Earl Blumenauer: “We make progress in dealing with discrimination based on sexual orientation when we're not distracted by myth and…”

“We make progress in dealing with discrimination based on sexual orientation when we're not distracted by myth and bigotry, but when we deal with the rights and needs of real people. I am pleased that that is why we will pass this hate crime legislation today which follows progress in my State of Oregon just this week, where we have provided protection for domestic partnerships and antidiscrimination legislation. I hope it will herald changes on the Federal level in the military for gays and lesbians, and in the workplace with non-discrimination protection for all Americans. When we deal with real people, their rights and needs, we will solve these problems and America will be a better place.”