Democratic platform draft changed again - now includes the phrase "same sex couples'

[ruggerson]

Platform committee took suggestions from gay organizations and strengthened the draft. Kudos to the NSD and others for speaking out.

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/08/new-draft-democ.html

"UPDATE: I'm told that language has now been changed, so it reads: "We support the full inclusion of all families, including same-sex couples, in the life of our nation, and support equal responsibility, benefits, and protections."

Jon Hoadley, the Executive Director for the National Stonewall Democrats, says that at the suggestion of his organization and other LGBT organizations, "a couple of tweaks were made, mainly, making it clear that same sex couples are a part of all families."

Hoadley goes on to say that "the LGBT Community thought this was the strongest platform ever for inclusion and substance over symbolism," wih clear statements made opposing the Defense of Marriage Act, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, expressions of support for "the implementation of policies that allow qualified men and women to serve openly (in the military" regardless of sexual orientation, a comprehensive bipartisan employment non-discrimination act, a National AIDS Strategy, ending discrimination based on a number of matters including sexual orientation and gender identity."

[JackBeck]

1. Now that's a platform I can finally think about supporting.

I'm glad to see our Party begin to get comfortable with using inclusive language.

[ruggerson]

3. I think the new language is great

and I'm glad the gay groups got it right for once and recommended the changes. Just a few words can change the meaning of an entire paragraph.

Words matter. :)

[JackBeck]

6. I think it's great, as well.

Probably the best wording we could hope for given the political environment. I was disappointed on Friday reading about the initial changes, so I'm happy with whatever compromise was reached in order to solidify the current wording.

[BlooInBloo]

2. An excellent start.

[jesus_of_suburbia]

4. Thank GOD! Well done.

That's all I have to say.

[Maven]

5. Good.

It strikes the right balance now. Hopefully they'll flesh out more specific positions in different GLBT-related policy areas.

[blogslut]

7. good

K&R

[Maat]

8. Good!

That's better.

[JackBeck]

9. Morning kick!

:kick:

[musicblind]

10. Awesome!

Thank you for keeping us informed ahout this Ruggerson! :)


kick and rec

[TrogL]

11. I was at a gay wedding this weekend

(to make it relevant to the topic)

Two of my best friends who have been together 15 years finally tied the knot.

Pictures at 11.

Hopefully the Democratic party (and the US public in general) will mature to the point where this is an ordinary and non-controverial event.

[Independent_Voice]

12. Let's hope the ticket ends up reflecting this spirit

Obama/(?????) 2008

[Marrah_G]

13. Good

[ulysses]

14. glad to hear that.

:thumbsup:

[Political Heretic]

15. I appreciate anything that can't be mistaken as lack of support, but I wish it was written better.

But hey... in a choice between something poetic and something that says what it needs to, I'll take the latter.

I wasn't against the previous inclusive draft, but I am even more for this one - just so there can't be any wiggle room or confusion about the stance of the Democratic Party.

[JerseygirlCT]

16. I like that. nt

[Zuiderelle]

17. This makes me happy.