Act on gay rights bill
Kennedy's illness and the Obama campaign are not excuses to stall on long-overdue job protection.
September 13, 2008
In light of the illness of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), Democratic leaders in the Senate have indicated that they will not bring up a civil rights bill he has championed this year. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act, approved last year by the House on a 235-184 vote, is long overdue. It would prohibit employers from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation, just as they are currently barred from firing or refusing to promote workers because of their race, religion or gender.Touching as the concern for Kennedy may be, it is hardly the only motive for sidelining the act. Although public opinion polls suggest that a huge majority of Americans believe that gays and lesbians shouldn't be subjected to discrimination at work, homosexuality remains a hot-button issue for some voters. Too hot, apparently, for Democrats during an election year when Republican presidential candidate John McCain is seeking to shore up support among Christian conservatives while Democratic opponent Barack Obama is emphasizing the economy over divisive social issues.
Obama supports the nondiscrimination act. McCain voted against an earlier version in 1996. Despite their differences, however, they have remained silent on the controversial legislation, perhaps in a bid to avoid angering swing voters on either side of the issue. That's a shame, because equality for gays and lesbians is a basic individual right that is protected by 20 states, including California. Desirable as state laws may be, however, only Congress can establish a national policy of nondiscrimination.The Employee Non-Discrimination Act is actually a much more modest measure than its opponents suggest. Although it would forbid private employers, unions and state governments from discriminating on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, the U.S. military would not be affected. It would not repeal the armed services' unjust "don't ask, don't tell" policy.Before it passed the House, the bill also was stripped of a provision protecting transgender people from discrimination. Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) has proposed separate legislation to protected transgender workers.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) may believe that sidelining the act will serve the tactical interests of the Obama campaign. But it's possible that Obama would benefit politically from passage of a measure he has enthusiastically endorsed. Such a stand could counter accusations that he has placed expediency above principle in this campaign. On the other hand, muting his support will not spare him from right-wing accusations that he supports a sinister "homosexual agenda." Obama should give Reid a nudge to add the act to the Senate's end-of-the-session schedule. That would be the ultimate tribute to Kennedy's activism on this issue.
(LA Times)
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46 comments:
Hi Mr. Yang,
well when i read this article, i was a little confused. It kinda came out of no where. But anyway, this issue is a very sensitive subject to many all over the country. A single mistake or even a misinterpretation of something anyone, not just the presidential candidates, says can lead to heated arguments and other things. Although i do support this idea of non discrimination, i think it is wise for both candidates to not be so vocal on this issue. Obama has already said that he supported it, and McCain already noted that he was not in favor of it. So what else is there to add? If the candidates were to comment on it or start debating on the issue, it may take away from the other things or ideas they have for the country. And although it may sway voters one way or the other, it may end up that it was from a misunderstood comment or something like that. So since Americans already know their postition on this, i dont think the candidates really need to add why are in favor or not.
-Danielle Holloman
13623
I don't think it is right to not hire people or promote people because of their sexual orientation. Imagine putting in for a promotion and being turned away with the real reason being because you're gay or lesbian. It's just not fair. Sexual orientation doesn't impact work ethic or intelligence so I think that there should be no problem in passing this bill. I don't like the fact that McCain voted against it. It is a plus for me that Obama supports passing it. But I can understand why both candidates are being quiet on this issue because of the swing voters.
13449
SUP YANGSTA!
WELL I DONT LIKE THE FACT THAT MC CAIN VOTED AGAINST THIS BILL WHICH IS SIMILAR TO THIS ONE BACK IN 1996. I THINK THAT BOTH OF THE CANDIDATES SHOULD BRING THIS UP HOWEVER BRIEF IN ONE OF THEIR SPEACHES. IF IT ENDS UP HURTING ONE OF THEIR CAMPAINGS THEN TOO BAD, IF YOUR CLOSED MINDEDNESS AND ANTIQUE WAY OF THINKING ENDS UP COSTING YOU THE ELECTION THEN TOO BAD. JUST BECAUSE YOU HAD A SERTAIN CHANGE DONE OR YOU LIKE THE SAME SEX THEN THAT SHOULDNT HURT YOU ON A JOB HUNT OR HURT YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING A PROMOTION. IM ALREADY COVERED CAUSE IM MEXICAN AND TECHNICALLY I AM IMMUNE FROM DISCRIMINATION FROM EMPLOYERS : ) YE-YEA! AND IN RESPECT TO KENNEDY THEY SHOULD AT LEAST TALK ABOUT THIS AT LEAST ONCE BEFORE THE CAMPAING IS OVER.
