You could fill 10 pages of a newspaper with stories and essays on how upset the gays have gotten with Barack Obama.
"The President is in serious danger of motivating a huge mass of gay people to stream into Washington for the simple joy of standing in front of the White House and giving him a piece of their minds," wrote syndicated gay columnist Wayne Besen.
uluckidog | Published 
Gay tsunami slams Obama (Wockner)
Posted by
uluckidog 1071 days ago
(http://wockner.blogspot.com)
Same sex couples win change in US passport rules
Posted by
uluckidog 1073 days ago
(http://www.boston.com)
The Obama administration has changed course and will now allow same-sex couples to use their spouse’s surname when they apply for passports with the US State Department, a gay activist group said today in Boston.
A gay married couple, Al and Keith Toney, joined the Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders in challenging the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which was passed during the Clinton administration, in federal court in Boston.
One issue the couple and GLAD raised was the State Department’s refusal to allow Keith Toney -- his name before marriage was Keith Fitzpatrick -- to seek a new passport under his spouse’s surname.
In a letter dated June 15, the US Justice Department notified GLAD and the Toneys that the prohibition has been stricken from federal rules. Keith Toney was invited to apply for a new passport and was also told the normal fees will be waived. He will file
A gay married couple, Al and Keith Toney, joined the Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders in challenging the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which was passed during the Clinton administration, in federal court in Boston.
One issue the couple and GLAD raised was the State Department’s refusal to allow Keith Toney -- his name before marriage was Keith Fitzpatrick -- to seek a new passport under his spouse’s surname.
In a letter dated June 15, the US Justice Department notified GLAD and the Toneys that the prohibition has been stricken from federal rules. Keith Toney was invited to apply for a new passport and was also told the normal fees will be waived. He will file
DOMA Lawsuit Wins First Victory
Posted by
uluckidog 1073 days ago
(http://www.advocate.com)
A plaintiff in a lawsuit against the federal Defense of Marriage Act will be allowed to get a U.S. passport using his married name, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders announced on Wednesday. The victory is the result of a recent change in State Department policy for the issuance of passports to people who change their name after marrying someone of the same sex.
GLAD filed its lawsuit, Gill v. Office of Personnel Management, in March to challenge section 3 of DOMA on behalf of six married same-sex couples and three men whose same-sex spouses have died. Section 3 of the law concerns federal recognition of same-sex marriages. In addition to the passport issue, other plaintiffs’ claims in the lawsuit involve taxation, Social Security, and federal employees’ benefits.
GLAD filed its lawsuit, Gill v. Office of Personnel Management, in March to challenge section 3 of DOMA on behalf of six married same-sex couples and three men whose same-sex spouses have died. Section 3 of the law concerns federal recognition of same-sex marriages. In addition to the passport issue, other plaintiffs’ claims in the lawsuit involve taxation, Social Security, and federal employees’ benefits.
Suck it up boy (Berges Cartoon Blog)
Posted by
uluckidog 1078 days ago
(http://bergetoons.blogspot.com)
Cartoon. At senate hearings on the Uniting American Families Act bill, Alabama Republican Jefferson Sessions was reported responding to the tears of a 12-year-old, one of whose mothers faces deportation to her native Philippines, by muttering "Enough with the histrionics!" Different-sex couples, of course, do not run the risk of one parent being deported when his or her visa runs out; they can get married. Same-sex couples, even those living in states which recognize same-sex marriage, do not.
Gay provision included in immigration bill (SoVo)
Posted by
uluckidog 1078 days ago
(http://www.sovo.com)
An omnibus immigration reform bill has been introduced in the U.S. House containing language that would allow gays to sponsor their foreign partners for residency.
Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.) introduced the legislation, known as the Reuniting Families Act, June 4. The lawmaker said in an interview that he included the provision in the bill because “it falls under the definition of all families.”
“If they’re not included, you cannot say all families,” he said. “It just doesn’t make any sense.”
Asked whether President Obama supports the inclusion of an LGBT provision as part of comprehensive immigration reform legislation, Shin Inouye, a White House spokesperson, issued the following statement: “President Obama thinks Americans with partners from other countries should not be faced with a painful choice between staying with their partner or staying in their country,” he said. “He
Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.) introduced the legislation, known as the Reuniting Families Act, June 4. The lawmaker said in an interview that he included the provision in the bill because “it falls under the definition of all families.”
“If they’re not included, you cannot say all families,” he said. “It just doesn’t make any sense.”
