As I like to do after major events in GLBT equality, here is a gathering of news releases and opinions about the exciting news that the Iowa Supreme Court unanimously rejected a state law that banned same-sex marriage.
CNN:
"This is a great day for civil rights in Iowa," said former Iowa Solicitor-General Dennis Johnson, a co-counsel with Lambda Legal. "Go get married. Live happily ever."
The court's decision becomes effective in 21 days, and county recorders then will be required to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples, Lambda senior staff attorney Camilla Taylor said at the news conference.
"You do not have to be an Iowan to seek a license here," she said, and Iowa should recognize same-sex marriages from other states.
Iowa will become the third state in the nation to allow same-sex marriage, after Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Statement from Carolyn Jenison, Executive Director of One Iowa:
I want to begin by saying how great it is to be an Iowan! Today, the Heartland proves again to be fitting of its name. The Iowa Supreme Court, in clearing the way for gay and lesbian couples to marry, recognized that love and commitment are at the heart of what makes our communities strong. As Iowans, we pride ourselves on our strong sense of community and fairness. It’s only fair that two caring, committed people are able to take full responsibility for one another.
Des Moines Register:
Democrats are in charge of both chambers and the governor's office. Only a few weeks remain in the 2009 session, and that means "you have to suspend the joint rules, and it's exceedingly unlikely that we will pursue legislation this session on that subject," said Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal, D-Council Bluffs.
A Republican leader said lawmakers should stay focused on the budget and job creation.
"Those are our primary jobs," said House Republican Leader Kraig Paulsen of Hiawatha.
Several Republicans said they'd like to keep their party's attention on money and employment and not wade too deeply into issues such as gay rights or abortion.
Lambda Legal:
Writing for the entire court, Justice Cody wrote: "We are firmly convinced the exclusion of gay and lesbian people from the institution of civil marriage does not substantially further any important governmental objective. The legislature has excluded a historically disfavored class of persons from a supremely important civil institution without a constitutionally sufficient justification."
Immediately following the decision, Lambda Legal, the statewide political group One Iowa and the plaintiffs held a press conference outside the courtroom. "The Court's decision is exhaustive, well-thought out and supported by the Iowa Constitution," says Lambda Legal Supervising Senior Staff Attorney Ken Upton. "The ruling is legally compelling and consistent with the most basic of Iowa values — fairness, strong communities and protection for families."
The Advocate:
In the weeks ahead, attention will turn to the state legislature, where marriage-equality opponents and the minority Republican leadership are already calling for a constitutional amendment that would define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Such an amendment would require approval in consecutive legislative sessions and in a public vote, which means marriage-equality opponents will have to wait until 2012.
Despite the lag in time, marriage-equality leaders say it is important to act now to strengthen support for the court decision among legislators and the public.
“In Iowa, the immediate work is supporting the elected officials in their effort to stand by this decision,” said Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry. “They’re going to come under tremendous pressure to overturn it.”
Attitudes toward marriage equality in Iowa also matter.
According to the Des Moines Register, a poll in February 2008 showed that 62% of Iowans said they believed marriage should only be between a man and a woman. State residents were split on whether the constitution should be changed to ban same-sex marriage, however.
365gay.com:
It is a win because only a handful of states recognize gay relationships at all. But it is even more of a win because it’s Iowa.
The fight for gay marriage and equal rights is, in part, a fight for judicial intervention and legislative action that enforces diversity and inclusion. But it is also a fight for hearts and minds.
Just because a gay couple can get divorced in New York and might, in the near future, be able to be married in D.C., doesn’t mean that I can road trip with my girlfriend from coast to coast without being harassed.
We have to focus on the entire country and most of all, we have to focus on states like Iowa.
The decision this morning will not magically transform Iowa into a tolerant state (they did vote for Bush in 2004 after all). But it will provide the opportunity for LGBT Iowans to be more visible, more recognized.
What we know about visibility is, after a while, people get used to have those that are different from them around. The more the courts can facilitate this diverse cohabitation the better. But it needs to happen in local communities, rural communities, and mid western states.
You cannot win equality by focusing on California, New York and D.C. Equality comes from meeting intolerance where it lives. Which is what Lambda Legal did in Iowa. And it is why this court win is bigger than just another state on the gay marriage band wagon.
April 03, 2009
Same-Sex Marriage Ban Struck Down In Iowa!
From the Associated Press: (more later)
The Iowa Supreme Court unamimously struck down the state's gay marriage ban Friday, ruling that it violates the constitutional rights of gay and lesbian couples.
In 2005, Lambda Legal, a New York-based gay rights organization, sued on behalf of six gay and lesbian Iowa couples in Polk County who were denied marriage licenses. Some of their children are also listed as plaintiffs.
