July 3, 2008
From Americablog
Why We MatterPosted on July 3, 2008 3:53 PM
You Would Think They Would Know
Those of us on the Endorsement Committee have been running into some of the old "lifestyle v choice" lingo. Hit the link for what we should expect from our candidates.Posted on July 3, 2008 11:52 AM
From The Internet
DECLARATION OF INTERDEPENDENCEhttp://interdependencedeclaration.org/
Posted on July 3, 2008 11:41 AM
June 28, 2008
Stonewall Democrats Partner with HRC in Vegas
HRC in a move to make up for some bad decisions in the past has reached out to Stonewall Democrats, ACLU and LGBT Centers across the USA to partner in some training sessions that will educate our members on How to run a Campaign and become "Grass Tops" as they call it as opposed to grass roots.
Posted on June 28, 2008 7:33 PM
June 26, 2008
Where John McCann Stands on LGBT Issues
I Gotta See ThisPosted on June 26, 2008 12:05 PM
June 24, 2008
Gay & Lesbian Leadership SmartBriefJune 24, 2008
Click here to read today's Gay & Lesbian Leadership SmartBrief
http://www.smartbrief.com/latestIssue.jsp?i=57764&l=5993914
TODAY'S HEADLINES
TOP STORY
* SLDN: Women more impacted by military ban in 2007
POLITICS AND POLICY
* Groups ask Calif. high court to stop vote on marriage ban
* Frank: Nunn is deal-breaker for LGBT voters
VIEWPOINT
* Marriage should be tie that binds all couples
* Spaulding queries readers about the Obama record
ISSUES AND SOCIETY
* New study raises old question of whether people are born gay
* Couple marries, then is revealed as two men
* Trans man's pregnancy helps increase dialogue on cultural shift
* Obituary: Michael Shernoff, 57, therapist, writer on AIDS
* Jerusalem Pride to take place after high court refuses to intervene
LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT
* Profile: Gill Action Fund
MARKETPLACE
* Ethicist: Job interviewer shouldn't come out to applicant
* GLBT Corporate Roundtable to join Pittsburgh pride event
MEDIA MIX
* British TV spot with two men kissing taken off air
Click here to read today's Gay & Lesbian Leadership SmartBrief
http://www.smartbrief.com/latestIssue.jsp?i=57764&l=5993914
Posted on June 24, 2008 2:45 PM
News From The Democratic Party
Good morning/afternoon everyone,
We had a very successful weekend in AD13 and SD6. The team got out to walk precincts surrounding Estelle Neal Park in the northern part of the city. In all, 73 people participated. Thanks so much to those of you who braved the heat. I know that Senator Titus (Candidate, CD3), Allison Copening (Candidate, SD6), and Andrew Martin (Candidate, AD13) all appreciate your commitment to getting Dems elected.
This week we have several meetings set for Organizers to meet their Assembly District Leaders. If one has not been set for you, please give me a call.
This weekend, the County Party will be having their “Celebrate America” event and Senator Titus will be hosting house parties in Laughlin, Cal Nev Ari, Searchlight, and attending a Precinct Captain training in Boulder City.
Rob Disney
702.737.8683
202.415.5166
Aut viam inveniam aut faciam
The campaign of Sen. John McCain has tapped LT. Gov. Brian Krolicki to serve as Nevada campaign chairman:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/20651094.html
With both presidential candidates scheduled to visit the state this week, Molly Ball reports on Nevada’s role as a top battleground state this presidential election cycle:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/20651109.html
Molly writes in her Political Notebook on 39-year-old joining the Obama fellowship program, a new Rasmussen Reports poll that shows Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain in a close race, State Sen. Steven Horsford’s announcement of a series of “Nevada Speaks” forums, a look at Rep. Berkley’s financial disclosure; and Titus’ hiring of her campaign team, along with her inclusion on the DCCC’s Red to Blue list:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/20651114.html
A Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce study released today found state and local government workers in Nevada earn 28 percent more than workers in the private sector:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/20651119.html
Jane Ann Morrison writes in her column on the SAGE commission:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/20651099.html
Phoebe Sweet reports that the BLM failed to notify Sen. Reid about their plan to institute an almost two year moratorium on new solar plants on 119 million acres of federal land they manage in six western states:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/jun/23/blm-leaves-reid-out-loop/
The Sun’s Emily Richmond looks in on Assemblyman Lynn Stewart participating in the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership program:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/jun/23/kids-learn-about-legislation-two-way-professional/
Charlotte Hsu reports on the budget cuts being all the talk on college campuses in Nevada:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/jun/23/college-campuses-talk-all-about-budget-cuts/
Retiring Washoe County educators are lamenting the lack of minority teachers:
The RGJ’s Martha Bellisle has the latest in the ongoing eTreppid court case:
http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080623/NEWS01/806230334/1321/NEWS
(Related, Scandalmonger blogs on the recent updates in the eTreppid case as well):
http://votegibbonsout.blogs.com/votegibbonsout/2008/06/etreppid-case-just-got-weirder.html
Geoff Dornan reports on legislative leaders seeking to find common ground on the budget crisis:
http://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/20080623/NEWS/868089146/1006&parentprofile=1058
Dornan also has an article on special sessions becoming more common in Nevada, with seven special sessions having been convened in just eight years:
http://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/20080623/NEWS/624982325/1006&parentprofile=1058
Sven with My Silver State blogs on one of Nevada’s federal lawmakers’ recent votes on two bills:
http://mysilverstate.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=682
Joe Coopers posts the results of his “10 Questions for State Sen. Dina Titus” Q&A:
http://www.politickernv.com/jkcooper/1925/10-questions-state-sen-dina-titus
Dr. David Damore writes on PolitickerNV regarding the special session and the myriad of issues revolving around the state’s budget crisis:
http://www.politickernv.com/ddamore/1924/special-session-mission-accomplished
Scandalmonger blogs that a source has told him Rick Eaton, head of the Nevada’s Department of Homeland Security, left his office Thursday at the State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC) and took his Homeland Security staff and the Carson "Fusion Center" with him. The source claims that attempts to move a state office have to be vetted through IFC:
http://votegibbonsout.blogs.com/votegibbonsout/2008/06/anybody-seen-rick-eastman.html
Posted on June 24, 2008 9:26 AM
June 20, 2008
Golden Rainbow Huge Success
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Posted on June 20, 2008 10:29 AM
June 16, 2008
Why Democrats Cannot Jump Ship In November
WHY WE CAN’T ELECT JOHN MCCAIN
Posted on June 16, 2008 10:59 PM
June 12, 2008
Something amusing...
This was posted on YouTube (via http://www.waynebesen.com/ ).
A little comedy diversion:
Posted on June 12, 2008 12:07 PM
Obama Campaign Names Two Stonewall Democrats to Leadership Team
Former Executive Director to Lead Obama LGBT Vote efforts
Posted on June 12, 2008 10:05 AM
June 5, 2008
PEBP Board moves Domestic Partnership Benefits Forward
Thursday June 5th, the Public Employee's Benefit Program Board approved the adoption of changes to the Nevada Administrative Code Section 287 which would extend insurance benefits to nontraditional families, both gay and straight, of most Nevada public employees.
But all is not good...
