U.S. Rep. Andre Carson announced today on the eve of Indianapolis' Gay Pride Festival and Parade that he has become a member of the House of Representatives LGBT caucus, which was co-founded by two openly gay members of Congress, U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) and U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). The mission of the caucus "is to achieve the extension of equal rights, the repeal of discriminatory laws, the elimination of hate-motivated violence, and the improved health and well being for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression." “It is indeed an honor and great privilege for me to serve as a member of the LGBT Equality Caucus,” said Congressman André Carson. “Working to ensure that no American is discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or gender is something that I take very seriously in my role as an elected official.” “I welcome Andre Carson’s participation in this caucus, and I appreciate his commitment to achieving equality for all Americans,” said Rep. Barney Frank.
Rep. Frank chairs the House Committee on Financial Services on which Carson also sits as a member. Carson's addition to the LGBT Equality Caucus can only help Carson steer legislation through Frank's committee. Carson is scheduled to participate in tomorrow's Indy Pride events. Mayor Ballard's press secretary, Marcus Barlow, just confirmed that Mayor Ballard, who had been extended an invitation, will not be participating in this year's Pride festivities. Barlow says the Mayor's schedule won't permit his participation. The Mayor's public schedule has him attending a Support Our Troops Event sponsored by Krogers on West 38th Street from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. No other events are on his public schedule for tomorrow during the Pride event. He's scheduled to attend another Peace In The Streets block party Sunday afternoon at 38th and Post. Ballard received substantial support from Indianapolis' GLBT community during last year's election. His absence from an event which draws more than 25,000 people to Indianapolis' downtown is a huge disappointment to say the least.
15 comments:
"Semper Fidelis" ?
SURPRISE...SURPRISE.....He is a repubican, you know.
SURPRISE...SURPRISE.....He is a Christian, you know.
I'm not going to be at the parade tomorrow either. I have plans in the morning also and my afternoon is free. I choose not to attend because I want to do something else, I'm going fishing.
Yea that's right I’m selfish. I don’t want to go to a parade. Does that make me a gay basher? Does that mean I'm anti-gay? I don't think I am and I don't believe that our Mayor is either.
The gay community supported Ballard because he was the best choice for mayor. His not being at the parade doesn't change anything.
Art/Wilson there is no “SURPRISE” here. Republican or not the man can choose where he wants to be and when. I'm sure Mayor Ballard would help you or any citizen of Indianapolis if asked, why? Because he’s our Mayor and he is a good honest guy. One’s sexual orientation would never be questioned.
concerned Taxpayer...are you saying that you cant be Christian and gay or gay friendly? What did your Christian remark mean? Help me out and tell me what you were trying to say.
Good for you irnie and hats off to the Mayor. Why do these people expect eveyone to support them even if you have your own conviction?
Who wants to go to a parade where men are walking around in chaps that don't cover the butt area? In violation of state law no less.
It's funny that politicians don't have any trouble taking money from people you say they shouldn't appear in public with. Like it or not, tens of thousands of GLBT people live, work, vote and pay taxes in the Indianapolis area. David and spooknp, crawl back in your caves, along with your stone age ideas.
Note that in previous years, Indianapolis' Mayor and Indiana's governor provide welcoming letters which are included in the event's guide which is distributed to all attendees. Both Gov. Daniels and Mayor Ballard declined to furnish letters to the event this year. If Mayor Ballard wants to broadcast to the world that he doesn't welcome gay people to his city, he is making a huge mistake. Obviously, he is receiving horrible advice from the people who surround him on the 25th floor.
If the Mayor's brand of Christianity leads him to the conclusion that it's not moral to be homosexual, and he brings his personal religious beliefs "to the office," that's what YOU voted for AI. You even bragged that you basically hounded Peterson right out of office with your investigative journalism.
This is why I feel bad for you. I can't believe I'm saying this, but you are absolutely right. They shouldn't take the money and run, and if they have a problem with the gay community, they should at least have the courage to say so.
Ballard and Daniels ARE definitely fishing today...for votes. They are laying low because they don't want to undercut support from their like-minded constituents. If they support this event, their surrogates in churches across the state can't condemn Jill Long-Thompson.
But the most intriguing thing about this story is that Andre Carson joins the caucus, and he will participate in the Indy Pride events, and that doesn't even warrant a "thanks for getting ONE thing right" or comparable praise from you. You report it, for sure, and you say it's "disappointing" that the Mayor hasn't acknowledged your existence. But NOTHING positive for Andre Carson.
I wonder if you are physically incapable of having your fingers type something complimentary about Andre Carson.
To Advance America:
I may be wrong but I did not see either men you mention, Daniels or Ballard go around to the gay communities with their hands out.
Where did the Mayor say that he does not welcome gays into Indianapolis? Just because he decided that he would not attend one of there events? How many people in Indiana would be disappointed if the governor or Mayor did support this event? You have to look at both sides of the coin no matter which side you are on. If people does not support or get involved in these kinds of events, they come out and say they are against gays or they are gay bashing. If that is the kind of lifestyle some want to live, then let them live it, but do not expect every one to support it.
David and spooknp, crawl back in your caves, along with your stone age ideas.
Why not answer my question. This event has men walking around in chaps which bare their entire ass. Maybe Ballard doesn't want to see a bunch of men's asses? Maybe he doesn't want to support the lawlessness of such acts, which are given a pass similar to public intoxication down at the speedway.
Would you have a problem with homeless men walking around Lockerbie wearing such outfits outside of this event?
I think everyone understands schedule conflicts but a letter of support is only a few minutes of time.......this was a deliberate snub of the gay community by both Ballard and Daniels.
It's not like the Democrats are the great saviors of the LGBTIQ population anywaay. The Democratic platform from 2004 barely addresses our community's issues, and doesn't push for equality in marriage. Thankfully many Indianapolis Democrats and some Indy Republicans seem to get it on this issue. And we should be honest, if we chase the queers out of town, who is going to fix up the Near East Side before the Superbowl?
BTW I just got word that all city counsle member were invited to take part in this. ONly 2 showed up? Whats all is that all about?
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