International Gay Euphoria

Now that the glitter has settled after Hillary's gay speech and Obama's memo, IGLHRC actually read the new policy. Exec Director Jessica Stern said,

"Significantly, neither...said that LGBT rights would become a condition for foreign assistance. Their message, initially misinterpreted in online discussions and by the media, stated clearly that, 'agencies involved with foreign aid…shall enhance their ongoing efforts to…build respect for the human rights of LGBT persons.' To be clear, there were no indications of tying aid to conditions or of cutting aid."

So, we're telling homophobes, Don't worry, nothing will change, you'll still get our money; while telling long-suffering LGBT activists in the developing world, Don't worry, big changes coming. This style of governing used to be mocked as the Queen of Hearts but now is celebrated as Team of Rivals. Toothless and legless, because as merely a presidential memo, it can be instantly undone by the next administration.

The Geneva speech was nice but rather than Do-as-I-Say-Not-as-I-Do grandstanding abroad, we need actual results at home. Clinton said, "gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights," yet she and Obama continue to oppose marriage equality -- based on their personal beliefs. The White Rabbit already explained this: When bad African leaders have personal beliefs that's prejudice, and a violation of international human rights law, and an easy target in an election year.

The true cause for transatlantic euphoria this week is Elio di Rupo, above. Following lesbian Johanna Sigurdardottir as Iceland's PM in 2009, Di Rupo becomes the first openly gay male Prime Minister of a European country. The nation of Tintin and Poirot had been without a federal administration for 541 days. Di Rupo is part of Belgium's French-speaking minority, he's a Socialist, and he came out professionally fifteen years ago in response to a reporter's question as he was getting into a car. He said, "Yes, so what?" He is also an atheist. Rick Warren had no role at his swearing in.

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