Hillary Clinton on Ending Discrimination in the Military

Marking the 14th anniversary of the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, the Human Rights campaign has asked the leading Democratic candidates for President to respond to the question, “If you are elected President, what concrete steps would you take to overturn ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell?’

Here's is Hillary Clinton's response from HRC Backstory

"I strongly believe that anyone who has the courage, strength, and valor to serve our country should be able to do so. We are at war and our top generals are warning that America’s military is stretched to the breaking point, yet we have a policy that dismisses good people from our ranks. Even service members with critical skills such as Arabic language skills are being discharged because they are gay. Senior retired military officials who can speak freely say this law does not serve our national security interests. These same military leaders are confident that repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell won't lessen standards of behavior or lower morale.

As President, I will work with high-profile military leaders, such as former Joint Chiefs chairman John M. Shalikashvili and Retired Lieutenant General Claudia Kennedy, the first woman to achieve the rank of three-star general in the Army, who have called for repeal of the law. I will stand with soldiers like retired Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, the first American soldier to be seriously wounded in Iraq, and retired Army Sgt. Jose Zuniga, former Army Soldier of the Year, who are shining examples of why this law no longer makes sense.

Over the last seven years in the Senate, and as a member of the Armed Services Committee, I have built relationships with members of Congress and senior military officials through my work on the Armed Services Committee. When I am President, I will bring this strength and experience to bear to end this outdated and outmoded policy."

Hillary Clinton Announces LGBT Supporters

From the Washington Blade: Sen. Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign released a new list of prominent gay supporters today.

In a list released first Wednesday to the Blade, Clinton's campaign identified 21 gay professionals and activists who recently endorsed her White House run.

Names on the list include H. Alexander Robinson, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition; Dana Beyer, who is transgender and a member of the Human Rights Campaign board of governors; and Rep. Patricia Todd, the first openly gay member of the Alabama House of Representatives.

"I am honored to have the support of these leaders in the LGBT community," Clinton said. "Together, we can end the divisive politics of the current administration and renew the promise of fairness and equality for all Americans."

Names on the list, in alphabetical order, include:

- Michael Agins, Agins and Associates principal
- Dana Beyer, Human Rights Campaign board of governors
- Barbara Casbar-Siperstein, Stonewall Democrats national board
- Catherine Dodd, a former Department of Health & Human Services
regional director
- Earl Fowlkes, International Federation of Black Prides president
- Jesse Garcia, Stonewall Democrats national board
- Robert Hanson, Levi Strauss of America president
- Jo Hoenninger, a former Servicemembers Legal Defense Network co-
chair
- Ray Holm, Human Rights Campaign board of governors
- Leslie Katz, a former San Francisco Democratic Party chair
- Peter Pappas, Human Rights Campaign board of governors
- Dana Perlman, Human Rights Campaign board of directors
- Craig Roberts, Stonewall Democrats national board
- H. Alexander Robinson, National Black Justice Coalition executive
director
- Scott Safier, Stonewall Democrats national board
- Rep. Patricia Todd, Alabama House of Representatives
- Paul Tran, Stonewall Democrats national board
- Steve VanHook, Stonewall Democrats national board
- Ben Waldman, former Microsoft vice president
- Jon Winkleman, Stonewall Democrats national board
- Herb Zeman, Stonewall Democrats national board

Clinton's campaign last released a sampling of gay supporters in April. That list of 26 names included sports legend Billy Jean King, among others.

Barney Frank Endorses Hillary Clinton

From the Clinton Campaign: The Clinton Campaign announced the endorsement of Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank and named him as an Economic Advisor to the Campaign.

“I have from the beginning of this campaign believed that Hillary Clinton was the candidate best qualified to serve as President,” Rep. Frank said. “I am convinced that once elected, the qualities she will bring to the job - commitment, intellect, and political skills - will make her an extremely effective leader in our effort to reverse the badly flawed course on which George Bush and past Republican Congresses have set this country.

“I am particularly pleased by her commitment to reverse the economic policies that have created a situation in which as the country progresses economically, only a small number of Americans benefit. Her understanding of the need to implement policies that provide fairness for middle and working class people is very important. She has shown an ability to fight for progressive values in a way that is capable of appealing to the majority of our fellow citizens, and I believe that she is both politically and substantively the candidate best qualified to be our nominee.

“As Chair of the House Financial Services Committee with major responsibilities for various parts of our economy, I particularly look forward to working with her and members of her administration in once again demonstrating that economic growth and a concern for economic fairness in fact are reinforcing values, and not, as the current administration believes, in competition with each other.

“In addition, based on my work with her on issues involving discrimination, I am convinced that Hillary Clinton is the candidate best equipped to pass laws that will treat all Americans with dignity, fairness and equality no matter who they are or who they love.”

“I’m honored to have the support of one of the sharpest minds in Congress,” Clinton said. “Barney has devoted his life to championing economic fairness and civil rights, and expanding opportunity for all Americans. I’m delighted he’ll take a leadership role in our campaign.”

Hillary Clinton Endorses 08 Stop AIDS Platform

Forbes Magazine reports that Hillary Clinton has signed the 08 Stop AIDS platform, committing to support $50 billion dollars by 2013 to fight the global HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Clinton joins John Edwards & Bill Richardson in supporting $50 billion over five years to fight HIV/AIDS globally. Edwards released his plan to fight HIV/AIDS in September which included the $50 billion goal and other 08 Stop AIDS goals, though he has not formally endorsed the platform. Bill Richardson endorsed the platform earlier this year.

While Obama released his plan to fight HIV/AIDS in October, it did not include the $50 billion commitment. AIDS activists who have talked to him on the campaign trail report he has been unwilling to commit to a specific amount.

