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*UPDATE:Late this evening I was pleased to find in my inbox a response to my email sent to the HRC regarding the debates, which included the information that the HRC has decided to extend an invitation to Senator Gravel to participate in the debate. I sincerely hope that he accepts this opportunity to participate.Thank you HRC for hearing our voices and correcting the situation.————————————————This article (Why I Wasn’t Invited to the Debate on Gay Issues) in the Huffington Post inspired me to write the Human Rights Campaign this morning to let them know that in my opinion they have made a big mistake in leaving Mr. Gravel out of the debate. Below is my email to the HRC.
To Whom it may concern at the HRC,As an openly gay man from Columbus, Ohio, married in Canada to my partner of 16 years, and longtime supporter of the Human Rights Campaign, I write to you today with my opinion in regards to the lack of an invitation for Mike Gravel to the sponsored debate among the Democratic candidates for President of the United States.While you have stated your reasons for not including him the debate, it does appear to me as if one or two top level candidates have more to lose when the GLBT community would witness the contrast and comparison between them and Mr. Gravel. And that the embarrassment of those candidates was more assuaged by keeping Mr. Gravel from the platform.In my opinion, this is a weak decision, for too long now, we have accepted the crumbs at the table of opportunity, this forum should be a chance to move the ball forward farther than we have already moved it. By inviting Mr. Gravel to the debate, his pro GLBT positions for fairness and equality could be used toward the ends of demanding similar support from the leading candidates.While I understand the decision is yours (potentially influenced by the other campaigns and their willingness to participate with Mr. Gravel) in my opinion, it’s a real fumble on your part for the chance to better the lives of the American GLBT community, and shows that while we insist on inclusion for ourselves, we’re accepting of excluding some to suit others.
If you agree with me, contact the HRC here
