It is always disappointing to see members of the GLBT community so blinded by the “R” after a lawmaker’s name that they can’t tell the difference between friend and foe.  In an article which freely admits that “measured by words spoken, legislation sponsored, events attended and miles traveled, there can be only one conclusion about Sen. Gordon Smith: He loves the gay community,” the Oregonian reports that “some gay-rights advocates question the Oregon senator’s commitment.” Log Cabin President Patrick Sammon answers their doubts, calling Smith

“somebody who understands our country needs to do more to treat gay and lesbian citizens the same as every other person in this country…He’s been a strong ally and a strong advocate.” Read more here.

Ironically, the Oregonian article comes only one day after Sen. Smith took to the pages of the conservative Washington Times to argue for the passage of the HIV Nondiscrimination in Travel and Immigration Act, which would end the policy forbidding people with HIV or AIDS from entering the United States. As a leading sponsor of the bill, Gordon writes,

“There is no excuse for a law that goes out of its way to stigmatize a particular disease and separate parents from children, sisters from brothers, and people of all stripes from their work, travel and dreams of a better life.” Read the whole thing here.

This measure has been included in the Senate version of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) reauthorization bill. Contact your Senators and encourage them to join Sen. Smith in ending this disgusting, embarrassing policy.

-posted by Casey Pick