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VA GOV. ISSUES ANTI-DISCRIMINATION DIRECTIVE WITH NO TEETH
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today responded to a directive issued by Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell that on its face seems to counter recent anti-LGBT actions by the state's Attorney General. Yet as worded, the Governor's directive lacks teeth to address the very real problem of discrimination and does not give Virginia's LGBT state employees any more protections than the U.S. Constitution already provides. As hundreds of cities and counties, 21 states and hundreds of private companies across the United States have already determined, it is absolutely necessary to have laws and policies that clearly and explicitly protect LGBT people by prohibiting employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, and by providing clear mechanisms to report such discrimination.
"No one should be fooled by the Governor's directive," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "While it is a positive step to acknowledge that employment discrimination is a challenge faced by LGBT Virginians, public employees remain vulnerable without an inclusive executive order or law passed by the legislature."
HRC launched an action alert to Virginia residents today calling on them to ask Gov. McDonnell to reinstate protections for LGBT employees by executive order and to push the state legislature to enact legislation that would provide clear and consistent protections for all employees in Virginia. The action alert is available at: http://bit.ly/VADiscrim and further coverage of the issue is on HRC's blog at www.hrcbackstory.org.
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
[3/11/10]
MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL CANCELS PROM RATHER THEN LET LESBIAN TAKE GIRLFRIEND
The Mississippi school district that had refused to allow a lesbian student to escort her girlfriend to a high school senior prom has decided not to host the prom at all after its decision was challenged by the ACLU. > Full Story. [3/11/10]
NATIONAL LGBT RIGHTS LEADER ADDRESSES D.C. PROTEST DEMANDING HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund Executive Director Rea Carey is among the progressive leaders speaking at today's large protest outside the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Washington, D.C., where America's Health Insurance Plans - the health insurance lobbying group - is holding its annual policy conference. > Full Story. [3/10/10]
GAY MARRIAGE AND ADOPTION TO BE LEGAL IN MEXICO CITY TOMORROW
Gay rights activist Mariana Pérez Ocaña said she fears conservative provincial leaders will chip away at same-sex marriage. > Full Story. [3/3/10]
SENATORS INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO REPEAL ‘DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL’ POLICY
Legislation to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on openly lesbian, gay and bisexual service members was introduced today in the U.S. Senate by Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), along with 11 other co-sponsors. Lieberman, Carl Levin (D-Mich.), Mark Udall (D-Colo.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Roland Burris (D-Ill.) held a press conference today to discuss the repeal effort and introduce the bill. > Full Story. [3/3/10]
HISTORIC DAY IN NATION’S CAPITAL AS SAME-SEX COUPLES BEGIN APPLYING FOR MARRIAGE LICENSES
"Until you have walked in the shoes of someone who has been denied the right to exercise such a fundamental freedom, it is hard to comprehend the emotional depth and significance of this experience for so many couples in Washington, D.C."
- Rea Carey, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force > Full Story. [3/3/10]
BPX: THE BLACK PARTY® EXPO & BAZAAR: THIS AIN'T YOUR DADDY'S TRADE SHOW...OR IS IT?
The Black Party Expo:
Behind The Scenes At The World's Sexiest Party
Benefitting The LGBT Center > Full Story. [3/2/10]
CALIFORNIA'S FIRST GAY ASSEMBLY SPEAKER SWORN IN
California's first openly gay Assembly speaker was sworn in on Monday, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
After taking the oath, Assemblyman John Perez, a Los Angeles Democrat, paid tribute to the gay and lesbian Californian politicians that came before him, saying his achievements would not be possible if not for "people like Elaine Noble, Harvey Milk and Sheila James Kuehl, who blazed a trail of pride and purpose for gay and lesbian Californians to serve our state."
