The gay Republican group GOProud announced Tuesday that conservative author and commentator Ann Coulter will serve as the honorary chair of the organization’s advisory council.
According to Metro Weekly, Coulter’s honorary appointment is the latest development in a recent battle between GOProud and fellow gay conservative group the Log Cabin Republicans (LCR) concerning Coulter’s comments on so-called “reparative” therapy, DADT and gay marriage over the course of several televised interviews.
Coulter first spurred reactions from GOProud and LCR members during an interview with Joy Behar, in which she argued in favor of the “reparative” gay-conversion therapy practiced at Marcus Bachmann’s mental health clinic. Coulter insisted that some people become gay after traumatic childhood experiences or influences, and maintained that those who believe “polymorphous perversity” is “normal” fail to understand such circumstances.
“You can go from being gay to being straight,” she said. “…it happens. It does happen.”
Coulter went on to discuss New York marriage equality and DADT repeal, and said that she would like to see DADT, not just for the military but for “all of society. ” In response, LCR executive director Clarke Cooper said that Coulter’s views regarding reparative therapy are “widely outdated and profoundly harmful” – not to mention demeaning to LGBT individuals and people of faith across the board. Cooper added that Coulter’s position on ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ constitutes endorsement of a “failed policy which impedes military readiness.”
Despite these and Coulter’s comments, however, GOProud officials maintain that Coulter’s strong opinions and bold statements are valuable to the conservative movement.
“We need more Ann Coulters,” said GOProud board chairman Christopher Barron, and “we are honored to have her as part of GOProud’s leadership.” Barron also told Metro Weekly that Coulter’s comments to Behar never once suggested that some people aren’t born gay; and as for her views on DADT, he said simply “We disagree. We’re not the pod people. Everybody doesn’t have to agree with each other 100 percent.”
Ann Coulter responded favorably to her honorary appointment with GOProud. Upon accepting the role, she said, “I am honored to serve in this capacity…and look forward to being the Queen of the fabulous.”
