“Gang of Eight” freezes out gay immigrants in reform bill

[DonViejo]

Now Democrats must decide if they will offer an amendment to include gay immigrants in the reform package

BY KATIE MCDONOUGH

Much has been said about the 844-page bipartisan immigration reform package introduced in April. Some Republicans have called it “amnesty,” while many immigrant rights groups view it as unnecessarily punitive. But no one on either side of the debate has called it “gay friendly” — because it isn’t.

The measure excludes a provision to allow American citizens to sponsor their same-sex partners for legal permanent residency. To do so, Republicans among the “Gang of Eight” allege, would be legislative suicide.

“There’s a reason this language wasn’t included in the Gang of Eight’s bill: It’s a deal-breaker for most Republicans,” Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ) told the New York Times. “Finding consensus on immigration legislation is tough enough without opening the bill up to social issues.”

Flake’s “social issues” refer, more directly, to the very existence of gay immigrants and their families, a reality that many Republicans and Democrats seem eager to overlook in the name of political expedience.

full article:
http://www.salon.com/2013/05/01/gang_of_eight_freezes_out_gay_immigrants_in_reform_bill/

[rusty fender]

1. Fuckwads

Republican bigots should always be referred to as Fred Phelpians, or Westborians. The "mainstream" repukes may not use the same languange as the Westborians, but their policy positions, if enacted, would have the same effect as those positions proffered by the crazies.