LGBT causes got a major boost last week when two large professional associations announced their support for same-sex marriage recognition.The National Education Association (NEA) and the American Bar Association (ABA) recently adopted resolutions supporting gay rights.
The ABA, at a Chicago conference last week, called on lawmakers to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. While the association did not take an overt stand on marriage equality, they called the active law, which bars federal agencies from recognizing legal same-sex marriages, unfair.
Estelle Rogers, a member and consultant on civil rights, told the ABA's newsletter, "This is a very modest recommendation, some would even say a fair recommendation."
In San Diego, the NEA came out for LGBT causes, aligning itself with the community on DOMA, the passage of an employee nondiscrimination act
Search results for uniting
ABA NEA Come Out for Gay Rights (The Advocate via Yahoo! News)
Posted by
MikeLA 1011 days ago
(http://news.yahoo.com)
California Assembly To Hear Testimony On Resolution on Uniting American Families Act
Posted by
ATLdave 1011 days ago
(http://www.topix.com)
The California Assembly Judiciary Committee will be hearing testimony on AJR 15, a California resolution to support the federal Uniting American Families Act (UAFA).
The resolution, introduced by Assembly Member Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) and co-sponsored by Equality California (EQCA) and Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality (AACRE), formally requests that the US Congress pass and that President Barack Obama sign the Uniting American Families Act. Under current federal law, American citizens are permitted to sponsor an opposite-sex spouse. LGBT partners do not have the same right and are specifically excluded even if married under State law, sue to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA which defines marriage as between a man and a woman only. The UAFA would extend this basic right to committed same-sex couples, who can prove they are in a committed relationship.
The resolution, introduced by Assembly Member Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) and co-sponsored by Equality California (EQCA) and Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality (AACRE), formally requests that the US Congress pass and that President Barack Obama sign the Uniting American Families Act. Under current federal law, American citizens are permitted to sponsor an opposite-sex spouse. LGBT partners do not have the same right and are specifically excluded even if married under State law, sue to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA which defines marriage as between a man and a woman only. The UAFA would extend this basic right to committed same-sex couples, who can prove they are in a committed relationship.
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
Bringing the LGBT and immigration communities together
Posted by
ATLdave 1011 days ago
(http://neworganizing.com)
The universal response when I first told people that NOI was gathering LGBT and immigration bloggers/organizations together was: "Why?"
I have to admit, it was a little bit of a crazy idea. But the idea behind it was to bring together two communities facing both national and state legislative fights that can't win on their own. If the LGBT community continues to just talk to "their own," and if the immigration reform community does the same, neither will win progressive legislative change. However, we thought that if bloggers, organizations, and "movement thinkers" could get in the same room together across those two issues -- especially when the Uniting American Families Act so uniquely ties the two communities' destinies -- good things might happen.
And good things did happen. There were good, honest conversations about...
I have to admit, it was a little bit of a crazy idea. But the idea behind it was to bring together two communities facing both national and state legislative fights that can't win on their own. If the LGBT community continues to just talk to "their own," and if the immigration reform community does the same, neither will win progressive legislative change. However, we thought that if bloggers, organizations, and "movement thinkers" could get in the same room together across those two issues -- especially when the Uniting American Families Act so uniquely ties the two communities' destinies -- good things might happen.
And good things did happen. There were good, honest conversations about...
California Assembly To Hear Testimony On Resolution Supporting
Posted by
ATLdave 1011 days ago
(http://unitethefight.blogspot.com)
...will be hearing testimony on AJR 15, a California resolution to support the federal Uniting American Families Act (UAFA).The resolution...
Eliminate Immigration Barriers for Same-Sex Couples. The Assembly Judiciary Committee will be hearing testimony on AJR 15, a California resolution to support the federal Uniting American Families Act (UAFA).
The resolution, introduced by Assembly Member Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) and co-sponsored by Equality California (EQCA) and Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality (AACRE), formally requests that the US Congress pass and President Barack Obama sign the UAFA. Under current federal law, American citizens are permitted to sponsor an opposite-sex (Uniting American families Act spouse applying for legal residency. The UAFA would extend this basic right to committed same-sex couples, who are currently prohibited from sponsoring their partners.
The resolution, introduced by Assembly Member Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) and co-sponsored by Equality California (EQCA) and Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality (AACRE), formally requests that the US Congress pass and President Barack Obama sign the UAFA. Under current federal law, American citizens are permitted to sponsor an opposite-sex (Uniting American families Act spouse applying for legal residency. The UAFA would extend this basic right to committed same-sex couples, who are currently prohibited from sponsoring their partners.
I've written to 6 local newspapers, well local to Carterville, Illinois, urging the readers to write to their senator or congressman to request support for the Uniting American Families Act, which would help to end discrimination and gain equality regarding spousal sponsorship immigration rules. I have no idea if they all or even any or them will print my letters, but I'm hopeful, one The Southern Illinoisian, emailed me requesting I shorten my letter to 250 words, their editorial maximum, so ya never know, they may print it up!
