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.

 See Baldwin Calls On Clinton For Gay Rights
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