Gay Rights, In His Own Words
Filed under: Gay Gay Gay > Barack Obama
So, what does Barack Obama want for LGBT Americans????
According to the agenda just published on the new White House website, this is what our new President claims he's going to fight for:
- Expand Hate Crimes Statutes: In 2004, crimes against LGBT Americans constituted the third-highest category of hate crime reported and made up more than 15 percent of such crimes. President Obama cosponsored legislation that would expand federal jurisdiction to include violent hate crimes perpetrated because of race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or physical disability. As a state senator, President Obama passed tough legislation that made hate crimes and conspiracy to commit them against the law.
- Fight Workplace Discrimination: President Obama supports the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and believes that our anti-discrimination employment laws should be expanded to include sexual orientation and gender identity. While an increasing number of employers have extended benefits to their employees' domestic partners, discrimination based on sexual orientation in the workplace occurs with no federal legal remedy. The President also sponsored legislation in the Illinois State Senate that would ban employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
- Support Full Civil Unions and Federal Rights for LGBT Couples: President Obama supports full civil unions that give same-sex couples legal rights and privileges equal to those of married couples. Obama also believes we need to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and enact legislation that would ensure that the 1,100+ federal legal rights and benefits currently provided on the basis of marital status are extended to same-sex couples in civil unions and other legally-recognized unions. These rights and benefits include the right to assist a loved one in times of emergency, the right to equal health insurance and other employment benefits, and property rights.
- Oppose a Constitutional Ban on Same-Sex Marriage: President Obama voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment in 2006 which would have defined marriage as between a man and a woman and prevented judicial extension of marriage-like rights to same-sex or other unmarried couples.
- Repeal Don't Ask-Don't Tell: President Obama agrees with former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff John Shalikashvili and other military experts that we need to repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. The key test for military service should be patriotism, a sense of duty, and a willingness to serve. Discrimination should be prohibited. The U.S. government has spent millions of dollars replacing troops kicked out of the military because of their sexual orientation. Additionally, more than 300 language experts have been fired under this policy, including more than 50 who are fluent in Arabic. The President will work with military leaders to repeal the current policy and ensure it helps accomplish our national defense goals.
- Expand Adoption Rights: President Obama believes that we must ensure adoption rights for all couples and individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation. He thinks that a child will benefit from a healthy and loving home, whether the parents are gay or not.
- Promote AIDS Prevention: In the first year of his presidency, President Obama will develop and begin to implement a comprehensive national HIV/AIDS strategy that includes all federal agencies. The strategy will be designed to reduce HIV infections, increase access to care and reduce HIV-related health disparities. The President will support common sense approaches including age-appropriate sex education that includes information about contraception, combating infection within our prison population through education and contraception, and distributing contraceptives through our public health system. The President also supports lifting the federal ban on needle exchange, which could dramatically reduce rates of infection among drug users. President Obama has also been willing to confront the stigma — too often tied to homophobia — that continues to surround HIV/AIDS.
- Empower Women to Prevent HIV/AIDS: In the United States, the percentage of women diagnosed with AIDS has quadrupled over the last 20 years. Today, women account for more than one quarter of all new HIV/AIDS diagnoses. President Obama introduced the Microbicide Development Act, which will accelerate the development of products that empower women in the battle against AIDS. Microbicides are a class of products currently under development that women apply topically to prevent transmission of HIV and other infections.
[Image via WENN.]
WHY WOULD I TAKE THE TIME TO READ ALL OF THAT?
POOPSHITZ!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!1111
cut n paste.
Re: mama of 2 – YOU'RE HUBBY IS PRETTY TEMPTING!
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HEY I DID FIND THE REMOTE UNDER MY BACK FAT!
What? No free booty lube?
Re: poop coming out is fun – HEY I GOT TO GO POP! WANNA WATCH?
Ok…………
nice!
Perez, you're slowing down. Yesterday's news!
Barack better do all that!!
Re: MOOSE-KNUCKLE IN THE JUNGLE!! – BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB HURRY UP & CUM! BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB
I'd like to see a nude opera, because when they hit those high notes, I bet you can really see it in their genitals.
you know Mario…gay right is important…but there are VARY more dire issues at hand….why don't you show a bit more diplomacy and support the President in these horrendous times instead of pushing your agenda….this site was suppose to be fun and an opportunity to vent….but you have turned this into a patform for your own self promotion….which is all in good…it is your site….but you know how it goes….if you don't share the ball….no one will want to play with you.
