Watch Live: Congressional Hearing on IRS Scandal

Live Now on TheBlaze Radio: ‘The Buck Sexton Show’

Faith

S.E. Cupp Tells TheBlaze Why She Supports Gay Republican Groups — and How the GOP Should Handle the Issue

Feb. 28, 2013 9:39am

TheBlaze TV’s S.E. Cupp captured headlines on Tuesday after she announced that she’s backing out of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) until gay Republican groups are officially welcomed. Her decision was rooted in the notion that CPAC reportedly allows gay groups to attend, but does not permit them to sponsor the event — something she called a “cop-out” of sorts. On Wednesday, TheBlaze interviewed Cupp to speak further about her views on same-sex marriage and how the GOP should be handling the issue.

First and foremost, we asked Cupp how she believes the party should be handling the complex social debate — one that is increasingly dividing Republicans. In an e-mail response, she explained that the GOP should be celebrating and acknowledging that it is a party of intellectual diversity. This is true not only on the same-sex marriage front, but also on a myriad of other important issues.

S.E. Cupp Gives Her Views on Gay Marriage and How the Republican Party Should Handle the Issue

TheBlaze TV’s S.E. Cupp (Photo Credit: TheBlaze)

“Libertarians, social conservatives and even fiscal hawks have different views on gay marriage, and even within those subsets of the party there are different foundational backgrounds and perspectives on the issue,” Cupp noted. “That’s not a bad thing. What we can’t do, as a party, is castigate or marginalize the conservatives whose support we already enjoy for their positions on gay rights.”

Just as she has defended the notion that the party should embrace gay conservatives, Cupp also spoke about the importance of not disparaging those who disagree with these unions. She noted her personal qualms with the Republican Party’s official stance on gay marriage, but said that she has no intention of speaking out against conservatives who stand in opposition to these rights for homosexual couples.

“There are interesting, well-intentioned and valid religious, constitutional and economic arguments against gay marriage, and those arguments should be given a voice,” she added. “But we allow for nuanced differences of opinion on fiscal issues, national security, foreign policy and elsewhere without questioning each others’ conservative credentials. We should allow for differences of opinion on gay marriage as well.”

S.E. Cupp Gives Her Views on Gay Marriage and How the Republican Party Should Handle the Issue

S.E. Cupp (Photo Credit: TheBlaze)

Cupp doubled-down on the notion that there is no singular conservative view on gay rights: While libertarians would take a more favorable stance, evangelical Christians would not. As far as the commentator is concerned, Β neither perspective — or any of the others in between — would be distinguishable as the one, true conservative stance on the issue.

“I’m a conservative who believes that keeping the government out of my private life on a whole host of issues is totally consistent with supporting gay rights,” she said, noting that the finds no conflict between holding right-of-center views and allowing gays to marry.

From Cupp’s statements, some might assume that she’s arguing for the Republican Party to embrace gay marriage. But when asked about the political movement’s future if it fails to do so, she clarified her stance, saying that the GOP doesn’t need to “embrace” gay marriage, per se. Rather than touting the institution, she noted the importance of Republicans being inclusive and allowing gay individuals into the tent.

“Republicans (and Democrats, for that matter) who disagree with gay marriage shouldn’t be forced or bullied into accepting it — but the party does need to embrace gay conservatives, as well as conservatives who support gay marriage,” Cupp said.

As far as her CPAC decision goes, she informed the organizers before making her public statement on MSNBC. Rather than speaking out against event organizers, she reiterated positive feelings about the annualΒ conservativeΒ conference, noting that it’s not her intention to use the bullyΒ pulpitΒ or to attack CPAC. In fact, she said she’s hoping to work with the group again in the future. But for now, she simply cannot lend her support.

“This year it just didn’t feel like there was a way for me to support my friends at GOProud and [Log Cabin Republicans], promote an inclusive, big-tent party, and participate in the conference at the same time,” she explained.

Regardless of her views on same-sex marriage, Cupp also seems to have the party’s future in mind.Β Considering the dearth of support the GOP has among minority groups and young people, she said excluding gays simply doesn’t make sense.

It’s “beyond bad manners, that’s bad calculus,” she believes.

–

MORE GAY MARRIAGE NEWS FROM THEBLAZE:

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

Comments (390)

1 2 3 4 … 8
  • Gladileftcalifornia
    Posted on February 28, 2013 at 11:58am

    I have 2 things for you Cupp:
    1) Go away
    2) See (1)

    I’m a conservative. You are not.

