Gay Republican Crosses Aisle To Sit As Democrat In Santorum Protest

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, June 2, 2003

(Concord, New Hampshire) New Hampshire State Representative Corey Corbin has quit the Republican party to sit as a Democrat. "One of the motivating factors in my decision to leave the GOP were the comments of US Senator Rick Santorum, (R-PA), in which he likened homosexuality to incest, bestiality and an immoral lifestyle," said Corbin.

"Being a gay man and, up until this week, a Republican, those comments truly summed up for me the attitude of the GOP towards the millions of gay men and women who work, raise families, pay taxes, and contribute to our society. We are hated, we are marginalized, and are basically unwanted by a party that has forsaken the principles of Abraham Lincoln and become dominated by a right-wing that falls far short of representing main-stream America."

Corbin was first elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives in 2000. There, he was appointed the Republican Whip of the House Labor and Industry Committee. At 33, Corbin is one of the youngest members of the New Hampshire House.

A veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves Corbin is the founder of the New Hampshire Leadership Forum, which promotes youth participation in politics and civic activities. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Liberty House, which will soon open as New Hampshire's first veterans homeless shelter.

In changing parties Corbin also joined the caucus of the National Stonewall Democrats. The Washington based group Monday praised Corbin for his courage in leaving the party he had grown up in. "We're excited to welcome Corey into our Elected Officials Caucus," said Dave Noble, NSD Executive Director. "As a former Republican, he is able to vocalize the strong differences that exist between the two major parties on issues of equality."