> Full Story. [3/2/10]
PROP 8 TRIAL CLOSING ARGUMENTS WON'T BE TELEVISED
The court issued a press release intended to correct any misconceptions about a recent report in the San Francisco Chronicle that there was a possibility the closing arguments for Proposition 8 could be televised: > Full Story. [3/2/10]
FORT WORTH PROSECUTING VICTIMS OF RAINBOW LOUNGE GAY BAR RAID
Two victims of the Rainbow Lounge raid last June in Fort Worth, Texas who were injured in the raid, are being prosecuted by the city: > Full Story. [3/2/10]
CANADIAN UNIVERSITY BANS HOMOSEXUALITY
Crandall University in the Canadian maritime province of New Brunswick (you remember New Brunswick, right?) forbids homosexuality for students and faculty. In fact, for faculty, homosexuality is grounds for immediate dismissal.
Formerly called Atlantic Baptist University, the newly renamed school has received a six million dollar grant from the Liberal provincial government for an extension. It may not sound like a lot, but in the sparsely populated province, it equals about $8.50 for every woman, man and child. That's the same $8.50 out of the pockets of every gay citizen, their family members and friends.
> Full Story. [3/2/10]
NEW YORK STATE SENATE PASSES FAMILY HEALTH CARE DECISION ACT
The New York State Senate passed the Family Health Care Decisions Act. The act has already passed the Assembly. The act that enables a loved one to make health care decisions when the patient is not able to do so. The bill places a same-sex or opposite-sex domestic partner, just like a spouse, ahead of a surviving child or parent in making these decisions. > Full Story. [2/26/10]
LEADERS OF MILITARY SERVICE BRANCHES VOICE SUPPORT FOR MULLEN/GATES APPROACH TO “DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL” REPEAL
The highest-ranking leaders of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines appeared before Congress this week and testified in support of the strategy to repeal the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law that was laid out by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.
Army Chief of Staff General George Casey; Secretary of the Army John McHugh; Air Force Chief of Staff Norton Schwartz; Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley; Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Gary Roughead; Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Commandant of the Marine Corps General James Conway all supported the implementation review announced earlier this month and now under way at the Pentagon.
Throughout this week, the service secretaries and service chiefs have been testifying before the U.S. House and Senate Armed Services Committees regarding defense authorization requests for Fiscal Year 2011.
"The leaders of our military service branches told Congress that they back Adm. Mullen and Secretary Gates' roadmap for repeal and would absolutely be capable of carrying out orders abolishing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" when Congress and the president send those orders their way," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "The testimony given by the service chiefs this week only furthers the belief that whatever orders are handed to them by their superiors, our men and women in uniform will have no trouble carrying out those orders with honor and professionalism."
"Every shred of evidence shows that on the battlefield, sexual orientation doesn't matter. Our country's top military leaders and the overwhelming majority of the American public and active-duty service members all believe that the most important consideration isn't whether a patriotic American fighting for our freedom is gay or straight, but whether they have the ability to perform their mission. The time to repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is now," continued Solmonese.
On Monday, Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) announced that he will introduce a bill in the U.S. Senate to repeal the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law. Representative Patrick Murphy (D-PA) is the lead sponsor of similar legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Since President Obama delivered his State of the Union address last month, during which he called for ending the ban on openly lesbian and gay Americans from serving in the military, there has been a nearly unanimous and diverse group who have spoke out in support of doing away with the law. Some of those include:
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen and Defense Secretary Robert Gates voiced their supportduring their congressional testimony before a Senate Armed Services Committee.
General Colin Powell, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated, "I fully support the new approach presented to the Senate Armed Services Committee this week by Secretary of Defense Gates and Admiral Mullen."
A New York Times/CBS News national poll conducted on February 5th – 10th, 2010, shows yet again that a majority of Americans support repeal.
The largest organization of retired U.S. military reserve officers in the nation voted to end its decades-long position in support of excluding lesbians and gays from the U.S. military. The association, founded in 1922 and chartered by Congress in 1950, also rejected the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law.
Former Vice President and Defense Secretary Dick Cheney threw his support behind the effort to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" by stating, "When the chiefs come forward and say, 'We think we can do it,' then it strikes me as it's time to reconsider the policy, and I think Adm. Mullen said that."