    Report this comment

    Gladileftcalifornia  
  • jacarlton
    Posted on February 28, 2013 at 11:57am

    So annoying to hear readers here talk about the importance of liberty and the need to keep the government out of our lives and still beg the government to drive an iron wedge between people who just want to get married. So it’s ok for the government to intervene in the things you DON’t like, but just don’t take away my guns, soda, and God.

    Report this comment

    jacarlton  
    • barryswhitehalf
      Posted on March 1, 2013 at 10:34pm

      Gay marriage legalized??
      Laws passed forcing churches to conduct gay marriages or else lose their non-profit status.
      Constitutional rights of freedom of religion for millions of people stripped.
      Then what about what is taught to our children in school despite it being contrary to what we believe?

      Or are you 100% convinced that is not going to happen?

      Report this comment

      barryswhitehalf  
  • neverending
    Posted on February 28, 2013 at 11:56am

    Wonder when it will sink in her head that CPAC isn’t going to change their schedule to make this idiot happy. She has learned well from MSNBC and everytime she opens her mouth it proves over and over again that she needs to be heard there and only there. Now can we move on to what is happening to our beautiful God given country?

    Report this comment

    neverending  
  • GOPROUD
    Posted on February 28, 2013 at 11:53am

    Since when do you have to be a Christian to be a conservative? That is what i dont udnerstand. I have no problem with the Christian faith, what i have a problem with is people like most of you on here co-opting the conservative movement and saying you have to be a certain way to be a conservative or have conservative values ie be a “good god fearing christian” like im sure so many of you are, just perfect christians. The conservative movement does not belong to the Christian right.

    Report this comment

    GOPROUD  
  • baxter999
    Posted on February 28, 2013 at 11:48am

    Ms. Cupp, you talk about “keeping the government out of my private life” but don’t seem to realize that marriage is a public act – not private at all. Therefore, you are being hypocritical and inconsistent in your hissy fit on marriage based on nothing more than a shared perversion. For most Americans, marriage is a religious sacrament and extending it to perverts is an assault on their religious freedom and an insult to their vows. And even when marriage is not religious, it is still a legal institution that carries rights and responsibilities that promote family institutions and extending these privileges to people based on some disgusting sexual behavior is the height of idiocy. Why not extend these privileges to all the guys on the chess club or the ladies book club? In the name of tolerance and respect, homosexuals should stop trying to honor their unholy unions with the name of marriage.

    There are certain bedrock principles that I and millions of other Republicans hold dear. Abortion. If the babies go, I go. Homosexual marriage and other pro-family issues are another bedrock issue. Accept marriage based on nothing more than a shared perversion, and I go.

    Time for a new party that has room for decency, morality and respect for God and family. Let the queers have the party. Good luck with that.

    Report this comment

    baxter999  
    • GOPROUD
      Posted on February 28, 2013 at 11:57am

      Im sure God really looks down at you and says yes, good for you calling them queers! Good job! Way to go! When you get to heaven im going to high five you for calling them queers and being the best christian ever! Amen!! If marriage is such a bedrock principle then why dont you fight against divorce? it clearly states in the bible divorce is wrong. But you dont give a S%^@ about that. Start a movement to ban divorce.

      Report this comment

      GOPROUD  
  • RAGEAGAINSTTHEMACHINE
    Posted on February 28, 2013 at 11:45am

    On the other hand, don’t you have to seriously consider the intellectual and emotional capacity of any individual willfully publicly identifying/categorizing themselves by their sexual interests? Is that all there is to you? Is that what you really choose to champion among all the other facets of being? I submit there is probably way more dysfunction to be found than just in that aspect of your persona. As such, we don’t need anymore exposure or input from you. KEEP IT TO YOURSELF and move along.
    BTW, Civil Unions with (most) legal and financial benefits recognized in all states, just as my CCW permit should be = YES!
    Pushing me to acknowledge your Union as being the same as Marriage in the eyes of The Lord, or insistence upon calling your Union a Marriage is offensive at best, blasphemous at least and NOT going to happen! (Not even in California-see Prop 8 history)
    Any further statement/discussion than that is unnecessary and only serves to distract and devolve into typical liberal hysterics.