They Are Already Planning For The Next War
Posted by
UnitedByLove 1015 days ago
(http://www.thealbanyproject.com)
...and our own Chuck Schumer is right in the middle of it. One is the Uniting American Families Act, which simply extends current sponsorship laws to "permanent partners," which means gay relationships as well as common-law type heterosexual partners. The other is the Reuniting Families Act, which is an LGBT-inclusive comprehensive immigration reform bill.
However, both of these bills are likely to get steamrolled if a major CIR bill is introduced by Schumer and company. That means that in order to help out the estimated 30 to 40 thousand bi-national LGBT couples in the US--as well as the 15 to 18 thousand of them who have children who are under threat of having their families broken up--then we need to start contacting Chuck Schumer right now to get the UAFA integrated into the new bill....
However, both of these bills are likely to get steamrolled if a major CIR bill is introduced by Schumer and company. That means that in order to help out the estimated 30 to 40 thousand bi-national LGBT couples in the US--as well as the 15 to 18 thousand of them who have children who are under threat of having their families broken up--then we need to start contacting Chuck Schumer right now to get the UAFA integrated into the new bill....
Push for UAFA Passage What About Us
Posted by
Fight4theRight 1016 days ago
(http://lezgetreal.com)
I had the great pleasure this past month working with Out4 Immigration in developing their Grassroots Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) Campaign, manifesting in a comprehensive and invaluable Action Kit. ...
Professional Associations Back UAFA and Gay Marriage
Posted by
UnitedByLove 1017 days ago
(http://allogenes.blogspot.com)
Both the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Bar Association (ABA) have adopted resolutions backing GLBT rights, including the right of gay and lesbian couples to marry.
Without naming the legislation, the NEA voiced its support for repeal of DOMA, passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), a bill currently before Congress that would ban employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act, a bill that would extend health-care and retirement benefits to the gay and lesbian spouses of federal employees, and the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), a bill that would allow gay and lesbian Americans to sponsor an immigrant partner for citizenship.
Without naming the legislation, the NEA voiced its support for repeal of DOMA, passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), a bill currently before Congress that would ban employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act, a bill that would extend health-care and retirement benefits to the gay and lesbian spouses of federal employees, and the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), a bill that would allow gay and lesbian Americans to sponsor an immigrant partner for citizenship.
Today President Obama confirmed some of my fears in so far as they relate to Uniting American Families Act - UAFA and comprehensive immigration reform (CIR).
“I’ve got a lot on my plate and it’s very important for us to sequence these big initiatives so they don’t crash at the same time,” Obama said when asked by a reporter about the prospects for immigration reform.”
I am calling on Immigration Equality to re strategize and change their course back to the original focus. The focus on UAFA, what it represents to binationals currently in exile or in hiding, its use to raise funds for IE has veered off ...
“I’ve got a lot on my plate and it’s very important for us to sequence these big initiatives so they don’t crash at the same time,” Obama said when asked by a reporter about the prospects for immigration reform.”
I am calling on Immigration Equality to re strategize and change their course back to the original focus. The focus on UAFA, what it represents to binationals currently in exile or in hiding, its use to raise funds for IE has veered off ...
Push For UAFA Passage Out4Immigration Deploys
Posted by
Fight4theRight 1022 days ago
(http://oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com)
The ‘UAFA Waiting List’ is one no one wants to be on – it is one that keeps binational exiles abroad, others in hiding, and inter alia some fifty year olds pleading to stop time so that they are not sixty by the time they get to cohabit with their spouses/partners.
This year a synchronicity of events and increased sponsorship of UAFA gives us hope that maybe we can gain more support in this Congress in a push for passage of the Uniting American Families Act. We are urging fast and prompt action ...
Binational couples need your help. Unlike other unfortunate discriminatory practices against our community, here in the US and abroad, this is the one that either keeps partners apart or forces them to choose between heart and home....
This year a synchronicity of events and increased sponsorship of UAFA gives us hope that maybe we can gain more support in this Congress in a push for passage of the Uniting American Families Act. We are urging fast and prompt action ...
Binational couples need your help. Unlike other unfortunate discriminatory practices against our community, here in the US and abroad, this is the one that either keeps partners apart or forces them to choose between heart and home....
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
United by Love divided by Law (Call Congress week 6)
Posted by
Fight4theRight 1025 days ago
(http://fairunion.blogspot.com)
Every week, a coordinated grassroots effort takes place to contact specific
members of Congress to urge them to co-sponsor the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA).
Please take part in these efforts to help pass UAFA!
If anyone has any questions about this, please let me know.
We write to 5 members of Congress and their staffers each week. We are encouraged in knowing that
several of the members of Congress we have contacted signed on as co-sponsors soon after we wrote to them.
This week we will be contacting:
members of Congress to urge them to co-sponsor the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA).
Please take part in these efforts to help pass UAFA!
If anyone has any questions about this, please let me know.
We write to 5 members of Congress and their staffers each week. We are encouraged in knowing that
several of the members of Congress we have contacted signed on as co-sponsors soon after we wrote to them.
This week we will be contacting:
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
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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.