White House Announcement On LGBT Policy Is Imminent, Says Calif. Congressman

The Advocate:

California representative Howard Berman predicted in an interview Thursday that the White House would be presenting new information regarding LGBT policies sometime before annual pride celebrations in June.

Read the whole story: The Advocate

Comments

[Cosmic-Zantor]

I think the gay community can expect some progress under Obama, but probably not as much as would be nice. Obama is often characterized as a "liberal" by the conservative media, but to anybody who actually pays attention it's pretty clear he's a moderate who leans left on certain issues. I think Obama is great, he's intellectual, he's genuinely a good person, he's made wonderful improvements, but a liberal he certainly is not.

So, I don't think we can expect Obama to suddenly legalize nationally gay marriage, but we can also expect him not to stand in the way of states who enact such policies. We're not going to see him cater to the crowd who opposes it, we're certainly not going to see him propose a constitutional amendment enshrining bigotry.

On another topic, I want to address a bizarre phenomenon I notice in these stories, where opponents of gay marriage rail against the "gay community", as if it is only gay people who fight for gay marriage and civil rights. I'm not gay, and I am 100% dedicated to this. I want to live in a country that doesn't discriminate against people based on sexuality. In fact, if you consider that the population of homosexuals amounts to roughly 10%, and the fact that support for gay marriage is much higher than 10%, the majority of gay marriage supporters are actually straight. According to math.

[GabeSmall]

Nicely put. I am also a straight ally of the "gay community" who is passionate about this issue.

I agree with your assessment of Obama's political temperament. Frankly, I think there is relatively little to be done at the federal level: repeal federal laws that discriminate against gays and lesbians (e.g. DADT & DOMA), to include sexual orientation in anti-discrimination language (e.g. in the hate crimes bill), and to ensure that no further discrimination against gays and lesbians is written into federal law (esp. a Constitutional amendment). Most of this work ideally should be done through the legislative process anyway.

Most of our energy should be placed in securing recognition of same-sex marriages at the state level, since that's where such recognition will have the biggest impact on same-sex couples. This should ideally be done through the legislature, but I'll take any court wins we can manage.

[watchful123]

Obama is willing to work with everyone, but he can't do everything...and certainly not everything at once. The problem I have with the gay community is not that they want equal rights...but they want to control your mind.

[PlaceboStudman]

Control your mind??

Elaborate.

[watchful123]

Well, for example - Miss California, (who i agree with) should not have gotten attacked for giving her opinion on a question about same-sex marriage. This brings new meaning to the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy. Seriously, if you can't stand the answer, don't ask the question.

It's like this movement is all about - you're either for us or you're against us...and damn it, we want to know! And depending on how you respond, we'll condemn you.

[BillMelater]

I'd like to know what "rights" they feel they are lacking.

[PlaceboStudman]

we lack the right to say we have a husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, civil union partner, and not be attacked physically or condemned and told we are "abnormal" or "immoral" or "going to hell" simply for expressing who we love. Yes, we can express those sentiments, but not without being attacked or humiliated and degraded as less than human

[Cosmic-Zantor]

Condemning bigotry is not the same as wanting to "control your mind".

Is it "mind controlling" when we condemn r acists? Or Neo Nazi's?

Of course not.

You have a right to irrational bigotry, but you don't have a right not to be called on such a repulsive attitude. This is the 21st century, and homophobia has no place in modern culture. A few generations from now people will look at those opposed to gay marriage in the same way we today look at those who defended jim crow laws. You people are on the wrong side of history, as bigots always have been in America.

[BillMelater]

Ok, here I go.

Apparently, homophobia had no place in Sadam and Gemorra (sp) either. I don't want to make this about the Bible, but it is a religious issue so I cannot get away from this aspect.

It is one thing to want to be able to do your thing as you would like to do it in your own bedroom. However, it is quite another to put it out in public for children to have to see.

