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Log Cabin to USU Republicans: Get involved, work together for change

February 14th, 2012 Posted in Arts and Life

‘I’m still treated as a second-class citizen in this country in many respects because I’m gay, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to my grave that way.’ – James Humphreys

By Tara Alvey

LOGAN — “Being a gay Republican sounds like an oxymoron to a lot of people. But picking a party is about a lot of issues, not just sexual orientation,” Utah Log Cabin Republican James Humphreys told a Logan audience Thursday.

Humphreys, vice president of Utah’s chapter of the Log Cabin Republicans – the gay and lesbian caucus of Republicans nationwide – was the guest of Utah State University’s College Republicans club. He spoke as part of the Pizza and Politics night that the College Republicans regularly hosts.

Mikey Rodgerson, president of the USU College Republicans, was pleased to have a speaker that presented a different, and somewhat unknown, side to the GOP. “If we aren’t challenging our thoughts and opinions, then we are accepting ignorance,” said Rodgerson.

“There are lots of people that think I’m crazy, both Democrats and Republicans,” said Humphreys. “And there a lot of Democrats I think are crazy, and plenty of Republicans I’d like to see shot. There is always going to be differences, but it’s still important to try and work together to try and make change.

“Lots of people complain about the way the government works and choose not to participate in the democratic process. But my view is, if I don’t try and change the party from the inside out, I don’t really have any room to complain,” said Humphreys.

Humphreys believes that the concept of defining marriage belongs to states individually, and not the federal government. However, in his ideal world, even the states would not have a say in defining a marriage. Humphreys argued that the definition of marriage belongs to religion, and never the government.

Humphreys is currently working to pass non-discrimination laws in Utah. “I’m still treated as a second-class citizen in this country in many respects because I’m gay,” said Humphreys. “And I’ll be damned if I’m going to my grave that way.”

He concluded his speech by urging students to become more involved in government and politics. “I hope you’ll be more involved, it makes all the difference in the world,” said Humphreys. “I’m living proof of that.”

NW

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  1. One Response to “Log Cabin to USU Republicans: Get involved, work together for change”

  2. By Andrew on Feb 20, 2012

    Thanks for write this article. Log cabin victory!

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