Obama Outlines His Gay Agenda On WhiteHouse.gov

Talk about efficiency. WhiteHouse.gov, the official site of the President, was updated to reflect the changeover from President George Bush to President Barack Obama within a few minutes of Obama's inauguration. Has anyone visited the site yet, and if so, have you seen The Agenda page? I have to say that I am impressed—it lays out Obama's civil rights agenda, which includes broad support for the LGBT community.

Among Obama's positions: He supports the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and believes anti-discrimination employment laws should be expanded to include sexual orientation and gender identity; and he supports full civil unions that give same-sex couples legal rights and privileges equal to those of married couples.

Additionally, Obama thinks we should repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, and he opposes a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

He also wants to repeal the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy; ensure adoption rights for all couples and individuals regardless of their sexual orientation; and develop a comprehensive national AIDS/HIV strategy.

This is all in writing! On the President's Web site!

What do you think of it, and do you believe he will accomplish all of his LGBT rights goals within his first term?

Comments

[Tom]

Support for the LGBT Community
"While we have come a long way since the Stonewall riots in 1969, we still have a lot of work to do. Too often, the issue of LGBT rights is exploited by those seeking to divide us. But at its core, this issue is about who we are as Americans. It's about whether this nation is going to live up to its founding promise of equality by treating all its citizens with dignity and respect."
-- Barack Obama, June 1, 2007

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.

[Lia]

Fuck yeah!

[ed feltes]

even if Obama does nothing but scratch his butt its more than Bush did in 8 yrs, Give the guy a chance before you condemn him for things he hasnt done yet. i agree that progress in the gay community is always slow coming, but time will tell if this guy cares more about the people than his rich banker buddies who were the only ones bush helped out.

[Stephen]

I am suprised. There towards the end of his campaign, I felt HE was gonna Renig on some of these promises, and do just like all the others before him who have done, and "SAY" they're gonna support the GLBT comunity and then once in office it's "Business as Useual!"
SO GREAT! NOw if we can just get the "Local" Govt. to "FALL IN PLACE" w/all this!BUT..it's a START!

[peter Herbster]

Obama makes a good job

[bobby]

for a gay coming from the philippines who is NOT directly govern by your president(OBAMA) it puts smile on my face that people on same community actually throwing spicy words on one another instead of supporting each other, doesnt matter wether im coming from a diff continent of the wolrd all i know is we believe in one thing and that is to enjoy our freedom and fully express our feelings in the society with zero discrimination ......ok enough for my sentiments the point is we have to stick together, appreciate and love one another,,, i guess if we can all do that nothing is impossible!!!! let us all wait... i will be watching CNN closely on when is that day let us all pray and hope for the best.... but my wish for you guys is that once it is given to you pls do represent!!!!! you all have responsibility to the government and the people of AMERICA dont disgrace our kind since all the the country through out the world of our kind look up to you.... email me for any comments i would like to hear from you guys... bruno300018@yahoo.com take care fellows!!!
bobby

[Cleo Vargas]

Specially during the last 8 years I use to feel sorry for Americans. Having to deal with all the problems and prejudice you have in your country.

I feel happy to see that the government is now at least trying to do what THEY SHOULD AND ARE PAID FOR.

Hopefully things will change for good.

[DANLAD2SEIDU]

Despite the fact that I am not a citizen of America, I welcome Obama's policy pertaining to our community. But politicians can say anything when their on the platform. Well let us all hope so. I personally need a guy for serious dating from all over the world. My number is +233-249706975 or 0249706975

[Jason Brown]

Think positive people !!! - It could be worse we could be stuck with Sarah Palin as a deputy president who publicly believes being gay is a choice. Also at the church she often attends, the church members were filmed singing "pray the gay away" and Sarah Palin still attends this church - the clip is on youtube.

[corrective_unconscious]

I agree even insincere or unattainable promises are better than the overt, ignorant, endemic, Republikkkan hostility. And I suspect the Obama promises are not insincere.

[Roy]

Hello All.

I want to tell you up front that I'm a heterosexual person, who has always respected all whom I have met. I live by the Golden Rule. As far as I'm concerned, it is the most importend rule we should all live by, and if we all did, it would make a much better world to live in, for all.

So let me tell you why I'm even writing this post. I got here via rense.com, one of the best news sources to be had anywhere, you may not agree with everything in there, and yes some of it is controversial, but never the less you see all sides of issues.

So when I came to this site, the first thing that caught my eye was an advertisement, which as far as I'm concerned, should be offensive to all concerned. It said....

New Year....New Boy...gay.com.

Now if it had said "New Year...New Girl..heto.com", I would have been also offended, for it promotes what exactly shouldnt be promoted, at least if one has respect for others. It promotes exactly the sterotype that haters of the gay community will point to, and will not promote whats important, that we under our constitution all have certain rights that cant be given or taken away, and with such rights also come responsibillites that we need to abide by.