O.G.
13980
Hi Mr. Yang,
I am actually surprised that the candidates have not openly discussed their stance on the issue of sexual orientation, but I also believe that it is a good idea to keep quiet about it. Sexual orientation is a very risky thing to talk about and i understand that the candidates would not want to throw away their chance of becoming the next President of the United States because of the issue of Sexual orientation. However, I would like to hear their veiws about the topic since it is such a large controversy.
Amanda Populus
( 13894 )
It is wrong to discriminate against people based on their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or for any other reason. None of these factors impacts whether or not an employee is good worker, and it should not be the reason someone is passed up for a job promotion, because that would be completely unfair and unjust.
If McCain and Obama were to start discussing their position on sexual orientation they would have to be especially careful about what they say, and how they say it because they could unintentionally offend someone. The fact that McCain voted against an act in similar to the nondiscrimination act, shows exactly what type of person he is. Americans should want a president who is open minded and embraces the different cultures, religions, ethnicities, and sexual orientations our nation is composed of, which is something that McCain is obviously not interested in doing. It would be great to hear both of the candidate’s views on this issue because this is such a controversial topic that it could potentially change the whole outcome of the presidential race.
I agree with all of you guys so far. I support the bill because I have gone through that experience before. My dad was once denied a job because he was Mexican, eventhough on the door it said they needed people. I also agree that people shouldn't be denied a job because if their looking for a job it means that they're willing to work hard and they should be given the opportunity. Its true about the issue not being mentioned in the campaign cause obviously they could lose many supporters.
Hey yang,
Um wow. im not quite sure why we need another non discrimination act, didnt the last one clear things up? sexual orientation isnt a race, so why does it matter to anyone? well i think McCain got a big advantage when he voted against it, many people dont know but there is a majority of the nation against the gays/lesbians (crazy white people, crazy christians, etc). This is a touchy subject, Ill just wait until friday to see what everyone thinks, maybe then i can get a bigger view on this topic.
-Wilson Rodriguez
13772
this issue is very important believe it or not . The candidates need to know not to say anything wrong about this issue, they can loose a % of there voters. There should be no discrimination against your sex. Its a free country and been gay shouldnt be a problem to others.The candidates should bring this up because we shoulnt ignore gays they have the same rigths as us.WE all want a president who is open minded . I wouuld like to see what the candidates have to say about this . If Mc Cain said he is not really in favor then that tells us he dosent care about his people.
13755
this issue is very important believe it or not . The candidates need to know not to say anything wrong about this issue, they can loose a % of there voters. There should be no discrimination against your sex. Its a free country and been gay shouldnt be a problem to others.The candidates should bring this up because we shoulnt ignore gays they have the same rigths as us.WE all want a president who is open minded . I wouuld like to see what the candidates have to say about this . If Mc Cain said he is not really in favor then that tells us he dosent care about his people.
13755
Hey Mr. Yang,
This article highlights a big dilemma in
poltics today- discrimination. If the Demorcrats rush a gay rights bill through Congress, Republicans paint them as the "anti-christ". Sadly, this article hints at how politicians manipulate different religious groups and lie about the "antichrist" to win votes. Sure, the democrats shouldn't delay this bill, but McCain shouldn't depict Obama as the "messiah" because McCain says he just wants "to have fun". The democrats should pass this bill immediately. And John McCain should run a descent campaign.
Wow, I was really shock by this article. In my opinion, I think that the issue of sexual orientation of gays and lesbians should not be mention by any of the two candidates. Why? First of all if one of them says some kind of comments about the issue and someone misunderstands it: it could cause them votes. They should just not mess with that issue and move on. Although I do support the idea of non discrimination because everyone is the same no matter what religion, race, gender, or sexual orientation they are everyone is equal.
Hi Mr. Yang,
This is a sensitive issue that should be solved. Although we believe we all have eaqual rights that is not always the case. Even though many would say sexual orientation doesnt matter, yet many people tend to view lesbians and gays in a negative aspect. Therefore this issue should be resolved to assure that there will be no discrimination against people's sexual orientaion. But I dont believe that this topic should be elaborated greatly in the campaign's of both presidential candidates.
- 14102
I concur with Josh’ idea that this act should be passed ASAP- however I believe that Obama should remain neutral on this topic until he has won the presidency, (if he does).Essentially the goal is to not lose the election on account of the conservative anti-homosexual vote. Afterwards (when and if he becomes president) he will attain the power to pass acts similar to the non-discrimination act freely. P.S. McCain’s bigotry is astounding.