Unlike Obama & Edwards, the Clinton campaign has not yet released their own HIV/AIDS agenda. Activists had planned to target Clinton at a protest at the October 30th Presidential Debate. With news of the Clinton endorsement of 08 Stop AIDS, the demonstration will focus more broadly on raising awareness of HIV/AIDS in the 2008 campaign.

Hillary Clinton Statement on National Latino AIDS Awareness Day

from the Hillary Clinton Website

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hispanics in the United States are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. Although Hispanics comprised 13 percent of the U.S. population in 2005, they accounted for 19 percent of new HIV/AIDS diagnoses. Hispanic women are especially vulnerable. The CDC reports that their infection rate was more than five times higher than that of white women in 2005. Hillary Clinton issued the following statement to mark National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, observed on October 15th:

"Latinos account for the second highest rate of AIDS cases in the United States, by race or ethnicity. The epidemic has disproportionately affected Latinas and young adults. And while there has been progress in addressing the spread of the disease, the Latino community still faces tremendous challenges -including cultural and language barriers-- in the fight for the rights and needs of people living with HIV/ AIDS. During National Latino Aids Awareness Day, groups and individuals across the country gather to promote and sponsor information and prevention activities in the Hispanic community.

"I have long fought to fully fund the Ryan White CARE Act to improve access to treatment and support for those living with this tragic disease. I also wrote the Early Treatment for HIV Act, which expands access to vital treatment options for low-income individuals living with HIV. As President, I will continue taking bold steps to confront and eradicate AIDS and to support those living with the disease. The American Health Choices Plan that I have proposed also includes provisions that will eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in health care, and increase diversity and cultural and linguistic competency in the health care system.

"On National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, let us commemorate the lives lost to this epidemic, and recommit to continue our fight against the spread of the disease, through dialogue, advocacy and community awareness."

To learn more about National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, visit www.nlaad.org.

To see pictures from National Latino AIDS Awareness Day events in Washington, DC: click here.

Clinton Statement On National Coming Out Day

Reprinted from the official website.

The simple act of declaring who you are has often been a moment of courage for many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) Americans. National Coming Out Day honors the brave journey many have taken out of the closet. But even now, after so much progress has been made in the fight for equality and acceptance, many in the LGBT community continue to face discrimination and harassment.

As President, I will end the divisive politics of this administration and work to renew the promise of fairness for all Americans. This means supporting equal rights for gay and lesbian couples, ending Don't Ask Don't Tell and allowing patriotic Americans to serve their country, and finally signing into law the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and hate crimes legislation.

So on this day, twenty years after the Second March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, let us rededicate ourselves to the ideal that all Americans should be treated equally, no matter who you are or who you love.

Ask Hillary Clinton About HIV/AIDS: Online Health Care Forum

On Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. ET, a discussion with Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) will be webcast live during the next “Health Care 2008: Presidential Candidate Forum.”

John Edwards was among the first candidates to be part of these web forums. He used his appearance as an opportunity to launch a detailed and comprehensive plan to fight HIV/AIDS at home and abroad.

Let's make sure Hillary Clinton answers our questions about her plans to fight HIV/AIDS. Viewers are welcome to submit questions for the presidential candidates. Questions will be presented to the panel of journalists for consideration. Click here to submit a question about HIV/AIDS to Hillary Clinton for the live forum.

The “Health Care 2008: Presidential Candidate Forums” will allow each Presidential candidate to discuss in detail his or her vision about health reform and the uninsured with a panel of leading health journalists from “The NewsHour With Jim Lehrer,” ABC News, National Public Radio, and The Wall Street Journal. The Forums are being organized by Families USA and the Federation of American Hospitals, produced by MacNeil-Lehrer Productions and hosted by the Kaiser Family Foundation in its Barbara Jordan Conference Center. The Foundation’s health news and information site, kaisernetwork.org, will provide a live webcast of each forum. Shortly after the live webcast, an archived webcast, transcript and podcast will be available.

For a list of upcoming forums and to watch archived webcasts of previous forums, visit presidentialforums.health08.org.

Statement of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton on the Hate Crimes Prevention Act Of 2007

Washington, DC - Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton issued the following statement on Senate approval of the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act as an amendment to the Department of Defense Authorization bill:

"A crime motivated by hate on the basis of a victim’s race, ethnic background, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and gender identity is not just a crime against the individual – it is a crime against a community. It sends a message to an entire group of people that they are unwelcome and that they should be afraid. Hate crimes are an affront to the core values that bind us to one another, and we should dedicate the resources needed to prosecute these crimes to the fullest extent of the law.

The Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act condemns the abhorrent practice of victimizing people because of their race, ethnic background, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and gender identity. It authorizes the Justice Department to help state and local governments investigate and prosecute hate crimes and provides grants to help state and local governments prosecute these appalling offenses. With today’s vote, the Senate is proclaiming loudly that the American people will not tolerate crimes motivated by bigotry and hatred. I am proud to cosponsor this important legislation and will continue to work hard to provide our law enforcement and prosecutors with the resources they need to fight these appalling crimes."

reprinted from Clinton Senate website

Hillary Clinton to Hold Hearing on Women & HIV

The same week that Presidential Candidate John Edwards released a widely praised HIV/AIDS Policy Agenda, Hillary Clinton announced that she will be holding a briefing on HIV and Women on the Hill. The briefing will take place Monday, October 22 from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM in the Russell Senate Office Building, room 385.