I also noticed in many posts here, the joy of Obama, and the things he's doing for the gay community. Its realy sad to think that we rely on a person to give us something we already have, for it means that what can be given, can also be taken away by such authority, which is absolutly wrong, wrong, and did I say wrong?

I hope you all understand what I'm driving at, and I hope I have not offended anyone. Insist that our goverment enforce our constitution, and for them to stop writing meaningless laws, who are only there to promote those who want power over us. Live by the golden rule, and if we do so, all of this will be settled in due time.

Roy

[Jaz]

Ok, here it is...my thinking is he wont have all the support needed to complete his entire LGBT agenda....but I do think he will tackle a HUGE chunk of it. We've put up with being ignored, pacified, passed by, discriminated, violated to the point, no one understands why were upset.
However the fact that our President is recognizing us, outlining plans to even the field for us, and being the support for change that is needed.
Will he get it done in the first term?
I don't think so, I would gladly be wrong bout that, but if he can complete a good percentage of the agenda....then I'm willing to help him get another term to finish the job.

[shawn]

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS. BUT WHO'S GOING TO ACT?
"WE" need to act and speak. Don't let Harvey MILK be yet another movie for Oscar. Harvey went for office, Obama went for the office. Where is the next "Obama got milk?" It's saddening seeing not much has changed for us for so long. Soon I have to part with my foreign-born partner for the past 12 years because my country does not let him stay even we love each other so deeply. We don't ask for marriage right, but only the right to stay here together! PASS UAFA!

[MiKE]

Okay. Everybody breathe. If you take a second and remove "President" from Obama, you will see is just a human being who has to please everybody. Can you do that? Then again... Can you be president? The majority of America is Church-going Christians who were taught to hate people who has similar interests as us [Homos if you want to put a label to it]. We are barely ready to have a black president. Wait... He's white. Don;t propose an arguement without being politically correct. He is a person of many races as most of us are. Do we really get to pick and choose what we are? Did you choose to be gay? Did you choose to be latino? I am Filipino, Spanish, English. What am I? Asian? Just because its something other than white and because people of spanish decent are looked down upon because Mexican border-jumpers are ruining our economy? Is that fair? I see Obama as a person who has chosen his path to "Rule" this country with us. Our government is RULED BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE. We, as citizens, control who speaks up for us. It was our choice. "You" don't really matter. Its about where you choose to stand up and speak out with the rest of us. You don't have a say in what happens. "We" do. People are blinded with hypocricy, contradictions, ignorant, arogance. What do you want? What is it that you are proud of and want to be heard for? We are fucking GayLesbianBiTranny. You can sit on your ass and do nothing. That is your choice. That is what you stand for. Get away from bullshit and do something [if that is what you choose]. "Stand up. Speak out. Fight back." We, who voted, spoke up who what we wanted. All of us have a dream of where we want this country to go. Fight for it. Right now, we are pitied. I feel as if we are just 'given' rights to prevent an image of prejudice. That kind of bullshit. Let us actually get somewhere. Obama can do that. Some of our representatives in Congress can aswell. They can't read minds. Speak up. I can't hear you.

[Roydon]

I'm glad a person of power has taken such a stance. I not only hope you will succeed, I know you will! I am a Canadian, but I support you Mr. President. Thank you for all of your efforts and concerns!

We do have differences between our nations. But it is a proven fact that US policy affects us - I believe this will be a positve effect for all of us. Thank you

Roydon

[corrective_unconscious]

>"Now if it had said "New Year...New Girl..heto.com", I would have been also offended, for it promotes what exactly shouldnt be promoted, at least if one has respect for others. It promotes exactly the sterotype that haters of the gay community will point to...."

No, it doesn't do that, because str8 websites do the same thing. In fact, since the overwhelming majority of child sex abuse happens within (extended) nuclear families, i.e., is incestuous, these stereotypes you refer to are actually lies and projections.

Anyway, "boy" is not a literal term in the sense of meaning under the age of majority in this context. And you know that, since you aren't that ignorant.

[oladokun alex]

president OBAMA is agood,kind and aloving man

[oladokun alex]

if he is well allowed,his going to change the country and the world at large for good, because he has a great ambition.

[Steve]

I have hope Obama will accomplish as much as he can. Just putting his goals in writing is a big step as many have already pointed out. One problem that a co-worker pointed out to me about this list: HIV and AIDS is not just a GLBT issue and should not be listed as such. It perpetuates a stereotype that it is a gay disease.

[rm]

I'll believe it when I see it. Clinton made promises and all we got was Don't ask Don't tell.

