Republican Platform Says Gays Tear at the Fabric of Society

Early morning tipsters, especially blogger Joe. My. God, offered up tidbits from the just-published 2012 Party Platform for the Republican Party of Texas, which weighs in on everything from deep-water drilling to NASA to immigration and Israel. Among the more key points is a lot of talk about marriage and family values (including a definintion of marriage that certainly doesn't include same-sex couples) and the affirmation "that the practice of homosexuality tears at the fabric of society and contributes to the breakdown of the family unit."

While we wait to hear Texas's gay Republicans weigh in on the platform, here are a few tidbits courtesy of Joe.My.God and his Southern tipsters.

Family and Defense of Marriage -- We support the definition of marriage as a God-ordained, legal and moral commitment only between a natural man and a natural woman, which is the foundational unit of a healthy society, and we oppose the assault on marriage by judicial activists. We call on the President and Congress to take immediate action to defend the sanctity of marriage. We are resolute that Congress exercise authority under the United States Constitution, and pass legislation withholding jurisdiction from the Federal Courts in cases involving family law, especially any changes in the definition of marriage.

We further call on Congress to pass and the state legislatures to ratify a marriage amendment declaring that marriage in the United States shall consist of and be recognized only as the union of a natural man and a natural woman. Neither the United States nor any state shall recognize or grant to any unmarried person the legal rights or status of a spouse. We oppose the recognition of and granting of benefits to people who represent themselves as domestic partners without being legally married.

We advocate the repeal of laws that place an unfair tax burden on families. We call upon Congress to completely remove the marriage penalty in the tax code, whereby a married couple receives a smaller standard deduction than their unmarried counterparts living together. The primary family unit consists of those related by blood, heterosexual marriage, or adoption. The family is responsible for its own welfare, education, moral training, conduct, and property.

Judicial Activism in Marriage -- We support marriage and oppose the assault on marriage by judicial activists.

Enforcement of the Defense of Marriage Act -- We support the enforcement of the State and Federal Defense of Marriage Act by state and federal officials respectively, and oppose creation, recognition and benefits for partnerships outside of marriage that are being provided by some political subdivisions.

Marriage and Divorce -- We believe in the sanctity of marriage and that the integrity of this institution should be protected at all levels of government. We urge the Legislature to rescind no-fault divorce laws. We support Covenant Marriage.

Family Values -- We support the affirmation of traditional Judeo-Christian family values and oppose the continued assault on those values.

Homosexuality -- We affirm that the practice of homosexuality tears at the fabric of society and contributes to the breakdown of the family unit. Homosexual behavior is contrary to the fundamental, unchanging truths that have been ordained by God, recognized by our country's founders, and shared by the majority of Texans. Homosexuality must not be presented as an acceptable "alternative" lifestyle, in public policy, nor should "family" be redefined to include homosexual "couples." We believe there should be no granting of special legal entitlements or creation of special status for homosexual behavior, regardless of state of origin. Additionally, we oppose any criminal or civil penalties against those who oppose homosexuality out of faith, conviction or belief in traditional values.

Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) -- We oppose this act through which the federal government would coerce religious business owners and employees to violate their own beliefs and principles by affirming what they consider to be sinful and sexually immoral behavior.

You can read the full 22-page platform here as well.