Undo 2

New Location

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Winfield) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:34:00 +0000

Please visit our blog at http://eqfl.blogspot.com

Switch to the Equality Florida Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 May 2009 17:33:00 +0000

Equality Florida Blog

Please switch over from Undo2 to the Equality Florida Blog.
That's where you will get Breaking New and features that matter to you.

http://eqfl.blogspot.com/

Make the switch and tell your friends.
Thanks
Nadine Smith
Equality Florida

Equality Florida Blog

Miami Herald: New film ‘Outrage!’ doesn't 'out' Gov. Crist

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 May 2009 17:31:00 +0000

New film ‘Outrage!’ doesn't 'out' Gov. Crist
By BETH REINHARD, breinhard@MiamiHerald.com

Two things you should know about Outrage, a new documentary that skewers politicians who are gay in private but oppose gay rights in public.It's a worthwhile, provocative movie.It does not ''out'' Gov. Charlie Crist.The movie by Academy Award nominee Kirby Dick premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York last week and was shown Thursday at the Gay & Lesbian Film Festival in Miami Beach. It opens May 15 in South Florida.

Steve Rothaus' Gay South Florida

Switch to the Equality Florida Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:43:00 +0000

Equality Florida Blog

Please switch over to the Equality Florida Blog.
That's where you will get Breaking New and features that matter to you.

http://eqfl.blogspot.com/

Make the switch and tell your friends.
Thanks

Blogged with the Flock Browser

We are Switching to the Equality Florida Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:23:00 +0000

Blogged with the Flock Browser

YouTube - Response to the Lies told in "NOM - Gathering Storm" ad

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 20:44:00 +0000

The National Organization for Marriage recently released a new fear mongering (if not over-blown and dramatic) ad against same sex marriage full of lies and propaganda. This is one clever fellow's response.

YouTube - Response to the Lies told in "NOM - Gathering Storm" ad

BREAKING NEWS: Gainesville Voters Reject Charter Amendment 1, Uphold LGBT Protections

noreply@blogger.com (Tobias Packer) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 01:42:00 +0000

Victory In Gainesville
Voters Reject Fear Tactics and Discrimination

March 24, 2009

(GAINESVILLE, FL) Equality Florida joins with local leaders in Gainesville and fair-minded people across the state and nation in celebrating today's decisive victory over discrimination and fear embodied in Gainesville Charter Amendment 1.

Voters rejected the amendment by a vote of 58% to 42%. If passed, Charter Amendment 1 would have repealed existing civil rights protections for Gainesville's gay and transgender community.

For over a year, backers of the amendment have waged a fear-based campaign filled with outright lies and media campaigns that dehumanized gay and transgender people. Specifically, these extremists drew a target on the backs of transgender people with bigoted messages intended to instill fear in the hearts of Gainesville citizens.

Led by Equality Is Gainesville's Business, a coalition of local, state and national organizations worked together to stop discrimination from being legalized in Gainesville.

The sweeping language of the ballot initiative, imported to Florida by a far right conservative group in Michigan, would have also prohibited the City of Gainesville from ever providing nondiscrimination protections beyond those listed in the Florida Civil Rights Act.

"Supporters of Charter Amendment 1 waged a campaign that blatantly lied to voters about the protections Gainesville has provided transgender citizens." said Joe Saunders EQGB campaign manager. "By targeting transgender people, proponents of Charter Amendment 1 have proven the need for inclusive anti-discrimination laws. Voter's embraced Gainesville's anti-discrimination laws tonight when they rejected Amendment 1."

Saunders is also the field director for Equality Florida.

"This is a local victory but it's significance reaches across our state and our nation. Those pushing Amendment 1 are part of a national effort to repeal LGBT protection in communities across the country," said Nadine Smith, executive director for Equality Florida. "This victory sends a strong signal that we will not allow extremists to turn back the progress we have made to secure equality for everyone."

The local team waged a strong grassroots campaign reaching voters and unmasking the real human impact of the proposed amendment.

