Senator Kerry & Mr. Ogonowski on LGBT Issues

[Ian David]

Senator Kerry & Mr. Ogonowski on LGBT Issues
by: Laurel
Thu Mar 13, 2008 at 21:42:44 PM EDT

(Excellent summary. Let's hope some of Ogo's folks can fill in some of those question marks for us. - promoted by David)

A recent exchange between myself and EaBoClipper was sadly cut short because his diary scrolled off the rolls. What we had initiated was a good old fashioned Compare & Contrast on the LGBT policies of the two major senatorial candidates, Kerry (D) and Ogonowski (R). Because of the scrolling snafu, EaBo never had a proper chance to hold up his end of the conversation. I re-initiate it here so that he and others can chime in. To get us started, I've written what I know about the LGBT positions of K & O.

<snip>

I give Ogonowski props for using the term "sexual orientation", which recognizes that sexuality is indeed an orientation, not a preference. I also appreciate his recognition that gay people are just as patriotic and dedicated to the country as heterosexuals, and should thus be serving openly in the military. I am disappointed at his civil unions stance because as marriage is legal in MA, he essentially is advocating for a regressive policy. However, I recognize that among Republicans, the LGBT-related positions he has taken thus far are on the liberal side, and I respect him for his courage in taking them. I would very much like to hear his positions on the other items listed (or others he might propose) so that we might have a more comprehensive comparison with John Kerry.

My initial image of Ogonowski was that he was anti-gay. After learning the little bit I could glean on his LGBT positions from the net, I am happy to admit that I may very well have been mistaken. What remains to be seen, however, is whether Mr. Ogonowski plans to be a proactive advocate for LGBT concerns like Senator Kerry has been. I hope that Senator Kerry and Mr. Ogonowski will join us here, and speak on their own behalf.

More:
http://www.bluemassgroup.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=10963