Over the last 25 years of the AIDS epidemic in the United States, women have come to represent a growing proportion of new HIV/AIDS cases, more than tripling from 8% of new cases in 1985 to 27% of new cases in 2005. Women of color have been especially hard hit and represent the majority of new HIV and AIDS cases among women, and the majority of women living with HIV/AIDS.

Clinton has been criticized by AIDS advocates because her recently released health care plan offers no specific recommendations around HIV/AIDS. Clinton supports the Early Treatment for HIV ACT (ETHA), but has frustrated advocates by remaining undecided on federal funding for science-based HIV prevention through needle exchange. Clinton also has yet to respond to the 08 Stop AIDS call for $50 million over five years to fight the global AIDS epidemic, or to the call for a National AIDS Strategy.

Hillary Clinton Interviewed in the Advocate

Hillary Clinton is interviewed in the Advocate this month. Sean Kennedy writes: "Indeed, that Clinton is a woman cannot be underestimated in her appeal to gay people, and vice versa. Bill Clinton often spoke of a 'politics of compassion,' but Hillary is the one who has lived the struggle for respect and equality just as gays have." The full text of the interview is available on the Advocate website.

Tammy Baldwin on Hillary Clinton

Out Congress Member Tammy Baldwin endorsed Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign last month. Hillary Clinton campaigned for Baldwin when she first ran for Congress. Baldwin tells The Advocate: "Long-standing friendship is a very influential factor when you're making a significant choice like endorsing a presidential candidate, but I think I would've reached the same conclusion and made the endorsement regardless."

For more on the endorsement, read this article in the Southern Voice

Needle Exchange: An Important Distinction between Obama and Clinton

Ben Smith from the Politico has a post up highlighthing an important distinction between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Obama supports federal funding for needle-exchange programs to prevent; Clinton is still waffling.

We have overwhelming scientific evidence that needle-exchange programs are an effective way to reduce HIV infections among injection drug users. Even the CDC supports needle exchange (and has for several years). Most of Hillary's fellow candidates including both Obama and Edwards, have supported federal funding for needle exchange. So I'm not really sure what basis Clinton could have for her indecision, but it's an important distinction to make.

Ben writes: "Obama was quick to say at his July appearance he supports lifting the ban on federal funding for needle exchange. Clinton, by contrast, performed what King called "an interesting waffle" at her April 23 event."

