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 (No Ratings Yet) Wanted to share with you a posting from Act On Principles Champion Lane Hudson regarding the DC Bus ad controversy previously posted on this site. He references the Dallas Principles in his comment.
You can read the full article at… http://dcagenda.com/2009/12/28/free-speech-or-discrimination/
 Another item of interest passed through the “internets” onto my laptop thanks to www.towleroad.com. Maggie Gallagher’s organization National Organization for Marriage is now placing ads on DC Metro buses. One would think that all local LGBT groups would have a problem with such a promotion of discrimination being paraded around as a civil liberty. Unfortunately, according to a Washington Post op-ed groups such as Dc’s Gay and Lesbian Activist Alliance and the local LGBT Democratic Gertrude Stein Club Kudos to Full Equality Now! DC, a worthy offshoot of the National Equality March for taking the lead in writing the following letter criticizing the DC Washington Area Metro Transit Authority for their slap in the faces of LGBT citizens and tourists to the Nation’s Capital. Lesson Learned: New voices in the LGBT movement are increasingly proving to be the the most clear and principled.
The following speech from Charles King, Executive Director of HousingWorks! came across my inbox, amid some criticisms of the Obama Administration for flatlining PEPFAR (International HIV/AIDS Funding). I found it particularly relevant as we look to make changes in the new year. Long, but worth the read. Enjoy! We Are the Ones We’ve Been Waiting For: AIDS Advocacy In the Obama Era Delivered June 24, 2009 Philadelphia, PA Charles King I know that I was asked to speak on homelessness as prevention, and I will certainly get to it in my remarks. But, to be honest, that isn’t what is really on my heart this morning, desperately important as it is. Instead, have titled this morning’s speech, “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for: AIDS advocacy in the Obama era.” I have also taken the trouble to write this speech out so that I can clearly articulate my thoughts and not be misunderstood. The election of Barack Obama as the 45th President of the United States clearly marks an important moment in the history of this country. In a nation born with the original sin of slavery and racism written into its very constitution, a nation that took some one hundred years to find its way to emancipation and another hundred years after that to repudiate segregation, a nation in which a Black man is still 20 times more likely to go to jail than a white man and 10 times less likely, if he hasn’t gone to jail, than a white man who is a convict, to be hired for a job, the election of an African American as president is certainly a remarkable moment in history. Moreover, this election was no mere signifier to be noted in the history books. First, it was without question a repudiation of the eight prior years of unilateral and foolhardy militarism, unbridled cronyism, lassie fair capitalism, no-nothing nativism and a deliberately divisive use of rightist religious and cultural ideology manifest by the Administration of Bush Junior. And, without question, it spoke to the desire of most white Americans to move beyond the stain of racism that continues to taint so many of our day to day interactions with suspicion at the very least. In fact, the historicity of this moment can be seen in the rising extreme rhetoric and rising individually-enacted but nonetheless consequential violence of the religious and political right. There is a real sense of profound diminishment and even grief among these segments of society who know that they have indeed lost something even if it is too intangible for them to articulate. But, having said that, I also strongly believe that the significance of the election of Barack Obama can certainly be overstated, and it has been overstated by way too many people who yearn for progressive social change. Yes, it is true that Obama ran in the Democratic primaries as an anti-war, affirmative social change progressive. You could go on his campaign web site and chalk up the issues, whether the war in Iraq, women’s rights, civil rights, labor, immigration, health care, urban affairs, LGBT concerns, you name it, he had staked out a progressive posture, generally not too, too radical, but almost always just a hair to the left of Hillary Clinton, if way to the right of Ohio’s Dennis Kucinich. On AIDS, he called for a national strategy, committed to an increased global fight, and offered a platform that we could have written for him…in fact, if you look at the platform articulated by the Campaign to End AIDS and its AIDS Vote partners, we probably did, and we were thrilled when his campaign plagiarized from us. And then there was his consistently eloquent talk of change we could believe in…coupled with soaring rhetoric that made the heart sing and yearn to believe….He could have been a good old Baptist preacher, for God’s sake…only much cooler, much more articulate. But to tell the truth, 150 days into this administration, it is amply clear that Obama is in fact governing as a moderately conservative Democrat, much in the strain of his predecessor, Bill Clinton. Click Here for more.