As a father, that is where I draw the line and where I am appalled at much of what I see.

It seems to me LGBT don't want equality, they want some kind of special treatment. First they want to be a special class under affirmative action when EEO laws already covered LGBT. Next they want "marriage." Marriage is a religious institution recognized by every Government on earth. I am all for domestic partnerships to be recognized by the Government and all business entities equally with marriage. However, as much as you want to call it "marriage," it is not and it never will be. "Marriage" is between a man and a woman and this is defined once again by religion.

So I guess I am just a biggot when it come to that. Can't sue me for it - yet.

[truthartbeauty]

yes we can! we're just not going to?

[PlaceboStudman]

Oh, we're going to. We just have no idea when in the hell it will happen...and THAT is the issue

[thereWego]

Huh, I thought it was a sandwhich. And for the record, I believe gays are the most intolerant of people I have ever met. IMHO!

[PlaceboStudman]

LGBTs are no more or less intolerant or accepting than any other group or community. Every community has their problems with intolerance of others. I have a huge problem with people of faith myself, because of my negative experiences with people of faith. Why would we be or should we be more tolerant of things we object to ? We are all humans, with flaws and faults. While it is not a positive characteristic of humanity, it is a characteristic of humanity nonetheless to find things that make us feel superior to one another, to get a leg up and get ahead. I wouldn't say that LGBTs are more intolerant than any other people, but I wouldn't say they are less intolerant either. It is all up to the individual whom you meet what and who they are intolerant of.

[antaeus]

Why? Because they finally had enough of years of persecution at the hands of a smug and arrogant religious culture of intolerance and they're no longer going to shut up while school children continue to commit suicide on account of the garbage that other children learn from bigoted parents?

Go ahead. Teach your kids that "gay is wrong" and let them go to school and act out that conviction on a classmate, then cry foul when you get slammed for it.

[BillMelater]

What ever happened to using the complete long words at least once before using the acronym?

What does LGBT stand for exactly?

[LiberTLover]

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender.

[BillMelater]

Thank you.

[bsc]

lesbian gay bisexual transgendered

i actually do not think they should all be lumped together since the lesbian/gay experience is very different from bisexual and transgendered.

[robertsandimas]

You're not alone there. However, they're all issues of sexuality. I'm gay and I have no problem with the "grouping." I know people of all four identities. Remember, there are safety and power in numbers. I am pushing 70 so I have seen enormous change in how we've been treated over the past few decades.

[MenaC]

Even my 83 year-old grandmother knows what LGBT is. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender. Sometimes it's switched to GLBT.

[BillMelater]

LOL - good for her. So why when somebody writes an article about something LGBT can't they utilize common writing convention and write the words out the first time before using an acronym? Are they ashamed of something? Are they privileged authors and think they don't have to? What's the deal? How can they expect to solicit support for anything if they won't even tell anybody what it is?

[bsc]

i'll believe it when i see it

[vippy]

Americans are so backwards. This should not even be an issue. Gay people are people, too.
Nature makes mistakes and puts a female into a man's body or vice versa. Gay people are not threat
to anyone. It does not affect you and me. What about people who have both sexes? This is
discrimination and why even practice religion when minds are so closed?

[whohortonehears2]

nature, or people on your mistakes theory...

[bsc]

"Nature makes mistakes and puts a female into a man's body or vice versa"

FYI This statement is ridiculous and offensive.

[IslandGyal]

Why so; is statement inarticulate or wrong, IYO?

[dillydawg]

And the beat goes on...........

[atlantajoe]

America is backwards but Vippy says gays are natures mistakes, this is why progressives are so entertaining.

[MenaC]

No, that's not what vippy said. vippy said "Nature makes mistakes and puts a female into a man's body or vice versa." I'm sorry if that's found to be offensive, but it may be the easiest way to explain transgender(ism) to those not familiar with it. The people aren't the mistake. I didn't understand it as that at all. The people can RECTIFY the mistake by having surgery.