The case was appealed to the state Supreme Court in 2007, after Polk County District Court Judge Robert Hanson agreed with the plaintiffs and ruled that the ban was unconstitutional.
Hanson's ruling prompted nearly two dozen people to apply for marriage licenses in the county, Iowa's most populous and home to Des Moines. Only one couple, Sean and Tim McQuillan of Ames, managed to get married before Hanson stayed his decision the next day.
During oral arguments before the state Supreme Court in December, Des Moines lawyer Dennis Johnson argued that the ban violated his clients' due process and equal protection rights.
"We are suggesting that everybody be able to participate equally in an institution that has existed since the beginning of this state," Johnson said during arguments.
Roger Kuhle, an assistant Polk County attorney, argued that the lower court's ruling for the plaintiffs violates the separation of powers and that the issue should be left to the Legislature.
"We are not here opposing the individual plaintiffs' sincerity. We are here because, in our view, the issue is one for the Legislature to decide as a matter of social policy," he told the seven-member court.
During oral arguments, Chief Justice Marsha Ternus explained that the high court would determine whether the district court erred by finding that the same-sex marriage ban violated the state constitution, and whether it erred by not allowing the county's expert witness testimony.
The timing of the ruling's release could be awkward for state lawmakers, who are on track to end the legislative session in coming weeks.
Before the ruling, Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal told reporters that it's "exceedingly unlikely" that the Legislature would deal with the gay marriage issue this year, regardless of the court's ruling.
"This is the final step in a lengthy legal proceedings," the Democrat said. "We're going to wait and see that decision and review it before we take any action."
Around the nation, only Massachusetts and Connecticut permit same-sex marriage. California, which briefly allowed gay marriage before a voter initiative in November repealed it, allows domestic partnerships.
New Jersey and New Hampshire also offer civil unions, which provide many of the same rights that come with marriage. New York recognizes same-sex marriages performed elsewhere, and legislators there and in New Jersey are weighing whether to offer marriage. A bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in Vermont is before the state House.
The Iowa Supreme Court unamimously struck down the state's gay marriage ban Friday, ruling that it violates the constitutional rights of gay and lesbian couples.
In 2005, Lambda Legal, a New York-based gay rights organization, sued on behalf of six gay and lesbian Iowa couples in Polk County who were denied marriage licenses. Some of their children are also listed as plaintiffs.
The case was appealed to the state Supreme Court in 2007, after Polk County District Court Judge Robert Hanson agreed with the plaintiffs and ruled that the ban was unconstitutional.
Hanson's ruling prompted nearly two dozen people to apply for marriage licenses in the county, Iowa's most populous and home to Des Moines. Only one couple, Sean and Tim McQuillan of Ames, managed to get married before Hanson stayed his decision the next day.
During oral arguments before the state Supreme Court in December, Des Moines lawyer Dennis Johnson argued that the ban violated his clients' due process and equal protection rights.
"We are suggesting that everybody be able to participate equally in an institution that has existed since the beginning of this state," Johnson said during arguments.
Roger Kuhle, an assistant Polk County attorney, argued that the lower court's ruling for the plaintiffs violates the separation of powers and that the issue should be left to the Legislature.
"We are not here opposing the individual plaintiffs' sincerity. We are here because, in our view, the issue is one for the Legislature to decide as a matter of social policy," he told the seven-member court.
During oral arguments, Chief Justice Marsha Ternus explained that the high court would determine whether the district court erred by finding that the same-sex marriage ban violated the state constitution, and whether it erred by not allowing the county's expert witness testimony.
The timing of the ruling's release could be awkward for state lawmakers, who are on track to end the legislative session in coming weeks.
Before the ruling, Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal told reporters that it's "exceedingly unlikely" that the Legislature would deal with the gay marriage issue this year, regardless of the court's ruling.
"This is the final step in a lengthy legal proceedings," the Democrat said. "We're going to wait and see that decision and review it before we take any action."
Around the nation, only Massachusetts and Connecticut permit same-sex marriage. California, which briefly allowed gay marriage before a voter initiative in November repealed it, allows domestic partnerships.
New Jersey and New Hampshire also offer civil unions, which provide many of the same rights that come with marriage. New York recognizes same-sex marriages performed elsewhere, and legislators there and in New Jersey are weighing whether to offer marriage. A bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in Vermont is before the state House.
LOGO Network Feature on a GLBT Friendly Church
A while back (sorry, don't know exactly when), the LOGO network show "The U. S. of Ant" travelled to Covenant Community Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Ant was pretty skeptical when he first arrived, much less so when he left. Here's the LOGO description of the piece:
Ant visits Reverend J.R. Finney, a gay pastor of a non-denominational church in Birmingham, Alabama. While attending his church, Ant meets Roxanne, a warm hearted transgendered woman who is happily married.