Posted on June 5, 2008 11:19 PM
June 3, 2008
Stonewall Board Creates Standing Committee on Transgendered Issues
At the last monthly board meeting, May 28th (the last Wednesday of the month), the SDCSN Board created the Standing Committee on Transgendered Issues. Therapist Jane Heenan was nominated and accepted the position of chairing this important committee. Jane is also a member of the Endorsement Committee and has done one fabulous job of expanding our awareness of gender issues. Congratulations, Jane, and thank you.On a similar note, our allies at NOW, the National Organization for Women, have done a bang up job in their last quarterly issue of National NOW Times on all kinds of LGBT issues.
Overcoming Distortion and Fear on Transgendered Rights.
Domestic Partner and Marriage, Adoption Bans on November Ballots
The entire issue of articles can be found HERE
Posted on June 3, 2008 11:17 PM
May 8, 2008
CHECK NEWSROOM FOR UP TO DATE NEVADA NEWS
We will try to keep you posted on a regular basis with News that is of interest to all Nevadans in our NEWSROOM so please drop by often and check out the latest and keep informed..
Posted on May 8, 2008 8:05 PM
News May 8, 2008
Sens. Reid and Ensign are backing opposing proposals to give U.S. consumers relief from skyrocketing gas prices:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/18758834.html
Gov. Jim Gibbons will submit a package of budget cuts to lawmakers for their stamp of approval to satisfy the requirements of state law:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/18758854.html
A new panel established Wednesday by Gov. Jim Gibbons will take a fresh look at state government operations to improve efficiency and save money. Gibbons believes it could also lead to lower taxes:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/18758884.html
(Related, Anjeanette writes that the Governor – through this new waste panel – hopes to improve efficiency so much that he can push through a tax cut before he leaves office):
http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080508/NEWS04/805080331/1321/NEWS
The state teachers union is in talks with gaming companies about a possible agreement to call off an initiative petition that would raise the gaming tax. Instead, the new plan being floated would increase the tax on hotel rooms, with the revenue collected put toward schools:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/18761884.html
David Schwartz writes on Gibbons’ divorce becoming a political spectacle due to the Governor’s actions during the proceedings:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/may/08/divorce-political-spectacle/
Desert Beacon blogs on Rep. Dean Heller’s campaign debt, noting who he owes the vast majority of money to:
http://desertbeacon.blogspot.com/2008/05/rep-hellers-intriguing-campaign-debts.html
Beacon also blogs on Heller and Porter supporting House Republican leadership by voting ‘aye’ on various protest votes meant to stall the progress of the Iraq Supplemental Bill because it includes the New G.I. Bill:
http://desertbeacon.blogspot.com/2008/05/heller-porter-support-troops-by.html
Anjeanette blogs on legislative leaders meeting with the Governor yesterday to discuss building the budget for the next biennium. The initial plan presented to lawmakers is that agencies must find ways to carve 14% from their operating budgets
http://blogs.rgj.com/inside-nevada-politics/2008/05/legislative-leaders-meet-with-governor.html
Joe Cooper writes on our Democratic voter registration edge statewide breaking 50,000:
http://www.politickernv.com/jkcooper/1424/dems-voter-registration-edge-breaks-50000
Cooper also has a list of candidates who have filed since Monday:
http://www.politickernv.com/jkcooper/1422/filing-continues
Posted on May 8, 2008 5:36 PM
May 7, 2008
LOCAL NEVADA NEWS
John L. Smith writes in his column that because he is in public office, the governor’s divorce proceedings should be public:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/18721189.html
Rep. Dean Heller introduced legislation Tuesday that would require voter ballots to be in English only. It would repeal Voting Rights Act provisions that require cities and counties to provide bilingual ballots when 5% of voting-age citizens are deemed by the U.S. census to be limited in English:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/18721214.html
(Related, Gannett News also writes on Heller’s ‘English only’ bill; with Heller’s comment that instead of bringing America together, the multilanguage ballot law divides our nation):
http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080507/NEWS19/805070446/1321/NEWS
In filing for re-election on Tuesday, Rep. Heller states he represents the “independent thinking” of his district’s constituents. Heller sights his conducting weekly town hall meetings as an example of his outreach to his constituents, and uses their comments to help guide his votes and bills in the House:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/18721259.html
Dallas Augustine, the daughter of the late state Controller Kathy Augustine, filed Tuesday as a candidate for Assembly District 12, currently held by James Ohrenschall:
http://www.lvrj.com/news/18721229.html
The VA came under attack by the House Veterans Affairs Committee yesterday following a new report that 1,000 veterans a month are attempting suicide:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/early-line/2008/may/06/house-committee-targets-va-suicides/
Finding that the legislature intended to protect the identity of concealed weapon permit holders, a Washoe District Court judge on Tuesday rejected the RGJ’s lawsuit seeking documents explaining the improper handling of Gov. Gibbons’ permit. The ruling will be appealed to the Nevada Supreme Court:
http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080507/NEWS01/805070441/1321/NEWS
Assemblywoman Bonnie Parnell filed for re-election Tuesday, noting she does not want to raise taxes, and if the economy sees an upturn, she would like to see some of that money restore cut programs in education. She also supports a ballot initiative in Carson City to increase property taxes in order to provide more funding for public safety:
http://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/20080507/NEWS01/78253943/-1/NEWS
Geoff Dornan reports on the three longest serving legislators filing for re-election: Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, Senator Dean Rhoads and Assemblyman John Marvel:
http://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/20080507/NEWS/678857322/-1/NEWS
Brendan Riley has a nice synopsis of the Gibbons’ divorce proceedings as it stands currently, including the governor’s attempts to have Dawn evicted from the Governor’s Mansion so that he can move back in:
State Senate Democrats will meet Friday in Las Vegas to discuss selecting a new caucus leader to replace outgoing Nevada State Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus. The article also briefly notes the campaign kickoff of State Senator Valerie Weiner, and the fundraiser that was held Tuesday in the Rio for Assemblymen Oceguera, Arberry and Anderson:
http://www.politickernv.com/jkcooper/1416/senate-dems-meet-new-leader-friday
Posted on May 7, 2008 8:00 PM
April 16, 2008
McCAIN: More Conservative Than His Image
The independent label sticks to John McCain because he antagonizes fellow Republicans and likes to work with Democrats.
But a different label applies to his actual record: conservative.
The likely Republican presidential nominee is much more conservative than voters appear to realize. McCain leans to the right on issue after issue, not just on the Iraq war but also on abortion, gay rights, gun control and other issues that matter to his party's social conservatives.
Posted on April 16, 2008 3:35 PM
April 15, 2008
2008 DEMOCRATIC PRECINCT CAPTAIN SUMMIT
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Posted on April 15, 2008 9:40 PM
March 13, 2008
REPUBLICAN GAY HATE AGENDA
Well Election Year is here again and once again the Republicans are gearing up for the Gay bashing and sending their hate messages across the air waves. Check out the youtube link below and listen to a Oklahoma elected official having the nerve to say we are targeting 2 year olds for the homosexual lifestyle.
