Jeff Angelo, a former GOP state senator from Creston, Iowa, has announced plans to create a Republican advocacy group for Iowa conservatives in support of gay marriage.
NECN reports that Angelo, who served in the senate but opted against re-election efforts in 2008, is expected to publicly announce the launch of Iowa Republicans for Freedom on Wednesday, June 1 at the state capitol in Des Moines. The former senator intends to spread the word about the new gay marriage equality organization in Cedar Rapids and Davenport as well as Des Moines over the course of the week.
According to a press release, Iowa Republicans for Freedom will seek to “give voice to Iowans who believe that conservative values of smaller governments should keep government out of the private lives of all Iowans.”
Update: Exclusive interview with the Iowa Independent
In an interview with Lynda Waddington of the Iowa Independent, Angelo explained the beliefs that inspired him to launch his new political group, the Iowa Republicans for Freedom.
“If we are in favor of freedom and are in favor of limited government, then we have to acknowledge that these values — the values of being in favor of marriage equality — are consistent with our conservative principles,” said Angelo.
The former Senator noted that passion for certain issues, including the defense of traditional, heterosexual marriages, can serve as a “blinder” when it comes to the defense of principles that lie at the core of conservative political arguments.
Read more about Angelo’s reasons for creating the Republican equality group and his advocacy for same-sex marriage online: http://iowaindependent.com/56916