Asked whether President Obama supports the inclusion of an LGBT provision as part of comprehensive immigration reform legislation, Shin Inouye, a White House spokesperson, issued the following statement: “President Obama thinks Americans with partners from other countries should not be faced with a painful choice between staying with their partner or staying in their country,” he said. “He
Whats there to Get about Marriage Equality (Jennifer Brunner)
Posted by
uluckidog 1080 days ago
(http://www.huffingtonpost.com)
Jennifer BrunnerOhio Secretary Of State; candidate for U.S. Senate - When an LGBT couple, with or without children, is bi-national, problems increase. Marriage equality is the law in the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Spain and South Africa. However, the U.S. definition of "family" for immigration purposes does not include LGBT couples. Without this, many U.S. LGBT citizens have found their only alternative is to emigrate with their partners to a country with laws that afford them the opportunity to live together without fear of separation because of antiquated laws that do not recognize their families.
Even in countries not recognizing marriage equality, common sense immigration equality has been legislated. (For those concerned about fraud, it should be pointed out that none of these countries has reported fraud associated with this policy.)
A good start is to
Even in countries not recognizing marriage equality, common sense immigration equality has been legislated. (For those concerned about fraud, it should be pointed out that none of these countries has reported fraud associated with this policy.)
A good start is to
Immigration Advocates to Push Legislation this Summer (Catholic Weekly)
Posted by
uluckidog 1080 days ago
(http://www.americamagazine.org)
A White House summit with congressional leaders scheduled for June 16 is intended to begin the serious push toward creating and passing a comprehensive reform bill. President Obama has said he intends to take up immigration reform this year, but the White House staff has said they don't expect it to be resolved until 2010.
"The benefits this legislation seeks to provide are not contingent upon the definition of marriage, which I believe is an issue best left to the states," said Leahy. The bishop who heads the migration committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said in letters to members of Congress on June 2 that the conference would oppose such legislation. Another family reunification bill, the Reuniting Families Act, would allow traditionally defined families to reunite more quickly in the United States.
Leahy's bill, and a companion version in
"The benefits this legislation seeks to provide are not contingent upon the definition of marriage, which I believe is an issue best left to the states," said Leahy. The bishop who heads the migration committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said in letters to members of Congress on June 2 that the conference would oppose such legislation. Another family reunification bill, the Reuniting Families Act, would allow traditionally defined families to reunite more quickly in the United States.
Leahy's bill, and a companion version in
I did some surfing of the internet and thus far have found that 95% of the blogs and comments (outside of our own website) about my Senate testimony Wednesday think I was a little crazy to say that immigration-driven U.S. population growth is an environmental threat. Granted, there really wasn't a lot of attention to the hearing on S. 424, but . . . .
"The environmental argument is hilariously stupid." That was one comment on my testimony.
"If I had been drinking beer at the time, my computer would have been soaked. I literally could not believe what I was hearing." -- Person watching my testimony by webcast
A blogger on the internet giant "Daily Kos" acted like this was the first time anybody has ever suggested a link between adding 100 million people since 1970 and a deterioration of U.S. natural resources: "Mr. Beck represents Numbers USA. I swear this is the argument this
"The environmental argument is hilariously stupid." That was one comment on my testimony.
"If I had been drinking beer at the time, my computer would have been soaked. I literally could not believe what I was hearing." -- Person watching my testimony by webcast
A blogger on the internet giant "Daily Kos" acted like this was the first time anybody has ever suggested a link between adding 100 million people since 1970 and a deterioration of U.S. natural resources: "Mr. Beck represents Numbers USA. I swear this is the argument this
FRC Perkins claims fundies turning the tide on support for UAFA
Posted by
uluckidog 1083 days ago
(http://feedproxy.google.com)
If you had any doubt that the professional Christian set isn't hard at work stirring up the Base over any and all legislation that is remotely pro-LGBT, look at Tony Perkins of the Family Research Counsel. He is cooing with glee that bible-beaters are picking up the phones and bombarding Congress over the United American Families Act. What the tactics prove is that they have to move the argument in any way they can to marriage equality and shooting it down because the polls are still on their side for now. You will see it come up over and over again as part of the slippery slope meme. All these people have are three obvious, crappy arguments....
Families United
Posted by
uluckidog 1083 days ago
(http://christao408.xanga.com)
Immigration is a hot-button issue in the US, most often for reasons that are purely political rather than practical. On a practical level, though, immigraiton rights have a very human impact and America's tangled web of immigration policies results in families being kept apart and even torn apart. This is the case for me and Tawn.
Two years ago I wrote about this issue and I'd like to take a few minutes of your day to write about it again, as there is some recent action taking place in the US Congress and if you are a US citizen or resident, we could use your help.
Two years ago I wrote about this issue and I'd like to take a few minutes of your day to write about it again, as there is some recent action taking place in the US Congress and if you are a US citizen or resident, we could use your help.
