Gay-rights proposals gain in Congress

[Rose Siding]

Source: Boston Globe

By Rick Klein, Globe Staff | April 25, 2007

WASHINGTON -- After more than a decade of government inaction, gay-rights proponents in Congress have gotten several major bills moving through the Democratic-controlled chambers, a development that could result in the greatest expansion of federal protections for gays and lesbians in US history.

This week, a key House committee is set to approve a measure that would in some cases make hate crimes based on a victim's sexual orientation a federal offense, as are crimes committed on the basis of the race or religion of the victim.

Also, a bipartisan group of House members introduced a bill yesterday that would ban workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Both pieces of legislation are on track for congressional approval in the coming months.

If Congress passes the bills, gay-rights advocates say, it reflects a dramatic change in the national political landscape......"We have had an affirmation in the last election that the American people support fairness," (Rep Barney Frank) said.


Read more: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2007/04/25/gay_rights_proposals_gain_in_congress/

[xchrom]

1. ...

:woohoo: :applause: :woohoo:

[BOSSHOG]

2. "The American People support FAIRNESS"

Absolutely right Congressman Franks. On a similar note, its interesting that those who make a living on right wing hate radio literally fear the FAIRNESS Doctrine. Being hateful and ugly and promoting a lack of fairness on all playing fields is conservative genetics.

[LostinVA]

3. FINALLY -- and, both in tune with the majority of Americans

Most Americans believe there should be workplace protection based on sexual orientation. I haven't seen the numbers for TG.

[TechBear_Seattle]

4. Gotta pander to the base

I do not question Rep. Frank's dedication to the cause of equal rights. I do question, and question very strongly, the commitment of most other Democrats in Congress. Voting records show quite consistently that despite state and national platforms, Democrats do not support gay rights or protections. I will be surprised if any of these bills make it out of committee, and probably die of shocked surprise if any actually get to the President's desk.

Yes, I'm a cynical old queer, but I see these as absolutely no different than a GOP controlled Congress proposing bills to ban flag burning, mandate prayer in schools or recriminalize abortion. they help to satisfy the "fringe" elements capable of organizing opposition and, as long as none of them pass, they will not piss off the rank-and-file supporters.

[LostinVA]

5. The majority of Americans agree with workplace protection for gays

[TechBear_Seattle]

6. The majority of Americans agree we should withdraw from Iraq and impeach

You don't see the Dems in Congress taking meaningful steps towards either of those things, either. Anyway, again I point to voting records. Very few Democrats in Congress are capable of voicing open support, much less make such support a matter of their voting records. I stand by my disdain.

[LostinVA]

7. By "Democrats," I thought you meant non-elected officials -- sorry

I think this will pass, and then I think Bush will veto it.

[TechBear_Seattle]

8. Non-elected officials don't have much of a base to pander to

Well, except for Big Money, but that is a different rant. :hi:

You have more faith than I do. I really hope that you can show me to be a bitter old cynic; that would be much better than being proven right.

[columbusdem]

10. I agree

It will be interesting to see if the Democrats seriously want to pass this legislation or use it one election after another to merely get Democratic Party voters to the polls.

[Zhade]

9. Equal rights, not "gay rights". We're just asking to be treated the same.

KICK

(END DADT!)