Now is the time to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." To be part of the effort to ensure that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is repealed this year, please write your member of Congress.
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
> Full Story. [2/25/10]
GAYS WILL BE ABLE TO MARRY IN D.C. STARTING MARCH 9
Barring any last minute successes by the bigots who are doing everything they can to stop equality from being recognized in the nation's capital, gay couples will be soon be able to apply for licenses and marry there. > Full Story. [2/25/10]
MARYLAND ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OPINION ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGES
Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler issued a legal opinion that states that marriages of same-sex couples validly entered into in other jurisdictions may be honored and recognized by state agencies. > Full Story. [2/24/10]
LESBIAN CRUISE COMPANY CELEBRATES 20 YEARS
Olivia, the definitive leader of lesbian travel, celebrates its 20th year of chartering cruises and resort vacations. > Full Story. [2/22/10]
'HISTORIC’ HEARING ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IN MINNESOTA
Three bills will be up for discussion on Monday, and all three are supportive of expanded relationship rights for Minnesota's same-sex couples. > Full Story. [2/19/10]
EQUALITY CALIFORNIA SPONSORS FIRST BILL IN NATION TO INCLUDE GENDER IDENTITY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION IN STATE GOVERNMENT FORMS
Introduced by Assemblymember Ted Lieu, the bill would enable the state to gather vital data about the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community > Full Story. [2/18/10]
DC ARCHDIOCESE ENDS FOSTER-CARE PROGRAM OVER SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BILL
The Archdiocese of Washington has decided to drop its foster care program over a dispute on pending same-sex marriage law with the District of Columbia. The decision, posted late yesterday on the archdiocese's Web site, announced that the archdiocese had ceased its 80-year-old program Feb. 1, the day the city's contract expired with Catholic Charities, the church's social services arm. > Full Story. [2/18/10]
LAMBDA LEGAL FILES BRIEF IN DEFENSE OF CLEVELAND DOMESTIC PARTNER REGISTRY
"To suggest to same-sex couples and their families that a domestic partnership registry somehow resembles marriage is preposterous." > Full Story. [2/17/10]
GAY DIVORCE CASE DRAWS ATTORNEY GENERAL'S ATTENTION
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has intervened in a first-of-its-kind Travis County same-sex divorce case, arguing that the women involved, who were married in another state, may not be legally granted a divorce because Texas law defines marriage as between a man and a woman. > Full Story. [2/16/10]
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE ADVOCATES RALLY AT THE MN STATE CAPITOL
A couple of hours before their biggest Minnesota opponent made his annual address to the state, same-sex marriage advocates rallied at the Capitol Thursday. > Full Story. [2/12/10]
THERAPY ORGANIZATIONS CHALLENGING PROP 8 AGREE QUALITY OF PARENTING IS WHAT MATTERS NOT GENDER
A group of leading organizations for marriage and family therapists and other mental health professionals from across the nation have filed an amicus brief challenging Proposition 8 in the Perry v. Schwarzenegger case in U.S. District Court in San Francisco. The therapy associations agree that what matters is the quality of the parenting, not the gender of the parents. > Full Story. [2/10/10]
NH PANEL RECOMMENDS AGAINST GAY MARRIAGE REPEAL
A House committee that deadlocked a year ago over legalizing gay marriage voted Tuesday against repealing New Hampshire's five-week-old law allowing the unions. > Full Story. [2/10/10]
JESSE ARCHER GETS DEPANTSED BY ARTIST PAUL RICHMOND
Why are Jesse Archer, Mike Ruiz, Jack Mackenroth and Perez Hilton having trouble keeping their clothes on these days? Because artist Paul Richmond has enlisted their modeling services for his upcoming exhibit of male pin-up paintings called CHEESECAKE. The show, which will feature oil paintings of fourteen gay male celebrities, opens at the Center on Halsted in Chicago this June. > Full Story. [2/9/10]
HARRAH’S LAKE TAHOE WELCOMES LGBT COMMUNITY TO EXPERIENCE WINTERFEST GAY AND LESBIAN SKI WEEK
Multiple Events at 15th Annual Celebration March 7-14, 2010 > Full Story. [2/5/10]
MARYLAND ANTI-SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BILL REJECTED
By a 12-8 vote, the Maryland House of Delegates Judiciary Committee has rejected an effort to prohibit that state from recognizing same-sex marriages lawfully performed elsewhere. > Full Story. [2/4/10]
STATE HOUSE FAILS TO GUARANTEE EQUAL RIGHTS TO ALL HAWAII FAMILIES
Equality Hawaii, the state's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, and the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest LGBT civil rights organization, today denounced the Hawaii State House for failing to take up and pass HB 444 SD1, the state Civil Unions bill. The bill would have provided that the equal rights and responsibilities of married couples in Hawaii are afforded to thousands of non-married couples in the state. The House voted by voice vote to postpone the bill indefinitely, effectively killing the bill for the session.
