"I have often wondered about this dichotomy. Indeed, with the stated conservative principle of "equality for all," why do republicans persecute gay people so fervently?"
================
For the same reason they tend to look down on adulterers, prostitutes, those who buy the services of prostitutes, and those who engage in pornography?
-
The questions become: Why are there any laws against any forms of "sexual expression"? Should or should there not be laws against bigamy, polygamy, bestiality, consensual incest? Should all marriages be "open" with each and every spouse engaging in sexual relations with multiple other sexual partners....who in turn engage in sex with multiple partners? Why even have "marriage" at all? 
-
Or do we, as a society, try to establish some sort of "limitation" on what is good, proper, and healthier for all individuals, the marriage institution, the family, those who are married, and any children that may be involved?
-
And, does God enter into what is "right"