Abbott Ruling Allows GOP to Deny Gay Conservatives

The Republican Party of Texas has denied a request by a group of gay conservatives to host a booth during its state convention.

And it was a ruling by none other than Greg Abbott, the Republican nominee for Governor, that enables the RPT to get away with it.

Back in 1997, when he was on the Texas Supreme Court, Greg Abbott ruled on the case of the Republican Party of Texas vs. Dietz, which was a suit brought by the Republican Party against a lower court judge who ruled the Party had to provide the Log Cabin Republicans with a convention booth. Abbott ruled-- relying on a muddled conflation of Texas state and US constitutional law-- the Party could legally bar the group from its convention because the Texas Bill of Rights only applies to government and the Party's actions did not constitute state action. (H/t to Burnt Orange Report on the find).

Gregory T. Angelo, executive director of the Log Cabin Republicans, said that his group is "determined to show the Texas state party it is out of step with national trends." In response, the LCR will stage a press conference during the convention denouncing the RPT's views.

Simply put: even the Republicans are sick of Republicans now.

Text of the Texas State Republican Party’s stance on homosexuality can be found below:

“Homosexuality ― We affirm that the practice of homosexuality tears at the fabric of society and contributes to the breakdown of the family unit. 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. Homosexuality must not be presented as an acceptable ‘alternative’ lifestyle, in public policy, nor should “family” be redefined to include homosexual ‘couples.’ We believe there should be no granting of special legal entitlements or creation of special status for homosexual behavior, regardless of state of origin. Additionally, we oppose any criminal or civil penalties against those who oppose homosexuality out of faith, conviction or belief in traditional values.”