On Sunday, March 21st 2010, the Human Rights Campaign staff, members and volunteers will rally side by side with our many coalition partners in
DividedByLaw | Submitted 
HRC Participating in Rally Sunday for Comprehensive Immigration
Posted by
DividedByLaw 798 days ago
(http://feedproxy.google.com)
Assessing the Barack Obama Presidency
Posted by
DividedByLaw 931 days ago
(http://www.spursreport.com)
History will judge Barack Obama over the long haul. But we've learned something in the short term that is simple, obvious, and has less to do with him than with the Founding Fathers. This is a country that often has transformational ambitions but is saddled with an incremental system, a nation built on revolution, then engineered so the revolutionary can rarely take hold.
Checks and balances: that's how we learn about it in social-studies class, and in theory it is meant to guard against a despotic executive, a wild-eyed legislature, an overweening judiciary. And it's also meant to safeguard the rights of the individual; as James Madison, president and father of the Constitution, once said, "I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." But what ou
Checks and balances: that's how we learn about it in social-studies class, and in theory it is meant to guard against a despotic executive, a wild-eyed legislature, an overweening judiciary. And it's also meant to safeguard the rights of the individual; as James Madison, president and father of the Constitution, once said, "I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." But what ou
Obama Takes Major Steps for People with HIV and AIDS
Posted by
DividedByLaw 931 days ago
(http://yubanet.com)
...a discriminatory travel and immigration ban has gone the way of the dinosaur and we’re glad it’s finally extinct. It sure took too long to get here. We’ve now removed one more hurdle in our fight against AIDS, and it’s long overdue for people living with HIV who battle against stigma and bigotry day in and day out,” said Senator Kerry.
This may be interpreted to confirm that CIR will in fact include UAFA, when introduced by Senator Schumer. However in August of 2009, when I asked Julie Kruse of Immigration Equality why would we be concerned that an overt champion of UAFA and LGBT issues such as Schumer would fail to include LGBT in CIR, she cautioned that there was no guarantee that Senator Schumer would in fact include UAFA. However it would seem that Senator Gillibrand may now be providing some valuable insight as to what we can expect. ...
The Senator emphasized the importance of Senator Schumer introducing Immigration reform legislation by year’s end; and the fact that it is imperative that the legislation passes by Spring 2010, the latter in her estimation possibly being a last opportunity...
The Senator emphasized the importance of Senator Schumer introducing Immigration reform legislation by year’s end; and the fact that it is imperative that the legislation passes by Spring 2010, the latter in her estimation possibly being a last opportunity...
The Sunday Star-Times (via Stuff) reported that the longtime aide to former Prime Minister Helen Clark, Heather Simpson, has married her partner, Sue Veart, in a civil union at their home in Wellington. Clark, whose government created civil unions, did not attend.
The article talked about Simpsons political power during Clark’s Labour-led government, before moving on to how Simpson had her “arm twisted” to work for Clark at the United Nations in New York City. Apparently Veart recently left her job so she could join Simpson.
The article said: “One acquaintance said she believed the civil union would make it easier for Veart to live in the US.” Personally, I doubt that’s true, given Simpson’s well-known political nous. She would know that no foreign or domestic legal recognition of same-sex relationships—whether civil unions or marriages—are recognised by the US
The article talked about Simpsons political power during Clark’s Labour-led government, before moving on to how Simpson had her “arm twisted” to work for Clark at the United Nations in New York City. Apparently Veart recently left her job so she could join Simpson.
The article said: “One acquaintance said she believed the civil union would make it easier for Veart to live in the US.” Personally, I doubt that’s true, given Simpson’s well-known political nous. She would know that no foreign or domestic legal recognition of same-sex relationships—whether civil unions or marriages—are recognised by the US
Obama Speech to the Human Rights Campaign
Posted by
DividedByLaw 957 days ago
(http://gaytheists.org)
President Obama gave a speech to the HRC last night, and, as usual, it was wonderfully crafted and moving.