[Tr 24]

People make far more mistakes than nature. Sometimes people make bad choices; homosexuality is such a choice.

[complice]

More hit-and-run tr0lling from the # 1 h0m0 s3x-obsessed l0ser.

[JZ735]

This is going to have to be good, because Obama has alot of ground to cover...he has been dead silent on gay marriage...a good swipe at Carrie Prejean putting his name out there about gay marriage would have been interesting.

[atlantajoe]

Obama made it clear that he feels marriage is between a man and a woman, the same stance as Prejean, where have you been.

[SangZe]

a lot is two words.

[Tr 24]

Obama agrees with Carrrie Prejean, and so do most Americans.

[Tanyars5]

unfortunately you may be correct

[complice]

No, he really doesn't, and I think it's funny that you seem to be laboring under the assumption that you share so much in common with President Obama on LGBT issues.

Whether or not Obama is willing to cede the word marriage to same-s e x couples, he takes a live and let live approach. He denounced Prop 8. He's also in favor of hate crimes legislation, repealing D.O.M.A., passing a federal employment non-discrimination act, and ultimately, overturning DADT.

You, on the other hand, happen to believe that gays and lesbians should be sent away to "ex-g a y", conversion therapy camps a la Donnie McC lurkin, where they can empty their bank accounts in a futile attempt to "pray-away-the-g ay."

[GabeSmall]

No, most Americans don't. Obama is a member of the smallest minority--those who believe that gays should be granted the right to civil unions that are equivalent to marriage, but not marriage.

Carrie Prejean is a member of the next smallest minority--those who believe all same-sex unions should be illegal.

Those of us who believe same-sex marriages should be legal are in the largest minority--49%.

[Terypat]

Hey gang, clear something up for me if you can re: DADT.

Am I to understand that if two enlisted people are just standing around talking about girlfriends/boyfriends, the gay person is supposed to NOT talk honestly about themselves to their peers?

[maxwellinformed]

Yes. And better not let them in the shower. They would look at us.

[whohortonehears2]

lol

[IslandGyal]

rotflmao

[atlantajoe]

That was Bill Clintons plan, but lets bash repubs.

[VPN]

That was Clinton's plan because it was about as far as he could go for equality without a huge backlash from the repubLICKER controlled House and Senate, so yes let's bash the repubs.

[Tr 24]

Sounds about right. Keep that cr apola to yourself.

[impik]

Sometimes it's incredibly hard to not be a part of the gay community, and still be supportive of the damned for complete equality. While i understand the just frustration that was built over many years, that militant approach is a real turn off. The daily brutal assault on a 4 months president, a liberal, who's got far more urgent matters to deal with right now, is disgusting. Just because the gay community is well represent in the media, does not make their problem more important than others who don't have Rachel Maddow.
I only hope that when Obama will change it, people in the community will have the decency to apologize to him.

[bilmardre]

Maybe then they can rediscover their convictions on all matters, if they ever had any.

[Tanyars5]

Great comment. Gays blamed Blacks inaccurately for Prop 8. There was never an apology to black people. Gays were less than enthusiastic with Obama for President. Obama got 97% of the black vote. The President knows his base. He is more popular now than he was when he got elected. Gay people are boxing themselves in a corner. The radical approach being used will lead to failure and leave the gays with no place to go. This approach has led to great results......is what I hear the silence from the white house?

[PlaceboStudman]

I just dont understand why everyone thinks that this battle must be won by using only one tactic. There are people fighting on the front lines in Washington, some taking to the streets and canvassing and advocating in the public, and still others doing a media blitz on tv (ie Rachel Maddow) and the internet. We need to use all of our available resources to reach as many people as possible. Some will be offended, some will be turned off, and some will see that we are correct in our fight to earn our rights. and we must not dismiss any attempt to reach out to have our voices heard, because we can not know which method people are most open to, so we must use them all

[complice]

You know, for someone who claims to abhor the way the media manipulates public perpecption, you have a nasty habit of dealing in absolutes and simply lumping people together. I think you need to work at qualifying some of those statements, because you, too, alienate a lot of people who might otherwise be supportive of what you're saying.

