Elections

NAACP leaders criticize Romney marriage stance even though activists applauded him

Alex Pappas Political Reporter
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The chairwoman of the NAACP criticized Mitt Romney for his views on traditional marriage Wednesday even though the crowd at the organization’s convention applauded the Republican presidential candidate for his views on the subject earlier in the day.

“Unfortunately, much of his agenda is at odds with what the NAACP stands for — whether the issue is equal access to affordable health care, reforming our education system or the path forward on marriage equality,” NAACP Chairman Roslyn M. Brock said in a statement Wednesday. (RELATED: Romney to NAACP: I’m better for black community than Obama)

But in his speech in Houston to the organization, Romney was applauded by the NAACP activists when he said: “As president, I will promote strong families — and I will defend traditional marriage.”

Romney in his speech also made a point of saying, as president, that he would “represent all Americans, of every race, creed or sexual orientation, from the poorest to the richest and everyone in between.”

The applause from the activists at Romney’s declaration that he’d defend traditional marriage is notable because the leaders of the organization voted to officially support gay marriage earlier this year.

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