However, that’s where the positive things I can say stop.
President Obama has promised everything he can to the LGBT community: a repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, ending Bush’s horrid HIV travel ban [Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 212(a)(1)(A)(i)], creating equality for gay couples, ending employment discrimination, etc.
He hasn’t done anything on any of those issues. Nothing at all. In fact, this paragraph is pretty much just filler, because there’s absolutely nothing to talk about with Obama’s track record (or lack thereof) of sticking to his word on matters that affect the gay community. He’s done nothing but give pretty speeches.
To top it all off, Joe Solmonese, president of the HRC, is all but fellating the Pre
However, that’s where the positive things I can say stop.
President Obama has promised everything he can to the LGBT community: a repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, ending Bush’s horrid HIV travel ban [Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 212(a)(1)(A)(i)], creating equality for gay couples, ending employment discrimination, etc.
He hasn’t done anything on any of those issues. Nothing at all. In fact, this paragraph is pretty much just filler, because there’s absolutely nothing to talk about with Obama’s track record (or lack thereof) of sticking to his word on matters that affect the gay community. He’s done nothing but give pretty speeches.
To top it all off, Joe Solmonese, president of the HRC, is all but fellating the Pre
Big Gay Speech We Wish Obama Would Give
Posted by
DividedByLaw 957 days ago
(http://newsbusters.org)
Contributor Emma Ruby-Sachs imagined Obama marrying the gay agenda to another liberal issue, having him say:
Within one year, by November 2010, we will introduce comprehensive immigration reform. This immigration package will include spousal sponsorship for same-sex couples in a committed relationship. Immigration reform is a priority for my administration and no reform package will be complete without this provision for the unification of American families thus far separated by discriminatory immigration policies.
Within one year, by November 2010, we will introduce comprehensive immigration reform. This immigration package will include spousal sponsorship for same-sex couples in a committed relationship. Immigration reform is a priority for my administration and no reform package will be complete without this provision for the unification of American families thus far separated by discriminatory immigration policies.
Is the Democratic Party Even Worth Supporting Anymore
Posted by
DividedByLaw 963 days ago
(http://www.unitingamericanfamilies.net)
I've long since diverted all of the money that I would ordinarily contribute to the Democratic party into other advocacy groups specifically championing our rights: HRC, Immigration Equality, etc. I'm going to have to leave my own damn ...
Respect for Marriage Act would repeal Defense of Marriage Act
Posted by
DividedByLaw 971 days ago
(http://mountainsageblog.com)
The Respect for Marriage Act is sure to bring a veritable hailstorm of criticism and outrage from the conservatives of the country. I don’t think the conservatives of the country are stupid, yet the arguments I’ve seen against same sex marriage make little sense to me and I daresay most liberals. Obviously claiming that same sex marriage in some way effects heterosexual marriage is a false claim and makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. So, I went looking for the other arguments against same sex marriage.
Legislation Introduced to Congress to Repeal DOMA
Posted by
DividedByLaw 971 days ago
(http://emptyclosets.com)
“The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is a hurtful and cynical law enacted to discriminate against loving, committed same-sex couples,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese, who also offered remarks at the introduction press conference. “It does real harm by denying thousands of lawfully-married same-sex couples the federal rights and benefits that only flow through marriage. Many of these include the protections couples turn to in times of need, like Social Security survivors’ benefits, medical leave to care for an ailing spouse and equal treatment under U.S. immigration laws. Today’s introduction of legislation to repeal DOMA is a welcome step, and as more states recognize the commitment of loving same-sex couples and their families, it's time for this law to go into the history books where it belongs.”
