Anti-Terrorism Agreement Raises More Concerns

President George W. Bush and his administration remain arguably the movement for LGBT rights' perfect villain. He maintains his support for the long-shot proposed Federal Marriage Amendment to secure his dwindling socially conservative base. The White House continues to support abstinence-based curriculum to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa. Bush also maintains his solid support [and taxpayers' money] for faith based programs. These three things are only a small portion of the many reasons to which LGBT activists and their supporters point as the motivation behind their opposition to the current administration.

The Washington Post reported yesterday the United States and the European Union will soon begin to share personal information about trans-Atlantic airline passengers. The paper further indicated sexual orientation may be among the data collected. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff defended the program as an "essential screening tool" in the American government's ongoing fight against terrorism. Others will certainly disagree in light of the [perceived or actual] terrorism threat. This proposal will provide anti-Bush and arguably anti-Republican activists within the movement for LGBT rights yet another source of ammunition to advocate against the administration's agenda. This rhetoric has almost grown tired in recent years because it frankly does not carry the impact it once did. This program, however, raises many questions about the lengths to which this administration will go under the guise of anti-terrorism. Activists will certainly demand answers to these concerns as details of the program emerge.