We are loyal Republicans. We believe in limited government, strong national defense, free markets, low taxes, personal responsibility, and individual liberty. Log Cabin Republicans represent an important part of the American family—taxpaying, hard-working people who proudly believe in this nation’s greatness. We also believe all Americans have the right to liberty and equality. We believe equality for LGB Americans is in the finest tradition of the Republican Party. We educate our Party about why inclusion wins. Opposing LGB equality is inconsistent with the GOP’s core principles of smaller government and personal freedom.

Log Cabin Republicans work to make the Republican Party more inclusive, particularly on LGB issues. Equality will be impossible to achieve without Republican votes. Working from inside the Party—educating other Republicans about LGB issues—is the most effective way to gain new Republican allies for equality. Log Cabin also exists as a voice for GOP values among members of the LGB community.

Log Cabin Republicans got its start in California during the late 1970s when LGB Republicans banded together to help defeat an anti-gay ballot initiative. The so-called Briggs Initiative, which would have prohibited gay people from teaching in public schools, was heading for passage until former California Governor and future President Ronald Reagan spoke out against the proposal. California voters soundly rejected the Briggs Initiative. From that pivotal campaign, the first Log Cabin chapters formed in the Golden State.

In 2004, the Republican Party marked the 150th anniversary of its first national convention. The GOP rose to power because it embraced the ideals of equality imagined by our nation’s founding fathers and ensured by our Constitution. When Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, a “new birth of freedom”, was indeed given to our country. Now, more than 150 years later, the GOP has another chance to choose fairness over discrimination, hope over fear, and freedom over oppression.