Repeal DOMA Now Campaign
Posted by
DividedByLaw 984 days ago
(http://sdcsn.blogspot.com)
Good news on the DOMA front. Human Rights Campaign looks to be getting serious about repealing DOMA. They're now starting a campaign to make it happen. 50,000 of you took our survey on how the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) harms families. And with Congress back in session this week, we personally delivered your responses – and thousands of heartfelt comments – to help build the case for repealing this discriminatory law. Now is the time to really put the pressure on and tell Congress it’s time to Repeal DOMA Now (which is coincidentally the name of our new campaign).
In the past year, tens of thousands of loving same-sex couples have legally been married in Massachusetts, California, Connecticut, Iowa and Vermont. And with new laws soon to take effect in New Hampshire and Maine, thousands more will surely join them. Enacted in 1996, the Defense of Marriage Act purports to
In the past year, tens of thousands of loving same-sex couples have legally been married in Massachusetts, California, Connecticut, Iowa and Vermont. And with new laws soon to take effect in New Hampshire and Maine, thousands more will surely join them. Enacted in 1996, the Defense of Marriage Act purports to
Jerrold Nadler vs Barney Frank and LGBT Unity
Posted by
DividedByLaw 984 days ago
(http://www.pinkbananaworld.com)
Here is the dilemma – enter my other Congressional Hero, Rep Barney Frank, openly Gay and yet has not signed on to cosponsor this Bill with other “OUT” Representatives such as Tammy Baldwin and Jared Polis. The reason apparently is because of “strategic differences.” In a nutshell he believes that the “Certainty Clause” could in fact turn out to be an impediment to the passing of the Bill.
Now I have to think about where I stand on this one. Do I support The Nadler Bill? Of course I must support the Nadler Bill. Just think – if DOMA is repealed, Binationals seeking immigration rights will automatically be included, and of course all those 1,138 benefits would apply to every gay married couple. This would have the impact of a catchall amendment to the Civil Rights Act. It would eliminate the need for some (exclude DADT/ ENDA and HATE CRIMES) of other stand alone/ piecemeal l
Now I have to think about where I stand on this one. Do I support The Nadler Bill? Of course I must support the Nadler Bill. Just think – if DOMA is repealed, Binationals seeking immigration rights will automatically be included, and of course all those 1,138 benefits would apply to every gay married couple. This would have the impact of a catchall amendment to the Civil Rights Act. It would eliminate the need for some (exclude DADT/ ENDA and HATE CRIMES) of other stand alone/ piecemeal l
“Now is the time to let Congress and President Obama know that DOMA must go. The introduction of a bill to repeal DOMA with this unprecedented momentum behind it will mark a tidal shift in this fight,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “This hurtful and discriminatory law denies millions of Americans federal recognition of marriage and the critical rights and benefits that come with it – Social Security survivors’ benefits, equal treatment under U.S. immigration laws, the right to take leave to care for a spouse, and more. It is more important than ever to push for repeal of DOMA.”
Take Action Now for Immigration Equality (Equality NC Blog)
Posted by
DividedByLaw 997 days ago
(http://equalitync.blogspot.com)
Take Action Now for Immigration Equality! Congress is currently working on a comprehensive immigration reform bill. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced that he will finish the bill by Labor Day, and it is critically important that ...
We urge you to take action now, and we encourage you to share this with your friends and family. Follow both of these two links - nothing succeeds like excess:
Take action through Immigration Equality
Take action through PFLAG
This is a quick, easy way you can make a difference for all families, including our families.
We urge you to take action now, and we encourage you to share this with your friends and family. Follow both of these two links - nothing succeeds like excess:
Take action through Immigration Equality
Take action through PFLAG
This is a quick, easy way you can make a difference for all families, including our families.
Nothing New From White House Immigration Reform Meeting
Posted by
DividedByLaw 1008 days ago
(http://immigration.about.com)
In a nutshell, nothing's changed. Obama wants us to believe that immigration reform remains a high priority even though it keeps getting pushed further and further back on the calendar, Napolitano's still on board and advocates are still hopeful and waiting for something to happen. If anyone's still holding their breath expecting some measurable movement on the issue, they might as well relax--at least for a few months....
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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.