We cats have seen online suggestions that the GOP is way cool with Rob Portman's come-to Jesus-conversion on marriage equality. Really? That's not we're seeing at paranoid right-wing corners of the Internet like Free Republic. The Republican base is bleating fire and brimstone. Rob Portman, they say, will burn in hell forever.
But since the GOP elite appears to be trying to skate by with a nod and a wink on gay marriage, we cats just have to call them on it. We'll address our questions to Senator Portman, in case he actually tries to answer them. Here goes:
Senator Portman, since you say you are "very supportive" of your son's decision to come out, how would you describe your position on the gay-bashing constitutional amendment that you, Ken Mehlman and Karl Rove put on the Ohio ballot in 2004?
Senator Portman, have you publicly apologized to Ohio LGBT individuals, as well as to their friends, families and supporters who were demonized by your political allies in 2004? If not, do you plan to do so?
Senator Portman, you say you learned two years ago that your son is gay. Why were you silent during the gay bashing from Republican candidates up and down the ballot in 2012? Was it your ambition to be Vice President?
Senator Portman, Willard Mitt Romney was for gay rights before he was against them. As someone who has evolved from homophobe to marriage equality supporter, what is your personal opinion of Republicans like Romney who move the opposite way on the issue?
Senator Portman, now that you've endorsed marriage equality, what will you do tomorrow, and the day after that, and the week after that, and the months and years after that, to promote marriage equality and gay rights, both within and without the Republican Party? In short, does your change of heart involve any real political leadership, or is it just words?
Senator Portman, you have a history of supporting Presidential candidates who espouse anti-gay, anti-marriage-equality positions. Will you now absolutely rule out the possibility that you could endorse a Republican for President in 2016 if that candidate is opposed to marriage equality and gay rights?
Finally, Senator Portman, can you name one prospective Republican candidate for President in 2016 who is in favor of marriage equality and gay rights? Uh-huh. We thought so.
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