President Obama, speaking to the nation’s largest gay rights organization, pledged tonight to end the law prohibiting openly gay and lesbian citizens from serving in the military.
“I will end ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’; that is my commitment,” said Obama, adding that he is also committed to ending the Defense of Marriage Act.Obama, speaking to nearly 3,000 gay and lesbian activists at a dinner-fundraiser hosted by the Human Rights Campaign, addressed the larger effort for equality. “I’m here with you in that fight,” he said. The president also said that there were “still laws to change and hearts to open.”
Obama’s address came amid growing concern in the LGBT community that he’s not acting fast enough on campaign pledges to more fully incorporate gays and lesbians into the fabric of American life.
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Obama to End DADT Military Ban
Posted by
UnitedByLove 956 days ago
(http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com)
Earlier this week, Democratic Rep. Jackie Speier (CA-12) , a co-sponsor of the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) which would allow gays and lesbians to sponsor their foreign-born partners for citizenship, expressed her concerns about passing the bill as a part of larger immigration reform.
...
Speier’s view seems to have changed since a town hall earlier this year, where she indicated “the only way that bill is going to get passed is if its part of a larger immigration reform measure.” In addition to the standalone act, UAFA compatible language also exists in the omnibus immigration reform bill called Reuniting Families Act, sponsored by Congressman Mike Honda (CA-15).
In her short 16 months in Congress, Speier has proven herself to be a strong ally and advocate for the LGBT community, and was instrumental in staying the deportation of a lesbian mother this past sp
...
Speier’s view seems to have changed since a town hall earlier this year, where she indicated “the only way that bill is going to get passed is if its part of a larger immigration reform measure.” In addition to the standalone act, UAFA compatible language also exists in the omnibus immigration reform bill called Reuniting Families Act, sponsored by Congressman Mike Honda (CA-15).
In her short 16 months in Congress, Speier has proven herself to be a strong ally and advocate for the LGBT community, and was instrumental in staying the deportation of a lesbian mother this past sp
First the Gays Now the Immigrants Think Obama is Breaking Promises
Posted by
BinatUK 996 days ago
(http://www.queerty.com)
Remember when President Obama promised to be our fierce advocate, then got to the White House and sat on his hands, and then invited us over for tea to make nice? Looks like LGBTs aren't the only "special interest" (hah!) group outraged at the way he operates.
Some of us (bi-national couples) are waiting for comprehensive immigration reform that also includes same sex bi-national couples, my name is InExile for a reason. Some of us are sitting here waiting for immigration reform ...
Some of us (bi-national couples) are waiting for comprehensive immigration reform that also includes same sex bi-national couples, my name is InExile for a reason. Some of us are sitting here waiting for immigration reform ...
Get ready to laugh. I'm going to lead you through the twists and turns of one of the most ridiculous places known to humankind: the U.S. Congress. The purpose of this exercise is to explain what has happened to the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
But I have a deeper goal. The hate crimes bill is the first in a series of pro-LGBT proposals expected to come before Congress. These include the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, changes in immigration laws and repeals of the Defense of Marriage Act and the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on lesbians and gays in the military.
Given that President Obama has said he favors these proposals, the trick for LGBT America is to get them through Congress and onto his desk. This is no easy task. To succeed, our community and allies must understand how Congress really works. We need to know when to relax and let the pro
But I have a deeper goal. The hate crimes bill is the first in a series of pro-LGBT proposals expected to come before Congress. These include the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, changes in immigration laws and repeals of the Defense of Marriage Act and the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on lesbians and gays in the military.
Given that President Obama has said he favors these proposals, the trick for LGBT America is to get them through Congress and onto his desk. This is no easy task. To succeed, our community and allies must understand how Congress really works. We need to know when to relax and let the pro
Close your eyes and imagine that all of your family overseas resides here near you in the United States. Now imagine that because of antiquated legislation those loved ones are barred from joining you state-side. This disheartening separation is what bi-national same-sex couples are subjected to under current U.S. immigration law. Although immigration law is supposed to work in favor of family unification, it discriminates against gays and lesbians by preventing them from sponsoring their foreign national partners.
The current immigration system draws its bows of injustice from two different angles. Under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), U.S. citizens and permanent residents may petition for family-based immigration – but because same-sex partners are not considered “spouses”, gay Americans cannot file residency for their partners.
The gap betwee
The current immigration system draws its bows of injustice from two different angles. Under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), U.S. citizens and permanent residents may petition for family-based immigration – but because same-sex partners are not considered “spouses”, gay Americans cannot file residency for their partners.
The gap betwee
American Gays and Lesbians find refuge in the Netherlands
Posted by
NLXile 1023 days ago
(http://lotusopening.blogspot.com)
PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. From Love Exiles Foundation. Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Four hundred years after Henry Hudson first set...