    Report this comment

    RAGEAGAINSTTHEMACHINE  
  • PhilGray
    Posted on February 28, 2013 at 11:04am

    Mr. Beck…..I respected you for many years…hell I even have the videos when you were on FOX still recorded on my DVR… My hunting dog’s name is Becky (Named for you because he hunts down the truth)
    With that known, the homosexual pedophile that raped many boys in my hometown as a young teenager caused me to exhaustively study sexual behavior of humans while finishing my teaching degree. I wanted to find out by science what causes people to tick sexually and what causes people to behaves certain way, notably what causes people to have a prediliection or a tendency to be pedophiles.
    My research showed that people actually have a higher scientific tendency to be a pedophile then they were to be homosexual….
    So there in lies the quandry to so-called intelligent people like Cupp, who really is not that bright when you think about this. There is more evidence that people are genetically made to have a higher chance of being born a pedophile then there is to be born homosexual.
    Beck, quit using the atheist cupp as some sort of bright person, she is not. Never trust a person who does not believe in a higher being. Narcissistic tendencies aside, This Cupp is not supported by the facts, and simply muddies the water. You continue to support her, then my dog’s name Becky will not be hunting down the truth. Some of us were hunting for the truth long before you came around. Do not allow this narcissist Cupp to ruin your reputation.

    Report this comment

    PhilGray  
    • Vic_Mackey123
      Posted on February 28, 2013 at 11:07am

      But she is hot. Doesn’t that count for something?

      Report this comment

      Vic_Mackey123  
    • neverending
      Posted on February 28, 2013 at 11:37am

      @PHILGRAY – looks like Blaze is going to double down on supporting her – guess this is an example of what Blaze tv will offer if they get accepted on cable.

      Report this comment

      neverending  
  • Verceofreason
    Posted on February 28, 2013 at 11:02am

    Marriage is a civil issue not a religious one.
    It can be both.
    Get yer facts straight.

    Report this comment

    Verceofreason  
  • CatYoung
    Posted on February 28, 2013 at 11:01am

    Beween the combined efforts of SE Cupp and Karl Rove the GOP is certain to be destroyed.

    Report this comment

    CatYoung  
  • c130herk
    Posted on February 28, 2013 at 11:01am

    S.E. Cupp captured headlines on Tuesday after she announced that she’s backing out of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) until gay Republican groups are officially welcomed

    Funny she’ll boycott CPAC but goes on MSNBC and sits right next to the biggest liars in the world
    and film clip editors and has no problem sitting there ,oh wait she gets paid to sell US out
    do stay home please we could use the break from a two faced reporter.

    Report this comment

    c130herk  
  • Bot
    Posted on February 28, 2013 at 10:56am

    Marriage reflects the natural moral and social law evidenced the world over. As the late British social anthropologist Joseph Daniel Unwin noted in his study of world civilizations, any society that devalued the nuclear family soon lost what he called “expansive energy,” which might best be summarized as society’s will to make things better for the next generation. In fact, no society that has loosened sexual morality outside of man-woman marriage has survived.

    Analyzing studies of cultures spanning several thousands of years on several continents, Chairman of Harvard University’s sociology department, Pitirim Sorokin. found that virtually all political revolutions that brought about societal collapse were preceded by a sexual revolution in which marriage and family were devalued by the culture’s acceptance of homosexuality.

    Miss Cupp, how important do you consider our civilization?

    Report this comment

    Bot  
  • pushinginto
    Posted on February 28, 2013 at 10:55am

    Oh look, there’s SE Cupp the pervert!

    Report this comment

    pushinginto  
    • neverending
      Posted on February 28, 2013 at 11:11am

      Yes, yes, yes – she is look at me, look at me, look at me I am so important I am going to change the schedule for CPAC

      Report this comment

      neverending  
  • wilbstal
    Posted on February 28, 2013 at 10:53am

    Im on Gods side nt Se Cupps i wont watch Real News anylonger it reminds me of CNN promoting gays

    Report this comment

    wilbstal  
  • EgoBrain
    Posted on February 28, 2013 at 10:48am

    Frankly, I don’t care what she has to say. I’m sick to death of ‘CAUSES.’
    Black Causes.
    Latino Causes.
    Indian…no, sorry, Native American Causes.
    Gays in Boy Scouts Causes.
    Transgender 1st grader Causes.
    Blah blah blah blah blah.

    Enough with the false outrages. And enough from you, S.E.
    Cripes.

    Report this comment

    EgoBrain  
  • termyt
    Posted on February 28, 2013 at 10:48am

    I would like to frame a starting point for the discussion.

    I am a Conservative that doesn’t believe a socially, legally recognized marriage for anyone is a “right” – it’s a contract.

    I certainly agree we all, straight, LGBT, however one wants to classify oneself, have the right to peaceably assemble. If there are any laws preventing that, they would be illegal and should be truck down.

