Bill Clinton Comes Out in Favor of Gay Marriage

Former President Bill Clinton who signed the Defense of Marriage Act into law which bars federal recognition of same-sex couples has come out in favor of marriage equality. He has been considering and "evolving" on the issue for some time.

"After speaking at the Campus Progress National Conference in Washington, DC, on July 8, the former president was asked if he supported same-sex marriage. Clinton, in a departure from past statements, replied in the affirmative.

Asked if he personally supported same-sex marriage, Clinton replied, "Yeah." "I personally support people doing what they want to do," Clinton said. "I think it's wrong for someone to stop someone else from doing that [same-sex marriage]" (The Nation).

This statement is a major kick to the already unstable legislation. Growing numbers of democrats and even republicans are coming out in support of repealing DOMA.

Open Forum: Did Obama Learn From Clinton's Mistakes?

When former president Bill Clinton came into office, he was considered a saint for the gay community. He was the first president to mention gays and lesbians in his inauguration and he promised to allow gays in the military. The LGBT community saw his election as a major shift to come in government policy towards sexual minorities.

What happened was far less than we would have expected, and the administration now gets looked back on as the era when gays were thrown under the bus. His promise of letting gays join the military was met with controversy and as a result he instituted the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy. During that time period Hawaii was seen as the first state to likely legalize gay marriage. As a result under Clinton's watch the Defense of Marriage Act was passed, which barred federal recognition of same-sex marriage, and ensured that states did not have to accept other states marriage laws.

President Barack Obama has now come into office with what is seen as the most progressive list of issues relating to the LGBT community. His campaign promises include everything short of marriage equality. The LGBT community is angered that Obama has done little to nothing thus far to meet these campaign promises. Is Obama just another politician with empty promises, or did he learn from Clinton's mistake of acting too hastily, and wants to ensure that when he acts it will go through succesfully?

URGENT: Ask President Clinton to Respect the Manchester Hyatt Boycott

President Clinton is scheduled to give a paid speech this Sunday at the Manchester Hyatt in San Diego to the annual convention of the International Franchise Association. Doing so will violate a union boycott and labor dispute -- the workers at the hotel lack job security and the housekeepers face onerous workloads.

But that's not all. President Clinton will also be offending supporters of marriage equality. Doug Manchester, the owner of the hotel, contributed $125,000 in early seed money to the Proposition 8 campaign.

We can't let this happen. President Clinton has the power to move his speech away from the Manchester Hyatt. And you have the power to convince him before it's too late. Please sign this petition to President Clinton immediately and the Courage Campaign and UNITE HERE will do everything in our power to get your signatures to him ASAP:

http://www.couragecampaign.org/page/s/dotherightthing

Rally at Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego Over Clinton's Speech

Former President Bill Clinton, was urged not to speak at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego due to the owners large contribution to proposition 8.

It appears the effort was not enough and now the former President will have to cross a picket-line of people who will be protesting. Clinton spokesman Matthew McKenna said. "I don't think you can name a leader in the world who has done more to advance gay and lesbian issues".

Are you kidding me? Don't Ask Don't Tell, the Defense of Marriage Act, and now this? Gee, thanks.

Rally at the Hyatt
Sunday February 15th, 11am – 1pm
Manchester Grand Hyatt
1 Market Place, San Diego, CA
Contact: pdegange@unitehere.org

Former President Clinton Urged to Move Speech From Boycotted Hotel

Several groups have banded together urging former President Bill Clinton not to speak at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego. The hotel is owned by Doug Manchester who donated 125,000 to proposition 8.

WILLIAM J. CLINTON FOUNDATION
55 West 125th St., New York, NY 10027
E-Contact Form

http://moveclintonspeech.info/