Shelley Berkley Asserts Equal Rights Regardless of Sexuality
This weekend, people from all over the United States of America are converging upon Washington D.C. to take part in the National Equality March – a demonstration of the widespread support for equality for all Americans, regardless of sexuality. Yes, anti-gay protesters were there too – all three of them.
U.S. Representative Barney Frank may have advised that equal rights activists need to keep their message quiet, with behind-closed-doors lobbying, but the new generation of activism is unashamed and out in the open on the National Mall. It’s about time.
Representative Shelley Berkley is not a spring chicken herself, but she understands the shift that has taken place in American culture, the shift that Congressman Frank has yet to see. This week, when Representative Berkeley spoke in favor of equality for all, her words were strong.
“No individual, including those in our armed forces, should be discriminated against based on his or her sexual orientation,” she said. “The vast majority of Americans believe our troops deserve the opportunity to serve with honesty and honor. And most importantly, a majority of servicemembers have said they would have no reservations about serving alongside gay and lesbian troops… repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ would increase, not undercut, unit cohesion by fostering openness and trust.”
