The Harvard-Radcliffe Republican Club officially affirmed the anti-abortion position of the Republican National Party after a heated debate last night.

The club voted to adopt the stance by a slim 23-21-2 margin, after a controversial dispute over whether it should base its decision on principles or on practical membership considerations.

Club President Karen E. Boyle '94 said the group in years past had officially taken a neutral stance on the issue.

"I've always known it was a pro-life Republican club, but we never had an outward stance on the issue," Boyle said.

Proponents of the motion said the issue is a matter of principle which must supersede concerns about driving away members.

"It's important that the Republican Club be as unambiguous and committed to supporting the Republican position as the [Democratic] club on campus is to supporting their position," said Christopher B. Brown '94, who proposed the motion. "I think we'll have a stronger and more active club."

But those voting against the resolution expressed fear that the decision may have adverse consequences on the club's membership levels and overall diversity.

"I think it's very unfortunate that a small minority of the club was able to come here tonight and create what I see as a schism in the club. I hope that we're able to convince people that we still are the big tent party," said Luke A. Sarsfield '95, the club's treasurer.

Club member Randall L. Fine '96 said the club should strive for "inclusion, not exclusion."

"If you tell everyone what a Republican should do and think and act, when you're finished you'll have about 10 people left," Fine said.

Brown said the abortion issue demands more action from the club than other items on the Republican agenda.

"What do we mean when we say that abortion is a bad thing?" Brown said. "It's a bad thing in the way that murder is a bad thing, that rape is a bad thing, that slavery is a bad thing."

Tung Q. Le '96, a club member, urged other members to place moral values above efforts to maintain a more diverse club.

"I am speaking for the good of a child," Le said. "What good is it to win an 'election [without] the things we stand for?"

Amanda P. Williams '96, one of the few women present at the meeting, spoke against the limiting nature of the decision.