read the article and see the video footage here

On the Record: Hillary Clinton at the HRC/Logo Debate

CARLSON:
Last and not least, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. She was the first lady of Arkansas and later first lady of the United States. She was elected to her first
term as a senator from New York in 2000 and re-elected last year. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.
(APPLAUSE)
CARLSON:
Senator Clinton, welcome.
CLINTON:
Thank you.
CARLSON:
I don't know if Senator Edwards is still here, but from the last debate, let me go on the record. I like the coral jacket.
CLINTON:
Thank you.
(LAUGHTER)
CARLSON:
Joe is our first questioner for you, Senator.
Joe?
SOLMONESE:
Senator, thank you for being here tonight. You've said in past settings like this and all across the country that you would like to repeal "Don't ask; don't tell."
Now, since 2003 you've sat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, the committee that would decide this issue. Why haven't you introduced legislation to
repeal this policy?
SOLMONESE:
Well, Joe, first, thanks for doing this and thanks for everybody being here and having this forum.
I think the very simple answer is we didn't have a chance with the Republican Congress and George Bush as president. And I want to get it done when I'm
president. I want to do it and have it be successful. I don't want to try in a Republican Congress with a very negative president and have it defeated.
We're talking now that we have a Democratic Congress about what steps we can take to sort of lay the groundwork so that when we do have a change in the
White House, which can't happen too soon to suit me...
(APPLAUSE)
... we will be able to move on that.
But I just want to put it into a broader context, because it's one of my highest priorities. I came out against "Don't ask; don't tell" in 1999. It was a
transitional action that was taken back at the beginning of my husband's administration, because at the time there was such a witch hunt going on.
And we've got some veterans over here. I saw Staff Sergeant Eric Alba, who I have met before at HRC, and I was so glad to see him when I walked in.
(APPLAUSE)
And for people who don't know Staff Sergeant Alba's history, he was the first Marine wounded in Iraq, recipient of a Purple Heart, and 15 years ago he
could have both been refused the opportunity to serve, but if he had gotten into the military under the rules that existed at the time and the attitudes that were
prevalent, he could have been court-martialed or even accused and threatened with criminal action if he didn't reveal names of those with whom he might have
had relationships who were serving in the military.
I think we have moved a long way on this and other issues, but I think it's important to recall how much of an advance "Don't ask; don't tell" was at the time.
However, it was not implemented appropriately. It was still used to discharge a lot of patriotic men and women who were serving our country, often at great cost
in the middle of a war where people were being told, "We don't need your services anymore," including linguists and translators and other specialty services.
But in 1999, it just struck me that it wasn't working and that what we needed to do was to try to move us toward using the Code of Military Justice and judge
people on conduct, not status, no matter whether you're gay or straight. That's the way it should be. It should be even-handed across the entire services.
We're beginning to see some changes. I remember very well the intense debates about this back in '93, and honestly, it was so emotional in the military and
in the Congress that the Congress did pass a law. But we have to get the law repealed.
But now it's beginning to change. Former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Shalikashvili has just come out in favor of a change. I've noticed General
Powell, who was adamantly against my husband's efforts back in '93, has begun to say, "You know, maybe we should rethink this."
So I think we will lay the groundwork, but then when I'm president, we'll get it done. And I'm looking forward to doing that.
(APPLAUSE)
SOLMONESE:
Changing tracks, talk to us about what is at the heart of your opposition to same sex marriage?
CLINTON:
Well, Joe, I prefer to think of it as being very positive about civil unions.
(LAUGHTER)
It's a personal position, and you and I have talked about it. I've talked about it with a number of my friends here and across the country.
And for me, we have made it very clear in our country that we believe in equality. How we get to full equality is the debate we're having. And I am
absolutely in favor of civil unions with full equality, full equality of benefits, rights and privileges.
And I've also been a very strong supporter of letting the states maintain their jurisdiction over marriage. And I believe that was a right decision for a lot of
reasons, because it's easy, again, to forget that just 2.5 years ago, we were facing all of these referenda that were enshrining discrimination in state constitutions.
And a lot of people tried very hard to fight against them and prevent them from being passed, but unfortunately, they were.
Now, 2.5 years later we're beginning to see other states take different approaches. And what we were able to do -- and I really give HRC a lot of credit for
your leadership on this -- in stopping the federal marriage amendment gave the states the breathing room to make different decisions.
So I want to proceed with equalizing federal benefits. I want to repeal Section 3 of DOMA, which stands in the way of the extension of benefits to people in
committed same sex relationships, and I will be very strongly in favor of doing that as president.
SOLMONESE:
I wonder, Senator, if you can sympathize with the frustration of this argument that it's a states' rights issue. In the civil rights struggle, this argument that it
was a states' rights issue was something that was typically used against people working against us as sort of a red herring. And so can you see where this
argument of marriage as a states' right issue would resonate the same way in our community?
CLINTON:
Absolutely. And Joe, not only that, I really respect the advocacy that the community is waging on behalf of marriage. I think you're doing exactly what you
need to do and should do, and I really am very much impressed by the intensity and the persistence of that advocacy. But this has not been a long-term struggle
yet.
And I think it's really clear that people in the states are moving much more rapidly to deal with the inequality than you would find at the federal level.
When you and I were plotting strategy to beat the federal marriage amendment, the reason we were plotting strategy is we were worried it was going to pass.
And, again, this was a terrifying prospect that we would have enshrined in the Constitution for the first time ever discrimination.
And we were very clear about what we needed to do to get the vote in order to prevent this mean-spirited, divisive effort led by Karl Rove to politicize the
hopes and dreams of so many of our fellow Americans.
And we were able to defeat it, but I don't know that we could have defeated it if we had not had DOMA. That, if anything, has provided a great protection
against what was clearly the Republican strategy blessed by George Bush, led by the congressional Republicans, to just cynically use marriage as a political tool.
CARLSON:
Do you think that's going to come up this time when the Republicans are running?
CLINTON:
No.
CARLSON:
Is it dead as an issue?
CLINTON:
You know, Margaret, I'm very optimistic, because I think that...
CARLSON:
I haven't heard it yet.
CLINTON:
I don't hear it either, and -- don't tell anybody, but I'm running for president...
(LAUGHTER)
... and so I'm traveling around the country a lot.
CARLSON:
"Don't ask; don't tell."
CLINTON:
Yes, that's right. And I don't hear it. I don't feel it. I don't see it. Even with the Republicans, with their various forums, you don't get the sense. Why?
Because a lot of people who were in favor of that constitutional amendment knew better. That was a strictly cynical, political ploy on their part, and they were
successful, unfortunately, in a lot of states.
But I think that now people are starting to say, "Well, maybe we don't want to do that," and because a Democratic Congress won't bring up the amendment,
there's really nothing for them to be rallying around.
CARLSON:
Thank you, Senator.
Melissa?
ETHERIDGE:
Senator, I have a personal issue here. I remember when your husband was elected president, I actually came out publicly during his inaugural week. It was a
very hopeful time for the gay community. For the first time we were being recognized as American citizens. It was wonderful. We were very, very hopeful.
And in the years that followed, our hearts were broken. We were thrown under the bus. We were pushed aside. All those great promises that were made to us
were broken. And I understand politics. I understand how hard things are to bring about change.
But it is many years later now, and what are you going to do to be different than that? I know you're sitting here now. It's a year out -- more than a year. A
year from now are we going to be left behind like we were before?
CLINTON:
Well, obviously, Melissa, I don't see it quite the way that you describe, but I respect your feeling about it.
From the moment that Bob Hathaway spoke at the Democratic convention through the appointments that were made, both to positions in Cabinet agencies as
well as in the White House, to the ongoing struggle against Gingrich and the Republican majority, I think that we certainly didn't get as much done as I would
have liked, but I believe that there was a lot of honest effort going on by the president, the vice president and the rest of us who were trying to keep the
momentum going.
I remember when I was running for the Senate as first lady, marching in the gay pride parade in New York City. And to a lot of people that was just an
unbelievable act.
ETHERIDGE:
Why not be the leader now?
CLINTON:
Well, I think I am a leader now. And I think that we are doing a lot to not only talk about laws, as important as they are, but to really try to change attitudes
and persuade people that they should be more open, more respectful, more accepting.
If I were sitting where you're sitting with all you have gone through in the last 14 years, I'm sure I would feel exactly the same way, because not only did
you bravely come out, but you've had health challenges and so much else. And so time can't go by slowly. You want things to move as quickly as possible, which
I understand and wish could happen as well.
But as president, I think I have an opportunity both to reverse the concerted assault on people. It wasn't just on people's rights; it was on people. It was
pointing fingers. It was demeaning. It was degrading. It was mean-spirited. And that will end. That is over. And when we began to...
(APPLAUSE)
CARLSON:
We're almost out of time, believe it or not. Time flies when you're having a good time.
CLINTON:
Oh, I can't believe it.
CARLSON:
But Jonathan?
CLINTON:
To be continued, Melissa.
CARLSON:
Jonathan?
CAPEHART:
Senator, former Joint Chiefs Chairman Peter Pace called homosexuality immoral. And when you were first asked about it, you said, quote, "I'm going to
leave that to others to conclude." The next day, after much criticism, you finally said you did not think that homosexuality was immoral. Why didn't you say that
the first time?
CLINTON:
Well, it was a mistake, Jonathan, because what I went on to say after what you quoted was to launch an attack on "Don't ask; don't tell," because my view
was that as a chairman of the Joint Chiefs, he had absolutely no right to say what he said.
I disagreed with him profoundly, but what was really offensive is that he was in a position of responsibility that had a direct impact on the lives of hundreds
of thousands of these young people in the military. So I went right at him on "Don't ask; don't tell."
And you know you say these things. Somebody sticks a microphone in front of you and you say, "Well, that's pretty good." And my friends started calling
me and saying, "Well, that wasn't very good." I said, "Oh, you're probably right." So I immediately got the first opportunity I could to say the whole thing.
So I just was focused on one aspect of what I thought was really over the line. You know, Joe Blow, Joe Schmo walking down the street can say, "Here's
what I believe." You say, "Who cares?" The chairman of the Joint Chiefs says it -- that has a direct impact on policy, and that's what I went after. But I should
have put it in a broader context.
CAPEHART:
Senator, would you...?
CARLSON:
Well, we are just about out of time, Jonathan. I'm really sorry.
CAPEHART:
... who's anti-gay?
CLINTON:
I'm sorry. What, Jonathan?
CAPEHART:
Would you put someone on the bench who is known to be anti-gay?
CLINTON:
No. And that's why we shouldn't.
(APPLAUSE)
CARLSON:
Senator...
CLINTON:
That's one of the reasons why I'm against Southwick for...
CARLSON:
Senator, you told the AFL-CIO on Tuesday night, "I'm your girl." Do you want to express those same sentiments here?
CLINTON:
I am your girl. Absolutely.
CARLSON:
And you do get a closing statement, short though it may be.
CLINTON:
Well, I want to be a president who really does move forward the agenda of progress and equality in our country. That is what I have tried to do my entire life
for 35 years.
This country, with all of its flaws which we can see manifest -- it doesn't move fast enough; it doesn't do what we want it to do -- has demonstrated
extraordinary resilience and a lot of movement forward. And I think we will see that as the years unfold, and I want to be a part of that.
But I come to these issues not as a senator or as a lawyer or as a presidential candidate, but as a friend of a lot of members of the LGBT community who are
my age who have suffered through a long period of coming out, of having to face families and having to deal with all of the issues that we know occur.
And I want to be a president who can clearly say to the American people, "These are our friends, our children, our parents. These are people we want to
support as they live the best lives they can."
So it's very personal for me. And we are not going to agree on everything, but I will be a president who will fight for you, who will work to end
discrimination in the employment area and "Don't ask; don't tell," finally get hate crimes through, do a lot of what we need to do on HIV AIDS and so much
more. And I really hope we can be partners in trying to make our country a little bit better and a little more progressive for all of us. Thank you.
CARLSON:
Senator, wish we had more time. Thank you.
CLINTON:
I do, too.
CARLSON:
That concludes our forum, but the campaign is only heating up. From now through Election Day 2008, stay informed, follow the campaign and join with
LGBT Americans across the nation to debate the issues of visiblevote08.com and at hrc.org.
On behalf of LOGO and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, thank you to your panelists, Jonathan Capehart, Melissa Etheridge and Joe Solmonese.

