House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is tired of her "vulnerable" (read: freshman, or up for re-election) Democratic friends being targeted by the right-wing for their controversial views and votes, particularly on health care. Which is why she's reportedly told her Congressional colleagues that the House will not take up any "controversial" bills in 2010 unless the Senate acts first. And you can bet that Don't Ask Don't Tell — or ENDA, or UAFA (or any immigration reform), or repealing DOMA — falls into that category.
Search results for senate
In March of this year I was faced with a Sophie’s choice – I could stay in the US with my 12 year old daughter, in a shared custody arrangement; or leave her behind to go into exile with my spouse and our 4 year old. Our 4 year nightmare involved navigating the complex Immigration system to keep our family together. Had we not been of the same sex, we would have had no problems at all.
After receiving help from Senator Feinstein, I lead the effort to obtain the introduction by Senator Feinstein of Private Bill #867 for Shirley Tan and when my advocacy became public scores of binational couples began contacting me for help; and not a day goes by without a new request. I testified before the California State Assembly Judicial Committee for AJR 15 and provided written testimony to Senator Leahy for UAFA at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing June 3rd 2009. ...
After receiving help from Senator Feinstein, I lead the effort to obtain the introduction by Senator Feinstein of Private Bill #867 for Shirley Tan and when my advocacy became public scores of binational couples began contacting me for help; and not a day goes by without a new request. I testified before the California State Assembly Judicial Committee for AJR 15 and provided written testimony to Senator Leahy for UAFA at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing June 3rd 2009. ...
Senator Arlen Specter signs support for Uniting American Families Act
Posted by
USAFrance 900 days ago
(http://lezgetreal.com)
There has been a recent bevy of co-sponsors signing onto the Uniting American Families Act, the legislation that seeks to provide Lesbian and Gay Americans with the right to Petition for their same-sex spouses/ partners to live in the USA. This law merely seeks to place the words “permanent partners” into the existing Immigration and Naturalization Act. This is no time to let up, but rather imprtant that we make the most of the momentum. I have 14 couples I am trying to help remain together in the US. That is a tip of the iceberg. They are all desperate. They want to stay together and they want to stay at home. We need UAFA legialstion and awareness of the binational issue more so than ever. Please I am asking for your help.
..
Today the news was immense when Senator Arlen Specter sign his support to the Bill. In June this year the Senator attended and spoke at
..
Today the news was immense when Senator Arlen Specter sign his support to the Bill. In June this year the Senator attended and spoke at
UAFA Gains Influential New Cosponsor
Posted by
freedom2immigrate 900 days ago
(http://sdgln.com)
Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee (and formerly that committee’s Republican Chairman), has signed on as a cosponsor of the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA).
At last June’s Senate Judiciary Committee UAFA hearing, Specter expressed strong support for ending discrimination against gay and lesbian Americans and their families in immigration law. Immigration Equality applauds Senator Specter for his support for LGBT binational families.
Eight of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s twelve Democrats are now cosponsors of UAFA. A ninth, Senator Ted Kaufman of Delaware, recently publicly stated his support for equal immigration rights for LGBT families
At last June’s Senate Judiciary Committee UAFA hearing, Specter expressed strong support for ending discrimination against gay and lesbian Americans and their families in immigration law. Immigration Equality applauds Senator Specter for his support for LGBT binational families.
Eight of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s twelve Democrats are now cosponsors of UAFA. A ninth, Senator Ted Kaufman of Delaware, recently publicly stated his support for equal immigration rights for LGBT families
Dems Running Scared From DADT
Posted by
UnitedByLove 930 days ago
(http://www.advocate.com)
House and Senate Democrats are feeling vulnerable after Tuesday's poor showing at the polls -- and according to a report on TheHill.com , many want their leaders to skip the party's controversial legislative agenda so they can focus on saving their seats in Congress. House and Senate Democrats are feeling vulnerable after Tuesday’s poor showing at the polls -- and according to a report on TheHill.com, many want their leaders to skip the party’s controversial legislative agenda so they can focus on saving their seats in Congress.
Among the issues they consider risky? Immigration reform, climate change, and “don’t ask, don’t tell.”
With Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, pushing hard for
Among the issues they consider risky? Immigration reform, climate change, and “don’t ask, don’t tell.”
With Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, pushing hard for
Time Is Right For Gay Rights Obama Official Says
Posted by
UnitedByLove 956 days ago
(http://www.ontopmag.com)
Activists working to pass federal gay rights legislation should move now to take advantage of the current political climate, an Obama official said Friday.