Lighten up Mario!
politics as usual to keep people quiet
just give us a thumbs up or thumbs down please
He's all things to all people - right?
I still think its terribly ironic that a man named Barrack Hussein Obama was just elected American President and that he's 51% Arab, 3% Black and 46% White, but everyone is saying he's the first Black man in power.
Having said that, I think he's a good man and a good leader who will try to do his best.
HERE'S A SONG FOR MY DOOKIES AKA SHERRI, HARRY, MAMMA, MOOSE, PEREZ:
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WHEN IT'S TIME TO FART
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JUST MAKE SURE IT'S NOT A SHART.
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BECAUSE THEN YOU WILL HAVE TO CART
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A BUNCH OF POO INTO WALMART
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AND SOMEONE WOULD STAB YOU IN THE HEART
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BECAUSE THE STANK ASS SMELL OF THE WORLDS WORST FART.
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THE END!!!!!!!!!! FARTBLOSSOM!!!
but there are VARY more dire issues ….was suppose to say FAR MORE DIRE ISSUES……
well you get the point!!!
I hope he stands by his words.
well you should be happy now perez so stop talkin all that smack!
Well I hope you're happy now!
Re: mamajud – BTW I love the new painting and the idea behind just letting the canvas sit and the painting grow over time. I said to hubby we should do that when the boys are older. He said they'll probably use the canvas's for skateboard ramps - sigh, he's probably right LOL
You have A LOT of fucking audacity. You don't mention the first gay troop to march in the inaugural parade. Only negative…
I'm sick of it. How about, Clinton lost, get over it, realize that Obama is trying to bring everyone together, not just moderates and liberals. There ARE STILL conservatives that need to be brought into the fold.
blah blah blah
it's all about you fucking gays
what about white men??????????? HUH????????
Re: Toonkinstein – You wasting your breath Mario only likes Obama on the even number days of the week
Re: harrybalsac – ROTFL!.
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I JUST QUEEFED!!!
Re: poop coming out is fun – Hey Poop - I asked you the other day if you were into the old scat sessions as your name might suggest. Mistress was never a fan of those types of sessions, but has witnessed many. You're an odd duck, but a nice one so far (o:
I find it interesting that he supports giving LGBT the rights of marriage and he apparently voted for the ban of the marriage amendment… but it doesn't really say that he's pro same-sex marriage…
Re: poop coming out is fun – NEEDS MORE COWBELL! LMFAO
Blah, Blah, Blah who gives a shit. People think everythings suddenly going to get better. People think Obama is like Superman, but in reality your lifes still going to suck and the economy is still going to suck. Now shut the fuck up
Re: poop coming out is fun – its a little windy if you ask me…
See? All that bitching about how Obama is discriminating against the gays was unfounded. There are a lot of things going on in this country and, while gays can't be in the front burner every second, they are on the president's mind. Be more supportive!!
See Perez, and you were throwing your girly hissy fit and bitching for nothing! Stick your big foot in your mouth girl!
I don't believe that. When is he going to do something for me? Give me more college money? Or make me equal to a man? He has already told many lies. So I guess my point is, I'll believe it when I see it, but right now, I think he's full of shit.
In other words, more or less like other adminsitrations before him. Nothing new…He, like other presidents, DO NOT SUPPORT GAY MARRIAGE.
I thought he was the president of CHANGE.
……..tooo looonngg…..
Re: Lunar – I don't think you have to be pro-gay marriage to be against writting discrimination into the constitution.
So first you criticize him for picking Rick Warren for the opening prayer and said he is 'slighting the gays' now your praising him for what he is trying to do for the gay community?? Make up your mind!! One day you love him the next you don't!
Re: poop coming out is fun – It needs more cowbell.
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What good is spending billions and billions of dollars here and around the world on fighting HIV/AIDS going to do if people are NOT going to stop unsafe sexual practices? You cant have it both ways.
Re: State ziti – Oh shut your fucking stupid ass already.
Re: State ziti – Are you one of the white straight people?
Re: COCACOLA – Read it again - Obama may actually be pro-gay marriage.