Stephen Herbits to Lead Clinton LGBT Outreach

From Haaretz.com: Outgoing World Jewish Congress secretary-general and prominent gay rights activist Stephen Herbits will lead Hillary Clinton's campaign
within the gay and lesbian community, as she seeks to win the Democrat presidential nomination.

Herbits has in the past held several positions related to the gay and lesbian community in the United States.

In his last post, Herbits served as the personal assistant to Donald Rumsfeld during his term as secretary of defense. He was then appointed secretary-general of the WJC.

After cosmetics heir Ron Lauder was elected to the WJC presidency in June, replacing Canadian billionaire Edgar Bronfman, Herbits announced he would resign from his post as the organization's secretary-general. He has not yet stepped down.

The WJC was established in the 1930s and represents Jewish communities from 80 countries. In the 1990s, the organization played a key role in restoring property that was stolen in the Holocaust to its Jewish owners, but has recently found it difficult to focus on a major goal

This article is by Amiram Barkat and was posted on www.haaretz.com

Mayor David Cicilline Endorses Hillary Clinton

The Clinton Campaign today announced the endorsement of Providence Mayor David Cicilline and named him a Co-Chair of Hillary's Rhode Island campaign. Cicilline, an openly gay man, was endorsed by the Victory Fund.

"Hillary Clinton understands the challenges facing our cities, and she has the experience and vision needed to lead this country from her first day in office," Cicilline said.

Cicilline has made a name for himself as reform-minded mayor intent on modernizing city government and improving neighborhood schools. Under his leadership, Providence's crime rate has dropped to its lowest level in 30 years due to an innovative community policing program, and fiscal integrity has been restored as evidenced by straight-A bond ratings.

Prior to his election as Mayor, Cicilline served four terms as a state representative, championing ethics reform and gun safety. His dedication to transparency and accountability in government earned him Common Cause's #1 ranking.

"Mayor Cicilline is an exciting young leader who has turned Providence around and restored faith in city government again," Clinton said. "I'm honored to have his support as we take our message of change across Rhode Island."

Cicilline distinguishes Providence as the largest U.S. city with an openly gay Mayor.

