The in-district meetings will focus on key legislative priorities in the 111th Congress including:
--Passing immigration reform that recognizes permanent same-sex couples and ends the painful separation of binational families;
UnitedByLove | Submitted 
LGBT Folks Asked To Meet Congress Members
Posted by
UnitedByLove 1023 days ago
(http://www.advocate.com)
Others In The LGBT Movement Call For Action Now
Posted by
UnitedByLove 1024 days ago
(http://www.myfedgrants.com)
On February 8th, 2009, I posted my feelings that “It’s Time For A National LGBT Leader” to step forth, and then again on May 30th, I posted a comment about the LGBT Community and that “Now Is The Time” for us to organize and put pressure on those who promised us the rights we deserve and are entitled.
In both my previous posts, I stressed the need to act quickly and if we miss this opportunity we have only ourselves to blame.
Yesterday I received an email, it was the day for emails, from the Ohio LGBT Caucus, addressing similar issues and their perception on the urgency of this issue.
In both my previous posts, I stressed the need to act quickly and if we miss this opportunity we have only ourselves to blame.
Yesterday I received an email, it was the day for emails, from the Ohio LGBT Caucus, addressing similar issues and their perception on the urgency of this issue.
Immigration obstacles for same sex couples (Queery Radio)
Posted by
UnitedByLove 1029 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
Nadler says DOMA Repeal Will Skip Domestic Partnerships and Civil Unions
Posted by
UnitedByLove 1031 days ago
(http://www.towleroad.com)
"Under DOMA's Section 3 the federal government is forbidden from recognizing LGBT couples married in the six states where same-sex marriage is legal. Section 2 of the law says those states that outlaw same-sex marriages do not have to recognize legal same-sex marriages from other states. Nadler said his bill would repeal both sections of DOMA. 'We have got to repeal DOMA and have got to make sure it accomplishes for federal purposes allowing the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages,' said Nadler, who led the fight to defeat a Federal Marriage Amendment that would have enshrined the same-sex marriage ban in the U.S. Constitution. 'The time for dumping DOMA is long overdue.' HRC President Joe Solmonese said it makes sense to restrict the debate over repealing DOMA only to recognition of same-sex marriage. 'We ought to start it with what we would ultimately achieve, a wholesa
The effort to repeal the federal ban against same-sex marriages will not include extending rights to LGBT couples in domestic partnerships or civil unions, the Bay Area Reporter has learned. But it will include a "certainty provision" requiring states to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.
Congressman Jerry Nadler (D-New York), in an exclusive interview with the B.A.R. while attending the annual Human Rights Campaign gala in San Francisco Saturday, July 25, ruled out including anything other than legally recognized marriages in the legislation he plans to introduce either this week or once Congress returns from its August recess. He is also the author and original sponsor of the Uniting American Families Act. "We have got to repeal DOMA and have got to make sure it accomplishes for federal purposes allowing the federal government to recognize same-sex m
Congressman Jerry Nadler (D-New York), in an exclusive interview with the B.A.R. while attending the annual Human Rights Campaign gala in San Francisco Saturday, July 25, ruled out including anything other than legally recognized marriages in the legislation he plans to introduce either this week or once Congress returns from its August recess. He is also the author and original sponsor of the Uniting American Families Act. "We have got to repeal DOMA and have got to make sure it accomplishes for federal purposes allowing the federal government to recognize same-sex m
please come back and read my highlighted section and comment… thanks,
I am highlighting the following part of the Report – those in the “know” please comment…. or anyone for that matter!!
“Sadly, Joe and Steve’s case is not unique. Immigration Equality, with offices in D.C. and New York, estimates there are 36,000 bi-national same-sex couples in this country either facing separation or who have already been separated by U.S. immigration law. About half of those couples have children. On Capitol Hill, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) has been pushing the Uniting American Families Act for nearly a decade. His bill would allow partners to sponsor their partners of either sex, rather than opposite-sex spouses alone. That effort was recently integrated into broader immigration-reform legislation, the Reuniting Families Act, sponsored by Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.). Sen. Patric
I am highlighting the following part of the Report – those in the “know” please comment…. or anyone for that matter!!
“Sadly, Joe and Steve’s case is not unique. Immigration Equality, with offices in D.C. and New York, estimates there are 36,000 bi-national same-sex couples in this country either facing separation or who have already been separated by U.S. immigration law. About half of those couples have children. On Capitol Hill, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) has been pushing the Uniting American Families Act for nearly a decade. His bill would allow partners to sponsor their partners of either sex, rather than opposite-sex spouses alone. That effort was recently integrated into broader immigration-reform legislation, the Reuniting Families Act, sponsored by Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.). Sen. Patric
The GLN UAFA Action Alert
Posted by
UnitedByLove 1039 days ago
(http://gayliberationnetwork.blogspot.com)
Click here to send a letter to your representative in support of the Uniting American Families Act, which would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to permit permanent partners of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents to obtain lawful permanent resident status in the same manner as spouses of citizens and lawful permanent residents and to penalize immigration fraud in connection with permanent partnerships.
Use this tool to find contact information about your representatives and tell them you want DOMA repealed.
Use this tool to find contact information about your representatives and tell them you want DOMA repealed.
Why Gay Is Not The New Black
Posted by
UnitedByLove 1042 days ago
(http://gaylife.about.com)
The criticism of President Obama by the gay community has gone too far, says award-winning ESPN columnist LZ Granderson.
