HRC speaks on ENDA - it appears we will have two bills

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has just released a statement saying that there will apparently be two bills - one providing workplace protections based upon sexual orientation and another based upon gender identity.

It goes without saying, but we'll say it anyway -- there will be plenty of discussion within the LGBT community about this decision.

The Pride Agenda is committed here in New York State to passing the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act, known as GENDA (A.6584/Gottfried, S.3753/Duane), which will provide not only workplace protections based upon gender identity and expression, but also protections from discrimination in housing, public accommodation, credit and other areas of everyday life.

While HRC's statement appears to be on their blog, they're not allowing for responses. But they are asking everyone interested to email them at hrc@hrc.org. We encourage you to take them up on it.

Logo/HRC Presidential Forum is Tonight at 9PM

We’ve been providing you an overview all week long of what’s being said about tonight’s Logo/HRC Presidential Forum so we know you’re probably aware its happening from 9PM-11PM EST.

The candidates will be appearing in alphabetical order: Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucinich, Barack Obama and Bill Richardson.

We're very curious about how tough the questions will be and whether they'll focus on the same few issues or explore some of the community's concerns that are frequently overlooked.

If you don’t get Logo on your television, remember Logo will be streaming it live online and will have it available afterwards as well. Go to Logo’s Presidential Forum website called VisibleVote08 for details and also to made comments about the forum. Prep yourself in advance on the candidate’s positions on LGBT issues by reviewing HRC’s scorecard.

Finally, we wanted you to know the Pride Agenda has been asked to provide its thoughts about the forum in a few places tomorrow. We’ll let you know more about that in our Morning Sweep.

Tonight’s forum is a first-ever for the LGBT community and America so don’t forget to watch!

Logo, HRC to host first-ever presidential debate (discussion) on LGBT issues

So far Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards have committed to participating. This is a groundbreaking event--never before have top-tier presidential candidates come together during a primary season to discuss LGBT issues.

Joe Solomonese (HRC's Exec. Director) and Melissa Etheridge will moderate/emcee the August 9 event, (a lesbian in our office wonders why the male is a political figure/advocate and the female is an entertainer...) which will be broadcast live on Logo from Los Angeles.

Republicans are also invited to participate.

Read the press release here (via Queerty)