Only the Coldest Heart Can Dismiss Child Tears
Posted by
uluckidog 1084 days ago
(http://dc.bilerico.com)
As if we didn't have enough proof that far-right Republicans are lacking in empathy, and possibly actual human hearts, comes this charming vignette from Wednesday's Senate hearing on the Uniting American Families Act. Shirley Tan, the 43-year-old mother of twins and partner of 23 years to Jay Mercado, testified about recent attempts by immigration officials to deport her to the Philliipines.
I suppose I should stop being surprised when some wingers keep proving they're even more crass and craven that we thought them to be. But it's certainly indicative of how some still feel about us and our families, and how important the UAFA legislation is.
I'm sure it would break Senator Sessions' crusty heart as well, because it's a tragedy that's played out in a relationship he considers "valid" - the death of a husband who leaves behind a wife and child. But the tears o
I suppose I should stop being surprised when some wingers keep proving they're even more crass and craven that we thought them to be. But it's certainly indicative of how some still feel about us and our families, and how important the UAFA legislation is.
I'm sure it would break Senator Sessions' crusty heart as well, because it's a tragedy that's played out in a relationship he considers "valid" - the death of a husband who leaves behind a wife and child. But the tears o
UAFA Would Keep Shirley Tan with her Partner and Kids (Race and Politics)
Posted by
uluckidog 1084 days ago
(http://www.racewire.org)
What struck me about the video was not simply Tan’s courage in speaking as an immigrant woman of color, a loving partner to her life companion, and a devoted parent to her two sons; but to witness the vulnerability of her 12 year old son, who silently wept as his mother spoke…
…Which leads me to the ‘hater’ part. While the hearing took place, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), ranking minority member of the Committee and the only Republican to attend the hearing but publicly opposed to UAFA, watched the boy weep and commented to his aide, “Enough with the histrionics.”
WTF?!? Sessions had the audacity to call this boy’s emotional torture of having to listen to the possibility of his family being torn apart from harmful, discriminatory immigration policy and practices as insincere theatrics??? I guess Sessions’ defense of torture easily carries over to his apparent disd
…Which leads me to the ‘hater’ part. While the hearing took place, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), ranking minority member of the Committee and the only Republican to attend the hearing but publicly opposed to UAFA, watched the boy weep and commented to his aide, “Enough with the histrionics.”
WTF?!? Sessions had the audacity to call this boy’s emotional torture of having to listen to the possibility of his family being torn apart from harmful, discriminatory immigration policy and practices as insincere theatrics??? I guess Sessions’ defense of torture easily carries over to his apparent disd
Same Sex Marriage Amnesty (CNNVideo)
Posted by
uluckidog 1085 days ago
(http://us.cnn.com)
Lisa Sylvester reports on legislation that would extend immigration benefits to same-sex couples. Clash of Agendas - Immigration Reform and gay marriage
UAFA Lou Dobbs Face Off Nadler vs David Seminara
Posted by
uluckidog 1085 days ago
(http://imeq.us)
Did anyone see this last night or have the video?
DOBBS: Let me begin with you. Federal law does not recognize same-sex partnership. Why should immigration and naturalization, why should that agency recognize it?
NADLER: Because the United States government should not be cruel to people except when absolutely necessary. And to keep loving couples apart, to say that you can't be with your -- with your -- with your partner in the United States or given the laws of the other country, your partner can't be with you in the other country, you can't be together at all, is simply cruel and it's inhuman and there's no reason to do it and the United States government should not work gratuitous cruelty.
DOBBS: Mr. Seminara, why do you say that's a bad idea on a humanitarian grounds as Congressman Nadler says, he makes a persuasive case?
DAVID SEM
DOBBS: Let me begin with you. Federal law does not recognize same-sex partnership. Why should immigration and naturalization, why should that agency recognize it?
NADLER: Because the United States government should not be cruel to people except when absolutely necessary. And to keep loving couples apart, to say that you can't be with your -- with your -- with your partner in the United States or given the laws of the other country, your partner can't be with you in the other country, you can't be together at all, is simply cruel and it's inhuman and there's no reason to do it and the United States government should not work gratuitous cruelty.
DOBBS: Mr. Seminara, why do you say that's a bad idea on a humanitarian grounds as Congressman Nadler says, he makes a persuasive case?
DAVID SEM
So said Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) according to a staffer when one of Shirley Tan’s sons broke into tears as his mother testified at the UAFA hearings in Washington yesterday. In the clip below, Senator Patrick Leahy stops the hearing briefly near the 5 minute mark as Tan’s son weeps.
When it was his turn to speak, Sessions cited the usual arguments and suspects in his remarks, his opposition to same-sex marriage in full view of the hearing. His remarks can be viewed here.
When it was his turn to speak, Sessions cited the usual arguments and suspects in his remarks, his opposition to same-sex marriage in full view of the hearing. His remarks can be viewed here.
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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.