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The Obama campaign is making good on its promise to reach out to groups that have felt ignored in the past.
Today, Michelle Obama reached out to gays and lesbians. There are a lot of people, Democrats and Republicans, who are watching very closely to see what "reaching out" to gays and lesbians means. Today, Michelle Obama gave them a good idea what to expect.
The fact that Mrs. Obama took time to address this group is an indication of commitment to do work on reversing laws that restrict marriage, adoption and who can serve in the military.
This is a caucus of hundreds of people from across the nation. The LGBT -- lesbian, gay, bi, transgendered community -- encompass a devotion to equality, they say.
Utah legislators who fight for the same issues back home are encouraged that an Obama administration promises something different than what we have now.
Mrs. Obama said, "We can oppose divisive constitutional amendments that strip civil rights and benefits away from LGBT Americans because discrimination has no place in a nation with a foundation based on equality."
Sen. Scott McCoy said, "An Obama administration would understand that our community is deserving of respect and equal treatment and basic fairness, really."
Rep. Christine Johnson said, "The process is long and arduous and requires a lot of education. And for her to give us attention as a group and as individuals and recognize us is tremendous, I'm very grateful," Rep. Christine Johnson said.
Sen. McCoy and Rep. Johnson are both challenged repeatedly on Utah's Capitol Hill for talking the same talk. Both told me they find Obama's connection to the gay-lesbian community refreshing. This is one area where there is a clear difference between Barack Obama and John McCain. Obama embraces gays and lesbians. McCain prefers to keep them at a distance.
E-mail: rpiatt@ksl.com
