John Edwards
visits L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center

Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards was given a tour of the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center by center CEO Lorri L. Jean on June 26, a release from the center reports.

Though Jean invited all presidential aspirants for a tour, only Edwards accepted the offer. Republican John McCain refused, and all others have not yet replied.

Edwards's tour included visits to the Jeffrey Goodman Special Care Clinic, pharmacy, and 24-bed transitional living program for homeless youth, the release states.

At the end of the tour, Jean spoke with Edwards about the right to marry, saying, "I am yearning for the day when a viable presidential candidate--a candidate like you--will have courage to lead and to clearly and unequivocally say that my people are also entitled to participate in the promise of America, including the freedom [to] marry. I ask you to seriously consider being that person."

According to the release, Edwards "took the whole discussion very well," thanked Jean for the center's "fine and important work," and spoke about his wife's recently announced advocacy for same-sex marriage. Jean hopes Edwards's visit will prompt other presidential hopefuls to accept her offer to tour the center. (The Advocate)