The night before the National Equality March in DC, President Barack Obama will address the Human Rights Campaign, America’s largest LGBT civil rights advocacy group.
President Obama will be delivering the keynote address at HRC’s annual dinner this weekend. This is particularly interesting, considering many gay rights advocates have been disappointed with President Obama’s lack of progress on their behalf. Some claim that his unfulfilled campaign promises of overturning Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and the Defense of Marriage Act show a lack of support for LGBT rights.
Does this speech at the HRC mean change is truly coming for America’s LGBT groups? Or, as his approval ratings diminish amid the healthcare media storm, is President Obama merely trying to strike up some (arguably much-needed) endorsement from groups that supported him during his campaign? Is this a sign that Obama will be tackling civil rights issues next, or is he just using this opportunity for good press with the LGBT community?
I personally am cautiously optimistic that this could finally mean the kind of changes President Obama promised. It’s clear that there are other, more far-reaching issues on his plate now (healthcare, the economy, and education, just to name a few), but the President must realize the significance that this speech may take on. Putting aside the timing of this speech (itself an important factor), let us not forget that President Obama will be only the second president to address a gay rights group (President Clinton addressed the HRC over ten years ago). This may be an impetus for a new era in LGBT rights, but President Obama should be wary of vague or empty promises to this community if he hopes to keep their support through the next election.
Look here next week for a follow-up post with reactions to the speech.
Kennedy fell into that trap on civil rights. Make a few too many empty promises, and Obama may find his office flooded with ballpoint pens.