It’s sad, even among gay people, that the concept of redemption resonates hollow. This man further muddied his former relationships, personally and politically, by delivering this speech and probably has been ostracized. Gay people ought to know what ostracization feels like and comments like Zeke’s is pathetic.

He did lobby as early as 2005. His testimony was significantly less “evolved” on the issue than it is today, but it was a start.

This has been my position on the struggle for equality for quite some time. The fact is, we already possess all the rights we need. The Constitution clearly provides for them, in fact, it guarantees them. The problem is that the government refuses to recognize those rights as they apply to GLBT citizens. Forcing them to fulfill the primary responsibility of government, to protect the rights of individuals, is the heart of our movement.

While you delight in such word games, we are persecuted, tortured, beaten, murdered. We are denied our human and civil rights.

This is a war.
It is absolutely “us” against “them”.

Never. Always. Us (vs. Them?).
Such judgmental and divisive terms. I assume you imply that “us” means gay people. Barr talks of fundamental rights for the individual which includes everyone.

I agree that his former political agenda included some unjust policies. But it is evident that he has modified his policies to legally protect us ALL equally. He may not currently have a government platform to legislate from, but he is using his reputation and influence to steer the public discourse in the right direction. For this I applaud him.

If he means it, let him prove it.

Otherwise…well, I enjoyed Rand when I was 12 or so.

Outgrew her shortly thereafter.