Last edited: February 01, 2005


HRC Takes Issue with President Bush

White House Calls Sen. Santorum an ‘Inclusive Man’ Despite Discriminatory Remarks Linking Homosexuality to Incest

Human Rights Campaign, April 25, 2003
919 18th Street, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20006
Email: hrc@hrc.org

Contact: David M. Smith
Phone: (202) 216-1547
Cell:  (202) 251-1447

Contact: Mark Shields
Phone: (202) 216-1564
Cell:  (202) 258-3667

WASHINGTON—The Human Rights Campaign took issue today with President Bush’s assertion that Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., is, “an inclusive man.” In an Associated Press article earlier this week, Santorum linked homosexuality with incest.

“We strongly take issue with the President and his assertion that Sen. Santorum is in any way inclusive of this country’s gay community. In his 2000 campaign, the President said he was a ‘uniter, not a divider.’ Sen. Santorum’s remarks are deeply discriminatory and are antithetical to bringing people together. If this is how the President defines inclusion, then it clearly calls into question the depth of compassion in his conservatism,” said HRC Executive Director Elizabeth Birch.

In December 2002, Sen. Trent Lott made remarks at Sen. Strom Thurmond’s 100th birthday party that that many interpreted as supporting segregation. In response to Lott’s statements, President Bush said, “We must continue our advance toward full equality for every citizen, which demands the guarantee for civil rights for all.”

“The real question before us right now, is whether or not the President actually supports inclusion and equality, or if it is simply something that is convenient from time to time,” said Birch. “President Bush should directly address the substance of Santorum’s anti-gay comments.”

Republican Senators Lincoln Chafee, Susan Collins, Gordon Smith and Olympia Snowe have all criticized Sen. Santorum’s remarks. In addition, the Republican Unity Coalition, whose officials include former President Gerald Ford and Mary Cheney, The Republican Maintstreet Partnership and the Log Cabin Republicans have also spoken out against the statements.

 The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian and gay political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.

-30-


[Home] [News] [Lawrence v. Texas] [Santorum] [Spreading Santorum]