Gay Republican Group to be Allowed at CPAC Event

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Tuesday, February 25, 2014

A conservative LGBT organization will be part of this year's Conservative Political Action Conference event in Washington, DC after long being banned from the event.

GOProud, a pro-gay group that holds several politically conservative views, will participate in CPAC next month as a guest organization.

CPAC is an annual gathering of conservative groups held at the nation's Capital and organized by the American Conservative Union.

The ACU provided The Christian Post with a statement by their executive director, Dan Schneider, regarding the matter.

"We had a constructive meeting with GOProud's leadership last week. The directors have a new vision for promoting a broad array of conservative priorities; from sound fiscal policies to strong 2nd Amendment rights to pro-life policies," said Schneider.

"We welcome GOProud's attendance at this year's CPAC conference. I believe their presence could help establish a productive relationship in the future."

In a statement posted on their website, GOProud stated that they were "happy to announce that we will be attending CPAC 2014."

"At CPAC, we hope to encourage a dialogue among friends, one that works to advance the conservative movement by reinforcing the principles of free markets, limited government and a respect for individual rights," read the statement in part.

"This is also an opportunity for GOProud to highlight the support we have within the movement, working with individual allies and coalition groups to advance the principles of freedom that have made the conservative movement strong, and its members proud."

As a guest of CPAC, GOProud will not have a booth like many other political organizations present at the multiday event.

Regarding the lack of a booth, Ross Hemminger co-director of GOProud told the LGBT publication the Washington Blade that "we will have the presence that we wanted there."

"I've been making clear to people, we didn't ask for a booth, we didn't ask to co-sponsor, we asked to attend as guests," said Hemminger.

"ACU and CPAC have been very willing to work with us to that, and they've been wonderful to work with."

"CPAC is about finding conservative solutions to every challenge in America and not just saying 'no,' " said Al Cardenas, chairman of the ACU, to the National Journal. "We're determined to win the majority of American support."

For CPAC 2014, featured speakers include U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, National Rifle Association Executive Vice President and CEO Wayne LaPierre, and Donald Trump.