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16 november 11, 2011 Satisfying all your cravings… 1033 NW Couch, Portland 97209 www.rebeljeweler.com 503-224-4485 1033 NW Couch www.rebeljeweler.com 503.224.4485 politics Party Time A British Parliamentary candidate-turned- Portland resident compares LGBTQ politics across the pond Ed. note: Alex Bryce is a British writer, commentator and equality campaigner. He worked as a political researcher, speechwriter, adviser and election campaigner for the Labour Party in the Houses of Parliament and at age 23 was selected to be a Labour Party Parliamentary candidate. He moved to Portland with his partner in September. To an outside observer, it is hard to fight the urge to constantly draw comparisons between our two vastly different political systems, particularly given the many cultural similarities and reference points we share—and particularly when it comes to social issues and LG- BTQ equality. British politics seem dull by comparison to their equivalent here, where both parties seem to genuinely stand for something that their opponents despise. A few weeks ago, I was hit with a stark reminder of how differently homosexuality is viewed by the Republican Party and its British counterpart, the Conservatives. David Cameron, the U.K. prime minister and Conservative leader, made two significant appearances on the main European LGBTQ news site I visit regularly: the first for mercilessly sacking and publicly slamming a lowly local representative for making homophobic comments, and the second for pledging to introduce full gay marriage to replace civil partnerships. On the very same day, I heard Republican presidential hopeful Herman Cain making remarks that would have resulted in a humiliating public sacking had he been a Conservative member of Parliament or local elected representative in the United Kingdom. In fact, By ALex Bryce www.justout.com after a brief look at some of the comments on homosexuality made by Cain’s rivals in the race for the Republican nomination, I’m fairly certain they would have all—maybe with the exception of Jon Huntsman—been sacked at some stage by Cameron. However, the homoerotic love (okay, I exaggerate) the Conservative Party leadership now has for the LGBTQ community is a relatively new phenomenon—they are still responsible for every piece of anti-gay legislation ever introduced in the U.K. This led me to ponder what caused them to change and if this is in any way applicable to politics here in the United States. Cynics would argue that the change was driven more by a desire to be seen as electable than by sincerely held beliefs. There is certainly some truth in this. In Britain, unlike over here, where the legislature and the executive branch are separate, all the elections of any real national significance take place at the same time on General Election Day, when members of Parliament are voted in. The outcome of this determines which party forms the government and, in turn, who becomes prime minister. David Cameron moved his party into the ideological middle ground by shedding its image of being out of touch, socially illiberal and old-fashioned. Part of this transformation was embracing LGBTQ rights and equality. When gazing across the pond from Britain, it is easy to fall into the trap of seeing the U.S. as one homogenous country with fairly consistent values and beliefs throughout, much like the U.K. I call this “Small Island Syndrome.” The United Kingdom is actually smaller in size than Oregon—that’s right, the whole country is smaller than this state. Most
oregon’s lgbtQ newsmagazine of the politics that really make a difference in the U.K. are done at a national level and it is easy, as an outsider, to become engrossed in U.S. presidential races and see them as an equivalent of our national politics—and a reflection of the views throughout America. In reality, of course, this is a huge country with vastly differing cultures, values and political beliefs from one state to the next and, indeed, different state constitutions and laws. Portland is a prime example—a progressive, liberal city with an identity and values distinct from anywhere else I have known—even from the rest of Oregon. Maybe that’s why I love it so much. I am closely following the Portland mayoral race and I was delighted, but not surprised, to learn that the three main declared contenders are all liberal Democrats who offer unwavering support for LG- BTQ equality. In addition, Oregon’s state laws are not too dissimilar to Britain’s when it comes to rights for minority populations. The politics of Portland certainly feel more like what I’m used to in Britain than the impression outsiders have of U.S. “national politics.” The Constitution, the separation of the powers and the many checks on executive power that exist over here ensure that, although U.S. politicians—particularly on the right—may sound radical, the system often prevents them from delivering on their more extreme goals. The opposite is true in Britain: It is often difficult to tell the two main parties apart based purely on rhetoric but, in practice, the U.K. Parliamentary system gives a new prime minister both the mandate and the power to introduce a radical program of reforms if they so choose. It is fairly common for a party leader to sound moderate to be elected, then behave more radically after becoming prime minister. Though other factors—such as the influence of religion—may be important, the size of the U.S. and its political system is, I believe, responsible for what appears to an outside observer a polarized political environ- politics ment and a Republican Party far to the right of its British equivalent. But, as I said, the change in the Conservative Party is a fairly recent phenomenon and came about largely as a response to a shift in the British voting majority’s views on LGBTQ equality. So the real question is, what caused the British public, in general, to warm so quickly to the idea of LGBTQ equal rights? When the Labour Party won a landslide election in 1997, virtually wiping out the Conservatives after they had been in power for 18 years, the public was eager to embrace a positive, progressive politics. Tony Blair, as newly elected prime minister, personified the mood and took full advantage of this hope and optimism—delivering a substantial raft of progressive reform, of which much was targeted at the LGBTQ community. I am generally cynical about the extent to which politicians ever really alter public opinion. But when it comes to LGBTQ rights, by showing leadership and unwavering commitment to the cause, Tony Blair and his Labour government won the argument and eventually shaped British attitudes. In doing so, he also forced the Conservative Party to change in order to remain relevant and electable. Is there a lesson to be learned here for senior Democrats, and particularly the Obama administration, in this country? I believe there is. Liberals and progressives throughout the world cheered Obama into the White House. It would be unfair—and inaccurate— to say that his administration has not achieved anything for the LGBTQ community, but they have done so cautiously and quietly, and Obama himself has failed to speak out as often and as boldly as he could have. Much like Blair, he was elected on a wave of hope and optimism, with the power to bring about radical change, but he has failed to show the leadership necessary to drag forward the debate on LGBTQ equality and shape public opinion that would, in turn, force the Republicans to change. Providing social work and nursing medical case management to people living with HIV/AIDS since 1995. For intake scheduling, information, and referral: 503-230-1202 & ohsu.edu/partnership The Purple Pear Chalk Paint, French Decor, and Gifts Items. purplepearshop.com JOEL HAMLEY Principal Broker, ABR �e Real in Realtor Buy Curious? Office: 503.238.1700, ext. 630 Mobile: 971.506.9499 1902 SE Morrison St. Portland, OR 97214 LICENSED IN OREGON PLATINUM MEMBER, MILLION DOLLAR CLUB www.welcomehomepdx.com 503.206.6554 � NW 18th & Lovejoy november 11, 2011 17 Growing up Gracefully Requires a Good Partner …from BOTOX ® Cosmetic to Facelifts, and everything in between. MENTION THIS AD WHEN CALLING FOR A FREE CONSULTATION & 20% off BOTOX ® Cosmetic/Dyport Providence St. Vincent’s Medical Center 9427 SW Barnes Rd, #394 www.drmagilke.com 503-297-6511
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