Republicans approve resolution reaffirming opposition to gay marriage

Chris Moody
·Political Reporter

LOS ANGELES—With no debate, Republicans at the party's spring meeting here on Friday unanimously approved a number of resolutions, including one that reaffirmed the party's opposition to same-sex marriage.

"The Republican National Committee affirms its support for marriage as the union of one man and one woman, and as the optimum environment in which to raise healthy children for the future of America," the resolution read. The 157 RNC members present approved it in a voice vote.

The vote on same-sex nuptials was part of an effort to dispel criticism from social conservatives worried that the party may veer from its official position on the issue.

Before the meeting, some outraged social conservative leaders accused the party of taking steps to abandon its opposition to same-sex marriage, after the so-called Growth and Opportunity Project report outlining steps for the party to broaden its reach called for being more inclusive to gay and lesbian voters. Thirteen prominent heads of social conservative groups sent a letter to RNC Chairman Reince Preibus this week, threatening to abandon the party if it veered from "conservative principles."

Two Senate Republicans, Rob Portman of Ohio and Mark Kirk of Illinois, have declared their support for same-sex marriage, as have all but three Democrats in the chamber. Public opinion polls suggest that Americans, especially young voters, increasily support extending marriage rights to same-sex couples.

The RNC also unanimously approved a separate resolution to support the "core values" within the official platform passed at the Republican National Convention in Tampa last year, which asserted support for gun rights, traditional marriage, border security and opposition to abortion.

Another resolution honored former Republican presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul of Texas. Others related to eduction, foreign policy, national security and the nation's space program passed unanimously.

Read the party resolution on same-sex marriage below:

RESOLUTION FOR MARRIAGE AND CHILDREN 2013

Whereas, the institution of marriage is the solid foundation upon which our society is built and in which children thrive; it is based on the relationship that only a man and a woman can form; and

Whereas, support for marriage has been repeatedly affirmed nationally in the 2012 Republican National Platform, through the enactment of the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996, (signed into law by President Bill Clinton), and passed by the voters of 41 States including California via Proposition 8 in 2008; and

Whereas, no Act of human government can change the reality that marriage is a natural and most desirable union; especially when procreation is a goal; and

Whereas, the future of our country is children; it has been proven repeatedly that the most secure and nurturing environment in which to raise healthy well adjusted children is in a home where both mother and father are bound together in a loving marriage; and

Whereas, The U. S. Supreme Court is considering the constitutionality of laws adopted to protect marriage from the unfounded accusation that support for marriage is based only on irrational prejudice against homosexuals; therefore be it

Resolved, the Republican National Committee affirms its support for marriage as the union of one man and one woman, and as the optimum environment in which to raise healthy children for the future of America; and be it further

Resolved, the Republican National Committee implores the U. S. Supreme Court to uphold the sanctity of marriage in its rulings on California’s Proposition 8 and the Federal Defense of Marriage Act.