U.S. Apologizes to Kameny for '57 Firing

Back Pay with interest would be a great apology.

I learned a lot from these comments, especially about the problems with the EEOC. My partner is a letter carrier who is very reluctant to come out at work, and I will definitely no longer "push" him in that direction because that could be a big mistake. I feel good about the letter that Frank Kameny received, but wouldn't it be great if he also got the Medal of Freedom!

Civil Rights Manager: You carry basically the same label as Obama as a Civil Rights Lawyer. So how much do you really know. None the less, you need to go on the OPM's website and learn something about what you are trying to espouse. Recognize the chart outlining the federal agencies under the auspices of the OPM and you will see the EEOC. Don't meld apples with oranges but you are half right. Try finding a Civil Rights or an "EEOC" lawyer who will take a federal worker's case filed with the EEOC who for that reason will inflate their fees once they learn that its a "sexual orientation" cause (preference?? time for a make over). There is no one who will support legally the filings and challenges in the EEOC venue. It has become a non-benefit that we support through our tax dollars and get nothing in return. Yes my comment may seem negative but I have lived long enough to know that slow moving only works for tortoises.

Allen, it's just a comment page,nothing more, and you go against the first amendment. Get over yourself.

I like "good" news. Mr. Kameny you've inspired me to keep fighting for the rights we all deserve not only as Americans, but also as human beings.

Jeffrey, are you aware that Mr. Berry is not a "straight ally"? Ally, yes. And I believe if it was within his power he would change the laws to make discrimination against GLBT individuals unlawful. It's up to us, through our congressional representatives, to do that. Just thinking: EEOC is not under OPM; they are separate agencies. EEOC enforces civil rights laws (Civil Rights Act, Rehabilitation Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, etc.) OPM does not have this responsibility. I work in Department of the Interior, which has a complaint process for persons who believe they've been discriminated against due to sexual preference. The authority for this is an executive order issued by President Clinton. As someone said here, change is slow. However, change happens.

Jeffery - This apology is a small step in the right direction. It is not where we'd want to be. But this is a first, and it is progress, albeit more slowly than what any of us would want. The injustices should have been overturned long ago. But justice doesn't come exactly when you want it. We have to work for it. Check with the many other discriminated groups. So we must not become impatient now when we are getting close and start burning bridges. We need to be patient, keep the pressure on, celebrate the small (even tiny) positive steps forward, and continue the hard work; just as other civil rights groups have done before us.

I think the comment board is increasingly negative because the community has grown increasingly tired of half measures aka crumbs being thrown our way. Yes, an apology is nice, but in most states in this country an employer can still fire an employee for being gay!! The issue is not about offering an apology, the issue is legislation that bans our second class status in this country. I can't imagine that any other minority in this country would go to the lengths that we have to be so grateful for being shit all over by our "straight allies". I don't think that makes me bitter, I think that makes me angry and sick to death of empty promises from politicians!!!

Allen - I agree. The comment board has increasingly become almost entirely negative all of the time. The glass doesn't have to be empty, or even half empty, ALL of the time!

The reason the EEOC does not hear cases claiming discrimination based on sexual orientation is that Title VII does not include sexual orientation as a protected class. In order for GLBT federal employees be to be abel to have their cases heard before the EEOC, the law would have to be changed to include GLBT folks as a protected class. First step to Gay Marriage is to get protection under the federal statute to end totally legal discrimination agast GLBT folks in employment, housing, and lending. Once the law is changed, thus protecting GLBT folks, then things such as same-sex benefits, and eventually marriage, will fall into place. The community needs to pool it's resources - focus on the getting the federal protection under the law - then things like don't ask/don't tell wouldnt' be legal period. Marriage is not the immediate issue - legal protection is the first step.