In post-forum conference, Obama prioritizes LGBT equality
by Matt | August 9th, 2007 |
After his appearance in the HRC/Logo Presidential Forum, Democratic Presidential candidate, Senator Barack Obama spoke to supporters and members of the media and blogosphere on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality, saying that he was “thrilled to participate today” in the forum.
The teleconference was organized for Obama supporters who had gathered together to watch his appearance in the HRC/Logo Presidential Forum. Members of the media and blogosphere, including InterstateQ.com, were invited to listen in. Bishop V. Gene Robinson hosted the approximately fifteen minute call.
“This has been an historic day to have a debate about LGBT issues sponsored by a network devoted to a LGBT audience and to have participants from all the democratic camps I think is a sign of the enormous progress we’ve been able to make,” Obama told the group in his opening statements.
“My whole politics has been to expand opportunity and open the wonderful American dream to all people not just some people,” said Obama, “The issues important to the LGBT community and the impulse to fairness, justice and equality are deeply rooted in why I got involved in the political process to begin with.”
In his opening statements, Obama also said he was proud to have been the sponsor of legislation to ban anti-LGBT employment discrimination in both Illinois and at the federal level, to have run opposed to the Defense of Marriage Act in his 2006 race for the United States Senate and to be a co-sponsor of hate crimes legislation.
“My fervent hope is that by gathering together millions of voices around the country who want profound and significant change, we are not just going to win the nomination, and general election, but we are also going to change the tone so that all people feel they are a part of the American community,” Obama said.
After his opening statements, Obama’s staff opened the floor to only two questions from Obama supporters. No members of the media or blogosphere were allowed to ask questions.
Scott, from Boston, asked Obama how he would address LGBT issues when he became the nominee and how he would address independents and conservatives who might attempt to misrepresent the issue of LGBT equality as one of “special rights.”
“Truth is easier to remember,” Obama responded, saying that how he speaks and what he speaks on always remains the same, whether it is in a church or at the HRC Forum.
Obama also readily admitted that every vote can’t be won.
“Some are going to be close-minded or believe differently.”
Obama also said that we can win by telling some people that LGBT issues are far less relevant to them than bigger, broader issues that may affect them more, such as universal healthcare or bringing the troops home.
Steven, from New York, asked how Obama would prioritize working on LGBT issues in order to gain equality.
Obama said that as President, there are many things he could do using executive orders in order to prohibit discriminatory actions or by calling in the Joint Chiefs of Staff to have them call for an end to the Military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.
“It doesn’t make sense when we have lost Arabic linguists, when we need them so desperately,” Obama stated.
He then stated that he would next prioritize by getting the Employment Non-Discrimination Act passed, stating that the right to work “is the most basic right that the majority of Americans believe in.”
“You cannot perpatrate violence on people because of their differences,” Obama said, while addressing the passage of hate crimes legislation.
In his last response to the question, Obama stated that he would fight to have civil unions passed a federal level.
“I think from the perspective of the oval office, we can have a strong conversation about the issue of making sure that we’ve got civil unions that provide all the full benefits under federal law that marriage currently does.
“If we can get those things done and move legislation forward in my first term then I believe we will have made enormous strides.”
Obama did not address whether or not he would push for repeal the Defense of Marriage Act.
Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, Obama for America, HRC, Logo, Presidential Forum, debate, election, 2008
Matt, 22, is an LGBT journalist, activist and youth advocate currently living and working in Charlotte, N.C., where he serves as the Editor of Q-Notes, the Carolinas' LGBT news source. A native of Winston-Salem, N.C., Matt attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and is still continuing to pursue his bachelors degree. He is the Owner & Editor of InterstateQ.com and has been active in LGBT advocacy work since the age of 14.
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