''The voices of LGBT Americans are an integral part of the fabric of our nation and of the Democratic Party, and they play a critical role in our efforts to move our country forward. President Obama and Democrats in Congress have heard the concerns of LGBT Americans and have worked hard over the past year to address barriers LGBT Americans continue to face.... Since taking office, President Obama has taken a number of important steps along this path – signing historic hate crimes legislation which extends protections to LGBT Americans, guaranteeing LGBT families the right to visit and make medical decisions for a partner in America’s hospitals, lifting the ban on HIV/AIDS individuals entering the United States, honoring the life and legacy of Harvey Milk, and including LGBT families in the Census for the first time in history, among others. And as a result of this Administration’s efforts and the efforts of committed Democrats in Congress, our country is finally on the verge of repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ – so that the most dedicated and able Americans are defending and securing our nation every American without regard to sexual orientation.''
Statement released by DNC Chairman Tim Kaine who was until recently also the Governor of Virginia. (Democrats.org)