Hillary Clinton Answers HRC Questionare

Hillary Clinton has responded to a presidential candidate survey from the Human Rights Campaign.

click here to see Hillary Clinton's responses (pdf file)

Statement from Senator Clinton on LGBT Pride Month

"As we celebrate Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, I want to commend the LGBT community on a historic year that brought our country closer to equality and closer to ending discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. Just a year ago, I worked with my Democratic colleagues in the Senate as well as with LGBT leaders to defeat the divisive and discriminatory Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA). Since then, we not only defeated FMA, but we have been able to make real progress in achieving fairness for all Americans. In fact, since June 2006, New Jersey and New Hampshire became the third and fourth states to adopt civil unions and Washington and Iowa were added to the list of states that outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. A similar bill in Colorado is expected to be signed into law soon. And in Congress, we are finally on the verge of passing the Matthew Shepherd Act, which would expand hate crimes laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity. What a difference a year makes.

"The start of Gay and Lesbian Pride Month is a great time to celebrate these recent victories but also to reflect on all the work that still needs to be done. Unfortunately, while this is the first time in years that hate crimes legislation has a strong chance of passing both houses of Congress, President Bush has already signaled that he would veto this landmark bill. The truth is we will see little progress for the LGBT community at the national level until we have a new Democratic president. For six long years, the Bush Administration has only seen the families that matter to them. It's been a government of the few, by the few, and for the few. And no community has been more invisible to this administration than the LGBT community.

"I'm running for president to replace the divisive leadership of the past six years -- leadership that views no issue and no family above the reach of politics. America deserves a president who appeals to the best in each of us, not the worst; a president who values and respects all Americans, gay and straight; a president who treats all Americans equally no matter who they are or who they love.

"I'm proud of my record standing up for the LGBT community during my years as First Lady and as a U.S. Senator. But when I take office in January 2009, we'll finally be able to define success by more than the bigotry we stopped and the bad decisions we prevented. America will finally have a president who moves this country forward. When I am president, we will work together to make sure that all Americans in committed relationships have equal benefits and that nothing stands in the way of loving couples who want to adopt children in need. We're going to finally expand our federal hate crimes legislation and pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. It is just plain wrong that in the year 2007, people who work hard and do a good job every day can still be fired because of who they love. And finally, we will put an end to the failed policy of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice -- the traits that define our men and women in uniform -- have nothing to do with sexual orientation.

"I am honored to have the support of so many people in the LGBT community and look forward to working with the community closely throughout the campaign. Together, we can continue the journey America has been on from the very beginning -- to form a more perfect union and realize the goals and values we believe in. That's the promise of America -- and that's why I'm running for president."

Hillary Clinton's LGBT Supporters

Hillary Clinton has released her list of LGBT Supporters. The list includes at least two folks who were actively involved in the Howard Dean campaign, Ethan Geto and Mirian Saez. Not suprisingly, there are also several folks here from the so called 'HRC Massachusetts Gay Mafia', as described by the Blade including Mary Breslauer and Hillary Rosen. Hillary Clinton received a warm reception at a recent HRC event.

Here is the complete list:

Christopher Barley, New York City physician

Mary Breslauer, HRC’s XM radio show The Agenda

Ilene Chaiken, creator and executive producer of The L Word

Bruce Cohen, film and television producer

Tom Duane, New York state senator

Steve Elmendorf, president of Elmendorf Strategies

Ethan Geto, publicist and political consultant

Emily Giske, Democratic National Committe

Deborah Glick, New York state Assembly

Chad Griffin, political consultant

Rebecca Haag, executive director of AIDS Action

Fred Hochberg, former Bill Clinton cabinet appointee and dean at The New School

Roberta Kaplan, attorney

Billie Jean King, sports legend and activist

Neel Lattimore, Hillary's former press secretary as First Lady, currently communications director at Children’s Defense Fund

Rachel Lavine, New York state committee member

Danny O’Donnell, New York state Assembly

Christine Quinn, speaker of the New York City Council

Hilary Rosen, recording industry executive, HRC board member

Peter Rosenstein, gay rights activist

Mirian Saez, Democratic National Committee

Jeff Soref, former chair of the Democratic National Committee LGBT caucus

Jill Stauffer, HRC board member

Sally Susman, executive vice president for global communications at Estee Lauder Companies

Matthew Titone, New York state Assembly

David Wilson, HRC board member

The Race for LGBT Dollars

Lisa Keen has a great article in PrideSource looking at which Democratic Presidential Candidates are getting LGBT dollars. She writes:

"In ten zip code areas with well-known heavily gay neighborhoods in seven cities, Clinton took in 51 percent of contributions made to the top three Democrats, as reported in the April quarterly report made available by the Federal Elections Commission this week. Obama raked in 39 percent, and John Edwards 10 percent. In Ann Arbor's zip code of 48104, Clinton took 68 percent of the money given to the top three Democrats, followed by Obama with 20 percent, and Edwards with 12."

It's always hard to tell just how much LGBT money goes to Democratic causes. Obviously we don't just live in those zip codes, we are everywhere. But unless you make it clear that your donation is from an LGBT Democrat, who's going to know?

Statement from Senator Clinton on Iowa Discrimination Bill

"I applaud the Iowa State Legislature for their efforts to end discrimination and make the state more welcoming. I've supported similar legislation in the US Senate because too many Americans suffer as a result of bigotry, and I believe this legislation will help reinforce our fundamental belief in equality and justice for all. As President, I will work with Congress to echo the clear message of fairness Iowa's leaders sent today."

Another LGBT News Item Absent from Clinton Website

Hillary Clinton's campaign sent out this press release last week in which she commens Governor Lynch and the New Hampshire legislature for leadership on civil unions.