Posted on March 13, 2008 10:59 PM
February 20, 2008
HILLARY CLINTON AND BARACK OBAMA ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Feb. 20: During an interview with State Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Texas and Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, D-Ohio, MSNBC's Chris Matthews asks the lawmakers to name accomplishments by Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/23256713#23256713
Posted on February 20, 2008 9:17 PM
Michelle Obama Proud of America
At last, Michelle Obama proud of America
By Mike Underwood | Tuesday, February 19, 2008 | http://www.bostonherald.com | 2008 Campaign News
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukGFxG-ckcQ
Michelle Obama proclaimed yesterday that for “the first time” in her adult life,” she was proud of America, as she spoke during a rally to support her husband’s presidential bid.
While Barack Obama spent yesterday deflecting accusations from Hillary Clinton’s campaign of “plagiarizing” part of a speech delivered in 2006 by Bay State Gov. Deval Patrick, Mrs. Obama made her own headlines.
“Hope is making a comeback and, let me tell you, for the first time in my adult life, I am proud of my country. Not just because Barack is doing well, but I think people are hungry for change,” she said during a rally in downtown Milwaukee.
“I have seen people who are hungry to be unified around some basic common issues and it has made me proud,” she told supporters.
Mrs. Obama was speaking as her husband and Clinton took their Democratic rivalry across icy Wisconsin ahead of today’s primary.
With polls putting the pair almost neck-and-neck, Clinton’s campaign unveiled a new weapon: a 13-page pamphlet outlining her policies on fixing the economy.
Meanwhile, Obama, who spent the first part of his day in Ohio - a key state in the March 4 primaries, stressed the same theme.
Both candidates are searching for momentum in Wisconsin ahead of the March 4 contests in Ohio, Texas, Vermont and Rhode Island.
Posted on February 20, 2008 7:58 PM
February 15, 2008
DID YOU KNOW WE HAVE 21 LGBT SUPER DELEGATES ?
LGBT Superdelegates
(Source: National Stonewall Democrats)
Members of the U.S. Congress:
–Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
Declared for Clinton
–Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA)
Declared for Clinton
Posted on February 15, 2008 9:11 PM
OXNARD CALIFORNIA HATE CRIME
Charges Filed in SoCal School Shooting
OXNARD, Calif. (AP) — Prosecutors on Thursday charged a 14-year-old boy with attempted murder and said he committed a hate crime in the classroom shooting of an eighth-grader who was declared brain dead.
Prosecutors would not say why they filed a hate-crime enhancement with the attempted murder count, but several classmates said the 15-year-old victim, Lawrence King, sometimes wore makeup, high heels and other feminine attire.
Posted on February 15, 2008 8:43 PM
Clark County Democratic Convention Needs Volunteers
February 15, 2008
Please Volunteer for the Clark County Democratic Convention!
As precinct chairs and caucus volunteers, you stepped up to the plate on January 19th and hit the ball out of the park. Now the party needs your help again. The Clark County Democratic Convention is rapidly approaching on Saturday, February 23rd, and the Clark County Democrats are seeking volunteers to help with registration and sign-in procedures. Volunteers are needed both on Friday evening, February 22nd from 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM, and on Saturday, February 23rd from 7:00 AM - Noon at Bally's Hotel and Casino in the Grand Ballroom.
If you would like to volunteer at the Clark County Convention, please attend a mandatory training session this Monday evening, February 18th, at 6:00 PM at the Plumbers and Pipefitters Hall, 760 N Lamb Blvd in Las Vegas. It is very important to attend this training if you would like to volunteer at the convention. Please RSVP to Erin Bilbray at ebilbray@aol.com.
Thank you for all your continuing support of the Democratic Party!
Posted on February 15, 2008 8:09 PM
February 8, 2008
CLINTON WINS GAY VOTE IN NEW YORK AND CALIFORNIA
NATIONAL NEWS |
http://www.washblade.com/2008/2-8/news/national/12017.cfm
Super inconclusive
Obama, Clinton in close race, but she wins gay vote by wide margin in N.Y., Calif.
By LOU CHIBBARO JR
Feb. 08, 2008
While expressing disappointment that gay issues took a backseat in the public debate surrounding the Super Tuesday presidential primaries this week, gay rights advocates and political experts said the outcome of the mega-primary and caucus day appears to be a harbinger of good things to come for gays in the November election.
In the Democratic primaries, Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois — who each have expressed strong support for gay rights — finished in a virtual tie in the race for delegates needed to capture their party’s nomination.
Clinton, meanwhile, beat Obama among gay voters in the Democratic primaries in the nation’s two largest states on Tuesday by a margin of 59 percent to 36 percent in New York and 62 percent to 32 percent in California, according to exit polls conducted for national news media outlets.
She beat Obama in the New York primary by a margin of 57 percent to 40 percent in the overall vote and won the overall California primary vote by a margin of 52 percent to 42 percent.
The media outlets that sponsored the exit polling chose not to identify the gay vote in any other state or in the Republican primaries in New York or California.
Posted on February 8, 2008 11:05 PM
February 6, 2008
Hillary Sends Letter to LGBT Community
Hillary Clinton tries to woo gay vote with letter...
http://www.insidesocal.com/outinhollywood/2008/02/hillary_clinton_tries_to_woo_g.html
Posted on February 6, 2008 6:57 AM
January 24, 2008
NATIONAL SEEKING INTERNS
<strong>Intern with Stonewall Democrats this Spring/Summer
We are seeking talented and excited interns to round out our team on staff at the National Stonewall Democrats. Positions will include opportunities at our headquarters in Washington as well as our convention site in Denver.
Posted on January 24, 2008 2:26 PM
AL GORE ON SAME SEX MARRIAGE
Al Gore Makes Some Noise on Marriage
This week, Vice President Gore shared his thoughts on the freedom of same-sex couples to marry. His view? That it would only strengthen the American family. Gore released his statement as a video blog post on Current TV, the user-generated cable television channel which he heads.
In response, Executive Director Jon Hoadley noted that "It is a position which some would still call courageous, but which a new generation of Americans would call common sense."
To watch the Gore video, simply click here.
You can also read the statement by Jon Hoadley here.
Posted on January 24, 2008 2:21 PM
December 2, 2007
An Update on National Stonewall Democrats Recent Activities
November 20, 2007
From Jon Hoadley, Executive Director:
On Sunday, we completed our Presidential Weekend & Leadership Training in New Hampshire. Our members were able to meet with President Bill Clinton, Elizabeth Edwards, Governor Lynch of New Hampshire and a host of Congressional guests. Throughout the weekend we were shown the highest hospitality from the staff of the New Hampshire Democratic Party and its Chair Raymond Buckley, a Stonewall Democrats board member and the only openly-gay state party chair in the nation.
In addition to our speakers, our trainings, and our campaign events I was especially thrilled to meet so many chapter leaders in person - who came from as far as Puerto Rico and Washington State. As we mark our 10th anniversary in 2008, our national organization recognizes that our strength is directly sustained by leadership from our chapters across the country.
Additionally, our Board of Directors met on Friday, November 16. At that meeting we approved a new set of programs that will directly help our officially affiliated chapters grow through direct financial and technical assistance.
National Transgender Day of Remembrance
November 20 is the Day of Remembrance. On this date, our community pays tribute to the lives lost by individuals because of their expression of gender.
The Day of Remembrance is a tribute to the lives of transgender Americans who have lost their lives as victims of hate crimes targeting individuals based on gender identity. It is marked on November 20. Begun in 1998, the day was first organized as a vigil in San Francisco to remember the life of Rita Hester following her murder the year before. Today, the LGBT community marks this day with vigils and events across the country.
