Gay Rights: Obama's First Failure

Obama's first 100 days have come and gone, and now we're past the traditional honeymoon period and into the prime of his first year as president. Yet this self described "fierce advocate" for the rights of lesbians and gays has done nothing concrete to rectify the disgraceful anti-gay discriminatory policies that he promised to end. For example, over 200 gay and lesbian service members have been discharged under DADT since Obama took office. He has the power to stop these discharges by the stroke of a pen, yet they continue. At least Hillary Clinton ended one discriminatory policy at the State Department, yet the Obama administration has turned a deaf ear to the gay community, which is demanding action on DADT, and DOMA.

Some believe that certain mainstream gay rights organizations (HRC) actually made a deal with the Obama people to put gay rights issues on the back burner. What they got out of it was inside access to the White House, while Obama gets a pass on tackling gay issues. That's a disgrace if it's true.

Meanwhile others feel that the equality bus has already left the station leaving Obama on the platform. States like Iowa and New Hampshire have legalized same sex marriage, and even in Nevada legislators overrode the Governor's veto to pass domestic partnerships. Others have called for a national march on Washington. Where is Obama?

In May a group of gay activists, thinkers and donors met in Dallas, TX and formulated the "Dallas Principles" and uncompromising set of demands for equality now for gays and lesbians. This is actually based on Obama's rhetoric. Too bad that now that he is President Obama he doesn't act like he believes what he says:

The Dallas Principles

The following eight guiding principles underlie our call to action.

In order to achieve full civil rights now, we avow:
1.Full civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals must be enacted now. Delay and excuses are no longer acceptable.
2.We will not leave any part of our community behind.
3.Separate is never equal.
4.Religious beliefs are not a basis upon which to affirm or deny civil rights.
5.The establishment and guardianship of full civil rights is a non-partisan issue.
6.Individual involvement and grassroots action are paramount to success and must be encouraged.
7.Success is measured by the civil rights we all achieve, not by words, access or money raised.
8.Those who seek our support are expected to commit to these principles