For the past twelve years, the modern civil rights movement has been stifled here on Capitol Hill. Today, with new forward-looking leadership, we see the potential of breaking the theological grip on this issue and promoting important steps for the civil rights of gay and lesbian citizens.
In a sense, hate crimes legislation is the lowest common denominator. Even people who cannot accept civil rights based on sexual orientation must acknowledge that hate crimes motivated by the characteristics of a class of people are beyond the pale.
Today’s legislation passed with overwhelming support from Democrats and a number of Republicans as well. This victory is not just a rejection of senseless violence against gay and lesbian citizens; it is the welcoming of a new era on Capitol Hill.
It is safe to say that those who would enshrine a prohibition on same-sex marriage in the Constitution – and those who would refuse employment protections to gays and lesbians – are already starting to recognize that they are on the wrong side of history.
The disaster that Iraq has posed for our armed services has exposed not just the hypocrisy, but the foolishness of our "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy. As has been the case in other major conflicts, when the chips are down and we need good men and women, we must stop rejecting good soldiers because of sexual orientation.
At a time when we are struggling to keep families together and care for dependents and when relationships are more complex in today’s demanding world, we are also building momentum for legislation on domestic partnership benefits. I am proud that Oregon is leading by example, establishing legal protections and rights for same-sex couples through Domestic Partnerships and by enacting a ban against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in areas such as employment, housing, public accommodation and public education.
The reality for families, reality in the armed forces, and reality in the workplace are steadily chipping away at discriminatory practices and policies, setting the stage for dramatic changes here in Congress. The fact that Americans under the age of 35 have long had the strongest sentiment against discrimination means that the changing tides will only grow stronger. Today’s vote on hate crimes is a symbol, a signal, and the beginning of a high-water mark for the next great round of progress for civil rights in America.