-13504
I would have to say that I agree with Obama on supporting the Nondiscrimination Act. I believe that you shouldn't discriminate someone based on their race or sexual orientation.
Hey Mr.Yang,
just like many of my classmates I too agree that not hiring someone because of their race or sexual orientation is wrong.Different companies and organizations should hire someone for their personal qualities and experiences.If one is gay or lesbian that should have nothing to do with their unique level and capacity of work.Overall I do believe this is a very touchy subject for the senators to talk about and therefore it is understandable why they keep quiet.
Hi Mr. Yang,
By not talking about this issue in their campaigns both presidential candidates are helping themselves because if they say something by mistake then they will lose percent of their votes. In most presidental elections the candidates try to stay away from topics that could cost them the election, and thats what both Obama and McCain are doing.However it is an issue that should be discussed because people deserve equality no matter of their sexual orientation.
Erick Soto
13818
In my opinion, discriminating against people on account of their gender, religion, nationality, or sexual orientation is moraly wrong. People have the freedom to live happily and do whatever they want with their life. Those factors should not influence the decision on who gets hired or who gets a promotion. A good employee is a good employee and everything personal should be left at home away from work.
As for the presidential candidates I am a little disapointed that they didnt mention this issue as much as I thought they would. Its to late to do it now because it could cost them votes if the public misunderstands what they say. Hopefully if Obama becomes President he will pass laws to try and end sexual discrimination.
13080
Hi Mr. Yang!
Well no new information here, really. I mean, why would either of the candidates bring up gay/lesbian issue? Why lose votes? I am a little surprised than McCain has not yet attacked Obama on this issue and it makes me think that maybe he is tired of the past elections where abortion, homosexuality and guns have been the deciding factor. But I think that he might use this as a weapon sometime soon. Obama is very smart to just leave this subject alone. He does not have a lot of things going for him with regard to the rest of the country. Yes, he will win California (only cities like Orange County vote Republican) no matter what and he will also win the other die-hard democrat states, but the states like Florida or Pennsylvania or Ohio are what wins and loses an election. If Obama speaks on any hot topic like this he will lose. He won't just make the election close....he will lose...and I think Obama also really does not want another 4 years of Republican leadership. After all, people forget that even though Gore lost Florida in the 2000 election he might have won had he not talked about taking away people's guns and I think Obama has the same crisis lurking in the corner here. In a perfect world Obama could stand up for this bill, but this is not the case. Obama needs a win and he will not get a win if he talks about this bill. Although I guess he could win if the young people across the country would vote. In fact he could talk about most any issues and still be a shoo-in if young people would just go and vote.
-Andrea
12195
I fully support gays and lesbian( YEA YEA GAY LOVE). Discrimination of any kind on any one is immoral. Obama is for the none discrimination act as were mccain opposed the act back in the sixtes. But it seems that they have put this issues on hold in there campagins and ignoring it
Let's see. Why have the presidential candidates not openly talked about gay rights???? Because nobody cares. (Except the gay people.) If your a smart gay person you keep it to yourself when it comese to your job just like in the military on a "don't ask, don't tell" policy. Its really not a big deal, you should not be bringing your personal life into your work no matter if your gay or straight. Even if you were straight, all marriage is, is a piece of paper. So what does it matter, even if they passed a bill about gay rights or whatever, you are going to be ridiculed, so deal with it, or enjoy the pleasures of the opposite sex.
12948
well I think that we should not be discriminated by our sex, believes, religion because we are in a free country. I think that Obama did a good job in not favor this bill, because it is not right, we all are humans and we should not be judge by our characteristics, or by our sexuality.
I think that McCain doesn't want to this country become a free country because he favored this article. I think that when the candidates speak to the people they should talk about this issue because it is important.
Hay Mr. Yang,
McCain and Obama should not stay silent on the controversial legislation,The Employment Non-discrimination Act. Since 20 states have already approved it, and since Obama supports the act, he should try and endorse it, he would most likely benefit. But since sexual orientation is a touchy issue for some voters, especially republicans, then McCain might lose some support and strengthen others, like hard core christians, so he should probably stay vague on the topic. The majority of Americans are against discrimination, so this Act should be somewhat quick in passing Nationally, it wouldn't be fair in stalling.
yo yang,
i have to say i agree with Wilson on this one sexual orientation isn't a race. I don't think it should be a big deal. people should be able to live however they want. They are people all the same. The candidates already have there side on the issue and everyone already knows what they think. But pushing that issue could mess up someones chances of becoming president if they take it to far. I dont think its a good idea to keep talking about it right now for them cause they could lose alot of votes.
