Texas Republicans at their state convention last year refused to give the gay rights group Log Cabin Republicans even table space in the exhibitor’s hall. But California Republicans on Sunday gave the Log Cabin Republicans a charter as an official state volunteer organization. This according to the Sacramento Bee:

The California Republican Party granted charter status to a gay Republican group on Sunday, after spirited – but ultimately minimal – opposition from within the party’s conservative flank.

The recognition comes years after Log Cabin California first sought to become an officially recognized volunteer group. Supporters called the measure an overdue sign of inclusiveness.

Delegates approved the charter by a 861-293 vote, touching off an emotional celebration in which members of the club hugged their supporters at the back of the convention hall.

The Bee said approval came despite the fact the state party platform still opposes homosexuality: “We believe public policy and education should not be exploited to present or teach homosexuality as an acceptable ‘alternative’ lifestyle. We oppose same-sex partner benefits, child custody, and adoption.”


Support for granting a charter to the Log Cabin Republicans came from the professional and political members of the party, the newspaper said, while still opposed by conservative activists. A leader of the opposition was state Sen. Mike Morrell, R-Rancho Cucamonga.

“What we do here today, ladies and gentleman, matters,” he said. “Because as California goes, so goes the nation.”

The Republican Party of Texas at its convention last year refused space in the exhibitor hall to the Log Cabin Republicans, whose director Gregory T. Angelo was furious when he talked to Breitbart.com.

Angelo learned that The Log Cabin Republicans and the Metroplex Republicans were denied a space on the convention floor because their groups “do not embody the party’s platform.” More specifically, they do not embody one part of the party’s platform that claims “homosexuality tears at the fabric of society.”  

“I would guess that most Republicans wouldn’t even know that language exists in the platform, let alone support it. I would guess that most Millennial Republicans wouldn’t even know that language exists in the platform, let alone support it,” Angelo said. 

Spencer Yeldell, the Communications Director for the Texas GOP, told Breitbart Texas, “Yes we have denied them a booth, but we deny booths to any organizations that actively oppose the party platform, such as groups that support gambling and the legalization of marijuana.” He added that the members of the Log Cabin Republicans and Metroplex Republicans “are welcome to attend as guests.” 

The Sacramento Bee posted this video from Sunday’s debate in California. To watch, please, click here.