Obama posts campaign pledges on LGBT rights

[ccharles000]

http://www.365gay.com/news/obama-posts-campaign-pledges-on-lgbt-rights/

(Washington) President-elect Barack Obama has laid out his commitment to LGBT civil rights in an eight-point plan posted on his transition Web site.

It calls for passage of the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act; a gender-inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act; repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell; repeal of the federal Defense of Marriage Act; opposition to any attempt to reintroduce an amendment to the Constitution to ban same-sex marriage, support for inclusive adoption rights; and an expanded war on HIV/AIDS.

The program is identical to Obama’s positions during the campaign and LGBT rights groups said it shows that the president-elect is committed to keeping his word.

The Matthew Shepard Hate Crime Act would add sexual orientation to the list of categories covered under federal hate crime law. It passed the House in 2007 and the White House threatened to veto it. In an effort to get around a veto, the Senate version was tied to the 2008 defense authorization bill. It passed but then went to conference, where it was stripped out.

Obama was a co-sponsor of the bill. On his transition Web site, Obama notes that in 2004, crimes against LGBT Americans constituted the third-highest category of hate crime reported, making up more than 15 percent. As a state senator in Illinois, Obama helped pass tough legislation that made hate crimes - and the onspiracy to commit them - against the law.

[Alexander]

1. Good. This suggests he's serious about civil rights.

So far, so good.

:thumbsup:

[ccharles000]

2. I agree

[Pisces]

3. SEems like a strong stance. I wonder what some whiners will have to complain about?

[knowledgeispwr]

10. They'll find something, I'm sure.

Punctuation mark use. No mention of ponies. Something'll come up.

[cali]

11. nope, the whiny ass babies won't comment on this thread or any other

thread where Obama is doing something they agree with.

[Starry Messenger]

4. k&r

[political_Dem]

5. He said things would change. I'm glad that he is trying to put his money where his mouth is.

Believe it or not, this is the first of many signs that we're not going to have the same old crap always happen in Washington anymore. The Lieberman thing still is questionable, but it is rather refreshing to read of a leader who is trying to make profound changes that will truly benefit this country instead of withholding something due to some dogma or platform.

This is part of the hope that I had felt in the wake of the election. The American people's part of the bargain is to keep his feet (as well as other politicians in the new administration)to the fire so that the list of things he promised to fight for becomes a reality.

[ccharles000]

6. kick

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

7. All that talk about Obama being a homophobe during the primaries will be put to rest.

He looks to be more progressive on these issues than either Clinton.

[mmonk]

8. Clarification is good. Glad it has been posted.

[cali]

9. Thanks for posting this. I like his positions, and it gives us something

to hold him to. Those are the right positions and the progressive changes we need.

[rosesaylavee]

12. Excellent.

Can I just mention AGAIN that his change.gov site is an amazing thing as he doesn't have to depend on any of the networks to get his message out?

K & R