“Society has always regarded marital love as a sacred expression of the bond between a man and a woman. It is the means by which families are created and society itself is extended into the future. In the Judeo-Christian tradition it is the means by which husband and wife participate with God in the creation of a new human life. It is for these reasons, among others, that our society has always sought to protect this unique relationship. In part the erosion of these values has given way to a celebration of forms of expression most reject. We will resist the efforts of some to obtain government endorsement of homosexuality.—Ronald Reagan, July 12, 1984. “
Unfortunately, he also said this: ““Whatever else it is, homosexuality is not a contagious disease like the measles. Prevailing scientific opinion is that an individual’s sexuality is determined at a very early age and that a child’s teachers do not really influence this.”, in opposition to “prop 6”, a proposition to ban gays from teaching in schools.
But as others have noted, he might have acted differently had he made that decision today, because today we see that gays ARE like a contageous disease, they ARE trying to use their positions to influence children.
“Reagan: “My criticism is that [the gay movement] isn’t just asking for civil rights; it’s asking for recognition and acceptance of an alternative lifestyle which I do not believe society can condone, nor can I.”
I think the date is revealing. He may have come to his senses on the issue by 1984. The book is about the 1980 election. Still, the author should have mentioned that R later changed his views. He left me, for one, thinking they had stayed the same. When I find the quotes, it will be clearer. Your reminder that about Proposition 6 will help me to find at least one of them.
[Reagan] also said this: ““Whatever else it is, homosexuality is not a contagious disease like the measles. Prevailing scientific opinion is that an individual’s sexuality is determined at a very early age and that a child’s teachers do not really influence this.”, in opposition to “prop 6”, a proposition to ban gays from teaching in schools.
You might care to note that Reagan---he was speaking when asked to endorse Proposition 6, prior to his second shot at the White House---declined to endorse the measure on these grounds as well, and I am quoting him directly (from Human Events, if I remember correctly): It is not needed---we have that protection now. What if some youngster distraught by bad grades accuses a teacher? Innocent lives may be ruined.
In some quarters today that would get Reagan denounced as, if you'll pardon the expression, a closet gay liberationist.