Clinton states: "New Hampshire has a long history of protecting its citizens from discrimination, and I would like to commend Governor Lynch and the New Hampshire legislature for their commitment and support for the civil rights of gays and lesbians."

Great quote, right? Still, I can't help but notice that much like Hillary's recently announced list of LGBT supporters, this press release is conspicuously absent from the list of recent press releases on the official Hillary Clinton website. Why is it that of all the twenty-plus press releases sent out his month, this is the one that doesn't make it on the website? Why is it, for that matter, that the word 'gay' cannot be found anywhere on the Hillary Clinton website?

Hillary Clinton is saying the right things to LGBT press, and to LGBT audiences. It's what she's NOT willing to say about us to mainstream audiences that's got me worried.

Hillary Clinton: Allow Gay Soldiers To Serve Openly

Hillary Clinton is quoted in the Des Moines Register today stating clearly that gay troops should be able to serve in the U.S. Military.

Hillary Clinton states: "Right now, we are discharging soldiers - at a time when we don't have enough people to do the missions we need around the world - because they're gay. Not because they've done anything, but just because they're gay."

Read the whole article here

Clinton and Obama Clarify Positions on Morality

Stonewall Democrats Press Release

Washington, DC - Today, the National Stonewall Democrats recognized statements issued on Thursday by Senators Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Barack Obama (D-IL) which clearly stated that sexual orientation is not linked to morality. The organization also urged all Democratic candidates to speak positively on issues that impact lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans within their campaigns and before the American public.

"We appreciate the strong statements from Senators Clinton and Obama following the aggressive campaign undertaken by our members, donors and staff over the last several days," said Jo Wyrick, Executive Director. "Most Democrats understand that morality isn't derived from sexual orientation or gender identity. Democrats should also understand that our families must no longer be seen as a liability on the campaign trail, but as positive partners within the American community. Our members aggressively communicated that message to both campaigns this past week. We now look forward to helping all of our Democratic candidates further engage our community and better vocalize their support for all Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity."

This week, Senators Clinton and Obama were each asked by reporters whether homosexuality was immoral following comments by Marine General Peter Pace, Chairman of the Join Chiefs of Staff, which indicated that. At the time, both Senators declined to answer the question.

National Stonewall Democrats, in response, initiated an internal effort to mobilize leaders and donors close to both Senators to lobby the campaigns on this issue. Stonewall also directly contacted each campaign and initiated a media effort this week with appearances on national television, radio and in print publications in an effort to talk about morality and Democratic values and to persuade both Senators to clarify their positions.

Yesterday, Senators Clinton and Obama each issued statements which strongly declared their beliefs regarding sexual orientation and individual morality.

"I've heard from a number of my friends, and I've certainly clarified with them any misunderstanding that anyone had, because I disagree with General Pace completely. I do not think homosexuality is immoral." - Statement of Senator Hillary Clinton

"I do not agree with General Pace that homosexuality is immoral. Attempts to divide people like this have consumed too much of our politics over the past six years." - Statement of Senator Barack Obama

Both Senators also reaffirmed their opposition to the current "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue" policy employed by the military.

Congressman Marty Meehan (D-MA) has recently introduced the Military Readiness Enhancement Act that would revoke the current policy on gay personnel. The removal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue" policy is supported by leading Democrats and is the official position of the Democratic Party as espoused in the 2004 platform of the Democratic National Convention.

Hillary Clinton wins Dolphin Dems Straw Poll

New York Senator Hillary Clinton topped the field in the Dolphin Democrats straw poll of 2008 presidential contenders, winning 57.6 percent of the vote.

Illinois Senator Barack Obama was a distant second with 13.2 percent of the vote, and former senator John Edwards and former vice president Al Gore tied for third place, each winning 11.9 percent of the vote.

The unscientific straw poll was conducted Saturday and Sunday at PrideFest by the Dolphin Democrats, Broward's GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender)Democratic club. The Dolphin Democrats are chartered by the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus, an arm of the Florida Democratic Party.

The Dolphin Democrats are one of the largest Democratic clubs in the state. History tells us that whoever wins Florida in November 2008 will be elected president. And with more than a million gay and lesbian voters in Florida, more than 70 percent of them Democrats, the GLBT community has an important role to play, Dolphin Democrats president Amy Shoosmith said.

Browards GLBT community is a cross-section of the Democratic constituency across the state. While our poll is an unscientific assessment, it is a solid snapshot of where the 2008 presidential contest is right now.

Full results of the poll follow:

Candidate Votes Percentage

Hillary Clinton 140 57.6%
Barack Obama 32 13.2%
John Edwards 29 11.9%
Al Gore 29 11.9%
Bill Richardson 5 2.1%
Wesley Clark 3 1.2%
Joe Biden 2 0.8%
Others 2 0.8%
Dennis Kucinich 1 0.4%

Hillary Clinton Speaks at HRC Event

This week, Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) delivered the keynote address at a luncheon of more than 400 board members, staff and supporters of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization.

The Human Rights Campaign also extended invitations to former Senator John Edwards, Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. All three were unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts.

Governor Bill Richardson is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at this year's Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Gala Dinner to be held on March 24, 2007. For more information on the Los Angeles dinner, please visit: www.hrc.org

The Human Rights Campaign has not made any endorsement or taken a position on any potential 2008 presidential candidates. Invitations are extended to candidates of both parties. The Human Rights Campaign has a thorough vetting process for political candidates and when any possible endorsement is made that information will be released publicly.

Will Hillary Introduce Senate DADT Legislation?