Re: Mistress – NO SCAT..BUT I DID ENJOY THE TWO GIRLS ONE CUP VIDEO. I MADE A CAMEO IN THAT VIDEO..IN THE CUP! HOW'S YOUR PUPPY??????????????
Re: harrybalsac – Re: MOOSE-KNUCKLE IN THE JUNGLE!! – HAHAHA!! MORE COWBELL!!! MORE POOP!!!
Re: poop coming out is fun –
pOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP
you know what mario.
bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch
i swear to god. its the day after he becomes president. you are so fucking negative. give him a god damn minute. its not all about gay rights that he needs to deal with.
rock on, obama
I'm glad he seems to be supportive to LGBT's but we ALSO need to focus on helping America's children if we want a secure future. We need better schools, extra programs for children, affordable childcare, free healthcare for ALL children and more stringent laws protecting children from abuse and neglect.
If we just focus on our own needs and not the needs of the next generation, we are going to continue to find ourselves in a mess.
Re: Mistress – lol…….you could just start them now with plywood instead of canvas, by the time they're old enough to skate…..they'll have the coolest ramp in queensland!
about time
Re: poop coming out is fun – She's doing OK, resting comfortably thank you. Am kinda glad to hear the "no scat" comment.
Was never ever my cup of tea so to speak LOL
Re: mamajud – Good idea re the plyboard!!!! You should publish a book of Mamajuds Top Tips and Recipies. It would probably sell more than Red Carpet Suicide!!!!! LOL
Obama is a very intelligent and compassionate man. He has good intentions. Give him a chance.
Re: Mistress – AWW GIVE YOUR PUPPY A KISS FOR ME!!!
Re: SheriMoonZombie – AND FECESSSSSS!!!
And a free butt plug or strap on with each and every right given to the gays!!!
HAPPY NOW BITCH???????
Are you done bitching now?
Re: Toonkinstein – you are rediculous……..these issues are very important. this site is for him to do whatever he pleases. funny, serious, things that effect him, and things that don't. i think if you were deprived basic human rights then you would understand. until then don't make idiotic comments like this.
I'm all for lesbians/gays being able to get married. I just want all the acting gay stuff to go away. Like I don't want to see guys wearing short shorts with their balls all crushed and hanging out the side. If you are going to be gay fine but dress accordingly. Lesbians, grow your hair long and wear make-up. You don't look good looking like a man. If you are proud to be a woman look like one. So put on a dress and pumps.
Sounds like a start!
well this certainly is an amazing wish list…it's surprising our puritanical country actually voted him in. i sincerely hope he can achieve all of this and more, with all of our support
Obama has a full plate of shit he needs and is expected to fix… gay rights issues are not at the top of that totem pole, sorry perez. He needs to focus on the things that effects us all like the economy and the wars not just an issue targeted to one group.
Good for the homosexuals. Hopefullly he won't claim for German soldiers !
Perez I think ur awesome and I am all for the rights of everyone, but I think that you are expecting a little bit too much from our new President in regards to the rights of the LGBT community. It is definitely a tough agenda to approach for a politician because people are pretty divided on the issues that affect the LGBT community. Right now I think that President Obama’s primary issues should be the economy, health care, education and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. I do think that he will tackle those issues soon but please don’t bash man a few months from now if he’s not doing enough in ur opinion for gay rights. Heck atleast he has an agenda for gay rights, I doubt that McCain would have….so give the man a break and let him focus on the issues that are affecting ALL Americans.
that's what they'd like you to believe. i think the GLBT issues will be put on the back-burner while he tackes the recession and the iraq situation.
Also in his speech he read that thing from the bible about equality for all and I felt like he was putting the LGBT in there. GO OBAMA!
I personally feel in order to have our economy step up we need to create a All people are created equal under law. Hate Crimes Laws need to be stepped up. There's no reason in 2009 people are still getting killed for being who they are and others getting away with it. Everyone deserves protection under the law especially if you're a Tax Paying citizen. The Expansion of Adoption rights is a must. How many unwanted children go without being adopted in the United States because the Laws of each state make it so freaking difficult because of others opinions rather than the quality of life making desperate families seek children from 3 world nations because the process is easier but longer. We need to take care of our children in our country so that they too might have a chance one day.
