Chafee
Chides Santorum for Gay Remarks
Associated Press, April 24,
2003
WASHINGTON—Lincoln Chafee of
Rhode Island became the second Republican senator to criticize fellow GOP Sen.
Rick Santorum’s remarks on homosexuality, but did not call on the
Pennsylvanian to relinquish his No. 3 Senate GOP leadership post.
“I thought his choice of comparisons was unfortunate
and the premise that the right of privacy does not exist—just plain
wrong,” the moderate Chafee said in a written statement. “Senator
Santorum’s views are not held by this Republican and many others in our
party.”
In an interview with The Associated Press, Santorum
compared homosexuality to bigamy, polygamy, incest and adultery. He also said
the right to privacy does not exist in the Constitution.
Chafee’s statement was made Wednesday, the same day
fellow moderate Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, said Santorum’s comments
“undermine Republican principles of inclusion and opportunity.”
Some Democrats and gay-rights groups have said Santorum
should step down from his leadership job. The White House has declined
comment.
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