Ballard not to attend gay pride.

Reposted from Advance Indiana: http://www.advanceindiana.blogspot.com/

Carson Joins LGBT Equality Caucus
U.S. Rep. Andre Carson announced today on the eve of Indianapolis' Gay Pride Festival and Parade that he has become a member of the House of Representatives LGBT caucus, which was co-founded by two openly gay members of Congress, U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) and U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). The mission of the caucus "is to achieve the extension of equal rights, the repeal of discriminatory laws, the elimination of hate-motivated violence, and the improved health and well being for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression." “It is indeed an honor and great privilege for me to serve as a member of the LGBT Equality Caucus,” said Congressman André Carson. “Working to ensure that no American is discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or gender is something that I take very seriously in my role as an elected official.” “I welcome Andre Carson’s participation in this caucus, and I appreciate his commitment to achieving equality for all Americans,” said Rep. Barney Frank.Rep. Frank chairs the House Committee on Financial Services on which Carson also sits as a member. Carson's addition to the LGBT Equality Caucus can only help Carson steer legislation through Frank's committee. Carson is scheduled to participate in tomorrow's Indy Pride events. Mayor Ballard's press secretary, Marcus Barlow, just confirmed that Mayor Ballard, who had been extended an invitation, will not be participating in this year's Pride festivities. Barlow says the Mayor's schedule won't permit his participation. The Mayor's public schedule has him attending a Support Our Troops Event sponsored by Krogers on West 38th Street from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. No other events are on his public schedule for tomorrow during the Pride event. He's scheduled to attend another Peace In The Streets block party Sunday afternoon at 38th and Post. Ballard received substantial support from Indianapolis' GLBT community during last year's election. His absence from an event which draws more than 25,000 people to Indianapolis' downtown is a huge disappointment to say the least.
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Now those who wants to talk to the Mayor, he will not be at the gay pride thing. But he will be at a couple of other location this week-end. So here your chance to see and talk to him. I say that Ballard received support because he was the best choice for Mayor and it had nothing to do with the fact that he does or does not support this kind of choice. As far as Mr. Carson goes, you get what you vote for.