U.S. House members form LGBT Equality caucus

[terrya]

I like this idea. This could help make it easier to push LGBT legislation...such as ENDA, the Matthew Shepard Act, etc, through Congress. I'm pleased that my great Congresswoman, Jan Schakowsky, is a part of the caucus.

U.S. House Members Form First Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus

U.S. representatives Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Barney Frank (D-Mass.) announced today the formation of the LGBT Equality Caucus. The 52-member bipartisan group, which includes two Republicans, marks the nation’s first congressional caucus with the express purpose of advancing equal rights for LGBT people, repealing discriminatory laws and educating lawmakers on gay issues. Baldwin and Frank, both openly gay, cochair the caucus.

Baldwin told The Advocate that the caucus’s primary concern this session is “to educate and prepare for major legislative victories” once a supportive commander in chief steps in the White House. Specifically, she referenced the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Bill and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). President Bush had threatened to veto both, but neither made it to his desk.

Baldwin also noted the significance of launching the caucus with bipartisan support. “We have to have the most effective communication possible with both sides,” she said. “Our Republican charter members will be great at educating and being role models for their side of the aisle.”

The two Republican charter members are Connecticut’s Chris Shays and Florida’s Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, but others are expected to join this week. Shays agreed that forming the LGBT Equality Caucus is pivotal in educating fellow lawmakers. But he sees another reason why this particular caucus will be successful. Unlike most caucuses, which are helmed by a Republican and a Democratic cochair, “in this case, you have two cochairs who happen to be one gay and one lesbian -- individuals who have experienced the very discrimination we’re talking about.” That, he said, will show other lawmakers firsthand that being gay is not a threat to the social fabric of the country.



http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid55304.asp

[lightningandsnow]

1. Yay!

This makes me happy. I'm glad there are people in congress who care about these issues!

[PeaceNikki]

2. Good news!

:thumbsup:

[MuseRider]

3. Write, call PLEASE!

get your congress person into this. Education goes a long way in the fight for equality. The more people know the less likely they are to support bad legislation. The more they know the more they will be willing to educate their constituents and swing things toward fairness for all.

Send your emails, snail mail, call and visit them, even the Republicans maybe especially the Republicans. This is a big step in the right direction.

Thanks Terrya :yourock:

[JackBeck]

4. About time.

And just watching CNN today started me wondering if the Gay community may be seeing a positive shift in support after being kicked around (by both Repugs AND Dems) the last 8 years.

[terrya]

6. It's 1992 all over again for me, my friend.

This is exactly the same way I was feeling then...so hopeful. Hearing Bill Clinton talking to us...the Democratic Presidential nominee...about lifting the ban on gays and lesbians in the military. About gay and lesbian Americans having a place at the table. I'm feeling the same things right now. The news of this caucus. Hillary strongly talking about gay rights in her speech. Listening to that conference call of Obama's campaign yesterday about Obama's committment to LGBT people and their issues. Dammit, I'm feeling hopeful again. I hope it's not misplaced this time.

[JackBeck]

7. The last 8 years have been hell.

And I also have hope as well. Some of my LGBT brothers and sisters who have been through this before are understandably frustrated with the political volleyball being played with our personal rights, so I hope by November they rally around a renewed sense that there is now, more than ever, the possibility for change.

[IndyOp]

5. I've got tears in me eyes. About damn time. Peace. (n/t)

[varelse]

8. This is promising

:kick:

[tishaLA]

9. If Barney Frank is a co-chair, shouldn't they remove the "T" part?

Since Frank, after all, doesn't support inclusion of trans people in ENDA?