DES MOINES, Iowa — Republican presidential candidate Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann was the first to sign a 14-point pledge that's anti-porn, opposes same-sex marriage and rejects Islamic law put forth by the state-based religious conservative organization The Family Leader.
The Family Leader organization (formerly known as Iowa Family Policy Center Action), is run by evangelical conservative and former three-time Iowa gubernatorial candidate Bob Vander Plaats.
The group's endorsement is reportedly ranked as one of the a 10 most powerful and influential for those seeking a conservative nod.
Bachmann quickly signed the 14-point “The Marriage Vow: A Declaration of Dependence upon Marriage and Family” on Thursday that clearly states in its ninth “vow” that any presidential candidate signing must “support human protection of women and the innocent fruit of conjugal intimacy” and protect them from “seduction into promiscuity and all forms of pornography…and other types of coercion or stolen innocence.”
Signing candidates are also making clear their opposition to same-sex marriage and working to making it illegal in states where it’s been approved. They must also declare that homosexuality is a choice and it's a public health risk that shortens life expectancy and fosters a higher probability of STDs.
The candidates are being asked to respond to the pledge requests by Aug. 1. Vander Plaats said he expects the responses to be distributed by activists at the Iowa State Fair, which begins Aug. 11 and prior to the Ames Straw Poll on Aug. 13.
Vander Plaats said the decision to seek pledges came in response to some recent events including the New York Legislature’s approval of same-sex marriage, as well as sex scandals involving former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner of New York and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
Vander Plaats also said The Family Leader will not support any candidate who declines to sign the pledge.
The Des Moines Register reported that GOP candidate Tim Pawlenty is reviewing the pledge.
An aide to former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman said he never signs any pledges while a spokesman for U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, said the congressman has reservations.
A spokesman for the Obama White House had no comment.
Several other GOP presidential candidates did not comment, including former Michigan Gov. Mitt Romney, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and retired Georgia businessman Herman Cain.