"Today Gainesville voters showed that they value the rights of all citizens," said EQGB Chair and Gainesville City Commissioner Craig Lowe. "They have rejected the politics of fear and instead chose to retain the values that make our city such a beautiful place. Today, our voters showed their true character by emphasizing that, in Gainesville, every person matters."

A broad array of organizations came out to publicly oppose Charter Amendment 1. These organizations include: the Anti-Defamation League - Florida, the ACLU of Florida, Equality Florida, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the National Center for Transgender Equality, Lambda Legal, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Organizations United Together (O.U.T.), UM (University of Miami) for Equality, Florida Association of Planned Parenthood Affiliates, Florida NOW, Gainesville Area NOW, Judy Levy NOW PAC, Alachua County Democratic Party, Alachua County Green Party, Alachua County/Gainesville League of Women Voters, Alachua County NAACP, Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, Gainesville Area AIDS Project (GAAP), Gainesville Commission on the Status of Women, Human Rights Council of North Central Florida, Interweave, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Gainesville, North Central Florida Central Labor Council, Pride Center of North Central Florida, Social Justice Council of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Gainesville, Trinity Metropolitan Community Church, United Church of Gainesville Social Concerns Committee, University of Florida Students for Change, Students for a Democratic Society @ UF, Wild Iris Books and Wild Words Café, University of Florida Faculty Senate, University of Florida Presidential LGBT Concerns, and University of Florida Student Senate.

Equality Florida is Florida's only statewide human rights organization dedicated to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. Through education and advocacy, the organization is committed to building a state of equal rights for all Floridians, inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

-30-

Gainesville Voters Take A Stand Against Discrimination

noreply@blogger.com (Tobias Packer) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 23:47:00 +0000

It's still unofficial, but right now with 82% of precincts reporting about 61% has voted down City Charter Amendment 1. Here's the election returns.

For over a year, supporters of Charter Amendment 1 have waged a fear-based campaign that blatantly lied to voters about the intent and impact of Charter Amendment 1 and specifically targeted transgender people with harmful discrimination. The sweeping language of the ballot initiative, which was written by a far right conservative group in Michigan, would have prohibited the City of Gainesville from providing nondiscrimination protections beyond the minimal protections set forth in the Florida Civil Rights Act.

Again. It's still unofficial, but I feel confident in saying the ugly tactics to dehumanize transgender people have failed. Today the City of Gainesville has once again proven itself as a beacon of progress.

Breaking News: Ryan Skipper's Killer Found Guilty

noreply@blogger.com (Tobias Packer) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:37:00 +0000

Ryan Skipper's Killer Found Guilty
http://tinyurl.com/skippertrial

Today, Joseph Bearden, one of the two accused killers of Ryan Skipper, was found guilty of second-degree murder and robbery.

On March 15, 2007, Ryan Skipper was stabbed 19 times and left to die on a dirt road in Polk County, Florida. His death is a bloody reminder of the anti-gay hatred faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in our state.

Just days ago, a prosecution witness revealed that shortly after the killing, Joseph Bearden, the defendants, said, "He felt he was doing the world a favor by getting rid of one more faggot."

The 19 stab wounds that Ryan Skipper suffered are what the FBI calls 'overkill'. That's when the violence in an assault is beyond what would be necessary for a robbery and more than would even be required to take someone's life. Overkill is a key indicator of a hate crime.

During his closing statement, State Attorney Castillo said the brutality of Ryan's murder indicated, "hatred, contempt and utter disregard for another human being because he was gay."

Hate crimes are directed at groups of people. They are intended to make an entire community afraid simply because of who they are.

But hate crimes are only effective as a two-step dance: first the offender sends fear into people's hearts with a heinous act of violence. Then leaders around them act like nothing more happened than a car theft gone wrong. No action. No public acknowledgment of what has happened. No commitment to ensuring this never happens again. Their silence is as terrifying as the violence itself.

Click here to take action.
http://tinyurl.com/trialverdict

Tell Gov Crist and Attorney General McCollum that they must refuse to be the second-step in the cycle of anti-gay hate violence. Tell them to speak out, to turn the tide and declare that gay and transgender people are valued members of our society and that hate violence will not be tolerated against any group.

