I protest.

Ashcroft backpedals.

TalkLeft informs us, "Justice Department Reverses Ban on Gay Pride Event." The original article is on the Human Rights Campaign website. While they welcome the news, they are still not completely happy with Ashcroft:

"We are pleased that the DOJ has reversed their decision of the all-out ban on the on-site gay pride event," said HRC Political Director Winnie Stachelberg. "However, the new policy is still a step backward as DOJ Pride is being treated differently than it was in the past, and unequally from other agency groups who have the full sponsorship of the department. This policy marginalizes the department’s GLBT employees."

...

"Attorney General Ashcroft promised in his confirmation hearing that he would not discriminate against DOJ Pride when it was politically expedient, but he made a very serious attempt to go back on his word in canceling this celebration," said Stachelberg.

During Attorney General John Ashcroft’s nomination hearing to head the department, Feingold asked him if he planned to discriminate against gay and lesbian employees or DOJ Pride.

"I would not tolerate discrimination against any employee at the Department of Justice based on sexual preference," said Ashcroft. "I have no intent to … treat this group differently than any other."

In a letter sent to the attorney general today, [Senator Russ] Feingold called on Ashcroft to honor his word.

"Congress and the American people expect the Attorney General to ensure equal treatment and equal protection for all Americans," wrote Feingold. "I urge you to reverse the Department’s decision immediately and allow DOJ Pride to use Department facilities to hold meetings and events."

(Aren't Cabinet nominees under oath during those confirmation hearings? If not, they certainly should be, for just such occasions as this.)

While I'm happy for the employees of the DOJ, I'm still incensed at Ashcroft's blatant bigotry and lies. His promises notwithstanding, the man imposes his narrow religious outlook on everyone he can, without compunction or hesitation. This is not a man who should be running such a powerful governmental department.