That remains to be seen, but President Barack Obama insists that he will not neglect the rights of the gay community any longer. The President invited leaders of the community to the White House today for a reception celebrating Gay Pride Month.
He spoke to the audience about the “support” the community will garner from himself and the First Lady and looks forward to changing minds as well as laws.
“I will not only be your friend, I will continue to be an ally and a champion and a president who fights with you and for you,” he said.
You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?????
The President addressed the fact that many gay rights leaders have viewed his administration as being somewhat lax in the fight for equal rights. However, Obama assured his guests that the fight was just beginning and that the community should look forward for things to come: “I know many in this room don’t believe that progress has come fast enough. And I understand that…I expect and hope to be judged not by words, not by promises I’ve made, but by promises that my administration keeps.”
Some of the plans he intends to implement include an “employee nondiscrimination bill” and a “hate crimes bill” for the protection of gays and lesbians, a rescindication on a ban on entry into the US based on HIV status, and a repeal on the “don’t ask, don’t tell” military policy that allows homosexuals to serve as long as they don’t disclose or act on their sexual orientation.
As for same-sex marriage, Obama still seems to be taking a backseat on that one, noting that he “has issued a presidential memorandum expanding some federal benefits to same-sex partners”, but it doesn’t include health benefits or pension guarantees.
Keep going, Mr. President. We know you can do much more. Let’s see it happen!
Don’t disappoint anymore!!!
[Image via WENN.]