Oklahoma Republican Party
Oklahoma Republican Party Chairman Dave Weston today suggested Democrat gubernatorial candidate Joe Dorman is a hypocrite on the issue of marriage.
In a recent interview with The Gayly — a paper that describes itself as “keeping the FABULOUS south-central United States informed on current news and events affecting Lesbians, Homosexuals, Bi-sexuals & Transgenders” — Dorman criticized Gov. Mary Fallin for her moral stance on traditional marriage stating, “When you have a standard set in place, especially like that handed down from the federal government, you have to apply that [marriage rights] equally.”
He appeared to apologize to The Gayly staff for his vote in support of a House resolution to reaffirm Oklahoma’s support of traditional marriage. When asked how he could “support equality” while also voting to uphold traditional marriage Dorman said:
“Different situations. I serve House District 65 and I try to serve my constituents to the best of my ability… They have, I think, a different point of view when it comes to policies like that.”
The Gayly adds: “Dorman said he voted the way he felt his district wanted him to vote.”
Oklahoma Republican Party Chairman Dave Weston pressed Dorman to tell the people of Oklahoma whether he supports redefining marriage and why.
“It sounds like Joe Dorman meets with voters in Rush Springs and tells them he’s a conservative Democrat who opposes a reclassifying marriage,” said Weston. “Then he tells The Gayly staff in Oklahoma City that’s not really what he thinks and proceeds to criticize Governor Fallin for holding the same position that he previously told his constituents he believes.”
Weston continued, “If Dorman thinks Oklahoma should redefine marriage, he should say so and explain exactly why. If he opposes redefinition, he should have the courage to tell the Gayly why he voted the way he did. Instead, he’s pandering for votes to different audiences by telling them what he thinks they want to hear. This is not how a leader should act; it’s merely evidence of a losing campaign by a perennial candidate, one who is only running for governor because the clock ran out on his time in the legislature.”
Weston pointed out that the article brought into question Dorman’s views on a number of other issues. The Gayly writes: “When asked about adoption, hate crimes and federal benefits for non-traditional couples, Dorman said, ‘I want to find a way to address all these issues. I think all the laws should be applied equally and fairly…’”
“So Dorman wants to find a way to address these issues?” Weston fired back, “We are less than two months away from the election, and a thinking leader would already have answers to these questions. Oklahomans deserve an honest answer.”
“I believe everyone should be treated equally and fairly under the law, too,” said Weston. “But each of us should have the freedom to develop our own opinions, and I don’t believe we should redefine marriage and thus establish preference that will open the door for the prosecution of people for ‘hate’ because they believe in upholding traditional morals. This is exactly what has happened in countries like Canada, and I commend Governor Fallin for acting to preserve a foundation that is central to promoting our posterity and traditional marriage.”
“Where does Joe Dorman stand on this issue? My guess is he’ll continue the hypocrisy by trying to ignore the matter and continue speaking with a forked-tongue,” Weston concluded.