Below, you will find our statement on today.
Posted on December 2, 2007 7:07 PM
November 11, 2007
Kennedy To Introduce ENDA In Senate
Senator Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) says he will introduce a Senate version of the the Employment Non-Discrimination Act in the current session.
"I’m working with leadership to move this bill forward as quickly as possible," Kennedy said in a statement.
The Massachusetts Democrat has a long history of advocating for LGBT civil rights. Most recently he guided the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act to passage. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act passed the House on Wednesday (story) but without protections for the transgendered. "Although the bill is narrower than many of us had hoped, the House action is still a main step in the long journey toward full civil rights for every American."
The Senate bill also is expected to exclude gender identity. Republican are expected to mount less opposition to the bill in Senate.
GOP Sen. Susan Collins (Maine) has announced she will be the lead co-sponsor. In a statement Collins said that passage in the House "provides important momentum". "There is growing support in the Senate for strengthening federal laws to protect American workers from discrimination based on sexual orientation," she said in her statement.
ENDA would make it illegal for employers to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation in hiring, firing, promoting or paying an employee.
Posted on November 11, 2007 8:55 AM
November 10, 2007
ENDA Passes House Without Trans Protections
The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act but without protections for trans-workers after more than five hours of debate, wrangling, maneuvering and lobbying.
In the end the House voted 235 - 185, mostly along party lines.
The issue of gender identity divided Democrats and led to a rift within the LGBT community.
ENDA originally included all members of the LGBT community, but its sponsor, Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) one of only two openly gay members of Congress, removed gender identity fearing the legislation might not get out of committee.
ENDA, as currently worded, would make it illegal for employers to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation in hiring, firing, promoting or paying an employee.
Following the committee vote Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) the other openly gay member of Congress - proposed...
Posted on November 10, 2007 8:36 PM
October 30, 2007
Bush will Veto ENDA based on Freedom of Religion
Here are the reasons Presiden Bush will VETO ENDA:
"ENDA pits the government directly against religion, which is unconstitutional on its face. It would force employers to check their First Amendment guaranteed rights to freedom of religion, speech and association at the workplace door. It would make federal lawbreakers out of Christian, Jewish or Muslim business owners who honor their faith and would require that newfangled 'gay rights' based entirely upon individuals' sexual choices trump employers' enumerated constitutional rights.
"ENDA contains an extremely weak religious exemption which would leave individual business owners entirely unprotected. For any religious exemption to pass constitutional muster, it would have to follow the individual business owner. The First Amendment guarantees the free exercise of religion. This applies to all individual citizens, not just to a church, religious organization or corporation. It is unconstitutional to prevent, by force of law, an individual business owner from considering his sincerely held religious beliefs while determining how to best own and operate his business.
Posted on October 30, 2007 8:56 AM
October 29, 2007
Obama's Missed Opportunity
by Wayne Besen
The Obama campaign hit a sour note when it chose to woo African American voters in South Carolina this weekend with a gospel concert featuring virulently homophobic and "ex-gay" gospel crooner Donnie McClurkin.
It is a shame, and quite ironic, that Barack Obama is in the center of this explosive controversy. The Senator has a solid record on GLBT rights, gay people are active in his campaign and by all accounts he is an ally to our community. Indeed, I personally admire Obama and think he would make a good president.
But, the embrace of McClurkin, an extremist who refers to homosexuality as a "curse," is downright insulting. On more than one occasion, McClurkin has used his celebrity to demean GLBT people and disseminate blatantly false information about our lives.
"There are countless numbers of people who are not happy in this lifestyle and want to be freed from it," said McClurkin. "They were thrust into homosexuality by neglect, abuse and molestation, and want desperately to live normal lives and one day have a happy home and family."
McClurkin's explanations...
Posted on October 29, 2007 11:02 AM
October 23, 2007
Symbolism or Substance in ENDA Debate?
By Jody M. Huckaby, Executive Director -- Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
When the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) received its first-ever vote in the House of Representatives and passed the Education and Labor Committee on Oct. 18, it should have been a historic - and celebratory - moment for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. But there was a cloud hanging over the vote, with over 300 LGBT and allied groups in the United ENDA Coalition advocating for the original form of the bill introduced earlier this year- one that finally included a ban on discrimination based on gender identity. The House Democratic leadership’s decision to strip those protections from the bill, leaving only sexual orientation covered, has turned what should have been a victory into an unnecessarily divisive, disappointing setback for the LGBT movement.
Unfortunately, the mainstream media has characterized this primarily intra-community conflict as the protestations of a “fringe minority of transgender activists” or the “extreme left” of the LGBT population. Nothing could be further from the truth. One look at the list of organizations and the constituencies we represent makes that crystal clear. This is not a conflict between “pragmatic incrementalists” and “all-or-nothing idealists.” this controversy goes to the very core of what brings the LGBT community together, and it has forced a much-needed debate to the surface. It is time for some truth-telling and difficult conversations about what it means to be a community advocating for workplace protections.
Our coalition is urging Congress either to restore gender identity protections via an amendment offered by Congresswoman and out lesbian Tammy Baldwin or, if that cannot be accomplished, to drop the effort to pass LGBT anti-discrimination legislation this year. The reality is that this President will not even consider signing such a bill, whether it covers gender identity or only sexual orientation. This gives us the opportunity in the coming months to continue to educate our elected officials - and the public - about how matters of gender affect people of all sexual orientations...
Posted on October 23, 2007 9:24 PM
October 12, 2007
Gay Rights Backers Split on Bias Bill
Visit www.NoSubstitutes.org/ to stand with Natonal Stonewall Democrats in support of an inclusive ENDA.
Rep. Barney Frank, a leading gay rights champion in Congress, on Thursday urged fellow gay rights advocates not to let their dispute over protecting transgender workers doom a job discrimination ban that could mark a major civil rights advance for gays in the workplace.
The debate over including transgender people has sharply divided gay rights activists, many of whom (including National Stonewall Democrats and our Stonewall Democratic Club of Southern Nevada) are trying to kill a stripped-down bill without protections for transgender workers that Frank and Democratic leaders hope will win House passage this year.
"We're not going to be split off this way," said Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "We're driven by principle. No civil rights movement has ever left a part of its community behind - and we're not about to be the first."
Frank, D-Mass., one of two openly gay members of Congress, supports transgender protections, but said they don't have the votes. "Politically, the notion that you don't do anything until you can do everything is self-defeating," he said.
Frank said the public has more awareness because gay activists began educating people about the unfairness of prejudice based on sexual orientation a long time ago. "These things take awhile," Frank said. "The transgender issue is of relatively recent vintage."
Legislation banning workplace discrimination against gays, lesbians and bisexuals -- but not those who have had sex-change surgery or cross-dressers -- has stalled after an outcry from the transgender community and its allies, including many gay rights organizations. "Transgender" is an umbrella term that covers transsexuals, cross-dressers and others whose outward appearance doesn't match their gender at birth.
The Employment Non-Discrimination Act would make it illegal for employers to make decisions about hiring, firing, promoting or paying an employee based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Churches and the military would be exempt...
But when Democrats took vote counts...
Posted on October 12, 2007 10:18 AM
October 10, 2007
Dear Abby Supports Gay Marriage
For years, rumblings have surfaced on the Internet, conjecture about her casual references to "sexual orientation" and "respect."
