Barney Frank Tells The Truth (AUDIO)

I was very sad to hear about Barney Frank’s passing. I first met Frank at the 2004 Democratic Convention in Boston. We got into talking about the future of gay & lesbian civil rights in America. At that time we discussed the possibility of passing ENDA the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. In 2011 at a movie premiere we continued our conversation on OUTTAKE VOICES when I asked Barney about the possibility of achieving federal LGBT civil rights. Congressman Frank stated, “None whatsoever with the Republicans in charge. The only chance you ever have to adopt pro LGBT legislation is if you have a Democratic President, House & Senate. I wish that wasn’t the case. In 1976 Jimmy Carter & Gerry Ford were equal on the LGBT issues. Since then the Democrats have gotten a lot better, not quite perfect & the Republicans have gotten a lot worse. So long as you have Republicans in power there simply is no chance. I do believe if we were to get a Democratic House, Senate & President we could move forward with some things but as long as the Republicans are in power we have to hold our own. In fact if you were to get a Republican President we would have to face the very real likelihood I think of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” to be reinstated by that President.” So now in these challenging times 15 years later with the November primaries only 6 months away we ask that in Barney Frank’s memory please exercise your right to vote. Listen To Our Full Chat