NY Congressman backs LGBT-inclusive Civil Rights Act
Standing outside the Stonewall Inn in lower Manhattan, Congressman Jerrold Nadler [D-N.Y.] joined more than a dozen other politicos and activists who called for an expansion of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include LGBT-specific protections.
Organizers purposely chose to hold their press conference on the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. Nadler noted the "historical explosion of frustration and anger" sparked what he described as "a great American movement." He further pointed out LGBT Americans continue to suffer discrimination in spite of what he pointed out as significant progress over the last four decades.
"We will never be a fully democratic nation unless all of our citizens... are granted full equality under the law," Nadler said.
Former New York Congresswoman Bella Abzug was the first legislator to introduce a federal gay rights bill in Capitol Hill in 1974. Her daughter stressed she feels Congress must act upon the bill her mother championed.
"It’s long overdue," Liz Abzug said.
Sharon Kleinbaum, senior rabbi at Congregation Beth Simchat Torah in New York, joined activist Jeff Campagna, the Rev. Mel White, founder of Soulforce, New York City Councilmember Rosie Mendez and others at the press conference.
The announcement comes at a time of growing frustration and even anger at Democrats and President Barack Obama for a lack of actions on a variety of LGBT-specific issues. These include the repeal of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" and the Defense of Marriage Act-and the Department of Justice brief earlier this month that defended the federal government’s refusal to recognize same-sex relationships. A number of leading LGBT activists also boycotted a Democratic National Committee LGBT fundraiser last Thursday in Washington that headlined Vice President Joe Biden.
Thousands of people thus far have signed a petition to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi [D-Calif.] that call for Congress to act upon the proposed amendment. Campagna presented Nadler with a book that contained thousands of signed copies he and others had collected during Pride month.
"The time for equality in Washington is now; no more excuses," Campagna said.