Over the weekend we learned that Congressman Gutierrez’s comprehensive immigration bill would not include LGBT families after much efforts from leading national LGBT organizations. The Roll Call article claims the pushback came from “Hispanic leaders more focused on keeping religious leaders on board with the plan.” Now we are told we must wait until an amendment is made to the bill (remember when we were told to wait until the end of the year for ENDA?) when it comes before the Judiciary Committee in February of next year, a move supported by Equality Caucus Chair Rep. Polis (D-CO-2). Here is the problem: The bill is now out of the hands of Equality Caucus and Hispanic Caucus Member Rep. Gutierrez (D-IL-4) and has been passed to its new sponsor, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Founder Rep. Solomon Ortiz (D-TX-27)—who is not even a cosponsor of ENDA or DADT repeal. Representative Ortiz says that “some Hispanic lawmakers may be uneasy with the same-sex provision for cultural reasons, and they may need more time to weigh it. ‘They feel a little uncomfortable. I think that ’s what it is, to be honest with you,‘ he said.” Why has this bill been turned over to Representative Ortiz, and taken from the more openly LGBT friendly Representative Gutierrez? And if that has you worried, there is more that has been uncovered: The majority of Congressional Hispanic Caucus Members are cosponsors of DOMA repeal, 11 out of 21 members to be exact. There are six Congressional Hispanic Caucus Members who are also members of the Equality Caucus that have cosponsored both DOMA repeal and the Uniting American Families Act. Among those Congressional Hispanic Caucus Members, that are not Equality Caucus Members four are cosponsors of DOMA repeal and the Uniting American Families Act. There is even one Congressional Hispanic Caucus Member that cosponsored DOMA repeal, but not the Uniting American Families Act. Now, when it comes to our own Equality Caucus, the majority of the members are cosponsors for DOMA repeal, but 15 of the 81 still have not cosponsored the legislation. With regards to immigration equality for our families, 9 of the 81, or 10% of Equality Caucus members have not signed on to Representative Nadler’s LGBT-specific Uniting American Families Act (H.R. 1024) or Representative Honda’s inclusive Reuniting Families Act. (H.R. 2709). What is the hold up for these 9 members of the Equality Caucus? Click Here for more.
How much has the President and Congress done for LGBT equality so far? Take this eQualityGiving poll in less than 30 seconds and see what others think. On the same page as the poll, you can read a comprehensive review, under different perspectives, of what has been accomplished so far and what else needs to be done for LGBT equality. Tell your friends to vote too!
