Watch: Joe Biden Says ‘It’s Close To Barbaric’ LGBT People Can Be Fired For Being LGBT

Joe Biden on Saturday told a Human Rights Campaign audience that “it’s close to barbaric” LGBT people can be fired “for who you love.” He also renewed the administration’s call for Congress to pass ENDA, took a swipe at the religious right, “culture” and “cultural norms,” anti-gay laws in Uganda, Nigeria, and Russia, and corrective rape. The Vice President delivered his almost half-hour speech to a room full of more than 1000 LGBT civil rights supporters at the HRC fundraiser in Los Angeles. He was accompanied on stage by his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, and other members of his family.

“My grandkids, my children, and their kids are going to be shocked, it shocks the conscious that this very moment in American history, in some states, an employer can fire you just because of who you are, or who you love.  It’s close to barbaric,” the Vice President said, to applause. “Imagine, imagine, 20 years from now, as America look back and say how in the hell could that have ever been allowed? The country’s moved on. The American people have moved on, it’s time for the Congress to move on, and pass ENDA. Pass ENDA now. Not tomorrow, now!”

During his remarks, Biden repeatedly reminded the audience of his announcement during a Meet The Press appearance, in which he voiced support for same-sex marriage.

“And with regard to my being on Meet the Press, besides, I told the President, when he asked me to be Vice President, two things, I wasn’t going to wear any funny hats, and I wasn’t changing my brand,” the 71-year old Pennsylvania Democrat quipped. “There’s no way. I’m too old man. I’m too old, seriously, seriously. It’s just, I, how could you remain silent anymore. You know, I have had, and I continue to have faith in the American people.”

And Biden, whom many believe will run for president in 2016, took an indignant swipe at the religious right, using the Pope as a platform.

“Well ladies and gentleman, the world — God willing — is beginning to change,” Biden, a  Roman Catholic, announced. “To paraphrase Pope Francis of all things, but think about this, think about what he said.  One sentence he uttered.  To paraphrase him, ‘who are we to judge,’ — who are they to judge, you or me?”

That comment drew huge applause.

And the Vice President also slammed Uganda’s new Anti-Homosexuality law.

“Uganda a nation where you can go to prison for life for so call aggravated homosexuality, whatever the hell that is. Aggravated homosexuality? Whoa. There’s some sick people in the world.”

//www.youtube.com/embed/iFXz2DMrU-c?start=713&end=825

Complete video on YouTube

Transcript and video via HRC