Constitutionally define marriage as one man & one woman
Congressional Republicans took the lead in enacting the Defense of Marriage Act, affirming the right of States and the federal government not to recognize same-sex relationships licensed in other jurisdictions. The current Administration's open defiance
of this constitutional principle--in its handling of immigration cases, in federal personnel benefits, in allowing a same-sex marriage at a military base, and in refusing to defend DOMA in the courts--makes a mockery of the President's inaugural oath.
We commend the United States House of Representatives and State Attorneys General who have defended these laws when they have been attacked in the courts. We reaffirm our support for a Constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one
man and one woman. We applaud the citizens of the majority of States which have enshrined in their constitutions the traditional concept of marriage, and we support the campaigns underway in several other States to do so.
The Patriot Act is used to track terrorist activity
The Patriot Act is being used to track terrorist activity and to break up terror cells. Now, the FBI can use tools that have been long available to fight organized crime and drug trafficking, but could not be used in the past to fight terrorism.
Intelligence and law enforcement officials are sharing information as never before.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 4
, Sep 7, 2004
Homosexuality is incompatible with military service
We affirm traditional military culture, and we affirm that homosexuality is incompatible with military service.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 18
, Sep 7, 2004
Support the advancement of women in the military
We support the advancement of women in the military, support their exemption from ground combat units, and support the implementation of the recommendations of the Kassebaum Commission, which unanimously recommended that co-ed basic training be ended.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 18
, Sep 7, 2004
States should not recognize gay marriage from other states
After more than two centuries of American jurisprudence, and millennia of human experience, a few judges and local authorities are presuming to change the most fundamental institution of civilization, the union of a man and a woman in marriage. Attempts
to redefine marriage in a single state or city could have serious consequences throughout the country, and anything less than a Constitutional amendment, passed by the Congress and ratified by the states, is vulnerable to being overturned by activist
judges. On a matter of such importance, the voice of the people must be heard. The Constitutional amendment process guarantees that the final decision will rest with the American people and their elected representatives. President Bush will also
vigorously defend the Defense of Marriage Act, which was supported by both parties and passed by 85 votes in the Senate. This common sense law reaffirms the right of states not to recognize same-sex marriages licensed in other states.
Affirmative Access, without preferences or set-asides
Republicans favor aggressive, proactive measures to ensure that no individual is discriminated against on the basis of race, national origin, gender, or other characteristics covered by our civil rights laws. We also favor recruitment and outreach
policies that cast the widest possible net so that the best qualified individuals are encouraged to apply for jobs, contracts, and university admissions. We believe in the principle of affirmative access-taking steps to ensure that disadvantaged
individuals of all colors and ethnic backgrounds have the opportunity to compete economically. We support a reasonable approach to Title IX that seeks to expand opportunities for women without adversely affecting men’s athletics. Because we are opposed
to discrimination, we reject preferences, quotas, and set-asides based on skin color, ethnicity, or gender, which perpetuate divisions and can lead people to question the accomplishments of successful minorities and women.
Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage
We strongly support a Constitutional amendment that fully protects marriage, and we [oppose] forcing states to recognize other living arrangements as equivalent to marriage. The well-being of children is best accomplished [when] nurtured by their mother
& father anchored by the bonds of marriage. We believe that legal recognition and the accompanying benefits afforded couples should be preserved for that unique and special union of one man and one woman which has historically been called marriage.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 85
, Sep 1, 2004
Strong support for traditional definition of marriage
We support the traditional definition of “marriage” as the legal union of one man and one woman, and we believe that federal judges and bureaucrats should not force states to recognize other living arrangements as marriages.
We do not believe sexual preference should be given special legal protection or standing in law.
Source: Republican Platform adopted at GOP National Convention
, Aug 12, 2000
Let Boy Scouts exercise free speech (ok to ban gays)
While the Constitution guards against state-sponsored religion, it honors the free exercise of religion. We will not allow government to ban religious symbols from the workplace. We support the First Amendment right of freedom of association and stand
united with private organizations, such as the Boy Scouts of America. We believe religious institutions should not be taxed. When government funds privately-operated programs, it must not discriminate against faith-based organizations.
Source: Republican Platform adopted at GOP National Convention
, Aug 12, 2000
Women exempt from combat; “candid analysis” of military gays
We support the advancement of women in the military, support their exemption from ground combat units, and call for co-ed basic training to be ended. We support restoration of sound priorities in the making of personnel policies, and
candid analysis of the consequences of unprecedented social changes in the military. We will put renewed emphasis on encouraging the best and brightest of our young people to join our armed forces.
Source: Republican Platform adopted at GOP National Convention
, Aug 12, 2000
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