The First Gay Debate
July 10, 2007
There's always a first for everything right? Your first kiss. Your first love. Your first job. But now comes… drum roll please:
The first gay debate.
That's right. I don't mean gay as in "happy."
That debate took place in the 1950's.
Read below:
For the first time the leading candidates for the presidency will hold a televised debate devoted solely to LGBT issues. The one-hour event will be held on August 9 and broadcast on gay network LOGO at 9:00 pm ET and through live streaming video at LOGOonline.com. Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards have confirmed they will participate. Several other Democratic candidates also may join the debate.
The debate will be conducted with a live audience in Los Angeles. On the panel questioning the two Democrats will be Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese and singer Melissa Etheridge. The debate was put together by LOGO and HRC.
"In the 2008 presidential election, issues of concern to the LGBT community have already been at the forefront of the national conversation," said Solmonese. "From the repeal of 'Don't ask, Don't Tell' to the recent signing of a civil unions bill in New Hampshire, there is no doubt that voters will demand answers to important questions affecting our community."
The panelists in a statement said they plan to cover a range of issues including relationship recognition, marriage equality, workplace fairness, the military, hate crimes, HIV/AIDS and other important issues.
The LGBT vote is considered a decisive electoral force and according to exit poll data make up approximately four percent of the voting population.
I guess I shouldn't be holding my breath for the first Republican gay debate.
Probably won't happen.
Religious conservatives who believe this country is in the middle of a culture war will look at this and say "What on Earth is going on here?" They'll say this is just another attempt to "classify" a certain group of people by giving them "special status."
Liberals will say it's about time. Is this the wave of the future?
Are we now going to have certain groups of people wanting a debate on their issues only? Maybe the Republicans will have the first debate among "Southern men with guns and pickup trucks."
They could hold it in Charlotte and Jeff Gordon could be the moderator.
Comments?
THE BRODY FILE Main Page >>
A caring friend will be there to pray with you in your time of need.