Equality Florida in the News: Crist in Fix Over Supreme Appointment

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:10:00 +0000

"Meanwhile, the prominent gay rights group Equality Florida sounded its own warning to its members: "The ultra right-wing American Family Association has begun to rally around Judge Alan Lawson ... flooding the governor's office with calls, faxes, and e-mails. We cannot let the American Family Association decide the make-up of the Florida Supreme Court!"

Crist In A Fix Over State Court Post
By WILLIAM MARCH wmarch@tampatrib.com

The Tampa Tribune

In the next week or so, Gov. Charlie Crist faces one of the toughest political decisions of his tenure as governor: A Supreme Court appointment that pits conservatives in his own party against a minority community Crist is courting.

Religious conservatives and the National Rifle Association are backing Judge C. Alan Lawson of the 5th District Court of Appeal, calling him the most qualified of the four candidates presented to Crist.

On the other hand, some liberal groups and black activists - including state NAACP President Adora Obi Nweze, whom Crist recently named as his minority affairs adviser - are ardently backing Seminole County-based Circuit Judge James E.C. Perry.

If Perry is chosen, he would be the second black justice on the seven-member state Supreme Court.

Both sides have lobbied Crist, and he has strong political reasons for not wanting to alienate either side.

Crist has proclaimed his intent to make racially diverse judicial appointments, and he wants black and minority support if he runs for the U.S. Senate next year.

At the same time, his relations with the conservative base of the Republican Party are badly strained, partly because of his backing of President Barack Obama's stimulus plan. An appointment conservatives don't like would only worsen that.

University of South Florida political scientist Darryl Paulson summed up Crist's dilemma: "Given his background, you would expect him to appoint an African-American," Paulson said. "Part of his success has been reaching out to African-Americans.

"But given the political situation, you might expect him to use the appointment to heal the wounds with the conservatives."

Crist has named three Supreme Court justices, two of them highly conservative: former Congressman Charles Canady of Lakeland and former appellate Judge Ricky Polston of Graceville.

Given Crist's overall moderate politics, Paulson said, those appointments appeared designed to placate the political right.

Crist chose his third appointee, Circuit Judge Jorge Labarga, after demanding that the nominating committees that choose nominees provide him more racially diverse choices.

Labarga, a Cuban emigre and former public defender, was originally appointed to the bench by then-Gov. Lawton Chiles, a Democrat. In choosing Labarga, Crist passed over former Jeb Bush administration official Frank Jimenez, which disappointed some conservatives.

'Diversity Is Very Important'

The next appointment could be Crist's last chance for a black appointee: No more justices are nearing retirement age.

Besides Perry and Lawson, the other two nominees for the appointment are Circuit Judge Debra S. Nelson of Sanford and Orlando lawyer Daniel J. Gerber, known for defending chemical manufacturers against allegations of toxic exposure.

Perry is a registered Democrat but is a Jeb Bush appointee, as are Lawson and Nelson.

Crist will interview all four today and may name his appointee this week.

Asked Tuesday how important it is to him that one of his appointees be black, Crist said, "The overriding concern is always that you have people that are honest, that are ethical, that are intelligent, that are compassionate ... and have humility. But obviously diversity is very important to me and that's why I sent some of those nominees back, so I'll be looking at that very closely."

Betting in political circles centers on Lawson and Perry but choosing either likely would anger supporters of the other. Each side argues for its candidate partly by pointing to its political enemies' support of the other candidate.

Read More
--

Divorced from Reality

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 21:19:00 +0000

Divorced from reality

Editorial

Palm Beach Post

Having helped to make sure that marriage in this state is off-limits to gays and lesbians, the Florida Family Policy Council wants to set marriage standards for everybody else in Florida.

