The planks that were retained or modified by the 2006 Convention, contrary to some of the doomsaying presently filtering across the Internet, are all true to libertarianism, thus proving that the conjectured reactionary elements of the reform movement didn't replace libertarian principles with conservative or evangelical ones. Frankly, I think that much of the talk about being taken over by the Constitution or Republican Party is just scare tactics by those who didn't want to see any moderation of the existing platform language. All the reform caucus members I have met are clearly Libertarians (though admittedly incrementalists), and anyone who calls them Republicans is just resorting to smear tactics. The sky is not falling; I am confident that the LP will come out of this stronger than ever.
In any case, here at Outright Libertarians, we have a sexuality and gender plank that I think we can proudly contrast to anything the big two parties have. Thanks to Bonnie Scott for sheparding this through the platform committee, and to our chair, Rob Power for providing an assist at some critical junctures.
more . . .
I.12 Sexuality and Gender
The Issue: Politicians use popular fears and taboos to legally impose a particular code of moral and social values. Government regularly denies rights and privileges on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Principle: Consenting adults should be free to choose their own sexual practices and personal relationships. Government does not have legitimate authority to define or license personal relationships. Sexuality or gender should have no impact on the rights of individuals.
Solutions: Culture wars, social friction and prejudice will fade when marriage and other personal relationships are treated as private contracts, solely defined by the individuals involved, and government discrimination is not allowed.
Transitional Action: Repeal the federal Defense of Marriage Act and state laws and amendments defining marriage. Oppose any new laws or Constitutional amendments defining terms for personal, private relationships. Repeal any state or federal law assigning special benefits to people based on marital status, family structure, sexual orientation or gender identification. Repeal any state or federal laws denying same-sex partners rights enjoyed by others, such as adoption of children and spousal immigration. End the Defense Department practice of discharging armed forces personnel for sexual orientation. Upgrade all less-than-honorable discharges previously assigned solely for such reasons to honorable status, and delete related information from military personnel files. Repeal all laws discriminating by gender, such as protective labor laws and marriage, divorce, and custody laws which deny the full rights of each individual.
