Read his
Washington Blade article on how the
gay movement's opposition to ENDA imperils it's future as a viable political force. That over 300 gay groups stand opposed to Barney Frank would be ridiculous if their opposition wasn't also going to defeat a bill; not because it pushes them back, but because it doesn't push forward
enough for their tastes.
It's aggravating to look at how, in spite of the facts on the ground-- we live in a time where gay rights are increasing across the board-- many leaders of the "gay movement" will accept nothing less than some sort of federal version of the Emancipation Proclamation: marriage for all, special protected status for gays, restitution for every mean thing ever said or done to a gay person ever and a national holiday for Cher all wrapped up in one neat little bow. Anything less is a failure. That there are civil unions in some places, that you can get married in the Bay State, that hate crimes legislation has passed means nothing to these people. And they are your leaders.
Should gender identity be included on this bill? Hell, yeah-- nobody who supports the bill would argue with that. Is it a betrayal to support a federal bill that recognizes discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation unless it include gender identity? Um, no. The bill sets a far ranging precedence across the board that will effect not only its own provisions, but how gay rights are viewed from a legal perspective generally. Yeah, it sucks transgender people are not included. Having this bill passed, however makes it a lot more likely that protection will come in the future then if it's defeated. It's not selfish to support this bill. The only people are selfish are those who oppose it, to presume that they speak for all of us, and by doing, hold us back from greater protection and equality under the law.
Labels: gay, politics
