Democratic speech on gay rights Good evening ladies and gentlemen.

I am Tammy Baldwin, and thanks to all your support, I have made history by being the first gay person to be elected to the senate. I am honored and humbled and grateful, but I want to make it clear: I did not run to make history. I ran to make a difference, I ran to make a change. A change that will move us forward, a change that brings about greater marriage equality, a change that protects every individuals inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The rights of LGBT Americans have been at the center of a national debate for decades. Attitudes have changed dramatically, as more and more Americans have discovered that their friends, their neighbors, their coworkers, family members are gay or lesbian and that they are just like other Americans, with the same hopes, dreams, fears, the same challenges. Ladies and gentlemen, everyone is created equal, and we must uphold this American ideal for it is the cornerstone of a cohesive society. The social fabric of this great nation must not be strained over such differences. It is of my ardent belief that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry, to adopt kids, and to form a family, just like any other couples deeply in love. Never, must an American be marginalized or discriminated against for his or her sexual orientations. This belief has led me to support the repeal of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy and to oppose to an amendment to define marriage as between one man and one woman. And now, as a Senator, I promise to do more. Never in our history has the government denied the rights of any group of Americans, not years ago, not today, and definitely not in the future. Our policies are based on the view that ours is a country whose Constitution begins with the word we not me, and that every individual, gay or straight, black or white, young or old, rich or poor has the unalienable right to live freely. And I will always, to the best of my abilities, protect that right. I know this is utterly outrageous for this occasion but I would like to end off with a Avenue Q song: If you were gay, thatd be okay. I mean cause hey, Id like you anyway. Because you see, if it were me, I would feel free to say that I was gay but I am not gay! Thank you! HAHA