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)

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Name: Jabari
Date posted: 10/11/2008 11:19:00 AM
Hometown: Columbia, SC

Comment:
I just took about 15 minutes to do some looking around on the net and could not find a 2008 National Coming Out Day statement from the Obama/Biden campaign or from either of them individually as senators. Fact is, former senator and rabid homophobe Sam Nunn is a vocal Obama/Biden supporter and the top pick for Secretary of Defense in an Obama/Biden administration. That's as clear an indication as any of how Barack feels about us. He publicly embraces the homophobic Nunn as a supporter. Do a search on Sam Nunn and you'll see what I mean. Nunn's public enemy number one of the GLBT.
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Name: Vincent
Date posted: 10/11/2008 10:55:00 AM
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

Comment:
Sarah Palin's actions in support of gay men and lesbian women since she became governor are a matter of record. She managed to take a divisive issue, gay and lesbian domestic rights and turn it into a unifying issue -- with gays and lesbians being the ultimate winners. Look up Sarah Palin's actions in support of gay rights during her tenure as governor. You'll see what I mean. She took a flawed court decision and used it to convince 60% of Alaskans to support same-sex domestic partnership rights under state law. That may not fit into the paradigm many of you hold toward Republicans but that's what happened and that's how it happened and she's the one who led it. I recognize that many of you will still want to hate on her in spite of that but I'm hoping that many of you who did not already know her record now know and recognize her courageous leadership on it.
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Name: Kelly Anne
Date posted: 10/10/2008 10:10:00 PM
Hometown: New York

Comment:
My best friends are gay , my uncle died in 1996 from AIDS was gay so I can say from experience I am more than tolerant of gays but what make this country great is that people do not have to force each other beliefs. The Alaskans voters want a Governor who was conservative. What she said she was tolernant not approving of your lifestyle. If she declared a Coming Out Day then she would be going against her beliefs . By the way Laden does not seem the greatest advocate of gay rights. Why are you not questioning his motives? Why does he not come out with a statement saying he supports Coming Out Day? I forgot he is a Democrat so he get a free pass. Republican or Democrat you should question both thier motives? You know where she stands she is tolerant meaning she is not going to bash you, discriminate you, but she is not going to accept your sexuality by declaring Coming Out Day. Let stay focus many other issues to fight.
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Name: Ronald
Date posted: 10/10/2008 8:21:00 PM
Hometown: Honolulu

Comment:
Where is your article about Obama's lack of recognition? Or, did I miss this on his website?
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Name: Art M.
Date posted: 10/10/2008 6:16:00 PM
Hometown: SFCAUSA

Comment:
Some here have said, "This woman is dangerous" and "She's a poor example of a human being let alone a politician" - really, are you SURPRISED?? SHE'S A REPUBLICAN!!!!! That is all you have to know to realize what type of person she is and what kind of character she has. Stereotyping? Please - have you EVER known a Republican who WASN'T dangerous in their ignorance, hatred and hypocrisy? Have you EVER known a Republican who treated EVERYONE with respect and tolerance? SERIOUSLY - just name one. Come on - it should be easy for you PC types. NAME ONE!
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Name: fredv derman
Date posted: 10/10/2008 3:44:00 PM
Hometown: new york

Comment:
The word "boob " as in idiot is a 'Palin"drome !
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Name: Sharon
Date posted: 10/10/2008 12:50:00 PM
Hometown: Los Angeles

Comment:
This country is being divided over issues that focus on the differences amongst its population rather than focusing on our similarities. By dividing us they can keep the focus off of the real issues regarding the state of the economy.
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Name: Don
Date posted: 10/10/2008 10:49:00 AM
Hometown: Buffalo, NY

Comment:
The key word for Palin is "tolerant". In other words, "I don't like you or want you around, but I'll accept that I have to deal with you being there." The fact that she would reject National Coming Out Day but accept weeks based on breastfeeding, farm animals or construction jobs doesn't surprise me in the least. She's a poor example of a human being let alone a politician.
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Name: Lewis Alessio
Date posted: 10/10/2008 9:38:00 AM
Hometown: Augusta, Maine

Comment:
Bill's command of the English language is a good measure of his awareness of the issue.
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Name: bill
Date posted: 10/10/2008 9:01:00 AM
Hometown: atlanta ga

Comment:
so she did not sign a paper for "natl coming out day" so what i know many many people who could care less about this so called gay day if you asked 5 people 4 would not even know what you are talkin abount or care less. why do we need ntl coming out day in this day and age/.// if you want to come out come out if not dont.....

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