In the wake of the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida, the Republican Party’s newly adopted platform is being scrutinized for its harsh stance on social policy. Among the many issues decorating what critics are calling “the most conservative platform in history,” a vow to defend traditional marriage has been placed front and center.
Not only does the platform promise to preserve 1996’s Defense of Marriage Act, but also suggests the need to advance “a constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.”
In a recent interview, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney doubled down on his party’s stance. “I always have and always will believe that marriage is a union between one man and one woman,” Romney affirmed. “We just don’t know who they are yet.”
The former Massachusetts governor went on to say that we won’t know the identity of the man – or the woman – until after November 6th. “I’m not ready to specify who the lucky couple is going to be. There are a lot of factors involved – a lot of things we will need to take a look at once we’re in Washington and the air has been cleared. I will say that certain criteria will need to be met. For instance, both individuals should be loving, committed heterosexuals. It would be great if both were white.”
When asked whether or not him and Ann would be considered, Romney smirked. “Again, I don’t want to give anything away. But wouldn’t that be something? Ha!”
Governor Romney’s support of the GOP platform has received harsh criticism from marriage equality activists, who argue that the Republican Party’s definition of marriage would prevent millions of Americans from receiving equal benefits and protections under the law.
During a stump speech in Ohio yesterday, Romney responded to criticism that his view of tradition marriage would allow for discrimination to be written into the Constitution. “Look, America is a country who holds family values at its core. Everyone will benefit from knowing who that family is. Their values will help make us great again.”
Romney was quick to add, “If you want to see discrimination, just look at President Obama’s failed economic policies!”
In May, President Barack Obama became the first president to endorse marriage equality for all Americans.
