(WASHINGTON) The Log Cabin Republicans announced today that it will award the 2009 Uncommon Courage Award to the eight Vermont state legislators that voted for marriage equality.
“Log Cabin Republicans congratulates our Republican colleagues who have courageously voted for marriage equality in the Vermont state legislature. We celebrate their commitment to the inherent conservative principles of limited government and personal responsibility in addition to basic fairness,” stated Log Cabin Republicans Board Chairman Terry Hamilton. “I am proud to announce that these eight outstanding legislators will receive the 2009 Uncommon Courage Award, highlighting and acknowledging their resolve to vote their conscience in the face of much opposition.”
Vermont State Representative Anne Donahue will travel to Washington, DC to accept the award on behalf of House Republican Caucus Chairwoman Patti Komline, state Senators Diane Snelling and Kevin Mullin, as well as state Representatives Richard Hube, Heidi Scheuermann, Richard Westman, and Kurt Wright. "I think it was a real tribute to our party that in the midst of a very controversial debate, it stayed firm in its philosophy that members have the right to vote their own conscience. There was tremendous public pressure to change our votes and support the governor's veto, but no arm-twisting from within the caucus, and the governor himself honored his word respecting this as a personal issue: he did not try to sway votes,” said Donahue. "There were 11 Democrats who voted against their party in the House, and with huge internal pressure, three changed votes. However the six Republicans stayed firm with their original votes in support of the bill, and each one of those votes proved critical to passage."
Log Cabin Republicans spokesman Charles T. Moran states: “Once again, the linchpin votes for marriage equality is delivered by true Republican conservatives and demonstrates that GLBT causes must be advanced in a bi-partisan format. These Republican votes were crucial in the passage of this legislation and eventual veto-override.”
Log Cabin Republicans & the Liberty Education Forum will present the award on Saturday, April 18 at its annual banquet, as part of a larger convention & symposium being held at the Washington Westin City Center hotel. For more information or to register for press credentials to cover the events, please contact Log Cabin Press Secretary Charles Moran at (310) 774-1258 or via e-mail at losangeles@logcbin.org or charles@charlestmoran.net.
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