Bill Clinton Accepts GLAAD Award

The Associated Press reports on last night's GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles:

The event, hosted by actress-producer-director Drew Barrymore, boasted such Hollywood heavyweights as presenters Jennifer Morrison, Charlize Theron, Betty White and Leonardo DiCaprio. Other winners included “Perks of Being a Wallflower,” which was named outstanding film: wide release, and former President Bill Clinton was given the first advocate for change award.

On the arrivals line, longtime Clinton friend, Oscar-winner Mary Steenburgen, defended the former president’s controversial honor. Under Clinton’s administration came the Defense of Marriage Act, which bars federal recognition of same-sex marriage, as well as the “don’t ask, don’t tell” military policy.

“Actually, (”don’t ask, don’t tell”) was a sorrow for him,” Steenburgen said. “So, I think he’s spent a large part of his life making up for that. But I tell you this: He’s never not had his heart in the right place, in terms of the gay community.”

In his speech, Clinton predicted the demise of DOMA and added: "When you have won marriage equality everywhere, ask yourself,  'How in the world do we ever win a great cultural battle and we can't even pass ENDA?' What is wrong with this picture?"