Choosing between love and country
Posted by
uluckidog 1028 days ago
(http://www.washblade.com)
At last there is a real chance for immigration reform that includes same sex couples. THERE’S A BATTLE looming for LGBT families that we can win now — a battle to keep lesbians and gays from literally being torn from our same-sex partners. Discriminatory immigration laws are causing LGBT families needless suffering.
CONGRESS AND THE White House are committed to moving forward with comprehensive immigration reform. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), chair of the subcommittee charged with overseeing immigration, recently said that he will have a bill ready for consideration by Labor Day. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has promised, once the Senate votes on its version, to bring a similar measure to a vote in her chamber, too.?
Including our families in comprehensive immigration reform, if successful, will not only be a watershed moment for couples impacted directly by discriminatory immigra
CONGRESS AND THE White House are committed to moving forward with comprehensive immigration reform. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), chair of the subcommittee charged with overseeing immigration, recently said that he will have a bill ready for consideration by Labor Day. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has promised, once the Senate votes on its version, to bring a similar measure to a vote in her chamber, too.?
Including our families in comprehensive immigration reform, if successful, will not only be a watershed moment for couples impacted directly by discriminatory immigra
400 years after Henry Hudson first sailed into Manhattan, the Amsterdam City Council will marry five US-Dutch gay couples in Amsterdam during Canal Pride. Only an astute observer might notice the underlying irony: these couples are not recognized as family in the United States and are strangers in the eyes of the law for immigration purposes. Unless the Dutch partner has a green card or is a US citizen, the wedding may even signal US immigration authorities to deny him entry the next time he travels to the USA....
Immigration Equality Policy Associate
Posted by
ATLdave 1036 days ago
(http://jobs.change.org)
Immigration Equality ~ Policy Associate
Position Location: Washington, DC
Immigration Equality seeks a dynamic, motivated individual with outstanding lobbying and communications skills to build support for equal immigration rights on Capitol Hill and with key stakeholders. The Policy Associate will play a major role in campaigning for passage of pro-LGBT immigration legislation.
The Policy Associate will work with the Policy Director to build support for the Uniting American Families Act (S. 424 / H.R. 1024) and the Reuniting Families Act (H.R. 2079), which will allow gays and lesbians to sponsor their foreign-born permanent partners for immigration. The Policy Associate will also advocate for passage of comprehensive immigration reform and inclusion of LGBT families in comprehensive immigration reform. Job Responsibilities:
Position Location: Washington, DC
Immigration Equality seeks a dynamic, motivated individual with outstanding lobbying and communications skills to build support for equal immigration rights on Capitol Hill and with key stakeholders. The Policy Associate will play a major role in campaigning for passage of pro-LGBT immigration legislation.
The Policy Associate will work with the Policy Director to build support for the Uniting American Families Act (S. 424 / H.R. 1024) and the Reuniting Families Act (H.R. 2079), which will allow gays and lesbians to sponsor their foreign-born permanent partners for immigration. The Policy Associate will also advocate for passage of comprehensive immigration reform and inclusion of LGBT families in comprehensive immigration reform. Job Responsibilities:
At a recent chapter meeting the Flat Rock/Hendersonville PFLAG (Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) decided to speak out for marriage equality for all people. There are over 1,100 rights, benefits and responsibilities conferred on married couples by the federal government including access to health care, parenting and immigration rights, social security, veterans and survivor benefits, and transfer of property -- and that doesn't include state and local law, and employers, or the intangible security, dignity, and meaning that comes with marriage.
These federal rights are denied gays and lesbians who are in committed relationships.
Ending the exclusion of gay people from marriage would not change the "definition" of marriage, but it would remove a discriminatory barrier from the path of people who have made a personal commitment to each other and
These federal rights are denied gays and lesbians who are in committed relationships.
Ending the exclusion of gay people from marriage would not change the "definition" of marriage, but it would remove a discriminatory barrier from the path of people who have made a personal commitment to each other and
Now, there's some juiciness in that statement that is certainly worth celebrating, but then the triangulation occurs, with Obama throwing conservative religious folks a bone with the line, "As a Christian, I'm constantly wrestling with my faith and my solicitude and regard and concern for gays and lesbians." What type of wrestling are we talking about here, Mr. President?
Because, as far as your religion goes, there shouldn't be that much wrestling. You're a member of the United Church of Christ, a denomination that supports the full inclusion of LGBT people in both the church and society. According to the United Church of Christ's Web site:
For more than 30 years the national setting of the UCC has been on a clear course of welcome and inclusion, calling for serious study of human sexuality, [and] supporting the civil rights of LGBT persons...