"We're sorely disappointed that the Hawaii State House refused to take action on the Civil Unions bill," said Tambry Young, Co-Chair of Equality Hawaii. "Today, the House put its own political interests before the interests of Hawaii's families and that's bad policy and bad politics. We pledge that this fight is not over, and we will continue in our efforts to see true equality in our state."
The decision by the House comes on the heels of swift action in the Senate which saw the bill pass by an 18-7 vote on January 22. House Speaker Calvin Say suggested earlier in the week that the House may not be willing to reconsider the bill if the majority could not garner enough votes to override a possible veto from the Governor. The Governor has never made a veto threat on the topic of Civil Unions.
"We're stunned that the Hawaii State House would act contrary to their previous position of strongly supporting this bill," said Joe Solmonese, President of the Human Rights Campaign. "We thank all those who advocate for equality in the Aloha State, especially our friends in the legislature and with Equality Hawaii. We have been a proud partner with Hawaii's fair-minded residents for decades and will continue to stand by their side in the struggle for equality."
"This fight is not over and we will ultimately prevail," said Alan Spector, Legislative Affairs Co-Chair for Equality Hawaii. "It is simply unfathomable that politics and election considerations would supersede honor, integrity and common-sense. Today, these Representatives did not represent their constituent's families – shame on them."
Equality Hawaii is dedicated to securing equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people and their families in Hawaii. We envision a Hawaii in which LGBT people and their families have full equality in all areas of the law.
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
> Full Story. [2/1/10]
COURAGE CAMPAIGN'S RICK JACOBS FILES FPPC COMPLAINT AGAINST ANDY PUGNO, ASSEMBLY CANDIDATE AND COUNSEL FOR PROTECT MARRIAGE
Alleges misuse of public funds in support of ballot initiative banning same-sex marriage > Full Story. [1/29/10]
CALL ON CBS TO EXPLAIN SUPER BOWL ADVERTISING DECISION
January 27, 2010 – GLAAD joined the United Church of Christ today in expressing concern about CBS's decision to accept a Focus on the Family advertisement for broadcast during the nationally televised Super Bowl on Sunday, February 7, after having refused ads in 2004 from the United Church of Christ focusing on the church's commitment to inclusion. > Full Story. [1/28/10]
STUDENT NON-DISCRIMINATION ACT OF 2010 INTRODUCED IN U.S. HOUSE
Measure would prohibit discrimination against public school students on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. > Full Story. [1/28/10]
TASK FORCE RESPONDS TO PRESIDENT OBAMA’S STATE OF THE UNION REMARKS ON REPEALING ‘DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL’ POLICY
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force responded to President Obama's State of the Union speech tonight. > Full Story. [1/28/10]
UCLA’S WILLIAMS INSTITUTE ESTIMATES 66,000 LGB PEOPLE ARE SERVING IN US MILITARY
LIFTING DON'T ASK/DON'T TELL WOULD ADD ALMOST 50,000 NEW MEMBERS
AND SAVE TAXPAYERS HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS
LOS ANGELES, CA - Today, the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law released a research brief that updates estimates of the number of lesbian, gay, and bisexual men and women serving in the US military along with the cost of the Don't Ask/Don't Tell policy.
