Values Voter Summit.
The name recalls images of impassioned, but reasoned citizens sitting in a council meeting, listening and responding thoughtfully to one another on policy and sociopolitical issues — hot button topics that drive every election.
The speakers include Arizona’s own Gov. Jan Brewer, Rep. Michele Bachmann, Sen. Rick Santorum and even Christian evangelist rock star, Kirk Cameron. The event appears to be giving conservatives a forum to address their views on social issues. A Values Voter Summit sounds innocent enough, so why the controversy?
The conservatives at the summit have found a safe environment through which to express their social conservative views, fearing no judgment from liberal critics. These opinions include, but are not limited to, radical opinions on issues of gay marriage and abortion.
Members on both sides of the party line are urging Brewer to decline her invitation to the Values Summit, worried that the summit will provide a safe haven for hate speech, particularly for “demonizing lies” about the LGBTQ community, according to The Arizona Republic. The Values Voter Summit is sponsored by groups like Family Research Council and American Family Association, which “promote and defend the sanctity of family, of marriage” — specifically heterosexual marriage.
In The Arizona Republic article, Michael Sherrard, director of Faithful America, said that his members are “appalled” that politicians would “lend their credibility to the Values Voters Summit.”
Even Ann Romney declined her invitation, as it might threaten her “role as the soft, humanizing face of the campaign...if she’s perceived as engaging in divisive culture war issues,” according to Buzzfeed.
Seven major groups in the U.S., including the Human Rights Campaign and the Southern Poverty Law Center, have lent their names to a letter, urging all speakers to refuse attendance.
Brewer’s attendance at the Voters Summit symbolizes implicit support for the summit speakers’ values. It is important to ask if the values of the summit speakers are in alignment with the values of Arizonans. Bachmann, who believes in life at the moment of conception, is speaking, as well as Santorum, who has equated gay marriage to marrying one’s mother-in-law.
When there are more independent voters than conservative ones in Arizona, will Brewer incorrectly align herself with these values? While libertarian and independent voters in Arizona label themselves fiscal conservatives, some refrain from a Republican label because of social issues just like gay marriage and abortion. Why is the governor willing to take such bold actions, when so many groups have voiced their reservations?
Perhaps it is because she wants to make sure Arizona isn’t left out of the wider, conservative dialogue. Her presence speaks to Arizona’s cred as a staunchly conservative state. The Grand Canyon State is already seen by other states as a pioneer in ultimate conservative ideals.
Perhaps Brewer just wants to hold on to that title just a little longer.
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