Showing posts with label may. Show all posts
Showing posts with label may. Show all posts

Thursday, May 6, 2010

News Sweep

Rochester's Empty Closet profiles Pride Agenda Interim Executive Director Joe Tarver.

A ruling by the New York Court of appeals found that the lesbian non-biological mother of a child who she had raised with her former partner has the right to seek custody of the child because the couple has a Vermont civil union. The court's decision doesn't clarify exactly what this means for out-of-state marriages or for non-bio parents without legally recognized relationships.

Jurors in the trial of two men who attacked a Brooklyn man in 2008 are attempting to figure out what factors set off the violence. The defendants reportedly yelled anti-gay and anti-Hispanic slurs during the attack, and their motives will determine whether they are convicted of a hate crime.

A married gay couple from Rye, NY writes eloquently in the Journal News about the unfairness of their relationship being treated differently in the eyes of the law.

Argentina may be the next country to legalize gay marriage. The Argentine House of Deputies on Wednesday approved marriage equality legislation and sent it to the Senate for consideration. The country's president has promised not to veto the measure if it reaches her desk.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Morning Sweep

Megan McCain’s open letter to New York Republicans in the Daily News argues that all of NY will benefit from the stability that marriage for same-sex couples will provide. McCain ends by asking NY Republican Senators to support and vote for the bill.

The Sag Harbor Express interviews several local lesbian and gay couples who hope that the Senate will vote to provide them the protections of marriage equality that their families need.

In response to DC’s new law to recognize marriages of same-sex couples, a group of Republicans have introduced a new bill to define marriage between one man and one woman in the District.

The Obama administration is insisting that despite recent controversy, they are proactively working toward repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Morning Sweep

A Buffalo News columnist writes that he understands why some people get testy when it comes to comparing the struggle for gay rights to that of African Americans – but that despite the differences, the underlying message of the need to provide equality for a marginalized group remains the same.

NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn lobbied for marriage equality in Albany on Tuesday.

New Hampshire’s same-sex marriage bill has hit a snag, as the House was two votes short of approving Gov. Lynch’s new religious exemptions yesterday. The bill now goes to committee to be considered further.

A gay veteran speaks out against “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in a Wall Street Journal op-ed.

The Wall Street Journal writes on the Massachusetts lawsuit challenging DOMA.

In light of D.C.’s decision to recognize the marriages of same-sex couples, the AP writes on the shifting opinions in the black community there.

The ACLU is threatening to sue a San Diego County school that refused to let a student present a report on Harvey Milk until her classmates got their parents' permission to hear it due to its “sex education” nature. The student’s mother is outraged, saying “Harvey Milk was an elected official in this state and an important person in history. To say my daughter's presentation is sex education because Harvey Milk happened to be gay is completely wrong.”

Pam Spaulding blogs on The Dallas Principles, a document drafted by her and 23 other LGBT equality advocates "to see how we could seize this special moment in history, to think outside of the box about how we can accelerate achieving full civil rights" for LGBT people.

Pam’s House Blend also has an interesting video created to discuss the controversy surrounding the Gender Identity Disorder diagnosis and its inclusion in the DSM.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Morning Sweep

The New York Times writes about the devastating story of a lesbian who was denied the right to visit her dying partner in a Florida hospital. Lambda Legal is representing her in a lawsuit against the hospital.

Gay rights activists are mourning the death of Rodger McFarlane, who was a leader in the 1980s of New York’s Gay Men’s Health Crisis, the nation’s first organization to provide services for people with AIDS.

The Connecticut border town of Greenwich is proving to be a popular wedding destination for same-sex couples from out of state.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Morning Sweep

Yesterday’s Times Square rally for marriage equality brought out a huge crowd of New Yorkers and featured elected officials, LGBT activists and stars such as the cast of Broadway’s “Hair,” Cheyenne Jackson, David Hyde Pierce, Cynthia Nixon and Kristen Davis.

Joe.My.God has pictures.

The New York Times covers both the Times Square rally and the anti-marriage rally in front of the Gov’s office earlier in the day.

The Journal News editorializes poignantly that we know more about Miss California’s stance on marriage for same-sex couples than we do of New York’s State Senators – and it’s time for them to take a stand on the side of equality for their LGBT constituents.

The Democrat & Chronicle ran two excellent opinion pieces yesterday highlighting religious voices in support of marriage – one by Pride Agenda Board Director Rev. Jen Crow, and the other by Rev. Prince Singh, the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester who also spoke at Equality & Justice Day this year.