Dr. Gary J. Gates, Williams Distinguished Scholar and study author states that, "Despite official policy requiring that lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals remain silent about their sexual orientation, data from the US Census Bureau suggest that an estimated 66,000 LGB men and women are serving in the US military."
The study also updates prior estimates of the cost of the Don't Ask/Don't Tell policy made by the General Accountability Office and the Palm Center at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Gates concludes that, "Ending Don't Ask/Don't Tell will save a substantial amount of taxpayer dollars since estimates suggest that the policy has cost more than half a billion dollars."
Key findings from the analyses are as follows:
An estimated 66,000 lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals are serving in the US military, accounting for approximately 2.2% of military personnel.
Approximately 13,000 LGB people are serving on active duty (comprising 0.9% of all active duty personnel) while nearly 53,000 are serving in the guard and reserve forces (3.4%).
While women comprise only about 14% of active duty personnel, they comprise more than 43% of LGB men and women serving on active duty.
Lifting DADT restrictions could attract an estimated 36,700 men and women to active duty service and 12,000 more individuals to the guard and reserve.
Since its inception in 1994, the "Don't Ask/Don't Tell" policy has cost the military between $290 million and more than a half a billion dollars.
The military spends an estimated $22,000 to $43,000 per person to replace those discharged under DADT.
The full research brief can be found at: www.law.ucla.edu/williamsinsitute
> Full Story. [1/27/10]
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN RELEASES COMPREHENSIVE STATE-BY-STATE LEGISLATIVE REPORT
More Pro-LGBT Bills Passed in 2009 than in 2008 & 2007 Combined
WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, today released a comprehensive state-by-state report detailing LGBT-related legislation in 2009 and an outlook for 2010. The report indicates that despite disappointments in 2009, we witnessed a banner year for positive legislation affecting the LGBT community with as many positive bills passed this past year as in 2007 and 2008 combined. The report also details expectations for 2010 with the fight for marriage equality and relationship recognition now focused on Hawaii, Illinois, New Mexico, and Rhode Island and continued state and local efforts to protect LGBT employees. To view the report online, visit: www.hrc.org/StateToState.
"While the road is never easy, we look ahead to 2010 with renewed dedication in the fight for equality," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "We will continue to work closely with state LGBT groups and our allies to secure these much-needed advancements. As the midterm elections heat up, we must remain focused on the many state legislators who stood with us by continuing to support them and also remember those who stood in the way."
· Marriage equality: The Iowa Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of marriage equality earlier this year with support from both the Iowa House and Senate for preserving the ruling. New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Vermont legislatures voted in favor of same-sex marriage in 2009. In Maine, marriage equality was passed in both chambers and signed into law by the Governor, only to be lost by a small margin at the ballot. The Council of the District of Columbia voted to recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages and swiftly followed with a law allowing same-sex marriage within the District which will take effect in spring 2010.
· Relationship Recognition: Washington and Nevada passed laws to grant equal benefits to domestic partners in an "everything but marriage" framework. Colorado and Wisconsin passed their very first laws affording various protections to same-sex couples including estate planning, hospital visitation, and family leave, with the possibility of expanding the protection to include other benefits in the future. While the New York Senate rejected marriage equality, the highest court in New York ruled that the state can continue to recognize marriage of same-sex couples performed out of state.
· Anti-discrimination legislation: In Delaware, Governor Markell signed an anti-discrimination bill into law which included sexual orientation as a protected class. Massachusetts and New York are poised to expand their current anti-discrimination policies by including protection for gender identity and gender expression. The Mormon Church gave its support to banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in Salt Lake City, giving hope that a state-wide anti-discrimination bill will soon follow in Utah.
· Adoption: The Council of the District of Columbia passed a law allowing domestic partners to be presumed as parents of their partner's biological children and to be included on birth certificates. Kentucky, Tennessee and Utah legislators halted bills that would ban unmarried couples from becoming adoptive parents. In Florida, a 1977 law prohibiting "homosexual" individuals from adopting was struck down twice in one year at the trial level; the law's future is pending appellate review.