    But marriage is a contract. The government recognizes it and gives it special status because (1) the pairing of a male with a female is necessary for the propagation of the nation specifically and the species in general, and (2) we desire an institution for this union that is greater than that of other species.

    I understand we now have tax, inheritance, and other legal uses wrapped up in marriage. If that’s the sticking point, the answer is to reform those laws, not marriage.

    Isn’t that what we accuse progressives of doing? Fixing the wrong problem? If there’s gun violence, make new gun laws. If there’s obese children, regulate soda. If there’s inequity in tax law, change marriage. It’s not the right answer and it does not lead to greater liberty.

    Report this comment

    termyt  
    • Bot
      Posted on February 28, 2013 at 11:01am

      There is a way for LBGTs to join together – it is called civil unions (which, by the way only formalize existing hospital visitation rights, etc.). Marriage has been recognized for centuries by all civilizations as a man-woman perpetuation of the family and culture.

      Marriage reflects the natural moral and social law evidenced the world over. As the late British social anthropologist Joseph Daniel Unwin noted in his study of world civilizations, any society that devalued the nuclear family soon lost what he called “expansive energy,” which might best be summarized as society’s will to make things better for the next generation. In fact, no society that has loosened sexual morality outside of man-woman marriage has survived.

      Analyzing studies of cultures spanning several thousands of years on several continents, Chairman of Harvard University’s sociology department, Pitirim Sorokin. found that virtually all political revolutions that brought about societal collapse were preceded by a sexual revolution in which marriage and family were devalued by the culture’s acceptance of homosexuality.

      Report this comment

      Bot  
    • termyt
      Posted on February 28, 2013 at 11:44am

      I’m not in favor of civil unions, either. A marriage by any other name is still a marriage. I am in favor of reforming our laws so LGBT folks are not discriminated against so far as inheritance, visitation rights, etc are concerned, but as a society, I think we need to honor the union of ONE man and ONE woman.

      Report this comment

      termyt  
  • TheSurrealTruth
    Posted on February 28, 2013 at 10:41am

    Sorry, S.E., but you’re actions just aren’t matching up to what you’re saying. You’re saying we should bully the more socially-conservative among us into embracing gay-marriage, and yet you embarrassed them by essentially wagging your finger at them for the delight of MSNBC liberals. I’m not opposed to gay-marriage — I’m very Libertarian — but the way in which you have been publicly shaming Conservatives through Liberal media, well, it’s insulting.

    Honestly, you look like a traitor to the cause (that cause being: Unity through Freedom). Like you’re putting on a show for the Libs.

    Maybe this isn’t the case, I hope not. But you’ve gotta give us more than hollow words. I’m not looking for an apology, just for you to stop bad-mouthing your Conservative brothers and sisters to their worst enemies. Jeeze, S.E., I thought you were smarter than this. =/

    Report this comment

    TheSurrealTruth  
  • lcovar
    Posted on February 28, 2013 at 10:39am

    Back in the 70’s, there were two gay brothers in the neighborhood. They were very well accepted because they did not demand acceptance. They were invited to all the events that families, including my very religious family had because they were private in their personal life. They weren’t loud about their sex lives. They were respectful to the religious people and they were respected as well.
    What bothers me now is the fact that people like S. E Cupp want us to have gays mix in our cereals every morning. Not every conservative or liberal accept gay’s behavior and this should be taken in consideration in every event; this is call respect.
    As individuals I respect them like I respect any other person but please don’t demand acceptance for their behavior.
    Male and female were created for a reason regardless of your believes.

    Report this comment

    lcovar  
  • momofcharlie
    Posted on February 28, 2013 at 10:37am

    Seems to me the issue for SE is really NOT that Gays can BE Republicans/Conservatives… CPAC is not going to have β€œgay police” at the door preventing β€œthem” from coming in. They are not saying they are not interested in gays being participants in the same way MOST Americans are in their party.

    It is some sponsorship issue isn’t it? Doesn’t that go beyond the issue of β€œacceptance”… into agreement with philosophy to allow a sponsorship? Seems to me that by refusing to speak this year, SE is muddying the issue between welcoming gays into the party… and CPAC agreeing with their philosophy/family values. I could be wrong… but I am seeing it as dishonest for SE to portray CPAC as not WELCOMING gays into a bigger national tent.

    Report this comment

    momofcharlie  
  • TheCalvinistPastor
    Posted on February 28, 2013 at 10:37am

    At its core this is a β€œMoral” conversation. We must regognize that.
    The Term β€œConservative” is exactly that, a Term/Label which would identify a group of people.

