Democratic Platform: Include the LGBT
During a hearing on August 1 in Cleveland, the Democrats crafting the party’s platform were asked to include several LGBT issues.
The National Platform Drafting Committee is holding hearings across the country to get input from various groups and organizations including many that are LGBT focused regarding what should be included in the 2008 platform.
Allison Herwitt, legislative director for the Human Rights Campaign, called for a clear position on several issues.
“HIV and AIDS remains a critical issue for GLBT people, as the epidemic continues to affect our community disproportionately, particularly young people and gay and bisexual men of color,” Herwitt told the committee. “We ask that the platform include a call for the development and implementation of a comprehensive national strategy on HIV/AIDS.”
Herwitt also called for passage of an all-inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Currently, ENDA only adds gays and lesbians to protected classes. The bill, which is before Congress at this time, originally included transgendered people but Rep. Barney Frank (D-MASS), who introduced the bill, removed those protections in committee to increase its chances of passing.
At that time, many LGBT groups immediately distanced themselves from the legislation, but not the HRC. The bill passed the House and a Senate version is pending. The HRC’s position divided LGBT activists. Now the HRC is calling for legislation to add transgendered people back into the bill.
“Despite advances, far too many GLBT Americans continue to face workplace discrimination. It remains legal to fire someone based solely on sexual orientation in 30 states, and in 38 states based on gender identity,” said Herwitt. “Transgender people are particularly vulnerable to discrimination in the workplace…we ask that the platform call for the adoption of a federal law that prohibits employment discrimination against all members of our community.”
Herwitt also asked that the platform voice opposition to any efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution to define marriage as well as support for same-sex relationships.
“While marriage and other forms of relationship recognition are a reality for gay and lesbian couples in more and more states, federal law continues to deny them access to a myriad of rights and benefits…Social Security survivor benefits, equitable taxation of their health insurance benefits, or the ability to attain permanent legal status for a foreign partner. We ask that the platform continue to support equal rights, benefits and responsibilities for gay and lesbian couples,” she said.
The party’s LGBT wing, National Stonewall Democrats, also has addressed the committee at several of its stops.
“While we have worked with national partners to provide testimony…we have…encouraged thousands of Stonewall Democrats across our country to provide similar testimony…” said Stonewall Democrats spokesperson John Marble.
“Stonewall Democrats are continuing to work…to ensure that issues important to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community are advocated within the Democratic Party.”
If accepted, a draft of the proposed platform to be voted on next week will then move to the convention in Denver later this month where the full Platform Committee will vote on it a second time and then to delegates for final acceptance.
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