Now, the subject of the speculation is ready to make a statement, insisting the truth was there all along for anyone who cared to read between the lines: Dear Abby supports same-sex marriage.
"There should be gay marriage. I believe if two people want to commit to each other, God bless 'em," the syndicated advice columnist said in an interview with The Associated Press. "That is the highest form of commitment, for heaven's sake."
What Jeanne Phillips, aka Abigail Van Buren, finds offensive - not to mention of dubious intelligence - are homophobic jokes, phrases like "That's so gay," and parents who reject or try to reform their children when they come out of the closet.
Her views are the reason she's being honored this week by Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, PFLAG, a national advocacy group that provides support for gay people and their families. The original Abby, Phillips' 89-year-old mother, Pauline, helped put PFLAG on the map in 1984 when she first referred a distraught parent to the organization...
Posted on October 10, 2007 1:57 PM
September 24, 2007
Gays Join Protest Against Ahmadinejad Speech At Columbia
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
'In Iran we don't have homosexuals'
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff
Posted: September 24, 2007 - 3:00 pm ET
(New York City) Gay activists holding posters of what is general believed to be a picture of two gay men being executed in Iran joined hundreds of other demonstrators protesting the appearance of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at Columbia University on Monday.
In his speech Ahmadinejad portrayed himself as a man of peace and suggested he had been misquoted on earlier remarks about attacking Israel. But he also said there is a need for new research into the Holocaust asking why varying views of the event aren't allowed to be expressed.
Ahmadinejad then said that the Palestinian people are paying for the Holocaust.
During a question and answer session following the address he refused to be pinned down on earlier statements where he questioned that the Holocaust ever occurred. The Iranian leader was also asked about reports men who are gay or perceived to be gay have been executed. He refused to confirm or deny that executions of gays had taken place but then compared homosexuals to drug dealers and other criminals.
"Why should they get sympathy?" he asked. "Don't you have capital punishment in the United States?"
When pressed further Ahmadinejad said: "In Iran we don't have homosexuals like you do in your country. We do not have this phenomenon. I don't know who's told you that we have it." The remarks were greeted with loud jeers and laughter from the mostly student audience...
Posted on September 24, 2007 3:29 PM
September 19, 2007
Schwarzenegger says he will keep vetoing gay marriage bill
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Monday that he won't reconsider his decision to veto a bill legalizing gay marriage and will keep vetoing the measure as long as lawmakers send it to him.
The Republican governor said he won't change his position unless voters overturn an anti-gay marriage initiative that Californians adopted in 2000. "It would be wrong for the people to vote for something and for me to then overturn it," Schwarzenegger said. "So they can send this bill down as many times as they want, I won't do it."
The bill would redefine marriage as a civil contract between two people, but would still let religious groups refuse to sanction the unions. Schwarzenegger vetoed a gay marriage bill in 2005, citing the 61 percent of voters who favored Proposition 22 in March 2000.
Posted on September 19, 2007 9:37 AM
September 17, 2007
Frank Confident Gay Civil Rights Bill Will Pass
Gay rights advocates expect Congress will soon move closer to approving a federal ban on job discrimination against gay, lesbian and transgender workers. Rep. Barney Frank, a leading proponent, predicts the ban will win House approval in coming weeks. But he and other gay rights supporters are less optimistic about the fight ahead in the narrowly divided Senate, where they would need 60 votes - rather than a simple majority - to overcome anticipated GOP stall tactics, such as a filibuster.
"You don't know if anything can pass the Senate," said Frank, D-Mass., one of two openly gay members of Congress. "No predictions are possible about the Senate." Conservative activists, too, are bracing for a Senate showdown. "We know it's going to be very close," said Matt Barber, policy director for cultural issues for Concerned Women for America.
It is legal for employers in 31 states to fire someone for being gay, the ban's supporters said.
The Employment Non-Discrimination Act would make it illegal for employers...
Posted on September 17, 2007 2:11 PM
September 11, 2007
Stonewall Democrats Statement on Iowa District Court Ruling
Washington, DC, Thursday, August 31, 2007 - Today, the National Stonewall Democrats issued the following statement in response to a ruling by the Iowa District Court for Polk County which recognized that same-sex residents are provided the freedom to marry within the state constitution:
"We recognize that this ruling simply validates the freedom that all Americans should enjoy to marry, commit to responsibility, secure their families and seek full participation in citizenship. Iowans believe in valuing the family. Providing citizens with the freedom to marry values the family by strengthening it through legal responsibilities. We are proud that the platform of the Iowa Democratic Party supports the freedom of Iowans to marry and form stable families. We are hopeful that the Iowa Supreme Court, and our presidential candidates campaigning for the support of caucus voters, will recognize that the state constitution shares this view."
------------- Stephen Driscoll, Co-Chair, National Stonewall Democrats.
The Democratic Parties of California, Colorado, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and Washington State support the freedom of same-sex couples to marry while the Democratic Parties of Nebraska, Oklahoma and Vermont officially state their support for civil unions within their party platforms.
------
National Stonewall Democrats is the only national organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Democrats, with more than 90 local chapters (including our Stonewall Democratic Club of Southern NV) across the nation. NSD is committed to working through the Democratic Party to advance the rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Posted on September 11, 2007 10:41 PM
September 8, 2007
This Sunday, Senator Joe Biden will appear on NBC's Meet the Press.
This Sunday, at 8:00am on NBC, Senator Joe Biden will appear on NBC's Meet the Press. We hope you'll tune in and become more informed!
Joe Biden Walks a Day in SEIU's Shoes:
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) invited all presidential candidates to experience first-hand what their members' lives are like by spending time both in the workplace and at their homes to offer an inside look at the challenges, struggles, and concerns of working Americans. Senator Joe Biden recently participated in SEIU's "Walk A Day in My Shoes" campaign at the Harding Middle School in Cedar Rapids, where he assisted Marshall Clemmons, a member of SEIU Local 199, as he went through his work day. Click the image below to see video of Senator Biden's day on the job!
Posted on September 8, 2007 8:00 AM
September 6, 2007
House Committee Hears From Gay Victims Of Job Discrimination
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff
A string of gays and lesbians told a House committee on Wednesday of being fired solely because of their sexuality and called on Congress to enact the Federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act. The bill was introduced in Congress in April (story). If passed and signed by the president it be illegal to fire, refuse to hire or refuse to promote an employee based on the person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Brooke Waits, a Texas cell phone company employee, told the committee of being terminated because anti-gay job discrimination. Waits fought back tears as she described being fired the day after her supervisor looked at her personal cell phone and saw a picture of her kissing her girlfriend on New Year’s Eve.
Michael Carney, a Springfield, Massachusetts police officer said that he made a conscious decision to remain in the closet after witnessing an incident at his police academy graduation party. Carney said that he saw a fellow officer come out of the men's room with a bloody nose. The man had been beaten by a police supervisor because he had brought a male friend to the party.
Things have improved in Springfield, mainly because Massachusetts has a state law barring discrimination that includes gays. Carney's appearance, in full uniform, before the committee had the endorsement of police commissioner Edward Flynn. Still, said Carney, countless gay, lesbian and transsexual workers across the country are in states without protections.
