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"An organization of gay and lesbian Republicans,
having helped elect about 50 delegates, sought permission to set up a booth
at the Fort Worth Convention. But the state GOP, dominated by religious
conservatives, turned down the request from the Log
Cabin Republicans of Texas, as well as a similar
one from the Texas Freedom Network, formed to counter the influence of Christian conservatives
in politics" (Dan Balz and Ben White, The Washington Post, June
12, 1998). Robert Black,
a spokesman for the state party, inflamed the situation when he said: 'The
Republican Party is not going to allow individuals like the Log Cabins or
the KKK or any other hate group that are in direct conflict with our philosophy
a forum to spread their hateful message'" (Dan Balz and Ben White,
The Washington Post, June 12, 1998). "Officials
of the gay organization then called on Gov. George W. Bush (R) to repudiate
Black's remarks. He did in a statement saying that while Bush differs with
the group on such issues as gay marriage, he 'believes all individuals deserve
to be treated with dignity and respect' and 'does not condone name calling.'
Nonetheless, the Log Cabin group plans a protest rally Saturday opposite
the convention hall" (Dan Balz and Ben White, The Washington Post,
June 12, 1998).
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