Part 2:
The Don't ask don't tell policy. I mean come on. If you are brave enough to fight for our country and risk your life for our freedoms then who's business is it if you're Gay/Lesbian. Civil Union rights is the way to go. There is no sanctity of marriage . Couples are living together and having children before marriage . Couples are going to places like Vegas and having shot gun weddings are then getting divorce like it's no big deal. If you are religious then fine have your opinion because that's the beauty of America but don't get involved in politics . People need rights and just because they are Gay doesn't mean they can't have them. They should. You like if you're single you should get a fucking tax break but I'm way to progressive . Civil Unions are a must and they will help each states economic process. Lastly HIV/AIDS. The numbers are sky rocketing amongst Heterosexual Young Couples. In a society that Sexually Objectifies anything with Two legs that is Human we need to teach children the precautions of Sex and what to do to prevent HIV/AIDS. We need to just educate everyone in general so that they understand that this epidemic is not just a Gay disease but a killer of all people.
Re: luvlee987 – I am sick of perez and all the gay rights stuff too. Its like obama can't do anything right in his eyes. he picks the wrong priest. bitch. he picks the right priest. bitch. he makes a statement about all the things he plans to do to help gay people. bitch. apparently mario perez doesn't want to be happy.
Oh so now I guess you like him again, Perez? fucking hypocrite. Yeah, gay rights are the very first issue Obama should deal with, because the whole fucking world revolves around the LGBT community, everyone knows that.
Re: Laury – i think perez is being a bit sarcastic when he wrote this is what obama "claims" he will do.. so he is still being a bitch about it.
Re: State ziti – Umm, I'm a minority and the gov't doesn't give me a damn thing. As a matter of fact I gotta pay fucking taxes like other "straight white people". Believe it or not a lot of minorites work for a living. You are just a pathetic, Racist piece of shit and you need to hit up white supremacist websites and vent yourself to people who care about your twisted views on life.
I love how you have nothing to say about this P. You take what is hearsay about the HOB thing and the gay minister and run off at the mouth but you get words straight from the source and you are hush. Too afraid to look like a hypocrite are we?!?
Don't Ask - Don't Tell policy is a direct contradiction and violation of the First Amendment. Why is it okay for the United States Military to ignore the constitution? It's just wrong.
Re: Mistress –
How can he be be 51% of anything when it wouldn't be ancestry on his mother's side?
Obama is 50% Kenyan, and 50% "white" (English, Dutch, French and German).
Re: tristianboi – Why is he ridiculous for making some good points? Maybe this is Perez' site and he can do what he wants but he puts his bigotry, prejudice, misogyny and stupidity out there, day after day, casting his ignorant influence on a lot of impressionable tweens and college students. Why shouldn't readers challenge him? Just two days ago, Perez was pooping his pants over Obama's so-called throwing the gays under the bus and now he's back on the Obama train? Half the crap Perez posts here isn't even factual - Perez uses this site to start fights so he can make money off the number of hits so he can then justify his so-called celebrity status.
Thats great Perez but there are more pressing issues at the moment…..(Im sure he will do what he can to support gay rights)
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Unemployment
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The Economy
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THe War in IRAQ
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National Security
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Health Care
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Mexican Border
Yeah, well, this is all well and good but his first priority should still be to get the economy back on track. Won't be too many people being able to afford a wedding if things keep doing downhill.
now lets see if he makes good on his promises.
Big talk now. But you KNOW none of it will happen.
Clinton's was all for gay rights too. Then Bill did the "don't ask don't tell" bullshit. And the gays all thanked him.
*rolleyes*
Re: KevinK – They thanked him because they were now able to enter the military. Before they were being kept out. But with the anti-discrimination acts that are now in place, if dont ask dont tell is removed then all the discrimination involving such things will be gone. I think it is a wonderful move! Now the only way they can be kept out of the military is if they are not qualified…like every other citizen.
Well while Perez is waiting and holding her breathe for Obama and company to do something, why dont all the status quo whiners in the gay community stand up and start doing something about the spread of HIV. Im not sure what rock you have been doing tina under, but HIV is a gay disease, which means its OUR primary responsiblity. 70 percent of people currently infected with HIV (that know it)in North America are gay men, and in my opinion no number of fundraisers or condoms are going to stop it. Nor will any celebrity filled dinner and dance. Our community needs to grow up and be honest with ourselves and those that we like to have sex with about what is going on with our bodies and allow that partner to make their own decision about what they want to do, without us feeling rejected, or downgraded, etc.
there is a longstanding notion that HIV is a controlled chronic disease and all one has to do is pop a daily pill and its all good. NEWSFLASH for all the str8 people here, much of the persistance of HIV in our community has been a monster that we and gay media have cultivated FAR too long. While we were all busy trying to make sure hiv positive folks felt included and 'loved,' 100's of other folks were getting infected. By who you ask? OH! well by the folks that we were patronizing earlier.
