Frank: Gay Rights March a "Waste of Time"

Gay Congressman Says Activists Should Focus on Lobbying Elected Officials Rather Than Demonstrating

(AP)  The first openly gay member of Congress says he would rather see gay rights supporters lobbying their elected officials than participating in a planned march on Washington this weekend, calling the demonstration "a waste of time at best."

Rep. Barney Frank, in an interview with The Associated Press, said he considers such demonstrations to be "an emotional release" that does little to pressure Congress.

"The only thing they're going to be putting pressure on is the grass," the Democrat said Friday.

Thousands of gay men and women are expected to gather for Sunday's National Equality March.

Many gay rights advocates have criticized President Barack Obama for not moving faster to keep his campaign promises to extend gay rights, and Congress has also drawn flak for not doing more. Mr. Obama plans to speak Saturday at a dinner hosted by the Human Rights Campaign, the largest U.S. gay rights group.

Frank's comments underscore divisions in the gay community over the pace of progress on civil rights.

President Obama's election, coupled with the Democratic control of the House and Senate, boosted hopes in the gay community for breakthroughs on sweeping measures to end discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

March organizers have said they're no longer willing to quietly wait for Democratic office holders to make good on decades-old promises. They contend that lawmakers' actions should catch up to the growing acceptance of gay relationships.

Organizers say the march is only part of a broader effort that includes the kind of lobbying Frank is urging.

"We hear Congressman Frank when he says this is about getting back into your district and doing the work there," said Kip Williams, co-director of the march. But he said the march in Washington "is about building community and building a network who will go back and do that work."

But Frank said the real problem is gathering enough votes in the House and Senate to win passage of anti-discrimination legislation.

Crimesider Blog: Republicans Revolt Against Gay Hate "Thought Crimes" Law

Gay rights advocates should borrow from the playbooks of the two most effective interest groups, the National Rifle Association and the AARP senior citizens group, said Frank.

"Call or write your representative or senator, and then have your friends call and write their representative or senator," Frank said. "That's what the NRA does. That's what the AARP does."

Congress is on the verge of making it a federal crime to assault people because of their sexual orientation. The so-called hate crimes legislation was attached to a major defense bill approved by the House.

[shammock112]

America, the next Sodom and Gomorrah!

[gboyd41]

Consider this, Barney put so much time and effort into FNM because of the name "fannie".

[Vic369]

I don't like Barney Frank, not for his sexual orientation, or his stand against this organized expression of peoples rights to assemble and protest.

I dislike him for being the pointman giving away billions to banks who in turn bought other banks and did not free up lending and went on Junkets. AIG comes to mind, twice.

I also dislike him for a town hall meeting I watched on TV where the audience questions were repeatedly blown off by him as if he was telling them, in my words. I'm going to do this anyway, no matter what you say.

So much for representative government.

[Vic369]

"Congress is on the verge of making it a federal crime to assault people because of their sexual orientation. The so-called hate crimes legislation was attached to a major defense bill approved by the House."

Assualt on anyone is already covered in law. Assault covers a broad spectrum such as verbal, physical and all the in betweens. If I verbally assault someone or pop them in the eye, they were asking for it and with my level of tolerance, had to beg for it. That being said, If you turn out to be Gay, does that automatically mean its a "Hate Crime?" I think not.

I hope this bill is written to protect people against those who would stalk or otherwise intentionally seek confrontations with Gay people. I think they are rare and do require special penalties. Let's not make laws that single out any group or race or be vague about intent.

Our constitution says "All men are created equal" and "We all have equal protection under the law."

Don't give Barney such a hard time. Any senator whose live-in boyfriend runs a gay ********** from (the senator's) basement, ends
up in the national news, and gets re elected anyway, can't be "all bad".
You go girl! (or it, or thang, etc.)

[gaypastor]

Hey Barney...here's another quote for ya: "There is NEVER a time in our American democracy that we must ever think we're wrong when we protest. We reserve that right!" - (Martin Luther King). You're decision to go public with a statment such as this simply shows just how much of a sell-out you've become. I'm disgusted that this is how you choose to care for our community.

[armyoftwelve]

Actually barney, gay "marriage" is a waste of time.

[jankebenzone]

The congressgay is right, being gay is a waste of time, its better to spend ones time lobbying officals to set things straight.

