Being Log Cabin Republican hard in Utah

"The state party officers believe this amendment falls under the definition of the traditional family, recognized under the party platform as the fundamental union of society," he said. "Even though we support this amendment, it doesn't mean we're turning everyone away who doesn't."

The Log Cabin members, however, expressed frustration with the state party, saying it has done little to support gay and lesbian rights. They noted hate crimes bills, which included gays and lesbians as a protected class, have repeatedly failed in the Republican-controlled Legislature.

On the federal level, the Log Cabin Republicans, established in the late 1970s, have withheld an endorsement of President Bush, calling him "disloyal" to the 1 million gay men and lesbian women who the organization said supported his candidacy four years ago.

Storrs said the Utah chapter will be withholding its endorsement of some Republican candidates and is still deciding on some, such as gubernatorial candidate Jon Huntsman Jr., who supports the marriage amendment. The Democratic candidate, Scott Matheson Jr., opposes the amendment.

Michael Mitchell, president of Equality Utah, said it's important to work for change from within an organization, but there's a stigma attached to the Republican label within the gay and lesbian community.

"I think one problem the Log Cabin Republicans are always going to face, not just here in Utah, is the problem of being identified with the extreme of their party, which is very vocal . . . anti-gay rights," he said. "Republicans are so identified by that right now."

Mitchell said in Utah, conservative gays and lesbians might be more comfortable within the Democratic Party, which is "more open about gay and lesbian issues."

Mike Picardi, chairman of the Utah Chapter Stonewall Democrats, which started as the Gay and Lesbian Caucus of the state Democratic Party in 1990, said some of the estimated 120 people who are members of his group "do tend to be more conservative."

And he agrees that they tend to feel more welcome among Democrats. "I think the Utah Democratic Party is very pro-equal rights for everyone, including gays and lesbians," Picardi said.

However, there are cases in which Democratic candidates also endorse legislation seen as opposing gay and lesbian rights. Congressman Jim Matheson, D-Utah, supported a failed proposal for a federal marriage amendment.

"We can agree to disagree on certain things," Picardi said of Matheson, noting the congressman supported the gay community on other issues such as a hate crimes bill and employment protections.

Not alone

Storrs, a lifelong Republican and former member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, wants the Log Cabin to take the lead in creating a vocal "fair-minded Republican coalition."