First of all, the gay community never blamed the A. American community for the passage of Proposition 8. You really need to stop perpetuating that myth. The blame for prop 8 rests squarely upon the Mormon Church, and a weak, mismanaged, ineffectual campaign on the part of 'No on 8'. Were there a handful of commentators on this site trying to make that case in the days following the election? Absolutely. Are they representative of the gay rights movement as a whole? Not at all. Many of the A. American people in my life are supportive of LGBT rights, including marriage equality.

[PlaceboStudman]

Why should we have to apologize for being good citizens and standing up for what we believe is right and directing him toward something we believe in, when we don;t see him doing it himself? That is not complaining, that is constructive criticism, and part of good citizenship to guide our leaders where we want our country to be taken

[Tanyars5]

Place- I think Obama was blamed for the failure of Prop 8 and him bringing out all the blacks who voted Yes on that issue. We all know that Black people and Obama were not the reason PROP 8 passed. Calling for Blacks to be hanged and calling them names doesn't make any black person feel good. FYI-Obama self identifies as an AA. An apology was/is in order.
Place you have every right to protest.

[NWBrunette]

People in the LGBT community get bashed for being gay or lesbian or trans or bi... Then they get bashed when they organize and fight for equal rights. Then they get bashed because some Obama supporters think they're making him uncomfortable or they're not following his schedule. Sheesh people, try walking around for a couple decades without YOUR equal rights. The time for equal rights is always NOW. Period. If you're a supporter then help out and keep the pressure on. If you're not a supporter then you're just part of the problem.

[PlaceboStudman]

Let's be real and honest and fair here...we all get bashed for being who we are, no matter what our personal identification is. female, black, gay, disabled, we're all equally put on by "the man" (whoever that is).
My objection is the whole "my atrocity is bigger, worse than, morally superior to your atrocity" phenomenon. Which, if you're going to play that game, let's bring in the disabled and the injustices put upon us. Lord, we haven't even begun our real civil rights movement yet. The whole thing is a bit rediculous to me, that one group feels more put upon or oppressed than another. We're ALL put upon and oppressed by people who have power over us. Which, by default, means we're all the same, with the same struggles and same challenges (and as a disabled person, I have to say GOD DO I HATE THAT TERM!) as everyone else.

In a sense we ARE all equal, as human beings. But, we don't all have the same equal treatment under the law, who is supposed to (and fails) treat us equally. And we all have the right and responsibility to be treated equally, whatever our minority status. Which, ironically, is kind of funny, considering it is the able bodied, heterosexual, middle aged white male who IS the minority worldwide, and yet, for the most part, it is them who are doing the oppressing

Sorry...off topic and a bit rambling...was just venting..

[Cosmic-Zantor]

I like Obama too, but to characterize him as a liberal is pretty silly. He's a moderate. He leans left on some issues, but trust me, as a genuine leftist, I assure you Obama is not a liberal.

[teron678]

Just gonna read comment .. because none of you folks are going to like what i say relating to this topic

[whohortonehears2]

so, folks won't like you either, is that it...

[SeattleWill]

If you insist on telling when we didn't ask, it is time to get you out of the military.

[Tommygun264]

Most people getting kicked out under Don't Ask, Don't Tell aren't being kicked out because they told. They are being hunted down and investigated at an even higher rate than before this ridiculous policy was instituted. Most of the people you see on television, like the Air Force pilot who appeared on The Rachel Maddow Show earlier this week only came out AFTER they learned they were getting the boot.

[bsc]

ridiculous. how horrible do you think it is for straight soldiers to be able to talk about their families etc and gay soldiers have to lie. the mental stress of lying about who you are is terrible and sad, and no one should have to do it

[complice]

Except that in many cases, nobody told. They were pursued.