[MoBeDyke]

You people on this blog are CLUELESS. Obama is a total POS who's well on his way to turning the US into FRANCE! You're so transfixed with his charm and glamour and your own political delusionary systems you fail to see his true agenda. If you've spent a life building a career, just wait and watch your hard-earned salaries disappear in taxes. If you're just starting out, don't bother continuing your education and becoming a professional; just join the slackers and flunkies who won't be making any money but who also won't have to pay any taxes. Throughout your life make this your goal, watch the donut not the hole. You are all fools being fooled.

[E]

Oh grow up stop crying about Rick Warren, there are far bigger issues then him. The fact is his a spiritual leader for many Americans. Warren not being invited wouldn't fit into Obama's unified America platform would it? You know why the religious right is kicking our collective ass? Because were all so worried about the small mindless issues and aren't putting up a unified front. Idiotic bickering will get us nowhere.

[E]

OH no France! Hide the children!

[corrective_unconscious]

>"The fact is his a spiritual leader for many Americans. Warren not being invited wouldn't fit into Obama's unified America platform would it?"

The fact that so many Americans would consider a bigoted huckster like Rick Warren - or Ted Haggard or Pat Robertson, etc - to be a spiritual leader is the very problem worth discussing, and there are plenty of other Christian, even evangelical, preachers who are not out and out pogrom pushing bigots who could have been invited instead of con artist, Warren.

[E]

So the gay community wants to be shown tolerance, and acceptance but god forbid we show some. Can anyone say hypocrite?

[corrective_unconscious]

>"So the gay community wants to be shown tolerance, and acceptance but god forbid we show some. Can anyone say hypocrite?"

Hey victim, has the gay community said that fundie talibangelicals can't adopt, marry whom they wish, serve openly in the armed forces or be protected from arbitrary discrimination.

You might think through your definition of "tolerance," or someone might take you for a dolt. Those purveyors of pogroms, like Warren, don't deserve to be treated any better than the KKK.

[E]

corrective_unconscious
I am not a victim, and we can not give them the power over us. We need to over come our self-pity factor. The idea "I'm a victim" will get us nowhere. As long as were able to fight back none of us here are victims. The KKK? Warren hasn't advocated violence against gays your reaching. The KKK is a hate group, Warren and his group are not, bigoted as they maybe. (www.splcenter.org)

[sharon]

If it's ok to have rick the prick warren at Obama's inauguration, because it shows he can work with those he disagrees with, then why would he not choose a religious leader affiliated with the KKK? neither should be acceptable for similar reasons. -end

[E]

The Klan advocates for violence warren dose not. One is illegal, the other is protected under freedom of speech. What would you rather deal with? An idiot spewing ignorance, or a man in a sheet that is willing to kill you?-end

[Sam]

Now I am more proud then ever that I supported and voted for President Obama.

And it IS in writing of the White House Office Web Site. How could he do more so early.

[Nrthdude1]

During the primaries, Gay activists took a full-page ad in the Philadelphia Enquirer" splitting the page into 2 columns.

Each side listed the 2 frontrunners' outreach efforts and media interviews with Gay media or with mainstream media about Gay issues.

Hillary Clinton's side was full, top to bottom. Barack's? Blank.

It's nice for Obama to post his Gay-positive stances and goals on his website, but I believe that actions speaks louder than words.

And Barack's actions haven't been that great.

Choosing "Pastor" Rick Warren to give the invocation prayer spoke volumes to me as a Gay citizen about Barack's sincerity. Hillary Clinton would never have selected Rick Warren.

Given that 57% of African-American voters and 60% of Hispanic voters in California (all of whom voted for Barack) used their religious beliefs as an excuse to justify voting against Gay marriage, is appalling.

Barack also uses this religious excuse to not support Gay marriage.

Instead, he proposes civil unions with the same rights as legal marriage, for Gays.

So, separate but equal, anathema to civil rights activists regarding race, is okay for Gays.

Civil Rights aren't just for racial minorities, and I am not sure that Barack understands this.

I will be as grateful as any Gay American if Mr. Obama comes through for us, but for now, I am not "feeling the love."

I do not believe he will be our community's President.

[Nrthdude1]

I'm also tired of Obama apologists using the excuse that the "Gay Agenda" is not top priority right now, or that the Gay community's unhappiness with a leader who hasn't done anything for us automatically makes us racist.

I believe that the election of Mr. Obama should give the homophobic members of the African-American and other racial minority communities the opportunity to review their hatred towards us, and re-define their concept of what civil rights truly are.

This "I've-Got-Mine" attitude and turn-the-tables and accuse the Gay community of racism will not work with us the way it might with others. We're not going to fall for it.

[Nrthdude1]

And one more thing for all these Obama supporters saying that "you ordinary people have to do the work yourselves" or that "we have to get to work."

This indicates to me that you have no concept of all regarding the hard work that Gays have been doing "for ourselves" for decades.

