To the editor:

After reading the article concerning mayoral candidate Bob Clements support of the GLBT community, I remembered a letter I received from the then Congressman Clement. I had called Mr. Clement’s office in the summer of 1997 to ask him to support the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligation act which was coming up for a vote in Congress. 

His response letter, as you can read below, obviously ended up in the wrong stack. It is very plain to see how opposed Mr. Clement was to this piece of legislation. What was even more surprising is how he goes on to say, “I do not believe gays and lesbians should get special rights or privileges” continues later with “we must protect the God-ordained institution of marriage” and finally “I have voted for a ban on programs that promote homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle”.  

In his own words, Mr. Clement displays his complete disapproval of the GLBT community. 

The upcoming mayoral election in Davidson may, in my opinion, be one of the most important local elections in recent memory. As I see it we can either vote for a candidate who will honestly supports ALL Nashvillians or one that only pretends to support SOME in the hopes of garnering votes.

Jon Glassmeyer
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Clement's letter to Glassmeyer appears below.

July 27, 1998
Dear Mr. Glassmeyer,

Thank you for contacting me to express your opposition to H.R. 2761, the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act (H.R. 2761). It is good to hear from you.

Introduced by Rep. Barney Frank, this legislation entitles domestic partners of Federal employees to benefits available to spouses of Federal employees. Currently this legislation has 26 cosponsors and is pending before the House Committee on Ways and Means. You will be pleased to know I have consistently opposed legislation which would allow gay couples to register as domestic partners and be eligible for certain benefits.

I oppose discrimination in any form. However I do not believe that gays and lesbians should get special rights or privileges. Specifically, I oppose the Same Sex Marriage Act last year, a bill that would have forced all states to recognize same-sex marriages. We must protect the God-ordained institution of marriage. In addition, I have voted for a ban on programs that promote homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle.

I assure you that I will keep your views in mind as the legislative process continues. In the meantime, I appreciate knowing your views on this very pertinent matter. Please do not hesitate to let me know how I can assist you in the future.

Sincerely,

Bob Clement
Member of Congress