** Equality from State to State author, HRC state legislative director Sarah Warbelow, is available for media inquiries.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
> Full Story. [1/26/10]
[PROP 8 TRIAL] WITNESS ADMITS "OFFICIAL DISCRIMINATION" OF FEDERAL ANTI-GAY LAWS
Acknowledges that the "Defense of Marriage Act" and "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" discriminate against gays and lesbians > Full Story. [1/26/10]
EXPLOSIVE EVIDENCE EXPOSES PROP 8 CAMPAIGN AS TRIAL NEARS DRAMATIC CLOSE
JACOBS: "This evidence is not just a smoking gun. It was an arsenal of incendiary devices directed at the LGBT community and voters. This is how the Prop 8 side won -- through fear and lies." > Full Story. [1/26/10]
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION RELEASES LIST OF 2010 “BEST PLACES TO WORK FOR LGBT EQUALITY”
305 U.S. businesses recognized for supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workers, many featured in popular "Buying for Equality" iPhone application. > Full Story. [1/26/10]
HAWAII STATE SENATE APPROVES HB 444 SD1
Civil Unions bill now heads to state House for consideration
HONOLULU – Equality Hawaii, the state's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, and the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest LGBT civil rights organization, today applauded the Hawaii State Senate for passing HB 444 SD1 by an 18-7 vote. The bill provides that the equal rights and responsibilities of married couples in Hawaii be afforded to thousands of non-married couples in the state. The bill now heads to the Hawaii State House for their consideration.
"We're very pleased that the Hawaii State Senate took action and passed the Civil Unions bill today," said Tambry Young, Co-Chair of Equality Hawaii. "The Senate acted with great courage, conviction and integrity. They did the right thing for all of Hawaii's families."
The final vote in the Senate came after an amendment to change the effective date of the legislation failed to garner enough votes to pass. The issue of the effective date of the bill arose when the bill failed to secure final passage in the 2009 portion of the legislative session, which ended last May. Authors of the bill, anticipating passage would come in 2009 originally listed the effective date as January 1, 2010. On November 25, the Hawaii Attorney General issued an opinion on the potential date complication. In that opinion, the Attorney General clearly stated that the retroactive date would not invalidate the legislation.
"The Human Rights Campaign congratulates all those who have advocated for equality in the Aloha State, especially our friends in the legislature and at Equality Hawaii," said Joe Solmonese, President of the Human Rights Campaign. "We have been a proud partner with Hawaii's fair-minded residents for decades and will continue to stand by their side in the struggle for equality."
"This particular fight for HB 444 has spanned more than two years, but is just one more step in the decade's long struggle for equality that so many residents of Hawaii have sought" said Alan Spector, Legislative Affairs Co-Chair for Equality Hawaii. "The road has been long and the fight has been emotional, but today we're one step closer to providing equal rights and responsibilities to all of Hawaii's loving couples and their families."
The legislation now moves to the state House for its consideration of the amended bill, HB 444 SD1. The House would need to concur with the Senate version or amend the bill to change the effective date, which would send the bill to conference committee, before the final bill heads to Governor Linda Lingle's desk. The Governor may sign the bill, veto it or allow it to become law without her signature after 10 days.
Equality Hawaii is dedicated to securing equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people and their families in Hawaii. We envision a Hawaii in which LGBT people and their families have full equality in all areas of the law.
