Given the recent behaviors of US Senator Craig in Minnesota, former US Representative Mark Foley and others...

Question

Why is it that the so-called conservative Republican party seems to have more "sinful" homosexual behaviors amongst those elected from its party than the Democratic party?

Is this simply my perception or is it objectively correct?

I'm not anti-gay (which is why I put "sinful" in quotes) but the Republican platform is, and I wonder why so many seemingly homo- and bi-sexuals appear to gravitate toward a party that does not support their sexuality.

(Posting this in R&S for two reasons: a) more active responses here and b) the Republican platform is largely based on Christian beliefs/dogma)

lilabner: A very good point. However, *IF* a person chooses to serve a particular platform and then exhibits behavior that is counter to that platform, I'd say that's hypocricy. The majority of closeted gays are not politically active (just like the majority of Americans in general). I'm not even saying that this is particularly hypocrisy; for example, perhaps these individuals were Republican in the sense of supporting other pillars of the party's platform. That's their right. I just wonder why it *seems* like the Republican field has more closeted gays than the Democratic party.

Additionally, lilabner: it *does* have to do with political choices, indeed. If one is a politician and chooses a party, one must consider *all* aspects of that party's platform. Everyone has the right to say "I like the Republicans except for the fact they're anti-gay. However, I like most of what they do so I'll call myself a Republican." However, even then one must consider all aspects of the party's platform and choose.

Suzanne: What did Bill Clinton do? Have an extramarital affair? Or allow the people of Rwanda to suffer unimaginably without lifting a finger?

Mr Danger: My understanding of the reports is that the Senator not only tapped his foot but also reached under the stall divider - indicating a desire to engage in lewd conduct. I agree - if he just tapped his foot that would be just plain stupid and a bad sign of the times; however, I'm not sure it was that ambiguous.

Answer 1

I think sin follows all men and women... not just those of certain denominations or beliefs. we all fall short of the Glory of God

I'm not 'republican'... i don't vote party lines, but for people and what they believe and stand for....

there are plenty of democrats that fall into sin as well.... JFK had his extramarital stuff with Marilyn Monroe.... sin is sin... doesnt have to be just 'homosexual'... many people of power fall into sin of one kind or another... theft, lying, even murder....

Answer 2

Simply put, it's because those representatives of the Republican party tend to promote a higher moral standard of living around issues of human life, the family and sexuality. That means that they necessarily should be personally held to this higher standard then; and if they don't, they should be confronted publically and held responsible for their incongruous behavior, and possibly sacked! Absolutely! Fortunately, it appears that this is going to occur with Rep.Craig (isn't he from Idaho?), rather than it being swept under the partisan rug one more time.

Now, may I say the same thing about Democrats, who tend to promote a higher standard of morality around the environment, health care, and governmental assistance. It does appear to me that humans are all alike regarding this topic you've chosen here, whether Republican or Democrat, because the stories I hear about some Democrats living their private lives in stark contrast to their campaign moral issues is quite perplexing as well! And they should be confronted publically, held responsible and possibly sacked as well!

However, I believe this appropriate disciplinary action backed by one's partisan members of congress has not occurred as often in the Democratic party, it appears to me. I can only think of on one occasion where Democrats have at least recently distanced themselves from the many present transgressors in their party, that being congressman Robinson, but only after initially supporting him, until the law caught him redhanded. This is sadly the case regarding some Republicans as well.

Thank God for those representatives from both parties that for the most part practice what they do preach! Btw, I'm an evangelical Christian who most of the time votes the Republican party ticket.

Answer 3

The Republican party is NOT a Christian political party.

And for the record, the Democrats have had some terrible scandals, too (does the name Bill Clinton mean anything to you?). So I think your perception has been influenced by the liberal media.

EDIT: LOL, take your pick of the sins you listed; there are quite a few more I could name.

Answer 4

Lets see, if I were a gay/lesbian person in the closet and someone found out--would they immediately say A HA--are you a Democrat or a Republican?? I think not, it has nothing to do with political choices and to say it does is rather small minded and even a bit nasty. Just my opinion, not here to stir a pot.
EDIT---If you were hiding from the world and your family, an anti-gay platform would be a great cover for your 'closet'. His future trust is ruined by his actions--he is lying now, anyway I feel he is.

Answer 5

Those who actually BUY that Republicans are somehow more morally upright than Democrats are a little soft in the head.


Both parties have their fair share of scandals (not that I consider being gay a scandal). It's just that one party likes to play up to the Christian Conservative right whenever convenient and some silly people actully BELIEVE they are genuine.

Sad.

Answer 6

I think there is probably an equal amount in both parties, it is just that the republicans have a base that is vehemently against it. So when they go in that direction it is viewed at as hypocrisy rather than expected from liberals.

Either way it should be up to each individual, but if you are going to lead your constituency to believe that you are against homosexual behavior, then you shouldn't be practicing it.

Answer 7

It's always very curious (in an Alice in Wonderland way) to see those who wish to prohibit the consensual and legal behaviors of others on the basis of their religion engaged, time and time again, in ILLEGAL and often nonconsensual behaviors.

I will tell you, some here will now bring up Bill Clinton. In order for that parallel to work, Bill Clinton would've had to be publically against heterosexuality....he assuredly is not.

I am not a Christian, and I am not a republican, but I live my beliefs. I live the words that come out of my mouth.

Answer 8

I've voted Republican for as long as I've been legally able to vote, but I'm not anti-gay either, or a particularly religious person for that matter.

I see homo- and bi-sexuals as human beings and they should be afforded every right granted to humans, as straight people do.

Answer 9

You are right. And since the Republican platform is based in Christianity, we could also add to your question by wondering why so many priests are caught in gay and pedophile scandals.

The whole republican party and its conservative backers could use some close scrutiny.

Answer 10

I think that regardless of which side of the line that our own political / religious beliefs may lie , it is critically important that as Americans we come to the defense of Senator Craig .
We need to put an end to a body of law that allows people to be arrested and their lives ruined for what a government agent THOUGHT they might do.
All Senator Craig did was tap his foot and if a man can be arrested and his life ruined for something like that then this country is in much deeper trouble then I had ever imagined.

Answer 11

because the so-called conservative Republican party is a huge joke.

you are, in fact, correct in your observations and perceptions.

Although this has gone on for quite some time- I think that Craig, for example, is frightened by his homosexuality, and therefore launches a crusade against it in hopes that it'll go away. Although I must admit, you've gotta be a real goon to get busted soliciting sex in the mens room using hand gestures....