Pass Hate Crimes Laws

John Aravosis reports that hate crimes legislation is coming up in the House. The Human Rights Campaign has put a video on Youtube explaining the law and the misinformation campaign by the Christian Right.



Not all people of faith are like Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell. The HRC gathered over 200 religious leaders who support the Matthew Shepard law.

Hillary 'Ask My Campaign' Clinton

Hillary Clinton made a recent speech to the Human Rights Campaign. It was half-hearted to say the least. Hillary was recently asked this question by the media.

Clinton was asked twice on Monday why she did not publicize her speech to the group. Clinton said, "You'll have to ask my campaign."

Hillary, they are asking you. Does anyone believe the campaign staff won't put the transcript up if you tell them to. You seem to have no problem telling supporters to stay away from Barack Obama.

"The Clintons have made it very clear that, in the political world, no dalliances are allowed. There is zero tolerance for that,'' Huffington laughed. "It's sheer loyalty versus sheer fear.''

And it's reinforced, she said by the "constant e-mails being sent out about the senator's poll numbers, along with the implication that 'if you give any money to anybody else, you're on the outs.' And that when she is the nominee, and when she's the president, she will remember."

Americans want a leader who will stand behind principles. Not hide behind others.

Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) brushed past the press pack, shaking her head and waving her hand over her shoulder. When an errant food cart blocked her entrance to the meeting room, she tried to hide from reporters behind the 4-foot-11 Barbara Mikulski (Md.).

A true profile in courage.

Hillary At HRC

Pam Spaulding expresses her disgust at Hillary Clinton pitching civil unions to the Human Rights Campaign.

Anyway, back to the speech. She spends a good deal of her address patting herself and HRC on the back for the defeat of the federal marriage amendment. To spare you watching the whole 18 minute speech, she later discussed civil unions; she declares that gay and lesbian couples should have equal benefits:
* health and life insurance
* Social Security
* property rights
* visitation rights
* adoption rights

She mentions her support of the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act (which would give partners of federal worker all benefits of received by spouses of het married couples), and mentions the hate crimes bill, the repeal of DADT, and ENDA. Whether the latter three will be fought for in this Congress, it's not clear.

Missing from the Clinton speech was any inkling of what she believes should be done about DOMA. Perhaps someone will get a chance to ask her a direct question about this.

Hillary mentions she will end the U.S. military's don't ask, don't tell policy. That was created by her husband's wishy-washyness. Ditto the Defense of Marriage Act. Which Hillary supports.

I mentioned before that opposition to Virginia's gay marriage amendment helped voter turnout for Jim Webb. Democratic candidates can use the issue against Republicans. John Kerry's nonstance on gay marriage did not help him. Democrats have no choice, but to take the issue back. Republicans will continue to use it as a wedge issue if they don't.