We find unity in our incredible diversity, drawing on the promise enshrined in our Constitution: the notion that we're all created equal; that no matter who you are or what you look like, if you abide by the law you should be protected by it; if you adhere to our common values you should be treated no different than anyone else.
We must continually renew this promise. My administration has a Civil Rights Division that is once again prosecuting civil rights violations and employment discrimination. (Applause.) We finally strengthened our laws to protect against crimes driven by hate. (Applause.) This year, I will work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are. (Applause.) It's the right thing to do. (Applause.)
We're going to crack down on violations of equal pay laws -- so that women get equal pay for an equal day's work. (Applause.) And we should continue the work of fixing our broken immigration system -- to secure our borders and enforce our laws, and ensure that everyone who plays by the rules can contribute to our economy and enrich our nation. (Applause.)
It was a nice speech, but it fell well short of addressing critical the issues facing transgendered Americans.
Our Constitution embodies the notion that we're all created equal which means that no matter who you are or what you look like, AND NO MATTER WHETHER YOU ABIDE BY THE LAW you should be protected by it; WHETHER OR NOT you adhere to our common values you should be treated no different than anyone else. Our right to equal treatment under the law is not conditioned upon our conduct, nor is it conditioned upon our adherence to"common values".
While I am glad that his administration has a Civil Rights Division that is once again prosecuting civil rights violations and employment discrimination, they have also defended discrimination against transgendered people. As a former Constitutional law professor, I would have hoped that President Obama would understand and embrace the idea that the protection of the rights of the transgendered is a civil rights issue, and that while the rights of women to equal pay for equal work is important, it is no more important than the rights of transgendered people to employment.
Hate crimes legislation is fine (personally I do not see the need for it, if I am beaten or killed for any reason, I am just as beaten or just as dead; people should be prosecuted for assault and murder), and his pledge with regard to DADT for homosexuality is long overdue, will he apply the right to serve to transsexuals? There is certainly no suggestion that he will.