[Lawyers-Guns-n-Money-01]

At least these teabaggers aren't fake.

[nextgenman09]

No, they're just hoot bumpkins who've been Pavlovianly trained to fear everything.

[far_point200]

Why Barney, you silly girl, the march will be a perfect opportunity for you to met new guys and to obtain some fresh gerbils!

[Vic369]

Sylvester couldn't have said it better. Thats my Gerbils name and these guys scare him.

[frogger581]

I dont think marching is a waste of time, most of the contacts that i've made to build networks and more effectively lobby congressmen have been made at marches such as these.

[Liberal_Hysteria]

The first openly gay congressman could only be a Democrat from Massachusetts.

[frogger581]

Wow you're slow, Barney Frank was elected to congess years before same sex marriage was passed in Massachusetts. Read a book...

[stuart-johns2]

by Liberal_Hysteria October 10, 2009 12:39 PM EDT
The first openly gay congressman could only be a Democrat from Massachusetts
===================

And the first openly gay preacher of religious dogma was a republican.

[Liberal_Hysteria]

Gays play the unprotected people game but they dont need any protection.In fact gays are a very organized wealthy community..

[TrickynWV]

What Frank stated is correct. Lobbying is not about giving money to a candidate. That's what cigarette companies and pharmaceuticals do. Its about applying pressure. The squeaking wheel gets the grease. Don't just call these legislators, plan on putting them on the spot every time they are in public. They will soon get the message that American is not just for their vote mustering Bible thumpers back home, but it is for EVERYONE EQUALLY- REGARDLESS OF RELIGIOUS BRAIN-WASHING

[curse914]

You are correct, they can easily avoid an organized protest and ignore it.

This would be good way to effect change. Find out where they are at all times and pick opportune times to open up on them in public.

[joeybergas]

lawyers are truly, and utterly useless......we do not need them, get rid of them all!

[writer10]

not true - only the bad lawyers get press making the good ones suffer the consequences...the press never comments on the good lawyers because that wouldn't stir controversy and up their ratings.

[zamorin44]

Good old Frank is just trying to steady Obama's boat in the turbulent waters .

[dragon8me]

The truth at last. "Rep. Barney Frank, in an interview with The Associated Press, said he considers such demonstrations to be "an emotional release" that does little to pressure Congress."
We on the left have long exercised our right to protest and recently even the right has been doing it. When we see people we don't agree with protesting we make snide comments and in the eyes of most people they look bad. But the truth I'm talking about is that congress dosnt pay attention to protesters. The only thing they care about is votes, and money. If you want change, don't sent the same people back to Washington.

[rightbehind]

I think we need to take the money out of politics.

[stuart-johns2]

Absolutely. Campaign finance reform could'nt come fast enough. The sooner we get out from the stranglehold of special interests and their lobbyists, the sooner the American citizens voices will be finally obeyed, as they should be.

Special interests did not elect anyone, they just corrupt them.

[writer10]

exactly - well said stuart.

[ToolMangler1]

It won't do any good. A poor (but honest) person cannot get into politics unless he sells his soul.
It has always been "Them that has, gets...."
If they are rich coming into politics, then they know all the ropes and are after "Power".
We canno5t win for losing..

[stuart-johns2]

by ToolMangler1 October 10, 2009 6:16 PM EDT

When they have to spend millions out of their own pockets for a campaign they may not win, it may do some good.

At any rate, it'll deny the lobbyists their corrupt influence. So I think campaign finance reform it a good ticket to bet on.

[ToolMangler1]

by stuart-johns2 October 10, 2009 7:32 PM EDT
"At any rate, it'll deny the lobbyists their corrupt influence. So I think campaign finance reform it a good ticket to bet on."





There is that!!!!
I have to agree.

[rightbehind]

money talks eh?

[wmsshields]

Gee, Mr. Frank, the dems ignored the "teabaggers" when they did just what you are suggesting. Is it now your position that you will listen to those who are against the various health care reform bills? Will you vote against Obama and Pelosi because you see all these "dining room tables" are for real. You friggin' hypocrit!

[writer10]

Speaking of dining room tables, it's nice to see that BO will speak at a dinner for gay rights yet avoid speaking at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial and send 'a note to be read' by a speaker to the families. Course, as these FF's are now dead, there are no future votes there...