Just because your media doesn't give us positive or sufficient coverage doesn't mean we haven't been doing the work.

It hasn't been politicians like Mr. Obama who have made our cause their cause, it has been the other way around. No one reaches out to us, we do all the work ourselves.

Read up on civil rights history outside of your own narrow little world. Diversity includes Gays and our history of work as well.

[Nrthdude1]

I would have gotten "over Warren already" if Obama did not have to be convinced over a period of three weeks of controversy that he should include a Gay religious speaker as well.

When Obam finally asked Eugene Robinson, the Obama administration directed the television broadcasts not to televise this wonderful Gay Episcopalian's priests words of love and hope to America.

This isn't something that one gets over.

If you truly care about the civil rights of the Gay community and equal rights for everyone, start paying attention.

Just because you don't care about religion doesn't mean there aren't Gay Americans out there who don't.

Barack's selection of Pastor Warren was a sharp slap of betrayal to the Gay community whether or not you felt it.

You certainly wouldn't be telling yourself to "get over Pastor Warren already" if you were a gay person married in California who just lost their marriage because of Proposition 8, which Pastor Warren was instrumental in getting passed.

Your president has a lot to learn about homophobia, and so, apparently, don't you.

It's not all about you or what's important to you.

[E]

Do not presume to tell me how I or anyone here fells about religion. I pray everyday people like Warren change there mind. Do I feel for the Californians that lost there marriages, yes. Would I like to see gay marriage recognized in the United States, yes. I also know that were diving head first into one of the worst economy in world history, I know that tonight there are people going to bed with out knowing there going to be able to eat the next day, that there are elderly people choosing between rent or medicine, I know that out there millions of people that are a payday away from being homeless, I know that on the street right now there are homeless vets dieing in the cold, unfortunately there are bigger issues, and the needs of the many out weigh the needs of the few( who's being selfish). Is Obama perfect no, (if Hilary we'd be in the same place) but he just started, he should be given the time to see what hes going to do. We will get our rights, we still need to fight for them, we need to rethink how we fight for them, we need leadership, not "pride", we need to respect ourselves before we can get the respect of others, we need to ignore people like Warren, and not give them any power over us. Being mad about a denied right is one thing, letting that rage blind you to all possibilities is another. Prop 8 in California was just a battle and even if we won, the war isn't over.

[Daniel]

To corrective_unconscious, I'm fully aware of what you point out about currently ideas on civil unions. My statement was a hypothetical. The main point was that "if" civil unions afforded the exact same rights and benefits as marriage then I don't care whether it is called civil union or marriage, plain and simple. You are informed as to what hypothetical means, right? My statement had nothing to do with your understanding of whatever specific civil union rules, benefits, or limitations that you were thinking of. It was my hypothetical statement and as such the civil union that I was meaning is not limited to your model of what civil unions you are informed regarding. The civil union I was imagining does not currently exist for sure but it was included in a statement to make a point, one which evidently went way over your head. Your posts are usually intelligent but your response to me appears as if you can't distinguish outside the literal. You can't think in the hypothetical? Or, do you think that everyone else is so dumb?

[bawbag]

lets not forget the majority of gay mean are the most plastic, prejudice, stuck up, sleazy, social climbing, SHALLOW queens... and then some

oh and BTW I am gay an affronted to have to share the same sexuality as twisted creeps

[adamant2007]

i'll believe it when i see it!

[JasonDiggy]

It's easy to be for civil unions which is just watered down living together. Show some balls Obama and stand up for true equality and support real same-sex marriage. Canada has had it for years now and the sky hasn't fallen.

[adam bilecki]

For hiv aids that is where the free health care should be. for those with aids, and after that it's legalizing awareness for heterosexual couples with gay children. The fathers of gay boys should practice sodomy with their wives and women of gay girls should have their dildos blessed.

[WTF]

Has anyone else noticed... as time goes by, all I hear is talk, empty promises, and am seeing I will have an empty wallet!!!

[BoBo]

You queer fags seel GOD

[Elsie]

The backlash against giving equality to gay and lesbian people is rabid; President Obama has to work within the political culture that is a lumbering Leviathan. It would require a miracle for all of this agenda to be achieved in my life time. (I am in my 70's with the luck of longevity on my side. One election could reverse the progress.) Full involvement is required to accomplish even some of the measures President Obama proposes. We are far from the necessary activism needed to counteract the antigay movement, which is dedicated to eradicating gay rights, even lives. As an older lesbian, who is also Black and remembers the days of the Civil Rights movement, I know that bigotry and the desire to oppress others can not be legislated out of the culture. Much more is neccesary than President Obama's agenda and attempts to legislate acceptance into the country. So, let's not rest on any imagined laurels, folks. Keep the pressure on, and remain vigilent.