Bush asks homosexual congressman to speak

Some political activists are criticizing Texas Gov. George W. Bush for inviting a homosexual Republican congressman to address the Republican National Convention, stating that assigning him such a coveted, prime-time speaking slot undermines the party's pro-family platform.

Rep. Jim Kolbe, R-Ariz.

Bush invited Rep. Jim Kolbe, R-Ariz., an avowed homosexual, to address the convention today. Convention schedules show that Kolbe is slated to speak for three minutes between 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. EDT -- during prime-time television viewing -- on the "importance of international trade."

Kolbe -- who is serving his eighth term as a U.S. congressman -- is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and chairman of Appropriations' Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service and General Government. He is the second-ranking member of Appropriations' subcommittees on Interior, Commerce, Justice, State and Judiciary.

But despite his credentials, Kolbe's personal sexual orientation is offensive to traditionally oriented political activists, says Cathie Adams, president of the Texas Eagle Forum.

"I think our pro-family plank that addresses this issue will remain intact; I'll fight for that," Adams, who was also a member of the GOP platform committee, said late last week. "But, it's hypocritical to have that plank, then invite an open homosexual to address our convention just because he's homosexual."

Though the GOP's 2000 party platform adheres to "traditional party principles" relating to family and individual rights, Republicans have adopted a softer tone towards "deeply held and sometimes differing views."

Nevertheless, Adams is undaunted.

"I'm not going to sit by and let the homosexual agenda have our children," she said.

In a letter to constituents, Adams urged those opposed to Kolbe's speech to contact Bush campaign officials.

Neither the Bush campaign nor Adams could not be reached Monday for comment.

After meeting with homosexual groups in April, Bush said he had become "a better person."

"I welcome gay Americans into my campaign," he announced, though he emphasized that he disagreed with gay unions as well as legislation that would give gays special protected status.

For its part, the Texas Republican Platform adopted in 1998 defines "the traditional definition of marriage as a God-ordained, legal and moral commitment only between a man and a woman, which is the foundational unit of a healthy society."

Addressing homosexuality specifically, the Texas GOP "believes that the practice of sodomy, which is illegal in Texas, tears at the fabric of society, contributes to the breakdown of the family unit, and leads to the spread of dangerous, communicable diseases."

The Texas platform continues: "Homosexual behavior is contrary to the fundamental, unchanging truths that have been ordained by God, recognized by our country's founders, and shared by the majority of Texans. Accordingly, homosexuality should not be presented as an acceptable 'alternative' lifestyle in our public education and policy. We are opposed to any granting of special legal entitlements, recognition, or privileges including, but not limited to, marriage between persons of the same sex, custody or adoption of children, spousal (partner) insurance or retirement benefits," said the platform.

Meanwhile, the Texas Chapter of the Log Cabin Republicans, a gay Republican organization, is currently stumping for increased recognition by Texas officials of same-sex unions and benefits.

In a letter to Texas Attorney General John Cornyn last year, the group urged the state judiciary "to find in favor of allowing counties to choose to register domestic partner declarations, in order to maintain a pro-business climate in Texas and to keep the state from interfering in local government.

"Corporations like American Airlines, IBM, Apple Computer, and Shell Oil currently extend such benefits to thousands of gay Texans who live together in committed relationships," said chapter president Steve Labinski. "We need a mechanism to reflect what has transpired in the private sector."

Today, two groups of gay Republicans will sponsor receptions to honor the party's homosexual officials.

Speakers included at the "Making History" reception Aug. 1 include Kolbe and others; officials of both groups said it would be the first time they held such receptions at a GOP convention.

Others being honored include Arizona state Rep. Steve May; Plattsburgh, N.Y., Mayor Dan Stewart; Washington, D.C., Councilman David Catania; Peekskill, N.Y., Council member Bill Schmidt and gay delegates and alternates to the Republican National Convention.

The receptions are being sponsored by the Log Cabin Republicans and the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund.

"Having Kolbe speak at the convention was an idea first raised by Washington City Councilman David Catania in April, when the Log Cabin Republicans, the most prominent gay GOP organization, met with presidential candidate George W. Bush," said a Log Cabin Republican press release.

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