[Tr 24]

In the grand scheme of things, the gay "rights" initiatives are about as important as watching American Idol. Let's get to the real issues facing this country.

[Cosmic-Zantor]

This is a civil rights issue and ensuring civil rights for all Americans is of the utmost importance. We know you'd prefer that America retain legalized bigotry forever, but it's not going to happen. You are on the wrong side of history, as bigots always are.

[atlantajoe]

Affirmative action is discriminatory also yet many who seem to believe in equality for all accept affirmitive action. Why is one type of discrimination good but the other is bad, lets allow gay marriage and end affirmitive action.

[nkhogan]

Excuse me? Civil rights are important for those who are excluded from them. It is an issue that deserves it's time. It is a very real issue facing our country whether you think it is or not. Let me guess, you're probably white, middle class and probably male so you have your rights and don't care if anyone else gets theirs.

[Tommygun264]

Grab your shoulders and pull - that loud "pop" you will hear will be your ears clearing as your head comes out of your @$$. Just because your specific civil rights aren't being violated doesn't make it a non-issue, you insensitive twit.

[GabeSmall]

For a straight guy, you seem rather obsessed with the gays.

[whohortonehears2]

his wife says the same thing...just saying.

[metroretro]

As a gay man coming of age in the time of the Stonewall riots, I remember the time when police could enter a bar or party and arrest everyone for just being there. In college friends of mine were disowned by their families when they found out they were gay. I watched many friends die as Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell preached it was God's will. We marched 10,000 strong in the streets of Houston to protest Anita Bryant's hatred. and yet you think equal rights for us are as trivial as American Idol.
Unfortunately many people feel the same way.

[metroretro]

About the grammar, I was on my first cup of coffee. I also remember being kicked out of the Boy Scouts and shipped off to military school to hide me from my parent's friends.

[Marcospinelli]

I'm taking bets, step right up.

What's Obama going to announce tomorrow so that his "prevention detention" proposal in today's speech (and military tribunals, and a dozen other promises he broke this week) isn't the topic of the Sunday talk show?

It's 'Take Out The Trash'-day. What's it going to be? His nominee for the Supreme Court? This "imminent" LGBT policy announcement?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbslm1h8xjI

[whohortonehears2]

hey, your from that all inclusive repub party....

[SangZe]

You're.

[VPN]

Posting that cr-ap in multiple threads won't make it any more believable, and it won't change the FACT that repubLICKERS are headed for extinction if they keep on bashing the President over phony issues while offering NOTHING, NO alternative plans, NO policy and NO clue.

[carsntrucks]

I never will understand why gays act like Obama is beholden to them. They were overwhelmingly for Hillary in the Primaries.

[JZ735]

They didn't go for Hillary...that's c--p.

He IS beholden to the many LGBT who got out there and campaigned, canvassed, phoned and worked tirelessly because they, wrongly, believed he would be different than anything we had seen before.

[Tr 24]

I guarantee there are more heterosexual people who canvassed, volunteered, donated, etc.etc. that Obama owes...long before he take up this cr a p.

[jmundstuk]

Gays DID go for Hillary in the primaries in large, passionate numbers, and didn't like Obama. Still don't, it appears.

[We-Are-The-Ones]

The Gay issue is not just about the LGBT community. It is about all of us. Obama represents all Americans and apparently believes that equal rights for all is where we should be in the 21st century. Repeal DADT so that courageous men and women can serve their country without hiding their lives.

[meko]

As pointed out on The Daily Show, you can't torture a guy into knowing how to speak English. We have valuable resources in the work to stop terrorism, yet the armed forces gets rid of them. It makes no sense.

[NWBrunette]

Bingo. Thank you.

[Tommygun264]

As a gay man I can tell you that you are flat wrong.

[whohortonehears2]

but, you will still make judgements, is that it...