Arline Isaacson LGBT Rights Update

Arline Isaacson, Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus who was instrumental in the passing of gay marriage in Massachusetts talks with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. Isaacson shares her thoughts about Barney Frank announcing his retirement in 2012, Mitt Romney claiming he’s for gay rights, and other issues concerning our LGBT community. Congressman Barney Frank joins 14 Democratic US Reps who are not seeking re-election in 2012. When asked what her reaction was to Frank’s decision to retire, Isaacson stated, “Well it’s obviously a mega loss for our LGBT community and clearly a mega loss for the progressive community. Barney was, is, one of the brightest, sharpest, most hardworking, insightful, politically savvy, knowledgeable congressman that we have or could have. In spite of his reputation as being persnickety when dealing with people he managed in the congressional world to move about very successfully because he was very politic more often than not. He delivered significantly for the LGBT community and the progressive community for the last three decades as a brilliant advocate and it’s a real loss for us as progressives having someone who so articulately framed the debate for LGBT equality. And just as importantly, argumentally more important, knew how to maneuver in the halls of Congress and the White House to maximize what we could get out of the battles our community was engaged in.” Recently Mitt Romney told the Nashua Telegraph, “I favor gay rights. I don’t believe in discriminating in employment or opportunity for gay individuals.” Though Romney still opposes gay marriage we asked Arline what her spin was about this. Isaacson stated, “Romney is of course known for having his feet planted firmly on both sides of many key issues. LGBT rights is but one of those issues. Having been accused of flip flopping many times on important issues, Romney has finally learned that his positions and quotes frequently come back to haunt him when he tries to appeal to an audience with different views. So he now speaks equivocally. If he has been 'accused' of supporting the LGBT community, he might as while pretend he does.” We also talked about the lawsuits to repeal DOMA (The Defense of Marriage Act), Obama’s performance on LGBT civil rights, the LGBTQ teen bullying epidemic and the legislation Isaacson hopes to pass in Massachusetts addressing this crucial issue. Archive Chat w/ Arline About Keeping Gay Marriage Off The Ballot…:) For More Info: mglpc.org

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