“This is the best opportunity we will ever have as a community and shame on us if we don't succeed,” openly gay John Berry, director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, said.
Berry made his remarks at the Out & Equal Workplace Advocates conference that ended Friday in Orlando, the AP reported. Michael Guest, the first openly gay ambassador to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, and Malcolm Lazin, executive director of Equality Forum, also spoke at the four-day event.
“The clock is against us,” Berry said. “If we lose this, it could be years if not a decade before this opportunity comes around.”
“This is the best opportunity we will ever have as a community and shame on us if we don't succeed,” openly gay John Berry, director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, said.
Berry made his remarks at the Out & Equal Workplace Advocates conference that ended Friday in Orlando, the AP reported. Michael Guest, the first openly gay ambassador to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, and Malcolm Lazin, executive director of Equality Forum, also spoke at the four-day event.
“The clock is against us,” Berry said. “If we lose this, it could be years if not a decade before this opportunity comes around.”
Politico's Glenn Thrush echoes Frank's conclusion that the DOMA Repeal bill has no hope of passing in this Congress:
Even if Nadler's bill passes the House, it is likely to have a tough time in the Senate, despite the apparent support of Judiciary Committee Chairman Pat Leahy (D-Vt.) who says DOMA needs to go....
Even if Nadler's bill passes the House, it is likely to have a tough time in the Senate, despite the apparent support of Judiciary Committee Chairman Pat Leahy (D-Vt.) who says DOMA needs to go....
Within Reach
Posted by
ATLdave 1011 days ago
(http://nclrights.wordpress.com)
This year we have seen unprecedented movement on LGBT issues in the 111th Congress with long overdue legislation pending in both the Senate and House of Representatives. Today, more than ever before, federal bills provide an opportunity to improve the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people nationwide. From the Uniting American Families Act to the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act to the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, NCLR is working to ensure that all members of the LGBT community will be included in federal protections.
But it will take all of us to pass this legislation. We need to hold their feet to the fire, and it will require our entire community to engage with our federal elected officials in order to see change in Congress. Right now, we have the potential to see these three bills reach President Obama’s desk, and he has committ
But it will take all of us to pass this legislation. We need to hold their feet to the fire, and it will require our entire community to engage with our federal elected officials in order to see change in Congress. Right now, we have the potential to see these three bills reach President Obama’s desk, and he has committ
Old Amsterdam sends New Amsterdam a love note (Pams House Blend)
Posted by
DividedByLaw 1023 days ago
(http://www.pamshouseblend.com)
Of course in this day and age, marriage between two people of the same sex or gender isn't just a matter of love, like it or not it's a matter of politics. The Dutch parliamentarian Boris Dittrich, who in 1994 introduced the Netherlands' first gay marriage bill and now is an advocacy director at New York's Human Rights Watch, was on hand for the festivities and kept the light of reality shining. "We want to show to the American public that gay couples cannot get immigration, cannot get equal rights like heterosexual couples can" Dittrich said. Uniteing American Families Act, anyone?
Although these newleyweds' civil marriages won't be recognized by the US federal government or most state governments, they will be recognized by New York state thanks to Governor David Patterson's executive order of May 14, 2008. Marriage equality legislation already passed in the New York
Although these newleyweds' civil marriages won't be recognized by the US federal government or most state governments, they will be recognized by New York state thanks to Governor David Patterson's executive order of May 14, 2008. Marriage equality legislation already passed in the New York
Feingold Sought to Introduce DOMA Repeal Visa Implications
Posted by
Fight4theRight 1023 days ago
(http://integrity-legal.com)
As the movement towards the eventual repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) continues, it appears that proponents of repeal may score a minor victory by enlisting Senator Russ Feingold to introduce repeal legislation.
The Washington Blade reports,“[Senator] Feingold is an attractive ally to introduce a DOMA repeal bill because he chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Constitution Subcommittee, which hold jurisdiction over DOMA, she said.”
Concurrently, it would appear that Jerry Nadler, Democratic Member of the House of Representatives, is preparing to introduce a bill to repeal DOMA. Under the provisions of the DOMA repeal currently being considered, states would not be forced to recognize same-sex marriages conducted in other states, but the Federal government would be required to recognize these marriages and provide federal benefits.
Je
The Washington Blade reports,“[Senator] Feingold is an attractive ally to introduce a DOMA repeal bill because he chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Constitution Subcommittee, which hold jurisdiction over DOMA, she said.”
