Texas GOP Makes Anti-Gay Hate Part of It's Party Platform

Apparently, the Republican Party of Texas is trying to make the Republican Party of Virginia look moderate.  Why else would it have adopted a party platform that does everything but state that LGBT citizens should either be stoned in the nearest church parking lot or expelled from the United States - or at least Texas?  The newly adopted Texas GOP platform ends any pretense that there is any recognition of the concept of the separation of church and state in the Lone Star state in GOP circles.  Indeed, the entire platform which can be found here looks like a Christianist version of Sharia law.  Some of the platform not surprisingly also shows contempt for the voting rights of minorities.  Here's a sampling of the platform's position on gays and gay civil rights (i.e., we have none):

Homosexuality:  We affirm that the practice of homosexuality tears at the fabric of society and contributes to the breakdown of the family unit. Homosexual behavior is contrary to the fundamental, unchanging truths that have been ordained by God, recognized by our country’s founders, and shared by the majority of Texans. Homosexuality must not be presented as an acceptable “alternative” lifestyle, in public policy, nor should “family” be redefined to include homosexual “couples.” We believe there should be no granting of special legal entitlements or creation of special status for homosexual behavior, regardless of state of origin. Additionally, we oppose any criminal or civil penalties against those who oppose homosexuality out of faith, conviction or belief in traditional values.

Family and Defense of Marriage:  We support the definition of marriage as a God-ordained, legal and moral commitment only between a natural man and a natural woman, which is the foundational unit of a healthy society, and we oppose the assault on marriage by judicial activists. We call on the President and Congress to take immediate action to defend the sanctity of marriage. We are resolute that Congress exercise authority under the United States Constitution, and pass legislation withholding jurisdiction from the Federal Courts in cases involving family law, especially any changes in the definition of marriage. We further call on Congress to pass and the state legislatures to ratify a marriage amendment declaring that marriage in the United States shall consist of and be recognized only as the union of a natural man and a natural woman.

Neither the United States nor any state shall recognize or grant to any unmarried person the legal rights or status of a spouse. We oppose the recognition of and granting of benefits to people who represent themselves as domestic partners without being legally married.

Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA):  We oppose this act through which the federal government would coerce religious business owners and employees to violate their own beliefs and principles by affirming what they consider to be sinful and sexually immoral behavior. 

Judicial Activism in Marriage:  We support marriage and oppose the assault on marriage by judicial activists.

Enforcement of the Defense of Marriage Act:  We support the enforcement of the State and Federal Defense of Marriage Act by state and federal officials respectively, and oppose creation, recognition and benefits for partnerships outside of marriage that are being provided by some political subdivisions.

Marriage and Divorce:  We believe in the sanctity of marriage and that the integrity of this institution should be protected at all levels of government. We urge the Legislature to rescind no-fault divorce laws. We support Covenant Marriage.

Family Values:  We support the affirmation of traditional Judeo-Christian family values and oppose the continued assault on those values.

Voter Rights Act: We urge that the Voter Rights Act of 1965 codified and updated in 1973 be repealed and not reauthorized. 

Religious Symbols:  We oppose any governmental action to restrict, prohibit, or remove public display of the Decalogue or other religious symbols.

Right To Life:  All innocent human life must be respected and safeguarded from fertilization to natural death; therefore, the unborn child has a fundamental individual right to life which cannot be infringed. We affirm our support for a Human Life Amendment to the Constitution and to make clear that the Fourteenth Amendment’s protection applies to unborn children.

Controversial Theories:  We support objective teaching and equal treatment of all sides of scientific theories. We believe theories such as life origins and environmental change should be taught as challengeable scientific theories subject to change as new data is produced. Teachers and students should be able to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these theories openly and without fear of retribution or discrimination of any kind.

Texas Republican in short want a Christian version of Iran.  Note how "life origins and environmental change" are "controversial theories."  And yet some readers wonder why I cannot in good conscience support the GOP in any form shape or manner.