A Fundamental Freedom: Why Republicans, Conservatives, and Libertarians Should Support Gay Rights [Hardcover]

David Lampo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 16, 2012

It is an axiom of modern American politics that many Republicans and most conservatives are not only anti-gay but that they have capitulated to an anti-gay agenda formulated and pursued by the religious right for the past several decades. In A Fundamental Freedom, David Lampo makes the case that support for gay rights will provide long-term political benefits for the GOP and the conservative movement. He argues that an anti-gay agenda succinctly exposes the hypocrisy of those who talk of limited government and individual rights but ignore both when it comes to gay rights and other personal freedom issues. Indeed, it is the defenders of gay rights within Republican ranks who are keeping faith with core conservative principles. He also presents a variety of polling data that show that rank-and-file Republicans, including many Tea Party supporters, are far more supportive of gay rights than commonly presumed. Lampo’s call to embrace gay rights is sure to be hotly debated within the conservative movement.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Armed with a simple argument—that “[t]he anti-gay agenda of the Christian Right succinctly exposes the hypocrisy of those who talk of limited government and individual rights but ignore both when it comes to gay rights—” Lampo’s sustained, heavily documented study makes its point again and again. Noting that the Founding Fathers were vehemently opposed to the merging of church and state, Lampo addresses the issue of gay rights from all conceivable angles—attacking evangelicals’ efforts to keep talk of high divorce rates among heterosexual Protestants out of public policy discussions, and discussing the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell; motions by certain Religious Right organizations to restore sodomy laws; and the proposed Defense of Marriage Act. Using numerous quotes and poll results to support his argument, his position is convincing....Though folks opposed to gay rights are his target audience, Lampo’s work will likely find purchase amongst liberals already on the bandwagon. Nevertheless, his parsing of “judicial activism” and “unlimited majoritarianism” is enlightening and thought-provoking. (Publishers Weekly)

Lampo has obviously put a lot of thought and effort into this book, and it is helpful to have such an up-to-date picture of gay rights laws and poll numbers. (National Review)

A Fundamental Freedom is a serious, thoughtful, and important analysis of gay rights and marriage equality from a conservative and libertarian perspective. It is crucial for Republicans to appreciate the importance of this subject – for the good of the Party, but also for the well-being of this nation. Republicans must stand for decency, respect, and equality for all of our citizens. Lampo has made an invaluable contribution to this dialogue.
(Ted Olson, U.S. Solicitor General under President George W. Bush, Lead Counsel, Perry vs. Schwarzenegger)

It’s time to move past the divisive lens of the culture war when discussing gay rights and recognize that these debates are fundamentally about the proper limits of government. David Lampo does just that in his new book, A Fundamental Freedom. It should be a must read for anyone concerned about building a majority committed to rolling back big government.
(Carrie Lukas, Executive Director, Independent Women’s Forum, Author, The Politically Incorrect Guide to Women, Sex, and Feminism)

At its historical core, the Republican Party is a political organization committed to individual freedom. Unfortunately in recent years, many in the GOP have strayed (often far) from that premise, especially in matters involving personal relationships and behavior. I admit – I was one of them. But in recent years, I found my way back to the foundation of freedom in this great country, which is maximized individual liberty and minimized government power. I hope many others will have the courage to reexamine their views on matters of individual liberty, including gay rights, and do the same. A Fundamental Freedom provides a readable and timely explanation of these important issues.
(Bob Barr, Former Representative of Georgia (R-GA))

A Fundamental Freedom is an excellent contribution to the growing movement and argument for why the Republican Party must embrace gay rights, complete with all the history, facts and arguments. As important, Lampo's finger is on the pulse of the tectonic shifts occurring at the foundation of the conservative movement that will make way for it to return to the legacy of freedom and capture a new generation of Americans. (Margaret Hoover, contributor, Fox News; author, American Individualism: How a New Generation of Conservatives Can Help)

About the Author

David Lampo, director of publications at the Cato Institute, is a long-time libertarian activist and vice president of the Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia. His articles have appeared in the Washington Post, Newsday, National Review, Chicago Tribune, Richmond Times-Dispatch and many other publications. He resides in Alexandria, Virginia.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 216 pages
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers (June 16, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1442215712
• ISBN-13: 978-1442215719
• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 0.9 x 8.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #938,196 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshingly objective June 21, 2012

By JimE

Format:Hardcover

Amidst a landscape littered with strong emotions and weak arguments from both sides of the aisle on the issue of LGBT rights, this book brings an objective and well researched opinion that is not easily dismissed. Its primary thesis aside, perhaps the best part of A Fundamental Freedom comes in the form of its very complete history of the conservative movement over the last couple of centuries. Even for those not particularly interested in the subject of LGBT rights, the historical timeline of conservatism presented in this book is not to be missed.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Republicans Take Heed November 8, 2012

By Ms. Rebecca Maestri

Format:Hardcover

A Fundamental Freedom is a must read for political junkies, and particularly for Republicans who care to win national elections. Mr. Lampo's well researched book provides an insightful historical perspective of the evolution of the GOP vis-a-vis social issues, and may well forecast a death knell for the party. The recent election results give testimony to Mr. Lampo's premise that woe to the future of the party that veers from its founding principles, coddles religious extremism, and doesn't adapt to a changing social enviornment. Read: same sex marriage referendums passed in the states of Maryland, Maine, Minnesota, and Washington - a stark contrast from those of a mere few years ago; and the drubbings enjoyed by misters Akin and Mourdock. As Mr. Lampo advises, Republicans running at the national level, if to be relevant, would do well to heed the party's core values of individual freedom, limited government, strong defense, and free markets rather than embark on the slippery slope of social issues that are best left to responsible individuals, particularly when it comes to equal rights for gay and lesbian tax paying Americans.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read. December 17, 2012

By exilepst

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Lampo's little text, I hope, will become a milestone classic for conservatives and libertarians as we move to the place I think we should be: affirming of the rights of all Americans, straight and gay. Lampo displays a little hostility to religious conservatives, and is something I am chewing on (as a religious man) at this time. But his thesis that religion and the public square are seperate arenas is sound. HOWEVER, I agree with the late founder of First Things that the public square cannot be neutral on values, and that we bring our assumptions there as either religious or irreligious. Perhaps we need some innovative thinking on the matter, since religious assumptions of either the left or the right will continue to be a part of the political arena (even if not explicit). That Lampo is dismissive of that reality is a weakness, but that is only my opinion. And I would further suggest that it is the ONLY weakness is this well-reasoned, helpful, seminal work. Long may David Lampo write and contribute to the public debate!