After reading this, you may owe Rob Schlein an apology

Before our letter writers get too carried away with their criticism of Rob Schlein and other gay Republicans, here’s a look at the role of the GOP in the fight for equality in California — from Gov. Ronald Reagan’s opposition to the anti-gay Briggs Initiative in 1978 to the state Supreme Court’s decision earlier this year legalizing gay marriage.

Patrick Sammon, national president of Log Cabin Republicans, argues that when it comes to the ballot initiative that would ban same-sex marriage in California in November, the most important votes may come from Republicans and Independents: “Thus the role of gay and gay-friendly conservatives in convincing their ideological brethren to vote against the amendment will be crucial.”