Rebecca G
13594
hey mr. Yang
this is a very controvercial issue because I agree that if candidates talk about this they are in risk of losing votes.
i think that discrimination on account of gender,religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation is wrong and unfair because they all have the right to work and be succesful.
i also think that candidates should talk about this issue because people should know what their candidates think about this and several other important issues.
13773
The whole gay situation is a sensitive issue and it is smart not to bring it up. It is because even though 20 states have laws protecting them from discrimination, you still got 30 not supporting these laws. So not bringing it up could help with those states rather than going with a minority, even though California has the most electoral votes. Once they get elected then they can bring up the issue.
Hey Mr. Yang,
Employers should not chose who they employ based on the individual's sexual orientation. Just like the color of their skin, it does not effect how well they perform their job. Even though I believe it is morally wrong to judge people by their sexual orientation, this judgment still exist in many other parts of the US, especially the south where all the conservatives are located. And no matter what, it is always going to exist. So by keeping this issue on the down-low, the candidates are protecting themselves because it is too sensitive of an issue to try and fully persuade a group.
~Gracie
13860
hey mr. yang
first off, i dont think its right for private employers to discriminate against certain groups of people because of their sexual orientation. but since this is such a controversial topic, i think it is smart for both candidates to keep quiet on the subject. like the article says, neither candidates want to anger any swing voters who are on either side of the topic. this topic can affect the outcome of the election for both candidates.
- michael hernandez
12956
hi mr yang.
i actually liked this article. it made some really good points that i hadd't thought about, and i do agree with sistuz3. i think that both candidates have stated their positions on the issues and their shouldnt be anything more to say because if one of them do become to outspoken on this issue it just may cost them the presidency, especially i think for mccain. this is a serious topic that should be taken seriously because for the past i dont even know how many decades their has been discrimination and mistreatment of one gender, race or sexuality and at what point will it finally just end???
good topic though...lol
k bye.
idk....gay not gay...its a silly world we live in. but ill tell u, im tired of all the wusses who get all offended over stuff like other people stating their beliefs. i think its smart for the two to keep their personal views out of it, cuz the evidence is all there for people to see that Obama is a-ok with it, and McCain is not. no sense in starting a krazy non-stop debate over an issue that no one will compromise on. its too controvertial. which is why i dnt like when people get offended like that. Political correctness has gone too far, to the point where anything and everything is scrutinized to the point where it seems better to lie or not even talk about the issue...political correctness makes almost any issue taboo. People have a right to an opinion, presidents are people too. i agree no person should have to deal with any kind of descrimination, but when one's own ideas/beliefs are descriminated and hushed, i believe that is wrong. if you believe something, you do not have to be swayed by anyone, or attempt to sway anyone. if someone is looking for an answer, say your peace and let them decide for themselves. will Obama or McCain's views on homosexuality affect their presidency?only if we let it and get our 'political correctness' gets twisted.
13913
Hey Mr. Yang
I would have to agrre with most of my classmates, this suject is very sensitive, but i still feel the canidates should have voiced their opinion. This subject in my opinion is very hard to talk about, but thats why i believed it should have been talked about a lot sooner. I think it might be to late to talk about this subject because it might be hurtful of helpful to their campaingn.
As you can already see in the canidates, Obama supports and McCain does not. To me, that shows that obama is open minded and for the people. To look behing what society would lable a flaw in this case "gay marriage," Obama see's a person and more than that an American.
Eric Rivas
-17922
Hello Mr. Yang,
Well I have to agree with my fellow classmates, sexual orientation is a very risy and usually misunderstood subject. Many of your comments can be very easily misinterpret. I believe the presidential candidates did a smart choice by not get into the sexual orientation issue causes than maybe thing would shift from candidate or they can't get misinterpret. I believe that people shouldn't be discrimated because of religion, gender, or because of their sexual orientaion.
So, I support the non-discrimation act.
I forgot my ID 13861
i think that obama is being very smart by not really swaying one way or the other. Mccain on the other hand made a big mistake with his earlier discision, it will most likely be used against him. sexual orientation should not be anybodies business and shount inflence whatever job that person has. im toatally for passing this bill and though things should have been settled already with the last one i do think there will be trouble passing this one. people will always look for loopholes.
jackie magana
13962
Hello Yang,
Ill have to say that it is a very smart move on both candidates because they both dont want to lose any votes and this topic would make people think differently about them. Both Obama and McCain are different people and they both have different opinions on this issue. If this issue was brought up before in the election then there would have been a big difference in the election. I personaly believe that racial descrimination or sexual descrimination in the work place is wrong and no one deserves to be treated like this in the U.S. People are going to try there hardest to stop this but its not going to stop because people are always going to descriminate.
forgot my ID......