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
> Full Story. [1/26/10]
VT. JUDGE TO WEIGH CONTEMPT CITATION IN LESBIAN CUSTODY CASE
A Vermont judge is expected to decide Friday whether to issue a contempt citation to a Virginia woman who has defied a court order to surrender the 7-year-old girl she had with her former partner. > Full Story. [1/22/10]
TEXAS PREACHER CALLS FOR BOYCOTT OF HOUSTON
The Reverend David Grisham of Amarillo, Texas has launched a drive to boycott the city of Houston, TX... The reason? Because apparently he is upset over the fact that the citizens of Houston voted a lesbian mayor into office and have allowed the largest Planned Parenthood facility to be built in the city. > Full Story. [1/21/10]
3 WEEKS AFTER GAY MARRIAGE LAW, NH TAKES UP REPEAL
The House Judiciary Committee was holding hearings Wednesday on the two measures, which many observers expect the House to reject when they are brought to the floor in the next few weeks. > Full Story. [1/21/10]
MICHIGAN SECRETARY OF STATE CANDIDATES TOP PRIORITY IS TO STOP TRANS PEOPLE FROM TRANSITIONING
Paul Scott (R-Grand Blanc) is running for the GOP nomination to be the next Secretary of State in Michigan. He has made stopping transgender people from changing their sex on their license part of his four most important priorities. > Full Story. [1/21/10]
U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SETTLES HIV DISCRIMINATION SUIT IN ALABAMA
The U.S. Department of Justice announced a settlement in a discrimination lawsuit against Wales West RV Resort and Train and Garden Lovers Family Park in Silverhill, Alabama. In its complaint, the department said the recreational vehicle (RV) resort violated the Americans With Disabilities Act when it banned an HIV-positive child, POZ cover boy Caleb Glover, from using the park's swimming pools and showers after learning his status. The resort will pay a $10,000 civil penalty to the United States and $36,000 to the family.The U.S. Department of Justice announced a settlement in a discrimination lawsuit against Wales West RV Resort and Train and Garden Lovers Family Park in Silverhill, Alabama. In its complaint, the department said the recreational vehicle (RV) resort violated the Americans With Disabilities Act when it banned an HIV-positive child, POZ cover boy Caleb Glover, from using the park's swimming pools and showers after learning his status. The resort will pay a $10,000 civil penalty to the United States and $36,000 to the family. > Full Story. [1/21/10]
SOUTH MIAMI APPROVES BENEFITS FOR DOMESTIC PARTNERS
Commissioners voted to grant benefit rights to city employees' domestic partners, as Miami-Dade County and cities such as Miami have done. > Full Story. [1/21/10]
EQUALITY FORUM 2010: 45 PROGRAMS, PARTIES AND SPECIAL EVENTS
Philadelphia __ "Equality Forum 2010 with Africa as the international focus will be our best-ever annual forum," stated Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director, Equality Forum.
The weeklong national and international forum will be held from Monday, April 26 to Sunday, May 2 in Philadelphia. There is no registration fee and all substantive panels are free.
"SundayOUT! at The Piazza will take a GLBT festival to a new plateau," stated Lazin. "With The Piazza's professional stage and jumbotron, SundayOUT! will have seven hours of diverse and exciting entertainment featuring the best of our community." The Piazza is a cutting edge urban entertainment location created in the classic design of an Italian piazza. The Piazza in trendy Northern Liberties has restaurants, bars, cafés and unique retail with free parking and easy access by car and public transportation.
Special Events Highlights:
International Equality Dinner at the National Constitution Center
Brian Sanders Dance Tribute at the Merriam Theater
11th Annual Gay and Lesbian Art Exhibit featuring photographers Richard Renaldi and Marc Yankus, in collaboration with The University of the Arts
Program Highlights with national and international leaders:
Obama GLBT Appointees Panel
Conversation with Governor Ed Rendell
National Sports Panel
National Legal Panel
Two Documentary Films:
Preacher's Sons, including Q & A with filmmaker C.. Roebuck Reed
OUT in the SILENCE, including Q & A with filmmakers Joe Wilson and Dean Hamer
Nine Parties including:
11th Annual Girl Fever
Three SundayOUT! parties at The Piazza
For a complete schedule of events, visit www.equalityforum.com.
