Former Democratic National Committee Chairman Paul Kirk was sworn in yesterday to the seat vacated last month when Massachusetts’ Senator Ted Kennedy died of brain cancer.

But few LGBT leaders know much about Kirk regarding LGBT civil rights measures. Some remember that, in 1985, as chairman of the Democratic Party, Kirk declared that he didn’t think gay civil rights matters should become a priority for the party –characterizing them as “frivolous” issues. That remark, naturally, drew protests of anger from the community.

Long-time gay Democratic activist David Mixner says he doesn’t think the remark counts for much, given the time. Kirk’s remark came as Democrats were analyzing their loss in the presidential campaign of Walter Mondale v. incumbent President Reagan of every state but Minnesota and the District of Columbia. Under Kirk’s chairmanship, from 1985 to 1989, the Democratic party’s platform language in support of gay civil rights shrank considerably.

Mixner says Kirk was “instrumental, along with Kennedy, in fighting many of the” hostile amendments proffered by then Senator Jesse Helms. And, Mixner said, Kirk was “fantastic” on efforts to pass a federal non-discrimination bill for gays.

Hilary Rosen, another long-time gay Democratic activist, says her experience with Kirk has been “very good.”
“I think he takes his Kennedy legacy responsibilities really seriously,” said Rosen. “I know he cares about our issues and I know he would vote just like Senator Kennedy did, would have.”

“Unfortunately, he won’t have the leadership position that Kennedy did,” said Rosen.

Kirk has big shoes to fill now, given that Kennedy was widely seen as the Senate’s strongest champion on LGBT civil rights and HIV matters. Kirk’s appointment came by way of another staunch gay civil rights supporter – Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.

But Kirk has pledged to hold the seat only until Massachusetts voters elect a new senator, during a special election in January. His appointment helps the Democrats hold onto an important filibuster-proof majority of 60 in the Senate.
© 2009 Keen News Service