From zero to hero? New majority leader Bill Frist has cast zero pro-gay votes, but his gestures toward inclusion give some activists hope. (Senate).As Senate majority leader, Bill Frist of Tennessee certainly seems more moderate than his predecessor, Trent Lott. While Lott had a reputation for being abrasive and inflexible, Frist is admired for his laid-back demeanor and inclusive tone. Gay political group Log Cabin Republicans The Log Cabin Republicans (LCR) is a federated gay and lesbian political organization in the United States with state chapters and a national office in Washington, D.C. The group consists of gays and lesbians who are supporters of the Republican Party. hailed his selection as a positive sign, with executive director Patrick Guerriero proclaiming him a "great choice for majority leader." Other gay rights advocates, however, were less enthusiastic. They point to his record as ample cause for concern: Since joining the Senate in 1995, Frist has voted against hate-crimes legislation, against the Employment Non-Discrimination Act This article documents a proposed statute that is being considered. Information may change rapidly as the bill progresses. , and in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act. He failed to sign a voluntary written policy indicating that sexual orientation is not a factor in hiring for his Senate office staff. He scored a 0 on the Human Rights Campaign scorecard in the 107th Congress. Indeed, when civil rights advocacy group People for the American Way People For the American Way (PFAW) is a progressive advocacy organization in the United States. Under U.S. tax code, PFAW is organized as a tax-exempt 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. The current president of PFAW is Ralph Neas. compared Frist's voting record with Lott's, it found them to be identical. Still, gay leaders aren't ready to write Frist off. To his credit, they point out, the former heart and lung transplant surgeon, has shown a more moderate side regarding health care, specifically on HIV HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), either of two closely related retroviruses that invade T-helper lymphocytes and are responsible for AIDS. There are two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is responsible for the vast majority of AIDS in the United States. and AIDS legislation, pushing for increased global funding for AIDS prevention and treatment. He also spoke last year at Log Cabin's annual conference, demonstrating an awareness of the power of the gay vote by telling the crowd, "We cannot win without your help." HRC HRC Human Rights Campaign HRC Human Rights Council (UN) HRC Human Rights Commission HRC Hard Rock Cafe HRC Hillary Rodham Clinton (democratic senator/presidential candidate; former first lady) communications director David Smith said Frist's attendance at events held by Log Cabin and Republican Unity Coalition The Republican Unity Coalition was created as an outgrowth of the George W. Bush campaign in the 2000 US presidential election. It is a "grasstops" organization of the United States Republican Party, with a Board of Advisors formerly including the late President Gerald Ford, as (a gay-straight alliance) should be seen as positive and inclusive. Smith said he holds out hope that Frist's inclusive style will rub off on Senate policy-making pol·i·cy·mak·ing or pol·i·cy-mak·ing n. High-level development of policy, especially official government policy. adj. Of, relating to, or involving the making of high-level policy: . "We will approach his tenure with an open mind and a hopeful posture," he said. "We are hopeful that the aftermath of ... the Trent Lott episode has sent a message to the party leadership as it relates to civil rights." |
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