President Obama tonight will address the Human Rights Campaign National Dinner in Washington, speaking about his commitment to gay rights even as the community is frustrated about lack of action on Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, among other things.
The White House said the president will speak for 15 to 20 minutes, and hinted he might make some promises about speedy action.
“He looks forward to speaking directly with the LGBT community about the steps his administration has taken thus far and the progress he hopes to achieve in the coming weeks and months,” said White House spokesman Shin Inouye.
Earlier this week, Obama named an openly gay lawyer to be his ambassador to Samoa and New Zealand.
This summer just before Obama was about to address gay Democratic activists, he extended some benefits to the partners of gay federal workers.
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said Obama will discuss the Hate Crimes measure that may pass Congress, saying the protections are “long overdue”
“[He] looks forward to, when that legislation gets to his desk, signing it and making that the law of the land,” Gibbs said.
