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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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Obama Invites Gay Advocates to White House

But angered rights campaigners want more than just talk

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(Newser) – President Obama has invited gay rights leaders to the White House next Monday to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion, the New York protests seen as the start of gay liberation. It's unclear whether Obama will address the strong criticism he's recently faced from gay and lesbian advocates. One leader said that while he hoped Obama would lay out a vision for expanded rights, he was afraid the president might be "having people in for shrimp cocktail."

The president has faced growing anger from gay and lesbian advocates for slow progress on campaign promises, including an end to Don't Ask Don't Tell and a repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. Last week he announced a small extension of benefits for gay federal workers, which advocates attacked as insufficient. "Real lives are impacted by his decisions," notes the head of the Family Equality Council.

President Barack Obama will speak to gay and lesbian advocates at the White House on Monday.
President Barack Obama will speak to gay and lesbian advocates at the White House on Monday.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Revelers hold a giant flag during the Gay Pride Parade in Sao Paulo, Sunday, June 14, 2009.
Revelers hold a giant flag during the Gay Pride Parade in Sao Paulo, Sunday, June 14, 2009.   (AP Photo/Nelson Antoine)
The crowd chanted and waved rainbow flags and American flags outside the hotel, a day after the California Supreme Court upheld a voter approved ban on gay marriage.
The crowd chanted and waved rainbow flags and American flags outside the hotel, a day after the California Supreme Court upheld a voter approved ban on gay marriage.   (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Dozens of gay rights protesters demonstrate outside the Beverly Hills hotel, where Barack Obama attended a Democratic Party fundraiser in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Wednesday, May 27, 2009.
Dozens of gay rights protesters demonstrate outside the Beverly Hills hotel, where Barack Obama attended a Democratic Party fundraiser in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Wednesday, May 27, 2009.   (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
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What’s going to change the way the community is feeling is seeing the introduction of a bill to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. - Jennifer Chrisler, executive director of the Family Equality Council

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5 comments
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Sabrina
Jun 23, 09 8:47 AM CDT
Perhaps the Gay Community could send PErez Hilton? Just asking.............................. Reply
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zentenai
Jun 23, 09 11:13 PM CDT
We want Obama to have a GOOD impression of gay people.
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kokuaguy
Jun 23, 09 2:15 PM CDT
The extension of benefits for gay federal workers was symbolically important. The anti-gay marriage arguments that were made by DOJ attorneys recently were stupid, and the President owes the gay community an explanation. Would Bush have ever done anything close to officially acknowledging the Stonewall Rebellion? Stupid question. If DOMA is ended by the time Obama leaves the White House it will be a huge victory and a promise kept, imho. Reply
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ClearSight
Jun 24, 09 12:00 AM CDT
Hope he keeps his back to the wall..... Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
kokuaguy
Jun 24, 09 1:28 AM CDT
You're so naughty !!!
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