Marin GOP Backs Same-Sex Marriage, a First for Republican Committees in the U.S.

By Jessica Mullins 

Aiming to broaden its appeal in liberal-leaning Marin, the Marin County Republican Central Committee has formally endorsed same-sex marriage.

The move is reportedly one of the first votes of its kind for Republican groups in the country, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Fairfax resident Kevin Krick, the committee chair, said that the 23-member committee’s July 25 vote in favor of same-sex marriage is part of a three-year strategic plan to revitalize the group.

“It is our hope that this push for marriage equality from the Marin Republican Party will demonstrate that all are welcome within the Marin GOP,” Krick said on the Marin Republican Party Facebook Page. “Whether you identify as straight, gay, bisexual, or transgendered, the Marin GOP is committed to supporting your personal freedoms.”

When the Washington, D.C. Republican Committee endorsed same-sex marriage last year, it was the first Republican central committee in the U.S. to endorse marriage equality, according to the Marin Independent Journal.

Marin’s GOP committee is the first county central committee in the nation to back same-sex marriage, according to the IJ.

“We will provide voters with an alternative choice that looks beyond the horizon so that our children’s children may enjoy a stable, prosperous Marin County,” said Krick, who told the IJ that “personal freedom” is a “core tenant of Republican philosophy.”

In November 2008, Marin voters came out overwhelmingly against Proposition 8, which amended the state constitution to provide that marriage is recognized only between a man and a woman, — 75 percent voted no and 25 voted yes, according to the Marin County Elections Office.

Less than 20 percent of Marin residents are registered to vote as Republicans, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The move appeared to gather mixed reviews from Republicans. On the Marin Republican Party Facebook page, many scolded the local group: 

“Sad to see the party of usually clearer thinking adopt the vacuous euphemism of 'marriage equality,'" wrote Ryan Mayer.

“I am very close to dumping the Republican party, and your idiotic pandering decision has pushed me closer than I have ever been before. Please do true conservatives a favor and just join the Democrats,” wrote Steve Kemp.

Others, such as Liz Janofsky, voiced support for the vote. “I'm a proud Republican tho (sic) their stance on gay marriage over the years has been something I have never felt comfortable with and has been a source of shame and have left me speechless before my liberal friends to explain the party's bigotry.”

The Marin GOP’s strategic plan also will address local issues, including proposing an alternative to Plan Bay Area and a finding a sustainable methodology for addressing Marin pension issues, according to the group’s Facebook statement.

The group hasn’t taken a formal stance on abortion, according to the IJ.

What’s your reaction to the endorsement? Tell us in the comments!

Check out these related articles on Patch:

•  Marin Celebrates Gay Marriage Milestones: ‘It’s Something I Never Dreamt of in my Lifetime’
• Tell Us: How Does Gay Marriage Impact Your Life?
• Marin Reacts: Same-Sex Marriage to Return to California
• Marin Men Elected to Top Spots on State GOP Board of Directors
• Fairfax Republican Delegate Heads to GOP Convention
• Marin's Yogi Tea Partier Basks in GOP Love as Convention Delegate