The Log Cabin Republicans want to 'educate' LGBTs about McCain

John McCain is no friend of the LGBT community. He has spent the entire primary season trying to convince the hardcore anti-gay bible-beating set that he's a true believer. I don't think he's fooled anyone, but he certainly hasn't been a maverick who bucks his party to support LGBT equality.

Scratch that; he does have friends -- in the Log Cabin Republicans club. I was waiting to see how the group responded to HRC's report on the Arizona's long record of opposing civil equality. You will not be disappointed.

Log Cabin has had a long relationship with Sen. McCain, going back to our national office's opening in the mid-90s. He has had an open door to us at Log Cabin and has a record of inclusion.

We understand the general election starts today and Log Cabin will do its part to educate gay and lesbian voters about Sen. McCain in the weeks ahead. Contrary to what many Democrats are saying, Sen. McCain is not George W. Bush. Most gays and lesbians understand that fact. Sen. McCain isn't going to use gay people as a wedge issue. He won the GOP nomination with no help (and with outright hostility) from many so-called "social conservatives." This is a significant achievement for all gay and lesbian Americans.

HRC glosses over McCain's principled stand against the anti-gay federal marriage amendment. As I pointed out in this column for the Washington Blade, McCain didn't just vote (twice) against the marriage amendment. He put himself on the line, bucked his own party leadership and President Bush, and took to the floor of the U.S. Senate to speak against the proposal. In 2004, he gave one of the most impassioned speeches from the Senate floor on the issue. That isn't insignificant.

Is his record perfect? No. But it's inclusive and shows positive signs. We will hear more about his priorities and record in the months ahead. Stay tuned…

Let's provide some reality-based eduction. Click below the fold. Uh, he didn't look like he was putting anything on the line when he did this:

"I believe that the institution of marriage should be reserved for the union of one man and one woman, said Sen. McCain. The Protect Marriage Arizona Amendment would allow the people of Arizona to decide on the definition of marriage in our state. I wholeheartedly support the Protect Marriage Arizona Amendment and I hope that the voters in Arizona choose to support it as well." -- John McCain in 2005, smiling with glee alongside then-chair of Protect Marriage Arizona, the late Lynn Stanley, holding some of the petitions that ensured the measure made it on the ballot.

* Or when he made this commercial for the failed 2006 Arizona Marriage Amendment, which would have effectively banned same-sex couples from legal recognition of any kind?

* What about this?:

Advisers to Sen. John McCain's presidential bid say he will not try to "soften" the Republican party's platform on abortion and same-sex marriage to appeal to more voters.

Come on, LCRs. What education is left to do on this issue?