 There is growing interest across the country in a national (and perhaps international) response to the National Prayer Breakfast on Feb. 4th, 2010 because of The Family’s role with that event and motivated in part by the Uganda bill criminalizing homosexuality with the death penalty, and the US/The Family’s role in that effort. Before we lock down the messaging, I’d like to offer a few observations to that conversation. Some are suggesting the theme of a “Protest Against Homophobia”. While this is energizing and appropriate for The Family – it casts a rather broad net. It also fails to present an alternative positive vision. Ultimately we are struggling FOR equality. And while most of our agenda is to “end discrimination”, we have not necessarily moved the hearts and minds of the middle of the religious spectrum with that message. The thing that inspired me the most about the March was that it was changing the nature of the movement – from an “anti-discrimination” cause to a pro-equality cause. This is also where the “marriage equality” messaging has made progress in changing the terms of the debate from special segregated rights to a collective positivism. I also think that a protest may gain headlines, and is a good defensive measure, but that too much of our movement has been defensive. Now I understand the need to motivate and that our anger motivates, and that we have to react when opportunities like this present themselves. But just because we’re reacting to negativity – doesn’t mean we have to sculpt our message negatively. I suggest we discuss the value of at least adding a second tag line or theme to this, if we are going to formalize it. A “Prayer Vigil for Equality” – presents a positive alternative to the hate mongering The Family is engaged in and makes us look like we are on the right side of the love/hate continuum. It offers an alternative – in practice and word – that will resonate with the religious middle – which we desperately need to win over in the short and long term. While this is political, it is also clearly religious. We have not had many high-profile opportunities to engage religion directly since condoms and child molestation scandals. Nevertheless, we have made HUGE inroads in developing support among clergy of all faiths – a fact that is under-reported and not deeply understood among the masses or internationally. This moment presents a perfect storm of sorts – for us to motivate from a negative action by The Family – and to turn the tide in a pivotal way – in the religious debate around the world. The message becomes, not only that homophobia is wrong, but that religions are increasingly embracing equality and fairness for all people, including us. The recent Vatican Statement to the UN offers a great stepping off point for rallies everywhere. The huge numbers of clerics who endorsed the March offer a key source of allies to spread the positive message that discrimination is OUT of Touch with the ultimate religious doctrine of love. Most importantly, if we message this right – we take the high ground and we appear reasonable. While we may see The Family as evil, not everyone does. We will not win over the middle with accusations that everyone in the religious community that opposes our cause is a homophobe (particularly given the confusing use of that term as applied to political-religious opposition en mass). We can protest, do sit-ins, stop traffic until we are blue in the face. But let’s do it with a prayer vigil, with a positive message of love that really marginalizes ONLY the religious right’s message of intolerance and hate – and doesn’t marginalize US in the process – or alienate the middle. So my pitch if we promote this organizationally – is that we say something along the lines of: A Protest Against Homophobia. A Prayer Vigil for Equality. Personally I would drop the first part. If we have demonstrations billed only as Prayer Vigils for Equality – we loose all the negativity. We can promote the idea of “Equality Sermons” for that week that all faiths can embrace. We can have a website – where clergy can post their Equality Sermons, etc. It can truly be a moment in which we reclaim the debate among religions and start to win over the good hearted among those people who do not appreciate being labeled as homophobic – and who – if given a chance – will likely embrace the message of equality. The loss in NY shows we do not have many congregations on our side, but they have not been given something else to say “yes” to. They will not pay attention to the news of our sit-ins and protests and accusations. But they will listen to their service. We can either make headlines in a few places for one day as outsiders and put a minor pr wedge between the religious right and our politicians – or we can start the real work of dialog inside our places of worship with the constituents who will really determine what our politicians ultimately do. In the true spirit of the National Equality March – let’s have a National Prayer Vigil for Equality. We will not be handed another opportunity as perfect as this to confront the opposition on its own turf and terms. If we start controlling our messaging and driving this bus the concept of “equality” will be the new playing ground for all of our electoral and legislative political battles ahead. Let’s give Obama and Congress “equality” cover to do the right thing – and to win another term by neutralizing the wedge value of our cause among the republican party and religious communities. Let’s give the world an “Equality” spirit. Yours in cause,