New GOP chairman: "No, no, no" to civil unions

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:23:00 +0000

New GOP chairman: "No, no, no" to civil unions
Despite some well-publicized calls for a more inclusive GOP, newly installed Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele rejected the possibility of any kind of legally recognized civil union for gays and lesbians. Appearing on Mike Gallagher's radio show, Steele responded to a question on civil unions by saying, "No, no no. What would we do that for? What are you, crazy?" ThinkProgress.org (2/23)

Dustin Black's powerful and poignant Oscar acceptance speech

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:16:00 +0000

facebook
Nadine Smith 4:16pm Feb 23rd	Dustin Black's powerful and poignant Oscar acceptance speech To nadine38.undo2@blogger.com, nadine38.fairness@blogger.com, and nadine38.info@blogger.com Beautiful words. Please share this with everyone. Academy Award Winner for Best Original Screenplay Dustin Lance Black acceptance speech: ""Oh my God, this was not an easy film to make. I have to thank all the real life people who shared their stories with me... When I was 13 years old my beautiful mother and father moved me from a conservative Mormon home in San Antonio, Texas to California and I heard the story of Harvey Milk. And it gave me hope, hope to live my life, gave me the hope to live my life openly as who I am. And maybe even I can fall in love and get married. I want to thank my Mom who always loved me for who I am even when there was pressure not to. If Harvey had been alive today, I think he'd want me to say to all the gay and lesbian kids out there that have been told that they are less than by their churches, their government or their families that they are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value and no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you and that very soon I promise you, you will have equal rights, federally, across this great nation of ours" Nadine has shared a link to a video with you. To view the video or to reply to the message, follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=902885304&k=4XA2P6WY46YM5GDAWJ5YW3
	Are your friends bothering you? You can opt out of emails from friends on Facebook.

Sean Penn Wins Oscar for "Milk" Acceptance Speech

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:31:00 +0000

facebook
Nadine Smith 6:31am Feb 23rd	Sean Penn Wins Oscar for "Milk" Acceptance Speech To nadine38.info@blogger.com, nadine38.undo2@blogger.com, and nadine38.fairness@blogger.com Nadine has shared a link to a video with you. To view the video or to reply to the message, follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=902885304&k=54D5ZWSX456M5GDAWJ5YW3
	Are your friends bothering you? You can opt out of emails from friends on Facebook.

Oscar Winner Gives Shout Out to LGBT Youth

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 02:55:00 +0000

"Oh my God, this was not an easy film to make. I have to thank all the
real life people who shared their stories with me... When I was 13
years old my beautiful mother and father moved me from a conservative
Mormon home in San Antonio, Texas to California and I heard the story
of Harvey Milk. And it gave me hope, hope to live my life, gave me the
hope to live my life openly as who I am. And maybe even I can fall in
love and get married. I want to thank my Mom who always loved me for
who I am even when there was pressure not to. If Harvey had been alive
today, I think he'd want me to say to all the gay and lesbian kids out
there that have been told that they are less than by their churches,
their government or their families that they are beautiful, wonderful
creatures of value and no matter what anyone tells you, God does love
you and that very soon I promise you, you will have equal rights,
federally, across this great nation of ours"

Dustin Lance Black wins for MILK

Batwoman: 30 Years Postmortem and Better than Ever

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 10:45:00 +0000

by Lisa Moody

Batwoman's back! Although I remember her as Batgirl, she is resurrected from her 1979 grave as Batwoman and she's smokin'! And, she's a lesbian! Now, before my fellow lesbians get their boxers in a wad over the fact that she's a lipstick lesbian, take a deep breath and repeat after me...We have a superhero! OK, one created precisely for the male-dominated comic audience to drool over and fantasize about, but who cares? Batwoman's a hottie that everyone can enjoy.

We now have a superhero role model to proclaim loudly that women, and lesbians in particular, can be strong, smart, agile and athletic, and do great things for the community, the nation, and the planet. And they can be sexy and curvaceous. You'll note she's a real woman—a solid five feet, ten inches who is ample and round. She's not a flimsy, heroin-chic skinny. This girl's got girth.

The creators are saying that her gayness will simply be a fact of life. From what I've read, her sexual orientation won't be exploited or made into a mockery or, excuse the obvious, a cartoon character. Her lesbianism simply is. This is a huge step forward and I believe a sign of the current times. In my day…did I really say that? In my day, lesbian role models were…um…they were…well, where were they? They didn't exist. And when movies finally featured openly lesbian characters, they were their lesbianism instead of just being people. Plus, they were usually dysfunctional, totally screwed up dyke-drama queens, or they were straight women who were portrayed as confused and experimenting and "went back to" their men with an overriding undercurrent of apology.