The D&C also featured a story on marriage for same-sex couples that mentioned the Pride Agenda’s Spring Dinner this past Saturday in Rochester and quoted Dinner Co-Chairs Emily Jones and Matt Haag.

The AP has a great rundown of last week’s marriage debate in the New York Assembly.

New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch says he will only sign the state’s marriage bill if extra protections for religious groups and their employees are added.

RNC Chairman Michael Steele says Republicans should fight against same-sex marriage with the argument that it will hurt small businesses that will be required to provide additional benefits as a result. Perhaps he should check out the studies that have already shown this to be false – on average, employers’ costs only increase 1% to 2% as a result of providing benefits for same-sex couples.

And what about the revenue that marriage for same-sex couples brings to states -- like the $111 million so far in Massachusetts, Mr. Steele?

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Morning Sweep

The NYS Assembly will vote on the marriage equality bill today.

A New York Times columnist writes that although some people think Obama is moving slow on the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and other LGBT issues, recent advances and shifting public opinion could drive him to take more action in the near future.

A Maine transgender woman writes in the New York Times on the complexities of marriage for trans people.

The Times also writes on NYS Assemblymember Danny O’Donnell’s efforts to secure increased support for marriage in his chamber.

The Boston Globe writes on the New England states’ characteristics that make them more friendly to marriage for same-sex couples.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Morning Sweep

The New York Times covers the crucial work being done by New York LGBT advocates and allies across the state who have met with their Senators in-district to talk about the importance of marriage equality.

The New York Times’ City Room blog has a run-down of last Thursday’s conference of New York legal experts in support of marriage equality.

The Obama administration has indicated that it is having “preliminary discussions” about repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” – but has made no promises on a timeline for action.

In the Washington Post, at at-large member of the D.C. Council praises its decision to extend recognition to legally married same-sex couples, while an anti-gay rally organizer writes that the decision “marked a new low in irresponsible leadership.”

Five years after marriage for same-sex couples first became legal in Massachusetts, the AP reflects on how it has affected lesbian and gay couples in the state.

The Times also covers some of the basics of health insurance for gay couples.

In honor of Mother’s Day this past weekend, a Huffington Post blogger wrote on the powerful experiences of children raised by gay parents.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Morning Sweep

The Register-Star (Columbia & Dutchess County) features two stories on Equality & Justice Day, the first focusing on participants’ stories surrounding marriage and the second on stories on GENDA and Dignity for All Students.

Edge News has Sen. Duane and NYC Council Speaker Quinn’s reactions to Maine winning marriage.

Opponents who are already challenging Maine marriage equality must collect 55,087 signatures by mid-Sept. in order to put the issue on the Nov. ballot. If they succeed, the marriage law will be stayed until after the voters weigh in.

The New York Times editorial board urges New Hampshire’s Gov. John Lynch – as well as officials in other states with same-sex marriage bills on the table – to stand on the side of fairness and make marriage equality the law.

The Times’ ed board also encourages Obama to choose a gay Supreme Court Justice to replace Souter.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said that she hopes Congress won’t interfere with D.C.’s passage of a marriage recognition law.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Morning Sweep

Yesterday, Maine became the fifth state with legal marriage for same-sex couples after Gov. John Baldacci signed the bill. Baldacci, who hadn't indicated whether he would veto or sign, said “In the past, I opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions. I have come to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage.” Read the Pride Agenda’s statement on Maine winning marriage here.

Maine marriage may face a so-called “people’s veto” – a voter referendum in the state. The Bangor Daily News editorializes against a referendum with this simple and eloquent argument: “Many lawmakers believe the issue should be decided by the voters…This is a popular argument, but it overlooks the basis of a representative democracy. The fight for minority rights always faces opposition, which is why we rely on elected officials. Giving a different — and small — group something the majority already has should not always face a veto from the “haves.”

Meanwhile, New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch is deciding whether to veto or sign the state’s marriage bill. “''I'm going to talk to legislators and I'm going to talk to the people of New Hampshire and ultimately make the best decision I can for the people of New Hampshire,'' he said. If Lynch vetoes the bill, it is unlikely that the legislature would have enough votes to override it.

The New York Times analyzes what Obama has done for LGBT rights so far, and what some advocates in the community are asking of him, including potentially nominating an out candidate for Justice Souter’s Supreme Court seat.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Morning Sweep

Clergy in support of LGBT rights are gathering in DC this week to lobby for the Matthew Shepard Act.

Maine’s House will vote on the State’s marriage equality bill today, but even if it passes, it still faces obstacles including a likely “people’s veto” – a voter referendum that could overturn it.