15972
=Salvador Vicente
well, i think it was wrong for mccain to have voted against this bill and i think that obama is doing the right thing by not saying anything. if he leans either way it will harm his cause and cost him some votes. this is a very contraversial issue because some people a very stuck in old ideas and wont listen to reason. it shouldnt matter to anyone whether someone is gay or lesbian. a sexual preference doesnt make so they cant work. i mean, who cares?...people should mind their own business. maybe at the time mccain made this desision he thought it would benifit him, but right now i think it is hurting him.
Gerardo Rojas
14000
If only companies had the same policies the military does. "Don't ask, don't tell." I am a not conservative when it comes to homosexuals and I believe they should have all the same basic rights and the ability to achieve as a "straight" person would. This issue needs to be brought to attention and not put on the back-burner. So what if the candidates don't want to talk about it? They don't need to. All that needs to happen is action, and hopefully with that action comes the passing of this (bill/resolution?). Congress needs to focus on citizens and let citizens focus on a future president.
Crystal Chavez
13511
heey
To me this whole issue sounds a lot like racial issues where there should be equality but there really isn't. I think that they should have the same rights and a bill on sexual discrimination would really help, but in the end we as a people will have to take the time to adjust. Even to today i still see stuff like racial profilin and discrimination and last i checked it was illegal right?
So if the candidates are still hesitant to speak on the issue shows maybe we just aren't ready yet. Or maybe we should wait till someone like Obama gets office and then handle it. This is a major issue but just not the biggest issue like the economy or the war. Im sure in due time though there will eventually be a law passed to protect against sexual discrimination
Jonathan Poluan
13309
i don't think that the presidential candidates should worry about this issue too much because its not that big of deal now. why should obama or mccain bring up that subject cause all that it us going to do is lose votes. because they are either going to get the votes for or against so why even bring it up?
Nice article Mr. Yang ;)
I think that the Non-Discrimintation Act is great! I personally believe that people shouldn't be judged by their sexual orientation. Everyone should have the right to make their own decisions without people getting in their face about it and meddeling in their privacy. I mean... this is America; land of the free, eventhough some expressions of individuality are shunned. True, most americans are against gay and lesbian relationships, but I think that the passing of the act would help to encourage more tolerance, which is much needed in this area.
The fact that Obama and Mccain aren't open about this hot topic is actually very smart. They don't want to upset their potential voters by saying the wrong thing, so why say anything at all? Sure, the homosexual community would favor the candidate who voted for the act, but they make up a small percentage as compared to the entire U.S.
I feel that not being honest and voicing your opinions about a subject, touchy or not, is a bad quality in a candidate. Polititians are so worried about winning that they hold back in order to gain votes. Sad isn't it?
17971
Okay, it's not like we're passing a bill to protect terrorists. Come on, what decade are we living in, 1960s? The bill protects people. And if I'm right, there's something in our amendments that protect people. Oh, God forbid we deny a black man or a mexican or a woman a job, but if they're gay, that's okay, they're not even human. Okay, I'm pretty sure they don't bleed acid.
well to begin with, the running candidates are both making themselves look bad by not addressing the issue here. All they think about is their damn campaign looking good and know that by addressing the gay rights issue, votes will become unbalanced. When people speak of this issues, most think religion wise which is why so much judgement occurs. I believe that to think this through we should look at it as humans and not religious beings. Only because a person has a different sexual orientation, it doesnt mean that they are not allowed to succeed or be happy at what they have chosen to do. Turning down a person from a job because they are gay/lesbian takes away their advantage to succeed in life and prove themselves worthy just as everyone else in this world straight or not. In order for us to make a better government and country, we have to learn to stop singling people out and stopping them from helping us make our country a better place. In times of total chaos, it will not matter what sexual orientation any of us is but how we get through it together, then why should it now?
This is a very sensitive issue for any politician. If they say the wrong thing, they'll lose a big chunck of votes. If they vote yes, then they lose people's votes. If they vote no, then they lose just as many votes. And it sucks for them because they can't do much about it. But in a way, it's sort of smart to wait until the position of president is certain before they pass the bill. Actually if anyone should pass it it should be Bush since he's not going to be president anyways.
-Abraham Islas
13631
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