Barack Obama has shown time and time again that he's all too ready to throw the LGBT community under the bus once he's milked us of money and votes - or at least until such time as the LGBT community revolts and turns up the heat and turns off the money. Congressional Democrats have proven themselves to not be much more reliable. Many believe that we have entered a critical window of opportunity for the passage of ENDA and DADT. The passage of ENDA and repeal of DADT would be major victories in eliminating religious based discrimination from America. Sadly, far too many elected officials would rather do nothing rather than do whats right and potentially face the criticism of religious extremist elements within the GOP who are only too happy to demand that their religious bigotries remain enshrined in the nation's laws. Truth be told, religious freedom is an all or nothing proposition. Either ALL Americans enjoy religious freedom and protection from discrimination based upon their adherence or non-adherence to one particular set of religious beliefs or the entire system becomes a farce. As Karen Ocamb reports on LGBT Pov, it is time to hold our Congressional officials ' feet to the fire and lobby for passage of pro-gay legislation. Pretty words from alleged "friends" mean nothing without action. Here are highlights from Karen's post:*
I had a chance to talk with [Barney] Frank before he spoke to the gathering. Among a number of topics, he talked about the “good provisions” for transgenders in the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and how he thinks the bill will pass the House but still stresses that the LGBT community needs to call their own representatives to make sure the votes are there.
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Look I’ve been telling people for years, we have a problem because still there’s some resistance on the transgender issue. People don’t want to hear that. I think maybe they’re afraid of having it tested. I believe the House will send the Senate a bill that will have good transgender protections – people have been telling me it’s no problem. We will mark it up. Well, let’s see. The only thing people should do if they want to get this bill passed is call their representatives, call their senators and after they’ve called – get other people to call their representatives and their senators, not people from some other place.”
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I also asked Frank about Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and the effort to repeal that this year. Frank said:
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“I’m frustrated. I’m disappointed with the administration, in part. There have been some good things. Admiral Mullen saying what he said was spectacular. And enforcing it the way it was originally supposed to – even though I didn’t like it – discharges can be cut by over 90 percent.
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But there will be a vote in the House. Rep. Patrick Murphy is going to offer his amendment. I think we’ll pass it in the House and then in the Senate – I’m told by some of the Senate leadership that they don’t think they have the votes to repeal it. People ought to talk to Sen. Carl Levin, he’s the key guy who’s our great ally.”
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Might Sen. Levin offer his own amendment? Frank said, “Here’s my perspective: Senator Levin is our friend and he’s thinking serious about it and you ought to talk to him.”
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After years in political activist activity, the truth is that we in the LGBT community cannot rely on the good intentions of others. We need to make the case, lobby our members of the House and our Senators and make it clear that there WILL be a price to be paid if affirmative action is not taken for passage of ENDA and the repeal of DADT. To voice your concerns contact your Congressman/woman here; your U. S. Senators here, and the White House here.
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