February 18, 2010

Can Gays Be Conservative?

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The libertarian-leaning Cato Institute held a policy forum yesterday called “Is There a Place for Gay People in Conservatism and Conservative Politics?” The panel of lively experts included Andrew Sullivan of The Atlantic’s Daily Dish blog; Maggie Gallagher, president of the National Organization for Marriage; and Nick Herbert, a Conservative British MP with the wonderfully chilling title “Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.” 

You’ll find audio and video of the event here. Though it starts a little slow, things heat up a few minutes in, when Sullivan and Gallagher start to butt heads like a pair of Rocky Mountain rams (on the topic of gay marriage, naturally). Also discussed: adoption, whether today’s Republican party is truly conservative (Sullivan maintains it isn’t), and the inclusion of transgender people in conservative politics.

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