"It is time for a federal law that would make it illegal to fire a GLBT person just because of who they are," Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese told the committee. "ENDA will bring the value of meritocracy to a community that has had to do without it for too long." "One’s sexual orientation or gender identity simply must not bar a person from the opportunity to achieve his or her potential, to support her family, or to contribute to his or her community," said Solmonese.
Posted on September 6, 2007 3:25 PM
September 1, 2007
Iowa Gay Marriage Fuels GOP Presidential Candidates' Anti-gay Rhetoric
Repubican candidates Mitt Romney, John McCain, Rudy Giuliasni
An Iowa county judge's ruling knocking down the state's same-sex marriage ban stirred up the presidential race Friday as Republicans jostled to stake out a position with the state's conservative voters in mind.
Mitt Romney was the first to seize on the ruling, promptly aligning himself with Iowa political leaders in denouncing the decision.
The former Massachusetts governor's swift criticism served to bolster the conservative image his campaign has been working hard to promote to Iowa's Republican voters. Romney stressed his support for a federal amendment that would ban same-sex marriage, a stand that distinguishes him from his top rivals, who have said they prefer to leave such decisions to the states.
"The ruling in Iowa ... is another example of an activist court and unelected judges trying to redefine marriage and disregard the will of the people as expressed through Iowa's Defense of Marriage Act," Romney said in a statement shortly after the ruling was made. "This once again highlights the need for a Federal Marriage Amendment to protect the traditional definition of marriage as between one man and one woman."
Posted on September 1, 2007 11:52 AM
August 31, 2007
Judge: Iowa ban on gay marriage invalid
Ruling applies only in Polk County, which will appeal
BY JEFF ECKHOFF AND JASON CLAYWORTH
Des Monies REGISTER
Gary Seronko and Curtis Rethmeir made a split-second decision Thursday to get married.
They rushed to the Polk County recorder's office and applied for a marriage license a half-hour after a Polk County judge ruled that Iowa law improperly prohibits same-sex couples from marrying.
Unless the judge agrees to delay implementation of his ruling, Seronko and Rethmeir next week will become the first same-sex couple to legally marry in Iowa.
"We just looked at each other and said, let's go," said Seronko.
District Judge Robert Hanson, citing what he said is the inherent unfairness of an Iowa law that says that "only a marriage between a male and a female is valid," ordered the Polk County recorder on Thursday to begin applying state marriage rules "in a gender neutral manner so as to permit same-sex couples to enter into a civil marriage."
Polk County Attorney John Sarcone said his office intends to appeal the ruling, which for now applies only to Polk County. County lawyers late Thursday formally asked Hanson to block implementation of his decision until the issue is resolved by the Iowa Supreme Court. A hearing on the request for a stay could come as early as today.
Meanwhile, the ruling has reinvigorated...
Posted on August 31, 2007 10:50 AM
August 30, 2007
Closeted GOP U.S. senator arrested for restroom misconduct
Craig Arrested, Pleads Guilty Following Incident in Airport Restroom but Says He Did "Nothing Wrong"By John McArdle
Anti-gay Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho) was arrested in June at a Minnesota airport by a plainclothes police officer investigating lewd conduct complaints in a men’s public restroom, according to an arrest report obtained by Roll Call on Monday afternoon. Craig’s arrest occurred just after noon on June 11 at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. On Aug. 8, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct in the Hennepin County District Court. He paid more than $500 in fines and fees, and a 10-day jail sentence was stayed. He also was given one year of probation with the court that began on Aug. 8. In a statement released Monday night, Craig denied any wrongdoing and said he regrets his guilty plea. After he was arrested, Craig, who is married, was taken to the Airport Police Operations Center to be interviewed about the lewd conduct incident, according to the police report. At one point during the interview, Craig handed the plainclothes sergeant who arrested
him a business card that identified him as a...
Posted on August 30, 2007 7:58 AM
August 13, 2007
Barney Frank Notes Richardson's strong LGBT Record
Congressman Barney Frank (pictured above) released the attached statement today:
"Governor Bill Richardson's apology for the mistake he made in saying that sexual orientation is a choice did not surprise me, because he has been a strong supporter of our right to be treated fairly throughout his public career. It is especially relevant that he voted consistently on our side from the start of his Congressional career in the 1980s, when the issue of LGBT rights had far less support even from Democrats that it has today.
I regret Gov. Richardson's misstatement - as I sometimes regret one or two of my own - but his error in the pressure of a debate should not detract from his very strong record in defense of equality for all Americans, including those of us who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender."
###
Posted on August 13, 2007 2:51 PM
Richardson clarifies gay gaffe at LOGO Forum
After stumbling through a question at a forum Thursday night about whether people choose to be gay or are born that way, Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson spent part of the day trying to regain his footing by reaching out to prominent members of the gay and lesbian community.
Mr. Richardson’s initial response — “it’s a choice” — angered many gay rights activists who hold the opposite view. After the forum, the Richardson’s campaign issued a statement essentially taking back the remark:
“Let me be clear — I do not believe that sexual orientation or gender identity happen by choice,” Mr. Richardson said in the statement. “But I’m not a scientist, and the point I was trying to make is that no matter how it happens, we are all equal and should be treated that way under the law. “
Today, a spokesman for the campaign, Pahl Shipley, said that Mr. Richardson, the Democratic governor of New Mexico, had been speaking with bloggers and gay and lesbian leaders in an attempt to smooth things over.
Posted on August 13, 2007 9:06 AM
August 12, 2007
Dem Candidates Weigh in on Gay Issues in LOGO Forum
By MICHAEL R. BLOOD, Associated Press Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Democratic presidential contenders faced pointed questions on gay marriage and the basis for sexual orientation in a forum that forced candidates to confront politically touchy issues that have vexed a nation.
Former Sen. John Edwards found himself discussing whether he is comfortable around gay people - he said he is. New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson appeared to struggle with a question about why people become gay or lesbian. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton ended up defending the record of her husband, former President Clinton, on gay rights.
``We certainly didn't get as much done as I would have liked,'' the New York senator said. ``But there was a lot of honest effort.''
Six of the eight Democratic candidates answered questions Thursday on gay rights at the two-hour forum co-sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign, a gay-rights group active in Democratic politics, and Logo, a gay-oriented cable TV channel that aired the forum live.
Organizers said it marked the first time that major presidential candidates appeared on TV specifically to address gay issues. The candidates appeared one at a time in an upholstered chair on a Hollywood studio set and took questions from a panel that included singer Melissa Etheridge.
Posted on August 12, 2007 8:34 PM
August 4, 2007
Try to Catch Hillary Today on KCEP
MEDIA ALERT! Hillary on KCEP
Hillary will be a special guest this Saturday at 11:00 a.m on KCEP's "The Patricia Cunningham Show." Be sure to tune into 88.1 FM to hear what she has to say!
Posted on August 4, 2007 8:47 AM
August 3, 2007
John Edwards Town Hall Meeting August 10
Please Join Us for a Town Hall Meeting with John Edwards
Friday August 10, 2007, Laborers Local 872, 4201 E. Bonanza Road #101 (on Bonanza between Pecos and Lamb) Las Vegas
For Information call 702-434-3978 www.JohnEdwards.com/events
Posted on August 3, 2007 9:00 AM
August 1, 2007
Joe Biden opens Las Vegas office
A note from Joe Biden's office,
"Come and see us at the Nevada headquarters for Biden for President!