Because, as far as your religion goes, there shouldn't be that much wrestling. You're a member of the United Church of Christ, a denomination that supports the full inclusion of LGBT people in both the church and society. According to the United Church of Christ's Web site:
For more than 30 years the national setting of the UCC has been on a clear course of welcome and inclusion, calling for serious study of human sexuality, [and] supporting the civil rights of LGBT persons...
What next for India gaydom?
Posted by
USABound 1054 days ago
(http://www.dnaindia.com)
Immigration rights - For Indian gay and lesbian couples, immigration is a vital area in the push for gay rights. Presently, they face difficulties in making career moves because of limitations regarding the visas they can obtain for their partners. SALGA points out there is a disgraceful prejudice in denying people immigration equality on the basis of sexual orientation.
"We are hoping that legalising gay marriages will allow same-sex couples to file for visas like straight couples," said Sooklall. He added that SALGA receives pleas for help from its own members and from gays and lesbians living in South Asia. "I know two cases where people did get asylum," said Sooklall.
Britain, Canada, South Africa and most west European countries have immigration policies that recognise same sex couples, but there has been no change to American immigration laws for gay coup
"We are hoping that legalising gay marriages will allow same-sex couples to file for visas like straight couples," said Sooklall. He added that SALGA receives pleas for help from its own members and from gays and lesbians living in South Asia. "I know two cases where people did get asylum," said Sooklall.
Britain, Canada, South Africa and most west European countries have immigration policies that recognise same sex couples, but there has been no change to American immigration laws for gay coup
Democratic Leaders Show Signs Gay Rights Agenda Back on Deck
Posted by
igualdad 1060 days ago
(http://www.rollcall.com)
After avoiding contentious social issues for six months, House Democrats are throwing bones to advocates for gay rights and immigrants — key liberal constituencies — in an effort to keep a lid on simmering tensions until they finish with larger priorities: health care and energy.
President Barack Obama and Democratic leaders adopted a strategy early in his presidency to avoid hot-button cultural and social issues, fearing that doing so would bog down their agenda as it did to then-President Bill Clinton in 1993 when fights over gays in the military and gun rights divided the party and gave Republicans fuel for their 1994 revolution.
But patience has quickly worn thin in the gay and immigrant communities. Even Obama’s effort to appease the gay community by signing an executive order extending benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees appeared to fall fl
President Barack Obama and Democratic leaders adopted a strategy early in his presidency to avoid hot-button cultural and social issues, fearing that doing so would bog down their agenda as it did to then-President Bill Clinton in 1993 when fights over gays in the military and gun rights divided the party and gave Republicans fuel for their 1994 revolution.
But patience has quickly worn thin in the gay and immigrant communities. Even Obama’s effort to appease the gay community by signing an executive order extending benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees appeared to fall fl
Gays in the military Immigration SLDN sponsoring march on the White House
Posted by
igualdad 1063 days ago
(http://www.examiner.com)
Service Members Legal Defense Network - The gay marriage battle is far from over, though the gay community is making progress, state by state. There are numerous proposed reforms being discussed, debated and legislated across the country. The issue gaining the most traction, in terms of widespread support, is the elimination of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ in the military. Even conservatives have changed their tune in recent months.
The battle for gay rights is being fought on several fronts: marriage, adoption, immigration, workplace and military. There is no doubt in my mind that sustained effort will decrease social exclusion and discrimination in many areas, because progress has already been made. It wasn’t as difficult for me to ‘come out’ as it was for generations prior to me. I hope that ongoing effort to gain legal recognition and acceptance will pave the way for future
The battle for gay rights is being fought on several fronts: marriage, adoption, immigration, workplace and military. There is no doubt in my mind that sustained effort will decrease social exclusion and discrimination in many areas, because progress has already been made. It wasn’t as difficult for me to ‘come out’ as it was for generations prior to me. I hope that ongoing effort to gain legal recognition and acceptance will pave the way for future
Promises Promises Obama slow on pledge to gays
Posted by
UnitedByLove 1063 days ago
(http://www.examiner.com)
President Barack Obama meets with members of Congress to discuss immigration, Thursday, June 25, 2009, in the State Dinning Room of the White House in Washington.
"I don't think it's an appropriate time to be raising money. No one is happy now," said Richard Socarides, who advised former President Bill Clinton on gay issues and did not plan to attend the event. "On gay rights, the country is already in the age of Obama, but he's governing from the Clinton era."
"I don't think it's an appropriate time to be raising money. No one is happy now," said Richard Socarides, who advised former President Bill Clinton on gay issues and did not plan to attend the event. "On gay rights, the country is already in the age of Obama, but he's governing from the Clinton era."
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Promoting public awareness of the need for fairness in immigration policy particularly as it relates to the rights of same-sex bi-national couples in the United States who seek equal immigration rights; Providing information regarding political issues relating to gay immigration equality issues, rights and policy.