Take Action: Call and eMail New Jersey State Senators, Marriage Equality Vote is Thursday New Jersey state senators are voting on marriage Equality tomorrow, Thursday. Bruce Sprinsteen has made a statement – so should you. Garden State Equality’s quick form will tell you who your senator is and the number to call. Be sure to tell the staffer who answers the phone where in Jersey you live. Bruce Springsteen backs gay marriage in NJ “The Boss” is backing gay marriage in the Garden State. Bruce Springsteen posted a statement on his Web site urging support of the gay marriage bill that’s up for a vote in New Jersey’s Senate on Thursday. Springsteen wrote that he’s long believed in and has “always spoken out for the rights of same-sex couples.” The native son says he agrees with Gov. Jon Corzine that marriage equality is a civil rights issue. Gov.-elect Chris Christie is a big Springsteen fan. The Republican has said he would veto the bill. A state Senate committee approved the bill by one vote on Monday. Democrats concede the measure may fall short of the 21 votes needed to pass the Senate. Source: Get contact Information and Whip The Vote Here: http://www.gardenstateequality.org/contactofficials.html http://www.gardenstateequality.org/contactofficials.html
HRC announced on its Backstory blog I have been privileged to write about ENDA daily since its introduction in June. Thank you to all of those who have followed my posts and made those calls. We moved ENDA far up the field before the time out, with well over the votes needed in the House and missing only a few votes in the Senate. I will now take a hiatus from my daily postings to address the personal and professional issues that have received short shrift during the past six months. I will continue to post occasionally about this and other issues, and I note that we need to continue our efforts to ensure that this bill isn’t parked again. The good news is that Gay Inc. awoke from its long sleep Friday morning and issued a strong statement urging swift passage of ENDA, along with the ACLU. There’s also increased interest from bloggers and on LGBT news websites. My Google Alerts are humming. I hear that our LGBT politicians are promising a quick markup and House vote next year. I pray that my concerns about Senate midterm elections and legislative logjams and lost momentum are misplaced. What should our strategy be to move forward to victory in 2010? More here: http://bit.ly/871dNE
From The Empire State Pride Agenda Director Alan Van Capelle Our Work For Equality Continues Without a doubt, last week’s vote on the marriage equality bill in the New York State Senate was a heartbreaking result after years of nonstop work and advocacy from so many LGBT New Yorkers and straight allies. We should all pause and take a moment to allow ourselves to process the range of emotions we’re feeling about the vote. And yes, I expect one of those emotions you’re feeling is anger, because it’s certainly one I’m feeling right now. Losing a vote on our civil rights is devastating. Whether marriage equality is your top LGBT issue or whether it is GENDA or another issue, what hurts most is knowing that the majority of State Senators still believe that it’s acceptable to treat millions of New Yorkers as “less-than” or second-class citizens. That’s what this vote ultimately said—and that’s what makes it so personal. But we also learned some positive things as a result of the vote and I think it’s incredibly important to highlight them: We were able to do what practically no one else was able to do with a post-coup State Senate—get a debate and vote on a bill. Our hard work and determination brought the bill to the floor without a predetermined final outcome. This is virtually unprecedented in the State Senate and many critics thought it would be impossible in such a tumultuous year. Getting an up-or-down vote was always going to be absolutely essential to our strategy because we needed to know where each of the 62 State Senators stood on marriage equality. When the vast majority of African-American and Latino State Senators voted in support of marriage equality, we dealt a blow to the shameful idea that communities of color somehow stand in the way of equality for same-sex couples. In fact, some of the most eloquent arguments during the Senate debate came from African-American and Latino legislators. These men and women articulated exactly why they believe that this is an important civil rights movement and that there is no excuse to continue discriminating against LGBT families when it comes to protections that the State of New York provides to its people. During the two-and-a-half-hour debate, when we heard incredibly moving arguments from Senators in support of marriage equality, we heard only one argument from a Senator who opposes our right to marry. The other 37 Senators who voted “no” were silent during the entire debate, and the only time we heard anything from them was when they were forced to say the word “no” during the voice vote roll call. The “no” votes were silent because our community had taken away every single argument that they could use against us. Early on in this campaign we sought to dispel the most common myths that opponents of marriage equality throw out when they argue against us. With these arguments neutralized, opponents of marriage equality had nothing to say and could only vote “no” for