Yesterday, Congressman Marty Meehan reintroduced the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, which would repeal the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy in the House. But the question remains, who will introduce the legislation in the Senate? Hillary Clinton comes to mind for two reasons. First, she has been mentioning this issue on the campaign trail. Second, she serves on the Armed Services Committee.

And what does Congressman Marty Meehan think? The Edge Reports.

Asked who he might ask to introduce the Senate bill, Meehan said several Democratic members have expressed support, including Massachusetts colleague Ted Kennedy and Russ Feingold of Wisconsin. Hillary Clinton of New York has said she supports lifting the ban while campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination. Kennedy and Clinton serve on the Armed Services Committee.

Hillary, we are counting on you to be a leader on this issue! Don't let us down.

For Hillary Clinton Supporters

Do you want to show your support for Hillary Clinton in 2008? Do you have a website? Here are two very easy things you can do.

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2008: Three Emerge, War Top Issue for LGBT Voters

Lisa Keen has a great article in the Bay Area Reporter, in which she notes two important trends in the 2008 presidential campaign. First, LGBT voters are looking closely at three candidates: Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and John Edwards. LGBT issues continue to be important to our community. Much like the rest of the country, however, the War in Iraq is a defining issue.

Hillary Clinton on Gay and Lesbian Issues

Kathy Belge from About.com has posted the following review of Barack Obama on Gay and Lesbian Issues.

Hillary Clinton as New York's Senator: Hillary Clinton sits on the following committees: Senate Committee on Armed Services, Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pension and Senate Special Committee on Aging. She has been criticized by liberals for her support of the Iraq war, but praised for her support of abortion rights, education support and health care.

Hillary Clinton and the United States Senate: Every two years the Human Rights Campaign, the largest national gay and lesbian organization, issues a scorecard for members of the Senate based on their sponsorship and voting on key issues of importance to gay and lesbian citizens. Hillary Clinton scored 89 out of 100% in the 2006 scorecard. Here's how HRC rated Hillary Clinton:

Federal Marriage Amendment: Hillary Clinton voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment (S.J. Res. 1) which would have defined marriage as between a man and a woman and included language which could have prevented recognition of civil unions and domestic partnership benefits. The amendment failed by a vote of 49-48.

Confirmation of Judge William Pryor : HRC opposed the confirmation of Judge William Pryor to Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals because of his opposition to equal rights for gays and lesbians. Hillary Clinton voted against Pryor's nomination, but Pryor was nominated in June 2005.

Judge Samuel Alito Confirmation : HRC opposed the nomination of Samuel Alito to the United States Supreme Court and so did Hillary Clinton. Hillary Clinton was part of an attempted filibuster to keep the Alito vote from taking place. Despite Hillary's no vote, Samuel Alito was confirmed for the Supreme Court.
Co-Sponoring Legislation: Hillary Clinton, in line with HRC, co-sponsored legislation to bring Medicaid coverage to low-income, HIV-positive Americans and the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act which would expand federal jurisdiction to reach serious, violent hate crimes perpetrated because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability of the victim. She did not co-sponsor Uniting American Families Act that would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide same-sex partners of U.S. citizens the same immigration benefits legal spouses of U.S. residents enjoy.

Hillary Clinton and Gay Marriage: Some gay and lesbian voters don't feel like Hillary Clinton has done enough to support gay and lesbian rights, while others believe she is the best candidate for gay and lesbian issues. Clinton opposes gay marriage but supports civil unions between members of the same sex.

During her husband's administration, she supported the Defense of Marriage Act, a law preventing the federal recognition of same-sex marriage.
"Marriage has got historic, religious and moral content that goes back to the beginning of time, and I think a marriage is as a marriage always has been, between a man and a woman." - Hillary Clinton, opposing same-sex marriages, quoted in The New York Daily News.

However, in October 2006 Hillary Clinton was quoted by 365gay.com as saying,"I believe in full equality of benefits, nothing left out. From my perspective there is a greater likelihood of us getting to that point in civil unions or domestic partnerships and that is my very considered assessment."

Clark Williams on Hillary Clinton

Clark posted the following on the Out for Hillary Discussion YGroup. Clark is one of the moderators of this group.

While I wish that the Clinton administration would have rejected DOMA, I believe that Hillary Clinton remains committed to equal rights for all LGBT Americans.

As a LGBT political leader in Silicon Valley - and as a parent - I am proud to support her presidential campaign because of her long record of support for a range of progressive causes. On several key policy matters important to the nation's LGBT community, Senator Clinton has been a strong advocate including:

* HIV/AIDS: a strong supporter of the Ryan White CARE Act, supports extending Medicaid eligibility to more Americans disabled by the disease, supports greater funding for HIV prevention programs;

* LGBT military service: opposes 'don't ask: don't tell', supports LGBT military service;

* Equal marriage rights: Opposes federal marriage amendment, supports equal marriage rights on state level, supports civil unions and domestic partnerships;

* Employment discrimination and hate crimes: Supports ENDA and supports adding sexual orientation and gender identity to hate crimes legislation;

* Women's rights: Promotes women's rights as human rights, supports abortion
rights;

* Adoption and parenting: Supports making adoption and foster parenting easier for all Americans.

* Human Rights Campaign Scorecard: 89 (2006), 88 (2004), 100 (2002); and

* Focus on the Family Scorecard: 0 (2006).

I would hope that the LGBT community would examine Hillary Clinton's entire record of support for a range of issues important to our community. Not only has she been a supporter of these issues but she has been a trusted leader that we can count on.

Clark Williams
San Jose, CA

Out for Hillary Yahoo Groups

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender supporters of Hillary Clinton for President in 2008 are invited to join one of these two lists to begin networking:

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