In my day…God help me again…we marched in Washington DC, we asked but didn't tell, we were voted-against in attaining equal rights to straight people…oh, that still is my day. We had to stand out in order to try to fit in, if that makes sense. From what I've witnessed recently in younger lesbians (20-somethings), they aren't so much their lesbianism. It is one aspect of who they are, but it doesn't singularly define them. I like that.

Not long ago, I was part of a panel discussion following a Clip film festival movie and I had the audacity to say I look forward to the day when we don't need gay films, meaning, when we are simply an accepted part of society. So accepted, that we are integrated as part of the whole. I used the example of Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner in The Bodyguard. Long after I saw the movie, it hit me that they had an interracial relationship and never once in the entire movie were either of their races mentioned. It simply was, and as a viewer, we accepted that without question. That's what I strive for in our filmmaking future. When I said this at the Clip discussion, I heard lots of gasps. I think I actually got booed, although that may have been in my imagination. But the audience was older—like, my age—and we fought hard for our recognition and perhaps we're not ready to let go of our standout position, unlike our successors.

So the resurrected Batwoman may be our bridge, from "my day" to tomorrow. A superhero that sets a high standard for all humans. Who happens to be gay. I can see the future much closer than I ever imagined. The next Black President will simply be the next President. The next lesbian superhero will simply be a superhero. In the meantime, we'll claim Batwoman just as she is: One of our own.

Orlando Sentinel coverage of the Ryan Skipper Trial

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:29:00 +0000

FULL STORY: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/orl-skippertrial1709feb17,0,6216987.story

Gays are quiet allies of victim's parents

Jeff Kunerth

Sentinel Staff Writer

February 17, 2009

In the two years since their 25-year-old son was stabbed to death in what police have called a gay-hate crime, Lynn and Pat Mulder have been embraced by gay activists, and they have hugged them right back.

But the trial of Joseph Bearden -- the first of two men charged with murder in the death of Ryan Keith Skipper -- has created a quandary for both the Mulders and gay-rights activists.

The Mulders want justice for their child. Gays want to bring attention to the case as a crime against their community.

Lynn Mulder said Assistant State Attorney Cass Castillo advised him that any conspicuous presence by the gay community, inside the courtroom or demonstrating outside the courthouse, could jeopardize the trial, which began Monday in Bartow. So the Mulders are asking them to show their support, but silently, unobtrusively. Until the trial is over, they're being asked to become invisible and voiceless.

"The jury cannot be influenced in their decision by any demonstration of support," Mulder said. "My only concern is they [the gay community] ought not to be easily identified as supporting one side or the other."

This is particularly problematic for Vicki Nantz, whose documentary on Skipper's killing, Accessory to Murder, is largely responsible for publicizing his death and making him the face of hate crimes against gays in Florida. But she is among those in the local gay community who have developed a close relationship with the Mulder family.

"If I didn't love Pat and Lynn Mulder, I would be standing there with a sign," Nantz said. "But the people most inclined to demonstrate have a personal relationship with Lynn and Pat, and that comes first with all of us. We'll put our activist hats in the drawer until this gets resolved for Lynn and Pat."

Before Skipper's killing March 17, 2007, the Mulders were not involved in gay issues. Since that time, they've become gay-rights activists -- appearing at protest rallies and events, joining gay organizations and offering solace to other parents whose children have been victims of crimes against gays.

"To the Mulders' credit, they have really stepped forward at a time when they could have simply withdrawn and become embittered," said Nadine Smith, head of Equality Florida, a gay-rights organization. "Instead they have been beacons of hope and kindness. They have really spoken out against hate violence."

Just as the Mulders have been there for the gay community, gays have been inclined to be there for the Mulders.

Nantz said she intends to be in the courtroom for the trial, keeping her emotions in check. Nantz has asked other gay activists to do the same.

