Strong words from Keith Olbermann on the controversial Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy as he interviews columnist Dan Savage about the LGBT reception held at the White House yesterday and the overall lack of progress on LGBT issues. Watch:
Over six months and millions of dollars later Al Franken has finally been declared the winner over Norm Coleman by the Minnesota Supreme Court. Minnesota’s second Senate seat has remained open since last year’s bitterly contested election. Watch:
It is unclear if Coleman will appeal to federal court.
President Obama hosted a reception yesterday at the White House celebrating LGBT Pride month and commemorating the anniversary of the Stonewall riots. Speaking before a crowd of nearly 300 people, Obama spoke at some length on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the Matthew Shepard Act and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
President Obama’s remarks in full below…
Fort Worth police fractured the skull of a patron while raiding the newly opened Rainbow Lounge on the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. Patrons claimed the police used excessive and unnecessary force during the raid and were targeted because they were gay. Police countered that patrons resisted arrest and made “sexually explicit movements.” Seven individuals were arrested.
Openly gay Fort Worth city councilman Joel Burns made the following statement:
It is unfortunate that this incident occurred in Fort Worth and even more so to have occurred on the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall protests. Unlike 40 years ago, though, the people of this community have elective representation that will make sure our government is accountable and that the rights of all of its citizens are protected. I are working together with our Mayor, Police Chief, the City of Fort Worth Human Relations Commission, and our State Legislative colleagues to get a complete and accurate accounting of what occurred.
Rest assured that neither the people of Fort Worth, nor the city government of Fort Worth, will tolerate discrimination against any of its citizens. And know that the GLBT Community is an integral part of the economic and cultural life of Fort Worth.
CBS affiliate channel 11 out of Dallas reports:
Chad Gibson is still hospitalized for a fractured skull and remains in critical condition.
The more things change, the more they stay the same, it seems.