Concurrently, it would appear that Jerry Nadler, Democratic Member of the House of Representatives, is preparing to introduce a bill to repeal DOMA. Under the provisions of the DOMA repeal currently being considered, states would not be forced to recognize same-sex marriages conducted in other states, but the Federal government would be required to recognize these marriages and provide federal benefits.
Je
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
Immigration obstacles for same sex couples (Queery Radio)
Posted by
UnitedByLove 1028 days ago
(http://queery-wort.blogspot.com)
Tonight we looked at proposed immigration reform to remedy discrimination against same-sex couples. Pamela Hathaway, a longtime Madison resident who is married to Frenchwoman Lucie Ferrari, talked about navigating the U.S. and Canadian immigration systems in an effort to live in the same country as her wife, Lucie Ferrari. And we chatted with Julie Kruse of Immigration Equality about prospects for the Uniting American Families Act, which would enable Americans to sponsor a same-sex spouse or partner for immigration.
Kruse said that Wisconsin senators can play a pivotal role in moving the Uniting American Families Act, since both serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senator Russ Feingold has co-sponsored the act, and Kruse asked listeners to contact him to thank him and ask him to become a "champion" of the legislation. Senator Herb Kohl has not co-sponsored the legislat
Kruse said that Wisconsin senators can play a pivotal role in moving the Uniting American Families Act, since both serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senator Russ Feingold has co-sponsored the act, and Kruse asked listeners to contact him to thank him and ask him to become a "champion" of the legislation. Senator Herb Kohl has not co-sponsored the legislat
A Gross Unfairness (I Said I Do Today)
Posted by
Fight4theRight 1028 days ago
(http://isaididotoday.com)
A report issued in 2006 by two nongovernmental organizations, Human Rights Watch and Immigration Equality, describes the written response made in 1975 by the Immigration and Naturalization Service to an American citizen's petition to sponsor a foreign same-sex partner for legal residency in the United States. The INS denied the petition for the following reason: "You have failed to establish that a bona fide marital relationship can exist between two faggots." Except perhaps in the explicitness of language, federal policy toward same-sex binational couples has changed little since then. On June 3 of this year, Congress held its first-ever hearing on the plight of such couples and brought attention to the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), sponsored in the Senate by Patrick Leahy and in the House by Jerrold Nadler (and subsequently folded into a larger immigration reform bill). Introd
Congressmen face uphill battle to pass pro gay immigration reform
Posted by
BinatUK 1028 days ago
(http://www.ebar.com)
The two congressmen leading the fight for pro-gay immigration reform in Washington acknowledge they have an uphill fight to see their legislation passed by both the House and the Senate. The result is that binational LGBT couples face difficult decisions about where to live or even if they can remain together. Their options are often limited.
But his bill has failed to gain traction within the House, and the legislation's co-sponsor, Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-San Mateo), recently acknowledged to the Bay Area Reporter it has few chances of being passed anytime soon.
But his bill has failed to gain traction within the House, and the legislation's co-sponsor, Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-San Mateo), recently acknowledged to the Bay Area Reporter it has few chances of being passed anytime soon.
Hate Crime Bill Passes Senate Close to Final Passage
Posted by
igualdad 1035 days ago
(http://www.sfbaytimes.com)
The Senate tacked hate crimes onto the defense appropriations bill, so we are a conference committee away from sending “something gay” to the desk of the president for the first time. The conference committee needs to strip out a poison pill amendment that mandates the death sentence for certain federal crimes, but other than that detail, we’re home free.
I know you want to hear about the midgets, but I’m not finished. I can’t help being pleased by this modest step in the right direction, but as I’ve written before, a hate crime law is last on my personal gay agenda. It is an ineffective deterrent to a type of violence that will only abate gradually with the help of substantial gay rights legislation. The repeal of the military ban. The addition of sexual orientation to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Immigration reform for the partners of gay Americans. Federal recognit
I know you want to hear about the midgets, but I’m not finished. I can’t help being pleased by this modest step in the right direction, but as I’ve written before, a hate crime law is last on my personal gay agenda. It is an ineffective deterrent to a type of violence that will only abate gradually with the help of substantial gay rights legislation. The repeal of the military ban. The addition of sexual orientation to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Immigration reform for the partners of gay Americans. Federal recognit
“How may I assist with these stories, if at all?...”
“My question back to you is how do we get immigration reform defined as a...”
“Watch the actual video on ABC 7's website, and you'll see that he's really...”
“Thanks. I shortened it through tinyurl. Works now....”
“Note from imeQ about this editorial: This is an independent project which...”
Feedburner
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.