    Conservative would be that which would uphold constitutional standards for running a government. I believe that the Fiscal aspect of the Conservative platform is made up of many people with a wide net of Religious/Moral opinions. The Moral aspect of the conservative movement is made up of many who hold a Judeo/Christian worldview.

    With that said, a discussion about the ETHICS of Gay Marriage is a moral conversation. Morality is not defined by IS/ISNT , its defind by OUGHT/OUGHT NOT
    Politics is hardly the area which deals with such questions. Religoious philosophy deals with Ought and Ought not.

    In order for a person to make a moral statement, they must define the basis for such assertions. For Christians, that basis is β€œwhat God says through his word” for those who do not hold to that standard, they must define that moral standard in a different way [ie..Majority Rules, What I think/feel]

    For a person who asserts that Gay Marriage OUGHT to be celebrated. They must define WHY they make such a moral claim in the first place, and WHY OUGHT a christan sacrifice his own set of Morals at the alter of YOUR [Homosexual] convictions.

    Report this comment

    TheCalvinistPastor  
  • Tri-ox
    Posted on February 28, 2013 at 10:36am

    Cupp works for obama’s MSNBC – her ‘opinions’ are written for her by the White House – her ‘opinions’ are meaningless. As long as Cupp is paid to propagandize for obama and push his agenda, she will have no credibility and nothing to offer American society.

    Report this comment

    Tri-ox  
  • HudsonAvenue
    Posted on February 28, 2013 at 10:35am

    I’ve observed that this year marks a large step forward in making women look like perfect plastic sexbots, both in celebrities and in porn. It has made porn much less interesting.

    A year ago it wasn’t as pronounced as it is now, and to see SE engage in it (second picture) pretty much stamps it as an event.

    PS Racquel Welch got herself a stock porn star face last year or so, like the one she had wasn’t good enough.

    Report this comment

    HudsonAvenue  
  • Vic_Mackey123
    Posted on February 28, 2013 at 10:33am

    I’m sorry for what I’m about to say…but it needs to be said: The only reason we care is because SE Cupp is INSANELY HOT. The whole glasses-power-suit-thing she has going on could melt steel. Does that make her conservativism any less valid? No. But it certainly spices it up a bit :-)

    Cupp obviously does not understand that true conservativism is based on the founding of this country….something steeped in Christian values. The problem with gay marriage is it cheepens an institutuion that has been around for thousands of years. It is a natural thing for man and woman to be together for obvious reasons – - the perpetuation of the human race. I don’t mind if gays get together and do their own thing….but it does not mean we redefine marriage for it. Next up will be marriages with many people at once or with animals. There has to be standards we live by.

    Report this comment

    Vic_Mackey123  
  • PA_Iraq_Vet
    Posted on February 28, 2013 at 10:32am

    Why do I care about what this over hyped talking head thinks?

    Report this comment

    PA_Iraq_Vet  
  • crazyrightwingmom
    Posted on February 28, 2013 at 10:32am

    You messed up S.E. Sorry, I like you a lot, but maybe you need to have a few kids and get back to us.
    Of course we include gays and all people in our groups….we are not the prejudiced ones.

    FYI: I love my “gay” (Conservative) son and all gays….so don’t put me in a bigot box.

    Report this comment

    crazyrightwingmom  
  • Chuck Anziulewicz
    Posted on February 28, 2013 at 10:30am

    As someone who believes very strongly in marriage equality for Gay couples, I need to point out that the federal government has complicated the issue more than anyone. While it is true that the Constitution says nothing about marriage, there are 1,138 legal benefits, protections, and responsibilities (according to the Government Accountability Office) that the federal government automatically bestows on married couples. Much of this has to do with tax law and Social Security. So it simply wouldn’t do for a Gay couple that is legally married in Iowa to suddenly become UN-married if they move someplace else.

    Straight couples have never had to jump through these kinds of hoops. Thanks to the “Full Faith & Credit” clause, if any Straight couple flies off to Las Vegas for a drunken weekend and gets married by an Elvis impersonator, that marriage is automatically honored in all 50 states. Gay couples, however, are held to a different (and hence unconstitutional) legal standard.

    The only way marriage can be a “States Rights” issue is for the federal government to get out of the marriage business completely, and do away with the 1,138 benefits it grants to married couples. Tell me how thrilled most married couples would be with THAT.

    Report this comment

    Chuck Anziulewicz  
1 2 3 4 … 8

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love