Mitt was for homos before he was against them -- on the record

by: Pam Spaulding

Fri Dec 08, 2006 at 20:43:07 PM EST

In the interview, Romney emphasized that he would be an advocate for gay civil rights. And he offered some surprisingly thoughtful reasons for his positions — surprising only because of his demagoguing on gay rights today. He tied his willingness to advocate for the rights of gay people, for instance, to the Mormon concept of “free agency”:

“When I speak of free agency, I don’t just mean that each person can do what they want to do, I mean that our society should allow people to make their own choices and live by their own beliefs,” said Romney. “People of integrity don’t force their beliefs on others, they make sure that others can live by different beliefs they may have. That’s the great thing about this country: it was founded to allow people to follow beliefs of their own conscience. I will work and have worked to fight discrimination and to assure each American equal opportunity.”

“I believe that there will be change over time as the military establishment and the rank and file become more comfortable with the realities of sexual orientation in the military,” said Romney. “I will support progress being made in that area as time progresses and the military and society becomes more accepting.”

An original copy of the letter has yet to surface. But on Oct. 17, 1994, the Globe reported that Romney wrote to the group and said, “as we seek to establish full equality for America’s gay and lesbian citizens, I will provide more effective leadership than my opponent.” An Oct. 13, 1994 Bay Windows article also quoted from Romney’s letter: “For some voters it might be enough for me to simply match my opponent’s record in this area. But I believe we can and must do better. If we are to achieve the goals we share, we must make equality for gays and lesbians a mainstream concern. My opponent cannot do this. I can and will.”

I doubt Mitt's campaign ambitions are going to go far once The Base gets wind of this. It would be nice if the MSM forces him to explain his political conversion.

Also check out Kiritsy's Mitt's Secret gay history II, a collection of Mitt's pro-gay quotes from 1994 that will come back to haunt him. My fave snippet...

On why the gay community should support Romney over Kennedy, given Kennedy’s record of supporting both civil rights and the gay community:

“Well, I think you’re partially right in characterizing Ted Kennedy as supportive of the gay community, and I respect the work and efforts he’s made on behalf of the gay community and for civil rights more generally, and I would continue that fight.

“There’s something to be said for having a Republican who supports civil rights in this broader context, including sexual orientation. When Ted Kennedy speaks on gay rights, he’s seen as an extremist. When Mitt Romney speaks on gay rights he’s seen as a centrist and a moderate. It’s a little like if Eugene McCarthy was arguing in favor of recognizing China, people would have called him a nut. But when Richard Nixon does it, it becomes reasonable. When Ted says it, it’s extreme; when I say it, it’s mainstream.

“I think the gay community needs more support from the Republican Party and I would be a voice in the Republican Party to foster anti-discrimination efforts.

“The other thing I should say is that the gay community and the members of it that are friends of mine that I’ve talked to don’t vote solely on the basis of gay rights issues. They’re also very concerned about a $4 trillion national debt, a failing school system, a welfare system that’s out of whack and a criminal justice system that isn’t working. I believe that while I would further the efforts Ted Kennedy has led, I would also lead the country in new and far more positive ways in taxing and spending, welfare reform, criminal justice and education. That’s why I believe many gay and lesbian individuals will support my candidacy and do support my candidacy.

“I have several friends in the gay community who are supporters, who are working in my campaign. I think they believe I would be a better senator.”

Hat tips to Tony and Autumn.