nothing more than political reasons. This is because you talked to your Senators about these myths. You made them understand that marriage equality in no way affects freedom of religion. You explained to them exactly why civil unions are just another example of separate and unequal treatment by government. This is where we will start in 2010. We’ve said throughout this campaign that we will never stop fighting until we win and that continues to be our commitment to you. From continued work with some State Senators who voted against us to electoral work to support those who supported us and to defeat some of those who didn’t, we will be doing this work and we need you at our side doing it with us. Our army of LGBT and ally supporters must only grow in the coming weeks and months as we take our fight into the new year. We must also remember that there are two vitally important bills that did not get votes in the State Senate this year: GENDA, the transgender civil rights bill, and Dignity, the safe schools bill. These bills will be at the top of our legislative agenda next year. The Assembly has passed these bills in consecutive years now, and there’s no excuse for why the Senate shouldn’t pass them when they return to Albany in January. I would also urge everyone to take a deep breath and be sure and celebrate the holidays with your loved ones. There will be plenty of opportunities very soon to channel our anger and frustration into productive action that helps move us forward. The Pride Agenda is spending the next several weeks thinking thoroughly and strategically about a plan for next year. We are speaking to our community’s many friends and allies about what happened last week and how to best move forward. This includes our many friends who are elected officials, and we should all be thankful that our community does have many of these friends and that they are just as upset as we were about Wednesday’s result. Once we do this, we will have much more of the information we need to make informed, smart decisions about 2010. I have no doubt that we will win on all fronts if we all stick together. It might not come as soon as we wanted it, but we will get there. With continued hope and renewed determination, Alan Van Capelle Source: http://eqfed.org/espany/home.html
Congress ready to pass trio of LGBT equality bills, or so it seems -by Kelvin Lynch, The Examiner The U.S. Congress is very close to passing a trifecta of gay-friendly bills, according to openly gay U.S. Reps. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Jared Polis (D-CO), according to a new report by the AP. Speaking at an international conference in San Francisco today, Baldwin and Polis said the House is set to pass bills to provide health coverage for the same-sex partners of gay federal workers and to protect all gay and transgender employees from job discrimination. They said they expect a domestic partner benefits bill to come up for a vote by the end of the year and the employment bill to reach the floor early in 2010. Baldwin and Polis said they are were also confident that the House will include a provision in the military spending bill to repeal the Clinton-era “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, which prohibits LGBT people from serving in the U.S. military. Both Baldwin and Polis said all three measures may face an uphill battle following the passing of gay rights pioneer Sen. Edward Kennedy, but they remain optiimistic. One reason for optimism is President Obama’s support of all three measures. Office of Personnel Management director John Berry, the highest ranking gay appointee in the administration, told the conference that the president strongly supports the trio of gay rights measures. Barry added, “The tide of public opinion is in our favor. The forces of intolerance are on the run. We have a president who has been clear in his support for our community and in his commitment to our equality. This is the best opportunity we will ever have as a community, and shame on us if we don’t succeed.” Although gay activists have criticized President Obama for not moving more quickly on their concerns, both Polis and Baldwin said the pressure should instead be directed at Congress, because the president cannot act alone. [Note: Technically, that isn't true. Legal experts agree that Obama could have issued executive orders to make these changes, but instead chose not to follow in President George W. Bush's footsteps and abuse executive power]. “LGBT leaders need to be focusing in on the people we need to win over instead of just trying to talk to our friends and being angry they haven’t delivered,” Polis said. Polis makes a good point. Why preach to the choir? Not enough pressure has been put on our elected representatives in Congress. We need to get on the phones, call our Congresspeople and LGBT leaders in D.C., and demand they do what it takes to make sure these pieces of legislation pass. Or else they get no more support from us. Should we remain optimistic about the passage of these bills within the next year? Or is all this just so much wishful thinking on the part of Baldwin and Polis? Should President Obama take more reponsibility for these essential human rights issues? Let’s hear it … Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-4107-International-LGBT-Issues-Examiner~y2009m12d6-Congress-ready-to-pass-trio-of-LGBT-equality-bills-or-so-it-seems?cid=examiner-email
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