This post has been updated with comments from state Sen. Ed Murray.

The city's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Commission issued a strong apology this afternoon for the "pain, offense, and embarrassment" they caused by refusing to meet with Israeli LGBT leaders under pressure from gay-rights activists in Seattle. The activists accused Israel of "pinkwashing"---that is, using its progressive record on gay rights to cover up its record on Palestine.

The lengthy statement reads, in part:

The Commission originally scheduled the event to foster greater dialogue within the LGBTQ community and to meet with Israeli leaders who are working in service of LGBTQ equality. We respect the work they are accomplishing. In advance of the event, we heard from many members of the local community who were concerned that hosting this event implicated broader issues.  Much feedback expressed contained deep pain and anger.

At our March 15, 2012 Commission meeting, we listened to extended public comment from members of the public, both in favor of and against the event. This was a difficult decision. Our intent to vote to cancel the meeting was not to make a stand for either side, but to recognize that we could not facilitate a neutral space for dialog and learning and keep the conversation focused on LGBTQ issues versus the larger issues of the Israeli-Palestinian relationship.

We also have heard from many who celebrate the cancellation of this event. We flatly reject the suggestion that there could be any joy or celebration in this outcome.

This afternoon, state Sen. Ed Murray (D-43), who is gay, weighed in with his own comments. Noting that he himself met with the delegation from Israel, Murray said:

I personally called several members of the LGBT Commission and asked them not to cancel their meeting with the Israeli delegation.  As co-founder of the Commission in 1989, I feel strongly that the commission’s goal of advancing civil rights for LGBT people is only enhanced by listening to and learning from members across our community – locally, nationally and internationally.

I am disappointed in the Seattle LGBT Commission’s actions. It’s especially disappointing given the fact that important parts of the Jewish community in our state, including the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, have stood side –by side with the LGBT community in our fight for justice. They stood by us when we passed ground-breaking anti-discrimination laws and they again stood by us in our most recent push for marriage equality

 

The LGBT Commission meets again in the city boards and commissions room (City Hall, Room L280) at 6:30 pm on April 19.