Famously anti-gay politician Michele Bachmann has dropped out of
the Republican party's race for a Presidential candidate,
today.
The news comes after she suffered a humiliating defeat in the
first round of votes in Iowa, where she garnered just five per cent
of the total ballot box turn-out.
"The people of Iowa spoke with a very clear voice, so I decided to
stand aside," Bachmann said at news conference last night.
"I look forward to the next chapter in God's plan," Bachmann
added. "I'm grateful to have been a part of this presidential
contest."
Bachmann's bid to lead the Republicans into the White House
started strong, but was dogged by financial strain, changing
campaign staff and accusations that her husband supported gay
conversion therapy - something he always denied.
Her anti-gay stance didn't help matters. Only last month she
claimed gay men and women should have the right to marry - but only
if their partner is of the opposite sex.
In answering a question on equality from a U.S. high school
student, Bachmann said: "All of us have the same civil
rights...There shouldn't be any special rights or any special set
of criteria. We all have the same civil rights."
When the sixteen-year-old then asked: "So, why can't same-sex
couples get married?", Bachmann responded: "They can get married,
but they abide by the same laws as everyone else; they can marry a
man if they're a woman, or a woman if they're a man."
Although the 55 year-old's exit will please gay and lesbian
equality supporters, it will likely provide a considerable boost
for fellow candidate Rick Santorum - who, as reported on
PinkPaper.com yesterday, only marginally came second in the
important Iowa votes.
Santorum is also skeptical of lesbian and gay equality, claiming
that it undermines America.
"I have no regrets, none whatsoever. We never compromised our
principles," she added.