The New York Times has an interesting series of commentary from a variety of sources for and against the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Monday, May 4, 2009

Morning Sweep

The Buffalo News editorializes that the time has come for marriage equality in New York: “Equality is a funny thing. It can be—and has been—obstructed for long periods, but once it gathers momentum, it is unstoppable. That has been the case with gender and race equality, though both remain works in progress, and it is now true of sexual orientation.”

Suffolk County legislator John Cooper legally married his partner in CT last week, saying that although he would have liked to legally marry in New York, the formal recognition was important to his 29-year-long relationship.

A national equality rally drew hundreds of LGBT advocates in Philadelphia on Sunday.

Much has been written on N.C. Rep. Virginia Foxx's comments about Matthew Shepard’s murder being a "hoax" during recent debate over the federal hate crimes act, and though Washington Post columnist Kathleen Parker is right that Foxx’s comments were “not one of the GOP's brighter moments” she seriously misses the point when she asks "Does our revulsion at hate-motivated crimes justify creating special laws only for certain people?"

Parents.com’s online TV channel has a great video on same-sex parenting featuring former Pride Agenda Long Island Program Organizer Jeff Friedman, husband Andrew Zwerin and son Joshua.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Morning Sweep

Blogger AndrĂ©s Duque’s attended Equality & Justice Day on Tuesday, and his post on Blabbeando does a great job capturing the energy of the day and its importance to the LGBT community and its allies.

Gay City News has an interview with Gov. Paterson expanding on some of his recent statements surrounding the marriage bill.

Maine’s Senate has passed the state’s marriage equality bill, which will now go to the House for a vote.

The New York Times writes on advocacy groups’ efforts to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Bernard Whitman, president and CEO of a public opinion polling firm, writes in Forbes that marriage for same-sex couples in all 50 states is inevitable.

Huffington Post writes on clergy leading the way for LGBT equality.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Morning Sweep

A Step Closer to Justice:” the New York Times’ editorial board backs Gov. Paterson’s same-sex marriage directive and highlights the Pride Agenda’s “1324 Rights & Responsibilities” report.

Good As you has the full video of Gov. Paterson’s bold and incredibly moving press conference yesterday, where he explained the purpose of his directive and more than once proclaimed his support for marriage equality.

After passing the Assembly Codes committee last week, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) is slated for a favorable vote very soon.

Gay couples can marry in California starting June 17 and State residents approve.

The Atlantic Monthly publishes “The Libertarian Argument for Gay Marriage.”

Senator John McCain’s recent appearance on the Ellen Degeneres show raises questions about his support of same-sex civil unions.

LGBT activists call for head doc to resign after APA issues an alarming gender diagnosis review, which recommends reparative therapy for transgender youth.

A transgender activist and fundraiser from Madison, Wisconsin was murdered while on vacation in Mexico.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Morning Sweep

Despite his support of DOMA in the past, new libertarian presidential candidate Bob Barr says he would now repeal the act if elected (his support was all about states’ rights and not discrimination, who knew?), and he supports the California marriage decision.

A new poll of California voters says the majority actually do support same-sex marriage, as opposed to last week’s poll, which said they don't. Anyone confused?

That confusion will likely fuel the fire as dueling activists spend an estimated $30 million fighting both for and against the marriage ban amendment.

A Boy Scouts chapter in Philadelphia is suing the city for the right to continue its no-gays allowed policies. As a condition of the Scouts’ free rent, the city says it has to stop discriminating. How inconvenient!

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Morning Sweep

Christine Quinn spoke with Ernst & Young’s LGBT employee group last week to help kick off their Pride Month activities.

Potential bad news for marriage in California: a poll shows that more than half of voters would vote for a same-sex marriage ban amendment in Nov., which would overrule the court’s recent decision.

Former Republican Rep. Bob Barr, who led the push for the creation of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, has been chosen as the Libertarian party’s candidate for president.

A columnist at The Nation says that the Ca. gay marriage decision signals the end of the “culture war” era. Oh, so LGBT discrimination is a thing of the past? Wrong, wrong and wrong.

Gay couples in Maryland will now receive tax benefits and hospital visitation rights.

Following Thailand’s example, Russia has repealed its ban on gay blood donors.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune has an interesting profile of a transgender ally who is engaged to the trans man who inspired her advocacy work.

The "Sex and the City" actresses reflect on the show’s gay fans.


Friday, May 23, 2008

Morning Sweep

Gay City News reports on the possibility that GENDA will get a floor vote in the Assembly by the end of the legislative session.