We are located at:
2202 W. Charleston Blvd.
Suite 13
Las Vegas, NV 89102
Our cross streets are Rancho and Charleston, and we are next to the Omelette House. If you can't stop by, we'd still love to hear from you! Please give us a call at (702) 853-2008.
We look forward to seeing you or hearing from you!
Posted on August 1, 2007 2:33 PM
DODD TO TAKE ON O'REILLY IN ADVANCE OF YEARLYKOS
Presidential Candidate to Defend Blogosphere, Free Speech from Smear Campaign
WASHINGTON - Presidential Candidate Chris Dodd will appear on Fox News' O'Reilly Factor tomorrow, August 1st in advance of attending the YearlyKos convention in Chicago to personally respond to O'Reilly's attacks on the progressive blogosphere.
Dodd will be "the first Presidential candidate to personally appear on a leading right-wing show for the explicit purpose of defending the liberal blogosphere." the hypocrisy in O'Reilly's attack on DailyKos for the objectionable language used by a handful of commenters on the site.
The O'Reilly Factor airs at 8:00 p.m. EDT on Fox News. The full schedule of Dodd's public appearances at YearlyKos is below. Please note that all times are LOCAL and all events are open to the press.
Posted on August 1, 2007 9:06 AM
Openly-Gay Democrats Elected to Lead Young Democrats of America
Stonewall Democrats to Serve as YDA President and Vice President
Contact: John Marble
(202) 625-1382
johnmarble@stonewalldemocrats.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, July 23, 2007
Washington, DC - Today, the National Stonewall Democrats (NSD) congratulated a newly-elected leadership of the Young Democrats of America (YDA) , including two openly-gay Stonewall Democrats who will now lead the organization as President and Executive Vice-President through 2009.
"Young voters are the new base of the Democratic Party, and we are proud that the Young Democrats of America support equality for LGBT families and have placed their faith in the leadership of two great Democratic leaders who happen to be gay," said Jo Wyrick, NSD Executive Director. "The future of our party now has an opportunity to demonstrate to all Democrats how fully engaging our community is politically viable and smart."
On Sunday, David Hardt (Texas) was elected as President of the Young Democrats of America with 93% of the delegate votes during the organization's national convention in Dallas. Also elected on Sunday was Chris Anderson (Tennessee) as the organization's Executive Vice President. The election of Hardt and Anderson mark the first time that the Young Democrats of America will be led by an openly-gay leadership team.
Posted on August 1, 2007 9:05 AM
How Nevada Reps Voted on 'Hate Crimes Bill': Berkley, Porter vote YES
How NEVADA Representatives Voted:
Democrats -- Shelley Berkley, Yes
Republicans -- Dean Heller, No; Jon Porter, Yes
Please call our NV Congressmen voting yes and thank them for their vote:
--- Congresswoman Shelley Berkley 702-220-9823
--- Congressman Jon Porter 702-387-4941
How entire U.S. House of Representatives Voted:
(The 237-180 roll call Thursday by which the House passed the Federal Hate Crimes Bill by party affiliation):
--- Voting yes were 212 Democrats and 25 Republicans.
--- Voting no were 14 Democrats and 166 Republicans.
Posted on August 1, 2007 9:04 AM
National Stonewall Comments on CA Marriage Act
Washington, DC - Today, the National Stonewall Democrats (NSD) praised the passage of California Assembly Bill 43, the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act. The legislation passed late Tuesday by a 42-34 vote. All 42 votes in favor were Democrats. 34 Republicans were joined by only two Democrats in opposition (down from a total of four Assembly Democrats in 2005). Similar legislation was passed by the Democratically-controlled California Assembly and Senate in 2005, only to be vetoed by Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Posted on August 1, 2007 9:04 AM
Senator Leahy on Restoring Habeus Corpus
Of the many assaults on our civil liberties and American values that transpired when the Republicans held complete control of our government, one of the last was also one of the worst. Many of you may recall the hasty passage of the Military Commissions Act in the weeks leading up to last year's election, a bill that set new rules for trying detainees, in particular those currently being held at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.
Even a Supreme Court dominated by Republican-appointed justices had found the Bush Administration's Guantanamo setup to be unconstitutional. This bill, rushed through a rubberstamp Republican Congress, was the Bush Administration's way to keep court review in the future to a minimum.
Posted on August 1, 2007 9:03 AM
Stonewall Applauds Introduction of ENDA -- Please call NV Rep. Shelley Berkley to urge her Co-Sponsorship
UPDATE since this article was published Shelley has lent her support as a co-sponsor on Bill H.R. 2015. Thank you to all members who called in to urge her support.
Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-NV)
The National Stonewall Democrats (NSD) applauded the introduction of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) within the 110th Congress. The federal legislation would generally prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The legislation has the strong support of Democratic lawmakers.
Our Stonewall Demcoratic Club of Southern NV's Executive Board recently sent a letter to Democratic Rep. Shelley Berkley urging her to co-sponsor ENDA, along with over 90 other members of the U.S. House. We have recieved no reply to date but urge the NV LGBT community to call Rep. Berkley's office at (702) 220-9823 urging her co-cponsorhip of ENDA.
Posted on August 1, 2007 9:03 AM
Civil Marriage for same sex couples upheld in Mass.
Washington, DC - Today, the National Stonewall Democrats released the following statement on the defeat of a vote in Massachusetts that would have forwarded a civil marriage ban for same-sex couples to voters:
"Democrats in Massachusetts overwhelmingly recognize that every family is strengthened when the legal responsibilities of civil marriage are extended to all couples. These legal obligations serve society by protecting children, stabilizing homes and securing relationships. We are proud that Democrats in Massachusetts fully support values which protect families in the Bay State."
- Jo Wyrick, Executive Director, National Stonewall Democrats
Democrats throughout Massachusetts, including Governor Deval Patrick and the Bay State Stonewall Democrats, worked to lobby legislators to defeat the second passage of the amendment during the constitutional convention. Nationally, prominant Democrats were joined by the Democratic National Committee as they worked with local activists to keep family protections in place within Massachusetts.
Posted on August 1, 2007 9:02 AM
Richardson & Stonewall Make the Washington Post
Richardson Is Counting on Nevada, a State He Has to Himself
By Perry Bacon Jr.
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, June 18, 2007; Page A04
LAS VEGAS -- Gov. Bill Richardson has found a second home in Nevada.
The two-hour flight is not a short hop from the New Mexico governor's mansion in Santa Fe, but Richardson hopes Nevada will become a critical aspect of his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination.
continued...
Posted on August 1, 2007 9:01 AM
National Stonewall Dems Criticize White House for Demanding Anti-Gay Language
White House issues Veto Threat over Domestic Partnership Registry
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Washington, DC - Today, the National Stonewall Democrats issued the following statement in response to a White House threat to veto appropriations legislation because Democrats refuse to employ anti-gay language used by the Republican leadership in recent years.
"It is unthinkable for the White House to threaten to veto an appropriations bill because it does not include anti-gay language. This registry, which is paid for with local funds, simply provides the documentation needed in order for families to purchase the most minimal private protections not afforded by the federal government to same-sex couples.
