By Joey Lauer

Social conservatism is ingrained in the GOP and is key to its existence and success. Take these three examples:

Abortion: Standing up for the right of unborn children is the only natural stance for the Republican platform. They are the ultimate defenders of life. Were Republicans not the party who gave life to slaves? Republicans defend citizens from the oppression of government and strive to make sure they can lead a life full of freedom. To deny support to babies in the womb would be to deny the very foundation of the party.  These fetuses have the right to live, and the government should not be able to prevent that.

Family values: The Republicans support the strong, time tested, family structure in American life and they should continue to do so. A strong family and marriage decreases government reliance, and increases overall prosperity. Much of today’s poverty (and the huge welfare spending) is a result of out-of-wedlock births, and divorced parents. The traditional family system has been the key to success in America, and if Republicans are true to their roots, they will not stand idle as our families slowly degrade. And this goes for “Gay marriage” as well. Gay families and homosexual partners who attempt to adopt children are attempt to destroy traditional family structures which have been the backbone of our society. Republicans cannot support this movement.

Rights from a creator: Many conservatives know that their rights do not come from the government, they come from a creator. An entity outside of the government. They hold that government is only there to protect these rights. They have ultimate respect for a small government. They don’t rely on government for their lives, they rely on God. Republicans are the party of freedom and small government– more personal control and responsibility.  These two philosophies go hand in hand, and the Republicans should welcome Christians and other religious citizens. Republicans know that we are “one nation, under God.”

For these reasons and more, Republicans need to hold social conservatism dearly. It makes them stand out from the other parties and is consistent with core conservatism. Put simply– a Republican party without social conservatism is no Republican party at all.