Obama hate gays, they are to stupid to get it yet…
good for obama. But what will homos like Perez whine about now. Me, me, me.
Hi, I work as a redactor for a website interrested in the European Union policies on civil rights. "Gay rights" being a very sensible topic for me, I'd just like to say that despite what people may think, not all politicians stay on their initial positions when they're sent to work as european deputees or to higher levels in the power pyramid. I for myself saw a homophobic politician that I personnally hated host a meeting FOR gay marriage in Europe, when I sent him a mail asking him "why the change of position" he said that although he personnally doesnt belive gay marriage to be "right" his work as a politician is to help minorities being treated fairly and believes that to be a true politician you have to work for others, and not be enticed to the moralities or religions you might have believed to do so.
So in a way, I'm thinking barack is using the same thinking, although he may believe marriage is to be between a man and a woman he understands it's discriminatory and will work for it on a higher level…
all we have to do, it's hope he'll keep his promise. He sure looks damn smart and good to do so.
Re: tristianboi – Oh gosh here we go with another middle class white whiners!! GEEZ are you kidding me…what basic human right are you fighting for? Someone take your Abercrombie jacket away??!! Get over yourself!!
So are we pro Obama today?? Or you are just copy pasting this from a respectable media??? You keep going back and forth with your opinions about Obama and that is really shady and must be sooo embarrasing for you… you really need to stop talking about politics if you are not able to pick a side after a good reading of the candidates and then support them cause even though they won't do 100% of what you want they have similar ideas than yours… and believe me you and gay rights are not a priority in O's agenda so just chill and shut it!
I agree that gays should have their rights, as long as it isn't called marriage. Marriage was a religious institution way before the government got involved. Calling it marriage infringes on the rights of religionists.
Re: MOOSE-KNUCKLE IN THE JUNGLE!! –
wow you really care about the issues, then.
He will be people president. All men should have equal rights!!!
Talk is one thing, action is another. It is OUR job to ensure Obama follows through. It is also OUR job to push him to do more.
Re: coco – so well put!
Re: The Warden – Could you be any more ignorant?
This especially goes to MISTRESS. Where the heck did you get those percentages? The standards to determine Black or White were determined decades ago by White scientists. A child born of a Black and White parent in the US will not have a birth certificate that says White. Sorry, Blacks did not make that rule, but they live by it. The truth is no ever cared about this until now. Whites love Halle Berry but they never claimed her, hence the 2nd homecoming vote at her highschool after she one the 1st time. Pres. Obama was borne of an African father and White mother. He was raised as a Black child than man by his maternal grandparents. He accepts himself as such and many of us AfricanAmericans do and until the standards change you should too. I am as dark as Angela Bassett, my sister's skin is yellow and her hair is red, my cousin is blond with green eyes and all of our birth certificates say Negro. My grandmother was Colored, my parents, Negros, I am Black and nephew an African American. In the end like Obama, we are all people, and that is how we need to start looking at each other. It would be nice if you would join us and leave the math percentages in the classroom
Re: Toonkinstein – Yes there are many issues that need to be addressed but for homosexuals the BASIC RIGHTS of marrying their partners and having the rights to their insurance, etc is a very important issue that is being denied to tax paying, law abiding citizens because of their sexual orientation. Perez does a lot that gets on my nerves but he's got it right about gay rights and anyone who is gay or supports gay rights needs to support Obama and also expect him to stay true to his word.
gay rights???? you mean gay selfishness, Perezito…
"don't ask don't tell" actually PROTECTS Gays. It is not meant in any way to discriminate, it is there to protect them from the homophobes in the military. You can change laws but you can't change people overnight, and a HUGE portion of the military are homophobes and choose to be hateful (which is horrible and wrong, but it is a fact), so don't ask don't tell is PROTECTING the gays from the hate that they would SURELY endure by coming out.