Crosstalk: March 16, 2016

Recently the governor of South Dakota caved in to pressure from LGBT activist groups and the ACLU to veto legislation that would have protected young people in the state in their restrooms, locker rooms and shower facilities. Part of the pressure on the governor came from big businesses. Just last week, the Human Right Campaign (HRC), an activist LGBT organization, launched a 60 company strong business coalition that has completely embraced the so-called Equality Act. The Equality Act has been introduced in the Senate (S-1858) and has approximately 40 co-sponsors and over 100 co-sponsors in the House (HR 3185). This legislation (drafted and introduced just days after the Supreme Court issued their marriage decision in July of 2015) defines gender identity as the gender related identity, appearance, mannerisms or other gender related characteristics of an individual regardless of the individual's designated sex at birth. While it's labeled the 'Equality Act', it targets the religious practices and beliefs of business owners, forcing them to follow the LGBT model in such a way that the owners don't merely show accommodation but participation. Jim noted the HRC's annual Spring Equality Convention. The latest one was a gathering of hundreds of volunteers from around the nation that featured Senator Cory Booker, Hillary Clinton's campaign manager Robby Mook and U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power. Senator Booker spoke on the need for advocates to stay faithful on the long road ahead. Ambassador Power spoke on the persecution of LGBT people worldwide by government entities and terror groups. Robbie Mook highlighted Hillary Clinton's strong record on LGBT equality and announced the first national LGBT campaign fund raiser for Clinton on March 30th. Jim went through the list of businesses that see no problem with backing this legislation and, in essence, empowering the activist, LGBT agenda. Their participation may have to do with a desire to receive the highest grade possible on the HRC's Corporate Equality Index.