More Than 300 Republicans Call on Supreme Court to Recognize Gay Marriage Nationally
1. More Than 300 Republicans Call on Supreme Court to
Recognize Gay Marriage Nationally
300 Republicans Call on Supreme Court to Realize Gay Marriage
Jewel Samad-
-AFP/Getty ImagesSame-sex marriage supporters wave a rainbow flag in front of the US Supreme
Court on March 26, 2013 in Washington.Signers incorporate former New York City Mayor Rudy
Giuliani, Sens. Susan Collins and Mark Kirk and Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker
More than 300 veteran Republican lawmakers, operatives and consultants have filed a friend of the
court quick at the Supreme Court in support of identical-intercourse marriage late Thursday.
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The amicus brief, organized by former Republican Nationwide Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman,
was filed for the four similar-intercourse marriage scenarios the Court will hear on April 28 that
could legalize the unions nationwide. In 2013, Mehlman marshaled a equivalent effort for the
situation that overturned California's Proposition eight, which had banned same-sex marriage in the
state.
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Between the signatories are 23 recent and former Republicans members of the Home of
Representatives and Senate and 7 current and former Governors. Sens. Susan Collins and Mark Kirk
have signed onto the brief, as has Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker and former Utah Gov. Jon
Huntsman. Other notables incorporate former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, retired Gen.
Stanley McChrystal and billionaire GOP mega-donor David Koch.
3. The 2013 brief incorporated 131 signatures, featured many former top rated aides to Republican
presidential nominee Mitt Romney, which include his general counsel and two senior advisors. The
record has now grown to 303 signatories.
In an interview with TIME, Mehlman pointed to the growing national consensus and inside the GOP
on the problem. "There's been an boost since the final time in public assistance for marriage equality
across all ideological, racial, and political groups," he explained.
The brief helps make a conservative case for the court to strike down exact same-sex marriage bans
in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee, arguing they are "inconsistent with amici's knowing of
the thoroughly restricted part of government."
"Even though amici hold a broad spectrum of socially and politically conservative, moderate, and
libertarian views, amici share the see that laws that bar exact same-intercourse couples from the
institution of civil marriage, with all its attendant profoundly significant rights and responsibilities,
are inconsistent with the United States Constitution's dual promises of equal safety and due
approach," the quick states.
Some aides to Republican presidential candidates are hoping that if the Court's rules in favor of the
unions it will supply cover for their bosses, who are hoping to stay clear of talking about the issue.
Following the party's 2012 electoral defeat, its autopsy identified that gay rights concerns are a
gateway subject not just for LGBT voters, but also for youthful voters of all stripes. "We have to have
to campaign amongst Hispanic, black, Asian, and gay Americans and demonstrate we care about
them, as well," the Growth and Chance Task report stated.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie both dropped opposition to
identical-sex unions in their state soon after court rulings forced their hand, but they stay personally
opposed. Soon after marriages began in his state in January, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush termed
for respect from all sides. "I hope that we can display respect for the superior people today on all
sides of the gay and lesbian marriage concern -- which includes couples building lifetime
commitments to every single other who are in search of better legal protections and those of us who
feel marriage is a sacrament and want to safeguard religious liberty," he explained.
A lot more conservative Republicans might seek to cater to Iowa and South Carolina's big
evangelical primary blocks in purchase to entice votes, setting the stage for likely clashes. But the
political ground is shifting. In accordance to an NBC/Marist survey last month, approximately half of
likely GOP caucus and major voters in Iowa, South Carolina, and New Hampshire come across
opposition to very same-sex marriage "largely" or "fully" unacceptable.
Mehlman said he was not concerned that the Court's ruling could prompt a backlash between
conservative voters that could alienate moderates.
"Republicans traditionally have fantastic respect for court decisions, notably the Supreme Court," he
explained. And pointing to quick shifts in public viewpoint in states that have legalized similar-
intercourse marriage, he predicted Republicans would not drum up the base against the Court
should really it overturn the marriage bans. "The information displays that public acceptance
increases very rapidly, and extremely drastically."
The full checklist of Amici:
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