Tony Perkins, president of the
Christian conservative Family Research Council (FRC), has criticized
House Speaker John Boehner's support for openly gay GOP candidates.
When asked last week by a reporter
whether he backs efforts by the Republican Party to support gay House
candidates, Boehner replied, “I do.”
(Related: John
Boehner says “I do” to gay candidates Richard Tisei, Carl
DeMaio.)
“What's the purpose of the Republican
platform if the party isn't looking for candidates who uphold it?”
Perkins rhetorically asked during a press conference.
He added in an email to The
Christian Post: “[T]he GOP's latest sideshow comes at the
expense of the party's greatest opportunity: Capitalizing on
America's disgust for Obamacare.”
“At the end of the day, conservatives
and homosexual activists cannot coexist in a movement predicated on
virtues that pre-date positive law,” he said.
Perkins accused Republicans of being “willing
to compromise on principle to win.”
“You can't build a bigger tent if
someone is sawing down one of the polls,” he added.
(Related: Peter
LaBarbera applauds Rep. Randy Forbe's opposition to gay GOP
candidates.)