cabin Republicans and Young Conservatives for the
Freedom to Marry believe that government should stop denying marriage
licenses to committed gay and lesbian families. As conservatives, we
believe that the freedom to marry is directly in line with the core
ideals and principles of the Republican Party. Family values means
valuing ALL families.”