> Full Story. [1/20/10]
HONORING THE REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force honors the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on this, the day of his birth, as well as on Monday's official holiday commemorating the civil rights leader. > Full Story. [1/15/10]
D.C. SUPERIOR COURT DECISION REJECTING ANTI-MARRIAGE EQUALITY INITIATIVE FOR THE SECOND TIME
The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, applauded a D.C. Superior Court ruling today that, for the second time, rejected a proposed initiative to roll back legislation passed by the D.C. Council extending marriage in the District to same-sex couples. In June, a D.C. Superior Court judge rejected a similar lawsuit with the same intent – to force a public vote on legislation that, at the time, allowed D.C. to recognize marriages by same-sex couples performed in other jurisdictions.
Today's ruling (http://www.dccourts.gov/dccourts/docs/2009CA008613B.pdf) upheld the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics' ruling rejecting the proposed initiative as an improper subject matter for a public vote. The lawsuit was brought by several national anti-gay activists and backed by thirty-nine Republican members of Congress. The legislation extending marriage rights to same-sex couples in the District is set to become effective at the conclusion of the Congressional review period, likely in early March.
In her decision, Judge Macaluso determined that the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics ruled properly that the proposed initiative would violate the D.C. Human Rights Act. Under D.C. law, no ballot initiative may authorize discrimination under the Human Rights Act, which, among other things, prohibits the government from denying services or benefits based on an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. Petitioners had argued that D.C.'s human rights protections dating back to 1979 were invalid; however, Judge Macaluso ruled that the D.C. Council acted within its legal authority when it adopted these vital anti-discrimination provisions.
"This second, back-to-back ruling by the D.C. Superior Court is an overwhelming victory for fairness, the rule of law and the protection of all D.C. residents against discrimination," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "D.C. has the right to govern itself and make its own laws without the interference of thirty-nine Republican members of Congress, more interested in scoring cheap political points than in the everyday lives of D.C. residents. As D.C. law justifiably recognizes, no initiative should be permitted to strip away any individual's civil rights. It is heartening that two different judges upheld the anti-discrimination protections wisely enacted by the Council more than thirty years ago. "
The Campaign for All D.C. Families – a coalition of D.C. residents and allied civil rights organizations – along with D.C. Clergy United for Marriage Equality and four same-sex couples who reside in the District were granted friend-of-the-court status and filed a brief in support of the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics and the District.
Solmonese concluded, "HRC will continue its strong support of the Campaign for All D.C. Families and D.C. Clergy United for Marriage Equality until marriage equality is a reality for everyone in the District."
Tom Williamson of Covington & Burling LLP, counsel for the Campaign for All D.C. Families, stated, "Judge Macaluso applied the law impartially in this case, recognizing the D.C. Council's right to define the initiative process consistent with the D.C. Charter. The decision upholds the Council's right to broadly protect human rights for all District residents."
Minister Dennis Wiley, Pastor of Covenant Baptist Church, said, "As a minister who's been serving the Ward 8 community for over 40 years, I am pleased that the D.C. Superior Court has upheld the right of the D.C. Council to prohibit discrimination in our community. I think this decision will be a unifying moment that helps bring healing to many families in the District. Gay and lesbian families are an integral part of our community and our church."
At this time, five states recognize marriage for same-sex couples under state law: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, and New Hampshire. The D.C. marriage law is likely to become effective on March 2, 2009. Five states-California, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada-provide same-sex couples with access to the state level benefits and responsibilities of marriage, through either civil unions or domestic partnerships.
Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island and Wisconsin provide same-sex couples with limited rights and benefits. New York and Washington, D.C. recognize marriages of same-sex couples validly entered into outside of the jurisdiction.
California recognized marriage by same-sex couples between June and November of 2008, before voters approved Proposition 8, which purports to amend the state constitution to prohibit marriage equality. Couples married during that window remain married under California law, but all other same-sex couples can only receive a domestic partnership within the state. The state will recognize out of state same-sex marriages that occurred before November 5, 2008 as marriages and those that occurred on or after November 5, 2008 as domestic partnerships. The Proposition 8 vote has been challenged in federal court; a trial is currently underway in San Francisco.
Same-sex couples do not receive federal rights and benefits in any state. For an electronic map showing where marriage equality stands in the states, please visit: www.HRC.org/State_Laws.
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
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