Several gay-rights groups, such as the Detroit-based Triangle Foundation, came out in strong support of the president and the human rights work he has done, while other groups, like Act Up Washington, who feel the president betrayed them, protested his appearance. In addition, conservative organizations, such as the Family Research Council, question Clinton's relationship with the gay community and claim that his address at the gala shows that he is ignoring Americans who morally object to homosexual lifestyles.
The president's visit has sparked great debate about gay rights. Much of the attention has focused on what Clinton has done for the gay community and whether he has fulfilled his campaign promises. On the positive side, Clinton has undoubtedly been the most gay-friendly leader to ever hold the Oval Office. Some of his progressive efforts include appointing gays and lesbians to high-level government positions, changing a security clearance policy that previously did not allow access because of lifestyle, making persecution based on sexual preference a qualification for political asylum and supporting a national law that would prohibit employment discrimination based on a person's sexual orientation.
The president has made a sincere effort, but he has failed to give gays and lesbians equal rights during his five years in office. A significant disappointment was the enactment of his "don't ask don't tell" policy for gays in the military - a policy that forces gay military enlistees and officers to live their lives in silence and fear. Also, Clinton has made no improvements in the establishment of legal same-sex marriages. Most important, Clinton has not made enough efforts to include gays in nationwide laws anti-discriminatory laws.
Clinton wields a tremendous amount of power, and he has a vast array of available resources - he must use his influence more effectively in enacting legislation that gives the gay and lesbian community equality. In addition, Clinton is in his second term of office, freeing him from political pressure tied to his re-election; he should not let popular conservative stances influence his policies any longer.
Clinton made only half a statement by showing up at the Human Rights Campaign gala. It is his duty to do more for this persecuted community.