Barney Frank Supports Immigration Bill Without LGBT Protections
Recently-retired Democratic Congressman Barney Frank says he supports the immigration reform bill that does not contain protections for LGBT binational couples, which the Senate Judiciary Committee passed yesterday.
READ:Â Senate Democrats Cave To GOP, Sacrifice Gays, Pass Immigration Reform Out Of Committee
“The choice we have is not between an Immigration Bill which helps same-sex couples and one that doesn’t,” Congressman Frank said in a statement, “but a choice between an Immigration Bill that does not include same-sex couples or no bill at all. Opting for no bill at all–which would have been the result if Sen. Leahy offered his amendment–would not help LGBT couples, but it would deprive millions of people of needed help.”
Yesterday, in a move widely characterized by the LGBT community and progressives as a “sell-out,” and even “rank discrimination” by none other than Senator Chuck Schumer — whom some feel was all-too-comfortable leaving LGBT couples out of the bill, Senate Judiciary Chair Patrick Leahy decided to remove his amendments from the immigration reform bill to allow it to move forward to the full Senate.
WATCH:Â DOMA Separates Now Legally-Married Couple, 17 Times In Six Years (Video)
Republicans from the start have made clear the LGBT protections would enable them to vote against the bill, just as they for months filibustered the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) because it contained LGBT protections.
“I know this was a painful decision for Sen. Leahy who has been an unwavering supporter of LGBT legal equality,” Rep. Frank said, “but it was the right one.”
“As a member of the House fighting for fair treatment for those of us who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, I greatly appreciated the strong support I received from members of the Hispanic caucus. I urge my friends not to push an amendment which would destroy the chance for success on the immigration issue which is important to the Hispanic community, without advancing our cause in any way,” the retired Massachusetts Congressman stated.
“Unfortunately, while Congressional Democrats are ready to provide this aid for same-sex couples, the overwhelming opposition from the Republican members to our rights means that a bill protecting them has no chance of beating a Senate filibuster, or passing the right-wing dominated House,” Frank added. “Given that reality, the morally and politically appropriate course is to help adopt a good Immigration Bill, and continue our fight for marriage rights on a parallel path,” Congressman Frank concluded.
Â
Related:
Barney Frank Receives Role Model Award, Offers Straight Talk About Being Gay
Breaking: Massachusetts Gov. Snubs Barney Frank, Replaces Kerry With Political Mentor
Watch: Barney Frank Slams Log Cabin Republicans For Endorsing Romney

Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.
![]() |