Openly lesbian Congresswoman Tammy
Baldwin is calling on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's promise to
promote gay and lesbian rights.
Clinton has long advocated for equal
rights for gays, but as First Lady and New York Senator she was not
in a position to dictate change. Now, as she assumes the mantle of
Secretary of State, Clinton is being asked to follow through on her
pledge.
In a stirring speech – longer than
most – at the DNC convention, Clinton once again included a call
for equality. “I ran for president to renew the promise of
America. ... To rebuild the middle class ... To promote a clean
energy economy ... To create a health care system that is universal,
high quality, and affordable ... To create a world class education
system ... To fight for an America defined by deep and meaningful
equality – from civil rights to labor rights, from women's rights
to gay rights ... Most of all, I ran to stand up for all those who
have been invisible to their government for eight long years.”
The
six-time Congresswoman from Wisconsin asked Clinton to fix inequities
for gay and lesbian employees at the State Department. In a letter
dated Feb. 2, Baldwin, joined by Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI) and
Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Florida Republican Representative Ileana
Ros-Lehtinen, asked for policy changes that would not require
Congressional approval.
Speaking
exclusively to OUTTAKEonline.com CEO Charlotte Robinson, Baldwin said
gay and lesbian spouses face discrimination in access to training,
medical services, and emergency evacuations from an overseas post.
Baldwin
said the list of items covered in the letter addressed to Clinton
were “quite extensive.”
In
her interview, Baldwin said she has had first hand experience of
employment inequality as a Representative.
“In
Congress there are certain official trips where members are allowed
to bring their spouses and often times those trips are worked through
the Pentagon,” Baldwin said. “In other words, it is the Air
Force or another branch of the services that provide the
transportation, whether it be ground transportation or air
transportation. I have found in my own experience, as I have tried
to bring my partner on official travel, when my straight colleagues
are bringing their spouses we've encountered difficulties.”
Listen
to the entire audio interview at voices.OUTTAKEOnline.com