Monday news sweep: Growing bipartisan support

Even though Republicans now hold a 32-30 majority in the New York Senate, a number of Republicans across the country have been warming to marriage for same-sex couples – and speaking out about it. This bodes well for a tip in favor of the measure in New York, where a majority of constituents already approve legalization, and where many Republicans in the Assembly voted for marriage equality

Opposition waning
The past decade has seen visible change in the Republican Party’s stance on LGBT rights. Evidence of this trend continues to emerge, with polling indicating that by December 2010, 74% of Republicans supported the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” including 8 Senators and 15 Representatives. Groups like GOProud and the Log Cabin Republicans have also been gaining much wider acceptance within the party.

Bush, McCain daughters support marriage equality
Last week more evidence of a generation shift toward LGBT acceptance in younger Republicans arose, with George W. Bush’s daughter Barbara taping a pro-marriage equality video, breaking with her father’s effort to constitutionally ban such initiatives. She joins Senator John McCain’s daughter Meghan as being an outspoken Republican supporter of marriage equality and LGBT rights, despite having a high-profile father who currently holds more conservative beliefs.

As MD marriage vote nears, Republican switches sides
In Maryland, where marriage equality is coming closer to a vote, Republican State Senator Allan Kittleman rejected the Republican Senate Caucus’ official opposition to the measure after abandoning his proposed civil union bill which failed to garner enough support. He plans on voting for marriage equality, saying that “As a strong proponent of personal and economic liberty/freedom, I simply could not, in good conscience, vote against [Senate Bill] 116.” He also added that “our government is not a theocracy.”

A gay Republian presidential candidate
For further evidence the that Republican Party is evolving look no further than Fred Karger, who could potentially become the first ever openly gay presidential candidate for a major political party.