Life

Barney Frank calls National Equality March a ‘waste of time’

Barney Frank

Rep. Barney Frank, an openly gay member of Congress, says he’d rather see gay rights supporters lobbying their elected officials than marching in Washington this weekend, calling the demonstration “a waste of time at best,” reports Associated Press.

Frank said in an interview with AP that he considers such demonstrations to be “an emotional release” that does little to pressure Congress.

“The only thing they’re going to be putting pressure on is the grass,” the Massachusetts Democrat said Friday.

Thousands of gays and lesbians and supporters are expected to gather tomorrow for the National Equality March and a rally on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

This weekend’s activities in Washington probably won’t have much impact with lawmakers, Frank said, because most of them are back in their states or districts for the Columbus Day holiday weekend.

President Barack Obama plans to speak Saturday night at a dinner hosted by the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay rights group.

Don't forget to share:

Support vital LGBTQ+ journalism

Reader contributions help keep LGBTQ Nation free, so that queer people get the news they need, with stories that mainstream media often leaves out. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

Judy Shepard on ‘Ellen’ — 11 years later, the pain remains

Previous article

Obama renews campaign pledges to repeal ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,’ ‘DOMA’ at HRC dinner

Next article