HRC
Calls on Senate GOP Caucus to Reconsider Santorum’s Position
Santorum’s Statements Clarifying His Remarks to the
AP Are Misleading and Inadequate
Human
Rights Campaign, April 23, 2003
For Immediate Release 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 today called on the Senate GOP Caucus to reconsider Sen. Rick
Santorum’s, R-Pa., leadership position within the Republican Party after
making deeply divisive and hurtful statements comparing homosexuality to
incest in an interview with The Associated Press. Santorum issued a misleading
statement on Tuesday that distances himself from his own remarks and fails to
apologize for maligning the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.
“Senator Santorum’s remarks to The Associated Press
betray a deep discrimination against an entire group of Americans that is
inappropriate for a senior leader of the United States Senate. We need leaders
who will unite the country, and affirm the inherent dignity, value and
equality of every citizen—not just the citizens he happens to like,” said
HRC Executive Director Elizabeth Birch. “When Trent Lott made similar
comments, he lost his position as majority leader, and it is time for the
Republican Party to consider similar steps with Senator Santorum.”
In the AP profile of Santorum that was published Monday,
he likened homosexuality to incest, bigamy and polygamy. He went on to say
that homosexuality, feminism and liberalism are all threats to the American
family.
On Tuesday, the AP released the full text of Santorum’s
interview in which Santorum, while discussing the implications of the
constitutional right to privacy, went on to say, “That’s not to pick on
homosexuality. It’s not, you know, man on child, man on dog, or whatever the
case may be. It is one thing ... the idea is that the state doesn’t have the
right to limit individuals’ wants and passions. I disagree with that.”
“The argument that Senator Santorum is making in his
statements is that granting civil rights to the GLBT community could lead the
country to ‘man on child’ or ‘man on dog’ sex—which is as hurtful
and insensitive as it is mean-spirited,” said Birch. “Most Americans
support basic equality for the country’s GLBT community, and this
country’s leadership should reflect that.”
In a written statement on Tuesday, Santorum said, “My
discussion with The Associated Press was about the Supreme Court privacy case,
the constitutional right to privacy in general, and in context of the impact
on the family. I am a firm believer that all are equal under the Constitution.
My comments should not be misconstrued in any way as a statement on individual
lifestyles.”
“Senator Santorum’s statement on the AP interview is
grossly misleading. Make no mistake, he absolutely meant to malign the
country’s GLBT community and is now trying to backpedal because it is
politically expedient. Santorum is not fit for the leadership role he holds.
HRC is calling on the Republican leadership to demonstrate their compassionate
conservatism and affirm the equality of all Americans by removing Santorum
from his position within the party,” said Birch.
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.
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