Anderson Cooper and Panel Discuss Obama’s Gay Rights Record and Hate Crimes Act (video: CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360º via News1News at YouTube)
In the video clip above CNN’s Anderson Cooper hosts writer, editor, activist Dan Savage and Towleroad’s roving reporter Corey Johnson for a discussion of the state of LGBT rights and the passage — at last! — of The Matthew Shepard & James Byrd Jr Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
This is good. This is progress. Many thanks to Matthew Shepard’s parents — Dennis and Judy Shepard who persevered and courageously saw this through in memory of their murdered gay son, and to the Human Rights Campaign and all the big gay orgs that worked so tirelessly on this issue, and thanks to the citizens — gay, straight and in between — who took the time to write the letters and make the phone calls that made this happen, and thanks to the National Equality Marchers who made the case in the streets of DC, and to the Congress and President Obama who has vowed to immediately sign this bill into law.
But don’t be fooled; this will not magically cause the relentless attacks on LGBT citizens to cease. What was said by our enemies, the lies to which they stooped in their attempt to frame this bill as a thought crimes issue or a pedophile protection bill, was chilling. They hate us because they believe their Bible tells them to hate us, and the hatred in their tiny little hearts isn’t going to go away anytime soon.
Gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability were rightly added to a law that already grants protection to those who form multi-national organizations and mega-businesses based on made-up stories to, among other things, explain why the Sun rises and sets and the stars come out at night, and why their flocks should avoid eating shrimp and pork, and why their God hates fags. Historically, in this country, thought crimes laws have always existed and they favor those whose lifestyle choices include belonging to these outfits.
We got a piece of that pie and that’s about it. We can still be fired in 29 states for the mere fact of being our wonderful, fabulous, immutable gay selves. Those of us who desire to do so are still not allowed to openly and proudly serve our country in its armed forces. And those of us who wish to have our lasting, loving relationships — our families — honored and respected under the laws of this country are denied that right. We have a long way to go.
Writing at his blog yesterday, Dan Savage said, “This law, a law that will have very little impact on the day-to-day lives of most gays and lesbians, is a step in the right direction, a positive development, and a good sign.” Needless to say, Savage has more to say at his blog and he says it, as always, in that inimitable Dan Savage kinda way. He’s right when he observes: “That’s nice—that’s great (honest)—but it’s not a laurel that the president can rest on.”
