Bill Clinton: “What is not a good thing, however, is when people believe their free speech rights trump yours. That's not good. That's…”

“What is not a good thing, however, is when people believe their free speech rights trump yours. That's not good. That's not. Now, I want to ask you for a favor. You want us to pass the ``Employment Non-Discrimination Act.'' You know when we do--and I believe it will pass--you know when we do it will have to be enforced. A law on the books only works if it is also a law in the life of America. Let me say, I thank you very much for your support of my nominee for the office of civil rights, Bill Lee. I thank you for that. But he, too, comes from a family that has known discrimination, and now he is being discriminated against, not because there is anything wrong with his qualifications, not because anybody believes he is not even-tempered, but because some Members of the Senate disagree with his views on affirmative action. Now, if I have to appoint a head of the office of civil rights who is against affirmative action--[laughter]--it's going to be vacant a long time. [Laughter] That office is not there to advocate or promote-- primarily to advocate or promote the policies of the Government when it comes to affirmative action; it's there to enforce the existing laws against discrimination. You hope someday you will have one of those existing laws. We need somebody to enforce the laws, and Bill Lee should be confirmed, and I ask you to help me to get him confirmed. I'd like to say just one more word. There are some people who aren't in this room tonight who aren't comfortable yet with you and won't be comfortable with me for being here. Audience members. We love you, Bill!”