Conservative group wants answers from Palin on gay rights

The conservative American Principles Project, which is already boycotting this week's Conservative Political Action Conference over the inclusion of a gay GOP group, is now demanding "clarity" from former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

The organization wants to know exactly where Palin stands on the inclusion of GOProud as one of CPACs sponsors and wants clarity on her stance on gay marriage after Palin suggested over the weekend that she supports the group.   

Asked about the controversy over GOProud's presence at CPAC, which has led to a boycott of the event by several leading conservative groups and Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), Palin told the Christian Broadcasting Network that she desires a "healthy debate." 

"Should conservatives not reach out to others, not participate in events or forums that perhaps arising within those forums are issues that maybe we don't personally agree with?" Palin asked. "And I say 'no.'" 

Palin's comments to CBN were highlighted by Andrew Breitbart, who is a member of GOProud's board and will take part in one of the group's events during CPAC later this week. 

But the interview raised the ire of APP's President Frank Cannon, who demanded answers from Palin on Monday. 

"The concern of conservatives is over the participation of a group whose stated goals run at odds with that of core conservative principles, not over debate over those issues," Cannon said in a statement. "Governor Palin should clarify her comments by letting us know whether in her definition, traditional marriage is a core component of conservatism." 

Palin's views on gay rights aren't entirely clear. She drew attention earlier this year after she re-tweeted a message from conservative talk host Tammy Bruce that was seen by many as expressing support for the repeal of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy. Palin later said she didn't support the repeal. 

Palin once again declined an invite to speak at CPAC, but the decision doesn't appear to have anything to do with the GOProud controversy. Palin citied her busy schedule as reason for skipping the event, which she has declined to appear at four years in a row. 

The controversy over the group's CPAC involvement also hasn't stopped the vast majority of rumored presidential contenders from attending this week's event. 

A total of eleven potential GOP candidates have speaking slots at the event, including former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Sen. John Thune (S.D.), Rep. Michele Bachman (Minn.), former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former Sen. Rick Santorum (Pa.) and Govs. Mitch Daniels (Ind.) and Haley Barbour (Miss.).