Posted on August 1, 2007 9:01 AM
Elizabeth Edwards Comes Out In Support of Same Sex Marriage
Stonewallers, John and Ron, who were at the opening of the Edwards, Las Vegas Headquarters last Saturday were told pretty much the same thing by Elizabeth Edwards. The following is the San Francisco Gate article.
Sunday, June 24, 2007 (SF Chronicle)
Elizabeth Edwards supports same-sex marriage
Carla Marinucci, Chronicle Political Writer
(06-24) 11:26 PDT SAN FRANCISCO -- Elizabeth Edwards, starring at the
kickoff event of San Francisco's signature Gay Pride Parade, came out in
support of legalized gay marriage today -- taking a position which she
acknowledged is at odds with her husband, presidential candidate John
Edwards.
"I don't know why somebody else's marriage has anything to do with me,"
she said. "I'm completely comfortable with gay marriage."
Edwards comments came after her keynote address before a standing room
only breakfast of 300 at the Alice B. Toklas Lesbian Gay Bisexual
Transgender Democratic Club, an organization which is central to the
powerful gay political base in San Francisco.
Posted on August 1, 2007 9:00 AM
’08 Hopefuls At Odds Over Gay Issues
’08 hopefuls at odds over gay issues:
Gay Task Force report shows stark divide between Dem, GOP candidat
Washinton Blade
JOSHUA LYNSEN
Friday, July 06, 2007
A new report highlights the stark divide between Democratic and Republican presidential candidates when it comes to support for gay rights initiatives.
None of the 11 Republican contenders reviewed by the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force support barring employment discrimination against transgender people or permitting gays to serve openly in the military.
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani is the only contender to clearly support civil unions or domestic partnerships, according to the June 27 report, which marks the first time the 2008 GOP contenders have been evaluated by a major gay organization.
Matt Foreman, the Task Force’s executive director, said the review of each candidate’s public statements and past actions shows Republicans are trailing their Democratic rivals on many gay issues.
“The differences between the Democratic and Republican fields of candidates on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues are shockingly stark and profoundly depressing,” he said.
All eight Democratic contenders assessed in the report support some type of relationship recognition for gay couples, but only two back marriage equality. The contenders also back employment protections for transgender people and open military service for gays.
The report puts new emphasis on the differences between the GOP and Democratic contenders. While numerical ratings were not assigned, most Democrats backed seven of eight tracked issues. Republicans were shown to back one or two issues, if any.
Democratic Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio was the only contender to win a perfect rating from the scorecard. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a Republican, was the only contender to take clear stands against all tracked issues.
Posted on August 1, 2007 9:00 AM
June 1, 2007
John Edwards Comes Out in Favor pro-gay "Uniting American Families Act"
Democratic Presidential candidate John Edwards has come out in favor of a key plank in the gay rights platform: Legislation that would allow gays and lesbians to bring their foreign partners into the United States just as opposite-sex couples can. The proposed provision is called the "Uniting American Families Act" and is part of the controversial "U.S. Immigration Reform Bill" currently working its way through Congress. We in the LGBT community should familiarize ourselves with this provision and work for its inclusion as it affects so many members of our community in relationships in which one partner resides overseas.
Though a relatively obscure issue on the national scene, the issue of gay immigration is an important one within the gay rights movement, partly because — unlike more symbolic issues around the word "marriage" — it has a direct, disruptive impact on the lives of some gays and lesbians. Some American citizens have actually emigrated to countries with pro-gay immigration laws.
Posted on June 1, 2007 9:43 AM
May 26, 2007
Transsexual Becomes Cambridge Mayor
The mayor is a transsexual, so is her partner, and this university city is taking them in stride.
Jenny Bailey, 45, was installed Thursday as mayor of the Cambridge City Council, and her partner Jennifer Liddle, 49, a former council member, assumed the honorary title of mayoress, which is given to the partner of the mayor. Both were born male, and had gender reassignment surgery in their 30s. According to the Local Government Association, Bailey is the first transsexual to serve as a mayor in Britain.
"This is fantastic," Bailey said after being installed. She has two sons with her ex-wife, who remains a friend...
Posted on May 26, 2007 6:35 AM
May 24, 2007
Lesbian Couple Sues Mortgage Co. Over Foreclosure Threat
Gay Couple Sues Countrywide, "America's #1 Home Loan Lender
A federal lawsuit filed Thursday in New York accuses mortgage company Countrywide with discrimination after the firm allegedly refused to add one partner to the other's existing mortgage and then threatened to foreclose on their home.
Countrywide bills itself as "America's #1 home loan lender".
Adola DeWolf, 49, a teacher for juveniles in the justice system and Laura Watts 42, a college administrator, have been in a committed relationship since 2004. When they decided to move in together in 2005, Watts sold her house and moved into DeWolf's home outside of Rochester, NY. In an attempt to make sure both partners were protected in case of death, and to share the responsibility for the mortgage, they contacted DeWolf's mortgage company, Countrywide, to add Watts as a party responsible for the monthly payments.
According to Lambda Legal, which represents the women, Countrywide provided instructions to the couple, including a requirement that Watts be added to the deed. After the couple followed the instructions to change the mortgage, Countrywide responded by stating that the couple had breached their agreement with the lender by changing the deed and stated that the lender did not recognize domestic partners as family, the lawsuit alleges.
The suit says that Countrywide then told the couple that they would foreclose on the house if the $80,000 balance on the mortgage were not paid in 30 days...
Posted on May 24, 2007 8:04 PM
May 23, 2007
NJ Companies Continue To Thumb Noses At Civil Unions
A growing number of companies are refusing to recognize the state's civil unions law, denying benefits to the same-sex partners of employees. The state Department of Health and Senior Services said Monday that 852 same-sex couple had applied to enter civil unions in the three months since the law took effect.
The low number took some lawmakers by surprise but LGBT rights advocates say it shows a dissatisfaction with the law. Garden State Equality's Steven Goldstein said that most same-sex couples are holding out for full marriage.
Although the civil unions law gives same-sex couples the same rights and responsibilities as marriage it is not recognized by a growing number of companies - all with federally regulated benefit plans. Under the federal so-called Defense of Marriage Act the federal government does not recognize same-sex marriage. The law allows those insurers to reject same-sex couples.
Nearly one in eight couples who have had civil unions have been turned down for company benefits Goldstein said...
Posted on May 23, 2007 7:51 AM
May 22, 2007
Labor Taking Increasing Role Fighting For LGBT Rights
THE TRADE UNION MOVEMENT is taking a greater role in fighting for LGBT civil rights - from negotiating contracts with protections for gay workers, lobbying Congress for rights bills, and speaking out in favor of same-sex marriage.
The Transport Workers Union of America is the latest union to announce its support for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).
The legislation was introduced in Congress last month. (story) It would make it illegal to fire, refuse to hire or refuse to promote an employee based on the person’s sexual orientation or gender identity...
Posted on May 22, 2007 10:45 AM
May 18, 2007
Survey Shows Bush, Public Out Of Step On Gay Hate Bill
Facing a threatened veto by President Bush legislation adding sexuality to a federal hate crime law has the support of more than two-thirds of the American public a new national poll shows.
The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act passed the House earlier this month and is pending in the Senate. Shortly before the House vote the White House issued a statement that if the measure passes Congress the President's aides would recommend he veto it.
"The Administration favors strong criminal penalties for violent crime, including crime based