Sen. Arlen Specter, the newest Democrat, made his first appearance at a Philly Pride event [June 14], and rated front-page coverage in PGN. He slipped in and out and spoke to a sparse crowd half an hour before the parade was to step off a mile away, saying he supported our community.
Well, terrific. Where’s he been the last 35 years? If he’s so supportive, why did he vote for the Defense of Marriage Act? Why does he oppose gay marriage? Why has he been a consistent supporter of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”?
Why, in short, was this his first LGBT community event since he has been in the Senate?
Obviously, it’s because he’s willing to say anything to get re-elected.
At a meeting with suburban Democratic leaders, Specter was asked whether he supported the repeal of DOMA. He gave a measured, carefully prepared response about how his position is “evolving.” He would not commit, he would not give a direct answer. His position on the repeal of DADT is an equally mushy “wait for the investigations of impact.”
By contrast, Rep. Joe Sestak (D-7th Dist.), his likely opponent in the Democratic primary, came to the festival after the parade, braved protesters and spoke to a large, enthusiastic crowd. His positions were clear and unclouded: He opposes DADT, and has done so since the policy was enacted. He told the crowd that during a 30-year career in the Navy, he has served proudly alongside LGBT servicemen and women, and that the failure to allow them to serve openly and to have the benefits accorded to the partners of straight couples is a disgrace that must end. He is a cosponsor of the bill to repeal the policy.
What’s more, he opposes the Defense of Marriage Act without equivocation and has pledged to work for its repeal. Most important, he said he supports and will work for legislation that will provide same-sex couples the right to a union under law that is in every way identical to marriage, including federal tax benefits, survivor benefits, healthcare benefits and all of the over-1,100 other benefits that are available only to married couples.
Sen. Specter is a latecomer to the support of our community, and he changed his positions because he had to. Congressman Sestak didn’t need to change; he’s been with us all along.
It’s absolutely clear who the gay community should be supporting in this contest: Joe Sestak.
Paul Scoles John DiPietro Chris Smith
The writers are officers of the Gittings Trust (www.thegittingstrust.org), a federal LGBT PAC that works for equality through political action.