"Everyone feels kind of conflicted. It's a conflict because the hate-crime anger is so personal for so many people," she said.

Gay groups, such as Equality Florida, also are encouraging their members to honor the wishes of the Mulders. But the urge to be there, to be vocal and demonstrate for justice, is a natural reaction, Smith said.

"There is a lot of anxiety that justice will not prevail, because we've seen it fail before," Smith said.

FULL STORY: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/orl-skippertrial1709feb17,0,6216987.story

Missing Link

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 15:11:00 +0000

Gay and Transgender Issues in the Workplace

It Takes One to Know One

By Brian McNaught

In my youth, if someone called you a "homo" or a "moron," the reply was usually, "It takes one to know one," meaning "You'd have to be a homo to recognize another homo." It was an inane comment but it usually shut them up more effectively than "So is your mother."

Today, that same phrase – "It takes one to know one" - has a completely different and much richer meaning for me.

Alan Goldstein was the Jewish boy who lived behind me growing up in Flint, Michigan. He was my best friend for many years. It was through the time I spent with Alan and his family that I initially learned about Jewish celebrations such as Hanukkah, and also about the sting of anti-Semitism which I saw in Alan's face when another Christian eight-year-old in the neighborhood called him a "kike." …

(To finish reading this offering, please go to http://www.glbtatwork.blog.com.)

Nadine Smith

Executive Director

Equality Florida

PO Box 13184,

St. Petersburg FL 33733

Ph: 813-870-3735

Fax: 727-499-6925

nadine@eqfl.org

www.eqfl.org

Visit www.eqfl.org and become a member today!

Women say mall cops arrested them for kissing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:32:00 +0000

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/6243685.html

Women say S.A. mall cops arrested them for kissing
Feb. 3, 2009

SAN ANTONIO - Jessica Garcia intends to prove in court that security officers at Rolling Oaks Mall unfairly targeted her and her girlfriend when they were arrested in December on trespassing and other charges.

Garcia said the officers - a Bexar County sheriff's deputy and an employee from a private security company - began harassing them Dec. 26 because her girlfriend gave her a kiss on the cheek while sitting inside the mall on a bench.

Mall officials said the women, both 22, were acting inappropriately and were told to leave because they were not complying with the shopping center's code of conduct.

Danielle Pardue, the mall's marketing director, denies the women's claims of discrimination and said security officers would evict anyone found kissing in the mall, regardless of sexual orientation.

"If our security officer feels that is disruptive to our shoppers and our business, then they have that authority to make that determination," she said. "It's their responsibility to make sure our shopping place is an enjoyable shopping place for everyone to be."

Pardue also stressed that contrary to what the women claim, they weren't arrested because they were kissing, but because they re-entered the mall after being told to leave.

But Garcia feels otherwise.

She was scheduled to appear in court today, but her lawyer had to postpone the date for later this month.

Garcia said the officers intentionally harassed the couple, accusing them of kissing and having "swapped spit."

Voting for the freedom to marry does not hurt politicians, new study confirms

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:50:00 +0000

A new study by Freedom to Marry released today shows that voting for the freedom to marry and against anti-gay/anti-marriage measures does not cost politicians reelection: http://www.freedomtomarry.org/press_center/new_study_shows_pro-marriage_legislators_win.php

The Best Interests of the Child: New York Times Editorial

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:22:00 +0000

January 6, 2009

The Best Interests of the Child

W.H., an infant, was reportedly removed from her parents by Arkansas's Department of Human Services after she was taken to a hospital with injuries that strongly suggested abuse. Fortunately for W.H., her grandmother, a registered nurse, was eager to take her in. But there was a hitch. Her grandmother lives with another woman, and a ballot initiative recently passed in Arkansas makes it illegal for gay and unmarried heterosexual couples to adopt or become foster parents. Arkansas courts should strike down this offensive new law.

Arkansas has a long tradition of allowing child welfare professionals to decide who should become a foster or adoptive parent. Anti-gay forces, however, have campaigned to disqualify gay people. In 2006, the Arkansas Supreme Court struck down a regulation barring gay people from becoming foster parents.