The US is a Developing Country An LGBT Labor Perspective
Posted by
UnitedByLove 1045 days ago
(http://community.feministing.com)
The world of development economics struggles over how to define development and what to call developing countries. Amartya Sen, Nobel Prize winner and leader in development economics, defines development as an increased freedom to participate in society. This week the US could do with a little more thought on its own development as well as Africa's. (We're not done yet, I hope.)
Marriage equality is an important step toward LGBT inclusion in the US. But from the LGBT labor perspective, there are two pieces of legislation that in some ways play a greater part in defining Americans' freedom to participate in their society: The Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the Uniting American Families Act....
Marriage equality is an important step toward LGBT inclusion in the US. But from the LGBT labor perspective, there are two pieces of legislation that in some ways play a greater part in defining Americans' freedom to participate in their society: The Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the Uniting American Families Act....
Citizen Crain: New straight hero on DADT
Posted by
UnitedByLove 1049 days ago
(http://citizenchris.typepad.com)
This may be our turning point, as straight politicians Congressman Jerry Nadler and Senator Patrick Leahy (two others we should consider heros) have become fierce advocates for the Uniting American Families Act, the bill that would ...
Love knows no boundaries but US immigration laws
Posted by
UnitedByLove 1049 days ago
(http://www.immigrantconnect.org)
A slight feeling of dread would creep into Jim Danaher’s heart every time his boyfriend, Christof Spiesschaert, left the country. While Christof, a Belgian citizen, had a valid tourist visa, the document did not guarantee he would be let back into the U.S. once he left its borders. Entering the U.S. is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol,a separate department from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services which grants visas.
Early last April when Jim found himself waiting for Christof to come striding into the arrival waiting area long after Christof’s plane from Mexico had landed at Chicago O’Hare, Jim knew something was wrong.
The couple had been in a relationship for about a year and a half after meeting in Florida in late 2004 while they were both on vacation. After the two exchanged a few short visits, including a Valentine’s D
Early last April when Jim found himself waiting for Christof to come striding into the arrival waiting area long after Christof’s plane from Mexico had landed at Chicago O’Hare, Jim knew something was wrong.
The couple had been in a relationship for about a year and a half after meeting in Florida in late 2004 while they were both on vacation. After the two exchanged a few short visits, including a Valentine’s D
Love Exiles want a choice to live in the US
Posted by
UnitedByLove 1049 days ago
(http://www.immigrantconnect.org)
Which was precisely the point of passing the Uniting American Families Act, Kat said. “It's not just for us. It's for everybody. Maybe at that point in our lives we won't want to move back to America but in 10 years I know there are ...
Michelle O to SF Gay Photographer Give Your Husband a Hug From Me
Posted by
UnitedByLove 1051 days ago
(http://mpetrelis.blogspot.com)
About a month ago I registered to volunteer at the playground build at Bret Harte Elementary School this morning. I found out Friday night that Mrs. Obama was going to be there.
I knew I had to say something to her about DOMA if I had the opportunity and this was the result:
Bill Wilson: My husband and I have been together 23 years. We need to get rid of the Defense of Marriage Act.
Michelle Obama: I agree.
Bill Wilson: We need it done now.
Michelle Obama: It will be. ...
I knew I had to say something to her about DOMA if I had the opportunity and this was the result:
Bill Wilson: My husband and I have been together 23 years. We need to get rid of the Defense of Marriage Act.
Michelle Obama: I agree.
Bill Wilson: We need it done now.
Michelle Obama: It will be. ...
My boilerplate response to Democratic campaign Requests (The Blend)
Posted by
UnitedByLove 1058 days ago
(http://www.pamshouseblend.com)
We talk a lot about wanting representatives who will display courage and conviction. But the real test of that isn't what they do when it's easy - it's what they do when it's hard. I can't say I've resoundingly seen moves that show any promise that Democrats will fight for people like me on the federal level, and I have gone back to expecting nothing from your party, because that's the best way to avoid disappointment.
The Uniting American Families Act. Gay couples are in a terrible spot with immigration --- even those living in Marriage Equality states. Thanks to DOMA, they can't sponser their spouses. The Supreme Court? ...There is the marriage equality issue, the employment non-discrimination issue, the ability to serve openly in the armed forces issue, the hate crimes law issue, the schools free and safe from bullying issue, the immigration equality for same sex coupl
The Uniting American Families Act. Gay couples are in a terrible spot with immigration --- even those living in Marriage Equality states. Thanks to DOMA, they can't sponser their spouses. The Supreme Court? ...There is the marriage equality issue, the employment non-discrimination issue, the ability to serve openly in the armed forces issue, the hate crimes law issue, the schools free and safe from bullying issue, the immigration equality for same sex coupl
Follow up Letter to Obama (DAVID LYLE JONES-MUNOZ)
Posted by
UnitedByLove 1059 days ago
(http://davidlylejones.blogspot.com)
Dear Mr. President, I was very optimistic to hear your speech to the LGBT today. It gave me hope and pride to hear for the very first time my President make such statements that would directly affect me. Everything you said, directly affects me and my family. I know that there is much to be done and I know that we may seem to be impatient, we are so because these issues affect so many so directly. Ant at this time we do see hope where there was no hope before. I know that it will take time, but so much that needs to be done to bring forward the issues of civil liberties and equality and right the wrongs of the past. The Uniting American Families Act, the reversal of The Defense Of Marriage Act, the reversal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, are just a few of these very issues that need to have Executive attention. Some of theses inhibit my rights and civil liberties directly, that is
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.