Palin Ignores
National Coming Out Day

Republican vice presidential candidate and Alaskan governor Sarah Palin said that she will not officially issue a proclamation recognizing National Coming Out Day. She declined a request by Alaskans Together for Equality to acknowledge the day, which will be on Saturday.

The organization says it approached her after the vice presidential debate on October 2, when debate moderator Gwen Ifill asked Palin and Democratic counterpart Joe Biden whether they support gay marriage.

After both said they did not, Palin added, "If there's any kind of suggestion at all from my answer that I would be anything but tolerant of adults in America choosing their partners, choosing relationships that they deem best for themselves, you know, I am tolerant, and I have a very diverse family and group of friends. And even within that group you would see some who may not agree with me on this issue; some very dear friends who don't agree with me on this issue."

According to the press release, Palin -- in October alone -- has issued proclamations for Careers in Construction Week, 10th Annual Christian Heritage Week, Biomedical Technician Week, Alaska Taiwan Friendship Week, World Farm Animals Day, Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and Grand Opening of Rilke Schule Day.

"Governor Palin called for 'tolerance,' and we hoped she'd show that type of leadership as governor with this proclamation," said Alaskans Together president Marsha Buck. "Coming out is a difficult and deserves recognition." (Michelle Garcia, The Advocate)