Last year anti-gay activists promoted Act 1, a ballot referendum that broadened the ban to include unmarried heterosexual couples. In November, it passed with about 57 percent of the vote. The A.C.L.U. of Arkansas is challenging the new law, on behalf of a group of would-be parents and children, contending that it discriminates against gay and unmarried straight couples and that it makes it impossible to place children in the best homes.

The new law is undeniably discriminatory. Under Arkansas law, people convicted of major crimes, including contributing to the delinquency of a minor, remain eligible to adopt children or become foster parents. Single people who have no partner — or who have a large number of casual sex partners — are also eligible. Anyone who is in a committed relationship, gay or straight, but is not married is automatically barred.

The new law also interferes with the Department of Human Services' ability to do its job of making individualized assessments of prospective parents and placing children in the homes that are best able to meet their needs. As the W.H. case suggests, an unmarried couple could be the most qualified parents. And because of the shortage of foster parents, the ban is very likely to make children wait substantially longer for a loving home.

Arkansas's new law was a victory for the forces of bigotry and a major setback for the guiding principle of the law in adoption and foster care: the best interests of the child.

Smith to discuss ‘What’s Next For Equal Rights After Amendment 2?’

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:14:00 +0000

http://www.island-reporter.com/breaking_news/articles.asp?articleID=5551

Smith to discuss 'What's Next For Equal Rights After Amendment 2?'

The Democratic Club of the Islands is featuring Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality America, to speak to all interested islanders on Thursday, January 15 at 7 p.m. at the Sanibel Public Library, 770 Dunlop Road.

Previously, Smith was director of The Human Rights Task Force of Florida. She joined the organization in 1993 after serving as one of four national co-chairs on the 1993 march on Washington, D.C. and taking part in the historic, first-ever meeting between LGBT leaders and a sitting U.S. President (Bill Clinton) in the White House.

Smith has led advocacy efforts in Florida at the state level at a time of unprecedented attacks on the gay and lesbian community, serving as Equality Florida's lead lobbyist, heading efforts to stop discriminatory legislation and ballot measures and to overturn Florida's ban on adoption by gay and lesbian parents.

Her experience in community organizing, social change and politics includes her service as campaign manager for Citizens for a Fair Tampa, a successful effort to prevent repeal of that city's human rights ordinance, and her own campaign in 1991 for Tampa City Council. An award-winning journalist, Smith has written syndicated columns for general audience publications.

Democratic Club of the Islands members are also urged to attend this meeting to hear exciting news about the restructuring of the club and to learn new opportunities for activism in the Obama era. Call Brian Anderson at 472-2206 for more information.

Hillsborough Library "Gay Pride" Policy Under Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:59:00 +0000

The Hillsborough County policy on "gay pride" displays in county buildings will be heard by the Policy and By Laws

Subcommittee/Hillsborough County Library Board on January 22, 2009 at
3 p.m. Any subcommittee meeting is of course open to the
public.Please note that the meeting will be at the Town 'N Country
Library.

POLICY & BYLAWS COMMITTEE--Thursday, January 22, 2009, 3:00 p.m., Town 'N Country Library
LIBRARY BOARD MEETING-Thursday, January 22, 2009, 4:00 p.m., Town 'N
CountryLibrary:

The address for Town ´N Country Library is:
7606 Paula Drive, Suite 120
Tampa, Florida 33615-4116
Below is a link to the website that contains map and directions to
the library.
http://www.hcplc.org/hcplc/liblocales/tnc/

Bob Barr: No Defending the Defense of Marriage Act

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:52:00 +0000

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-barr5-2009jan05,0,1855836.story

From the Los Angeles Times

Opinion

No Defending the Defense of Marriage Act

The author of the federal Defense of Marriage Act now thinks it's time for his law to get the boot -- but for political reasons, not in support of gays.

By Bob Barr

January 5, 2009

Excerpt 1

In 1996, as a freshman member of the House of Representatives, I wrote the Defense of Marriage Act, better known by its shorthand acronym, DOMA, than its legal title. The law has been a flash-point for those arguing for or against same-sex marriage ever since President Clinton signed it into law. Even President-elect Barack Obama has grappled with its language, meaning and impact.