McCain has rejected an endorsement from Rev. John Hagee, the controversial Texas televangelist who has made many offensive remarks, including homophobic ones. Oh, and he also rejected Rod Parsley, who hates Islam and the gays.

A conservative legal group has asked the California Supreme Court to put the marriage ruling on hold until Nov. to see which way voters go on the gay marriage ban amendment.

Some San Diego county clerks might be allowed to opt-out of officiating same-sex marriages. San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom is outraged.

The legal director of Lambda Legal and the senior counsel from the Alliance Defense Fund face off in the L.A. Times on the need for gay marriage.

You can call Alanis Morisette “Ally” for short – when singing her well-known tune “Ironic” on the “Today” show this morning, she changed the lyrics “It’s like meeting the man of my dreams, and then meeting his beautiful wife” to “beautiful husband.”

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Morning Sweep

The Ithaca Journal has a great guest column about the strong presence of constituents at State Sen. James Seward’s (R-51st Dist.) legislative meeting on E&J Day.

Also in E&J news, Hobart and William Smith Colleges’ website reports on the impact that the school’s 18 student participants made.

McCain faced off with Ellen DeGeneres on her talk show, saying that he wishes her “every happiness” except the kind that comes with legal marriage.

A lesbian Air Force major who was dismissed under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” will be able to continue her lawsuit against the military after an appeals court ruled that the government can only "intrude upon the personal and private lives of homosexuals" to "advance an important governmental interest." In other words, they can’t fire you just because you’re gay, but only if they can show that your sexual orientation somehow interferes with your work.

And lesbian and gay servicemembers from California will unfortunately have to think twice about hearing wedding bells anytime soon – if they get married, they might be dismissed under DADT.

The Oregon court of appeals ruled yesterday to uphold the state’s gay marriage ban.

A principal at a South Carolina high school has chosen to resign rather than stick around for the creation of a Gay-Straight Alliance on campus.


Wednesday, May 21, 2008

The future of LGBT workplace equality

On Monday night, Pride In My Workplace (PIMW) held its third and final Business Leaders for LGBT Equality Series workshop. The series highlighted how employees in New York are advancing workplace equality for the LGBT community. Held at Macy’s East, the panel was moderated by Marla Hassner, a Pride Agenda board member from Lehman Brothers. Panel participants included PIMW activists Emily Jones (HRC Business Council), Richard Oceguera (Coldwell Banker Previews International and Manhattan Chamber of Commerce), and Leotis Sanders (Macy’s East).

From left to right: Richard Oceguera, Emily Jones, Leotis Sanders, and Marla Hassner.

The panelists had a fantastic dialogue about business and workplace equality efforts and the future of LGBT Best Practices. The group agreed that visibility is key; companies need to make sure that their LGBT employees are visible within the workplace and that their affirming practices are highlighted. In addition, they need to make sure that their charitable works and Best Practices are visible to the public so that the LGBT community and its allies will know what companies should receive their business.

Panelists and the audience also talked about the future of LGBT employees. They agreed that the Millennial Generation – including recent grads and current college and high school students – are naturally more accepting and open, and that as a result, in 20 years, the workplace should be a dramatically different place for the gay community. There’s also a need to recruit a larger pool of young LGBT talent that will be able to break the glass ceiling and produce more high-level LGBT executives in the future.

For more information about Pride In My Workplace, contact Wazina Zondon at wzondon@prideagenda.org or call (212) 627-0305.

Morning Sweep

The New York Times celebrates Florent, the iconic meatpacking district restaurant that has been a longtime favorite of the gay community. Florent will close on June 29.

While many pundits have been arguing that the Ca. marriage decision could hurt the Democrats in the Nov. election, Queerty makes the argument that the topic could also damage McCain’s reputation.

Portland has elected the first-ever openly gay mayor of a top-40 U.S. city.

A recent report reveals that anti-LGBT violence increased 24% nationwide last year.

A federal court has reopened the case of a Florida high school that has prohibited its students from forming a Gay-Straight Alliance.

Britain has granted asylum to a gay Iranian student who it previously planned to deport.


Monday, May 19, 2008

Morning Sweep

The Wall Street Journal continues to argue that the California marriage decision will hurt Obama and help McCain in the Nov. election.

A New York Times writer examines the pros and cons of a New Yorker going to California to get married.

More than 45,000 walkers at the 23rd annual AIDS Walk in NYC this past weekend raised $7 million for tri-state area HIV/AIDS organizations.

In an unprecedented show of support for gay rights, hundreds of activists and government leaders came together in Cuba this past weekend for a conference on the International Day Against Homophobia.