Since our founding in 1971, the Libertarian Party has held true to the platform of promoting civil liberties which inherently include same-sex marriage and individual expression and relationships. Our statement of principles reinforce and remind us of our primary purpose, liberty in our lifetime.
“The protection of individual rights is the only proper purpose of government. No conflict exists between civil order and individual rights. Both concepts are based on the same fundamental principle: that no individual, group, or government may initiate force against any other individual, group, or government. The government is instituted to protect individual rights. The government is constitutionally limited so as to prevent the infringement of individual rights by the government itself.”
In our first national convention the Libertarian Party nominated the openly gay John Hospers to be our candidate for President of the United States. Hospers, and running mate Tonie Nathan, received an electoral vote by a faithless elector from Virginia, making him the first LGBT candidate (and Nathan the first female) to do so.
The 1976 presidential campaign further expanded on this position calling for a repeal of all laws governing consensual sexual relationships between adults.
After 40 tireless years promoting equality in opportunity the Libertarian Party is pleased to see so many of its positions adopted and enacted to protect and embrace our wonderful LGBTQ community.