I can sympathize with the incoming commander in chief. And, after long and careful consideration, I have come to agree with him that the law should be repealed.

The left now decries DOMA as the barrier to federal recognition and benefits for married gay couples. At the other end of the political spectrum, however, DOMA has been lambasted for subverting the political momentum for a U.S. constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. In truth, the language of the legislation -- like that of most federal laws -- was a compromise.

DOMA was indeed designed to thwart the then-nascent move in a few state courts and legislatures to afford partial or full recognition to same-sex couples. The Hawaii court case Baehr vs. Lewin, still active while DOMA was being considered by Congress in mid-1996, provided the immediate impetus.

Excerpt 2:

In effect, DOMA's language reflects one-way federalism: It protects only those states that don't want to accept a same-sex marriage granted by another state. Moreover, the heterosexual definition of marriage for purposes of federal laws -- including, immigration, Social Security survivor rights and veteran's benefits -- has become a de facto club used to limit, if not thwart, the ability of a state to choose to recognize same-sex unions.

Even more so now than in 1996, I believe we need to reduce federal power over the lives of the citizenry and over the prerogatives of the states. It truly is time to get the federal government out of the marriage business. In law and policy, such decisions should be left to the people themselves.

In 2006, when then-Sen. Obama voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment, he said, "Decisions about marriage should be left to the states." He was right then; and as I have come to realize, he is right now in concluding that DOMA has to go. If one truly believes in federalism and the primacy of state government over the federal, DOMA is simply incompatible with those notions.

Bob Barr represented the 7th District of Georgia in the House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003 and was the Libertarian Party's 2008 nominee for president.

It is important to say these things out loud.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 17:37:00 +0000

President-elect Barack Obama believes "marriage is between a man and a woman".

Barack Obama does not think gay couples' relationships are worthy of the same stature as his and Michelle's.

He does not believe that gay couples deserve the precise same legal recognition or status that his marriage confers to him and his wife.

He believes we should have a different, inherently lesser, legal framework to protect each other and our children.

It is important to say these things out loud.

President-elect Obama enters the White House with a record of support and a better platform on issues of LGBT equality than any other president this country has known.

He opposed amending state constitutions to single out gay couples to ban them from marriage. He supports federally recognized Civil Unions. He oppose federal legislation and constitutional measures that ban marriage recognition for gay couples.

He supports the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, will push the Hate Crimes bill and supports an inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination law.

By all accounts he has a laudable record of pushing for equal rights and we must work with his administration relentlessly to manifest these promises.

But he also believes there is a quality to heterosexual relationships that make them worthy of a higher status by society under the law.

Barack Obama believes "marriage is between a man and a woman".

He says gay couples can have civil unions, domestic partnership, some other, different, diminished copy of an arrangement.

It is important that we not pretend we don't already know this.

I am awed by Barack Obama. His words inspire me. His intellect comforts me. His grassroots campaign was a beautiful, diverse and powerful thing to behold.

After years of a Bush/Cheney cynicism, war, arrogance and incompetence I wept tears of joy for Barack Obama's election. For the historic shift and transformational meaning that a Black president heralds for our country, I beamed with pride. Change is coming and I am hopeful.

But when it comes to the issue of marriage, Barack Obama is wrong.

I have criticized the selection of Rev. Rick Warren to give the invocation at the inauguration.

Warren compares gay relationships with incest and pedophilia and runs a psychologically reckless, "ex-gay" ministry out of his mega-church.

His presence on the dias should be challenged vigorously.

But I will not lie to myself. I will not make Warren the proxy for the unspoken disappointment and anger at Barack Obama for his more nuanced insult to gay couples when he says "marriage is between a man and a woman". We must be prepared to help President Obama lead and we must be willing to tell the truth when he is wrong.

When it comes to the issue of marriage Barack Obama is wrong.

Gay people deserve equal protection under the law. Our families deserve precisely the same benefits, protection and legal recognition as straight couples receive.

It is important to say these things out loud.

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