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“Every good Christian should line up and kick Jerry Falwell's ass.” — B. Goldwater, 1981

Goldwater was deeply troubled by the religious right's growing power within the GOP. He feared that if they succeeded in establishing religion as a basic Republican Party platform, they could destroy it. He did not want his beloved “old conservatism” values to be affiliated in any way with what was now being referred to in the press as the “new right” and the “new conservatism.”

As early as 1981, Goldwater stated in a Senate speech: “The religious issues of these groups have little or nothing to do with conservative or liberal politics. The uncompromising position of these groups is a divisive element that could tear apart the very spirit of our representative system, if they gain sufficient strength.” 

The rise of the intolerant religious right was mutating the Republican Party beyond what Goldwater could accept. Fueled by religious extremists, the GOP began to inject highly volatile, divisive social issues into the national debate between liberalism and conservatism. Gays were especially targeted and made into political scapegoats by right-wing homophobes.

Goldwater began rethinking his views — a change that was met with approval from many who had disagreed with him in the 1960s. More and more Americans were agreeing with his strong commitment to individual freedom of conscience on issues like gay rights, abortion and separation of church and state.

In an early 1990s interview, he told The Advocate: “I don't have any respect for the religious right. There is no place in this country for practicing religion in politics. That goes for Falwell, Robertson and all the rest of these political preachers. They are a detriment to the country.”

Goldwater's late-blooming transformation into a sympathetic supporter of gay rights was influenced by his life experiences, his political principles and his strong love for the gay members of his family.

Ross explains: “I came out to my grandparents when I was 15, so they'd known about me for years. I also had a lesbian second cousin. Being half-Jewish, he [Goldwater] knew what it was like to be an outsider, so he could relate. Plus he'd always had that whole ‘libertarian' bent.”

He continues: “Although he did not talk about it much, he would ask if I'm OK. He knew I was going to gay rights rallies and that I was pro-gay. He'd say things like, ‘Oh, that's good you are standing up for your rights.'”

“Government governs best when it governs least — and stays out of the impossible task of legislating morality. But legislating someone's version of morality is exactly what we do by perpetuating discrimination against gays.” — B. Goldwater, 1994

Goldwater's many public pronouncements on the subject of gay rights were remarkable on so many levels. Coming as they did from a revered arch-conservative, his sudden pro-gay stance was nothing less than a political broadside, fired across the bow of the Republican Party — from within its own ranks. Goldwater suffered through various party efforts that questioned his loyalty and even his sanity. Some tried to impose stiff sanctions, and to even oust him from the party.

It's not every day that public support for gay issues comes from a renowned patriot, avid frontiersman , former fighter pilot and retired Air Force general. It's particularly welcome, especially in today's polarized political scene, to hear a straight-talking, straight man avidly defend the rights of gay Americans.

Goldwater presented his numerous pro-gay rights speeches and editorials with all of his trademark eloquence, down-to-earth logic and gruff humor.

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