Gay rights advances likely in Congress

[Doondoo]

Anti-gay bias has flared up in Hollywood and pro basketball recently, and soon the topic will be thrust dramatically into a new forum—a reshaped Congress likely to pass the first major federal gay-rights bills. Wary conservative leaders, as well as gay-rights advocates, share a belief that at least two measures will win approval this year: a hate-crimes bill that would cover offenses motivated by anti-gay bias, and a measure that would outlaw workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation. Also on the table—although with more doubtful prospects—will be a measure to be introduced Wednesday seeking repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy that bans openly gay and lesbian Americans from serving in the military.

All three measures surfaced in previous sessions of Congress, at times winning significant bipartisan backing but always falling short of final passage. This year, with Democrats now in control and many Republicans likely to join in support, the hate-crimes and workplace bills are widely expected to prevail.

"With liberals in control, there's a good possibility they'll both pass," said Matt Barber, a policy director with the conservative group Concerned Women for America. "They're both dangerous to freedom of conscience, to religious liberties, to free speech."

If approved by Congress, the bills would head to the White House. Activists on both the left and right are unsure whether President Bush would sign or veto them. For gay-rights leaders—whose efforts to legalize same-sex marriage have been rebuffed by many states—the congressional votes are keenly anticipated after years of lobbying.

"This is a major step in our struggle," said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign. "I know there's a lot of despair on the other side."



http://www.denverpost.com/nationworld/ci_5298063

[BOSSHOG]

1. Thanks Matt Barber, spokesman for conservative scum

Hate crimes bills and anti-workplace discrimination bills are "dangerous to freedoms of conscience, to religious liberties and to free speech." Thanks for that quote mr right flag waving constitution hating scum of the earth.

Yo Matt, the constitution is a shield, not a weapon.

Yo Matt, get thee to an Army recruiting station.

Yo Matt, you do not deserve your constitutional liberties, but you sure do love them huh?

[election_2004]

2. I'm curious to see which Democrats vote against these measures

Especially in the House of Representatives. That will be very telling.