Here's the link to the video, I'm sure you will enjoy it.
Ant visits Reverend J.R. Finney, a gay pastor of a non-denominational church in Birmingham, Alabama. While attending his church, Ant meets Roxanne, a warm hearted transgendered woman who is happily married.
Here's the link to the video, I'm sure you will enjoy it.
April 01, 2009
Try Just a LITTLE Kindness
An interesting thing happened to me quite by chance that I want to share with you.
I was outside at lunchtime minding my own business (which is when things invariably happen) when I saw someone waking in front of me lose a few papers that he had tucked under his arm. As I reached for them before the wind blew them away, I called out "Sir," and he saw me making a final, and fortunately successful, lungefor the last page before it wound up in the street.
He looked at me and was stunned--absolutely stunned.
I have no idea if the papers were important or not, but it didn't really matter. It's not exactly like I ran into a burning building to retreive them.
You wouldn't have known it from the look and gratitude the gentleman showed to me. He even offered to buy me lunch, which I politely declined.
A lady who had stopped at a street vendor had noticed this and said to me as I walked by "we need more people like you." I can quickly gather a group of people who know me that would rebut that view, but it was still nice to hear.
I don't share this with you to lobby for a Nobel Peace Prize (although if you are so moved, I would humbly accept your nomination) but to make the point that struck me later on today.....people are STARVED for kindness. The least little thing stands out from the normal indifference of people around us in our everyday lives.
What if all of us picked up the papers that someone else dropped in front of us, or held the elevator door even when we're in a hurry, or gave up our seat on the train?
What if kindness was the norm instead of the exception that drew such attention to me today?
Will that gentleman remember me telling him "God put us on earth to do good things'?
I don't know, but I believe that God can use little things to really make an impact on someone's life.
Like picking up papers that someone has dropped.
I was outside at lunchtime minding my own business (which is when things invariably happen) when I saw someone waking in front of me lose a few papers that he had tucked under his arm. As I reached for them before the wind blew them away, I called out "Sir," and he saw me making a final, and fortunately successful, lungefor the last page before it wound up in the street.
He looked at me and was stunned--absolutely stunned.
I have no idea if the papers were important or not, but it didn't really matter. It's not exactly like I ran into a burning building to retreive them.
You wouldn't have known it from the look and gratitude the gentleman showed to me. He even offered to buy me lunch, which I politely declined.
A lady who had stopped at a street vendor had noticed this and said to me as I walked by "we need more people like you." I can quickly gather a group of people who know me that would rebut that view, but it was still nice to hear.
I don't share this with you to lobby for a Nobel Peace Prize (although if you are so moved, I would humbly accept your nomination) but to make the point that struck me later on today.....people are STARVED for kindness. The least little thing stands out from the normal indifference of people around us in our everyday lives.
What if all of us picked up the papers that someone else dropped in front of us, or held the elevator door even when we're in a hurry, or gave up our seat on the train?
What if kindness was the norm instead of the exception that drew such attention to me today?
Will that gentleman remember me telling him "God put us on earth to do good things'?
I don't know, but I believe that God can use little things to really make an impact on someone's life.
Like picking up papers that someone has dropped.
Pioneers In GLBT Faith: Fred H. Ellis
From the LGBT Religious Archive Network:
Fred Ellis, a member of Integrity (Episcopal) since 1991, was born in 1952 in Lufkin, Texas. He grew up as an active member of the Methodist Church, attended college at the University of Texas at Austin, and following school began a career in the hospitality industry. In 1983, Fred was confirmed in the Episcopal Church at Christ Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Fred’s activism began shortly after that when the Rector at Christ Church asked him to speak with a couple whose daughter had just come out to them. For the next nine years that activism was focused at the local parish level in various locations. In 1991, Fred and five other people decided to form an Integrity Chapter in Nashville, Tennessee. It became Integrity of Middle Tennessee. In 1993, Fred was appointed by Bruce Garner, President of Integrity to serve as the Director of Development for the national organization, and, in 1994, was elected National President serving two terms through 1998.
During his term as President, Fred served a three-year term on the National Committee of the Episcopal Church for Continuing the Dialogue on Human Sexuality. He also began the process of bringing various LGBT groups within the Episcopal Church together, and to focus them on working together. This began with meetings with Oasis of Newark and participating in the organizational meeting of Oasis of California. During this same time, the National Board of Integrity worked closely with Lutherans Concerned, and the final National Convention of Integrity during Fred’s term was a joint meeting with Integrity and Lutherans Concerned. At that convention Fred was presented the Louie Crew Award for distinguished Gay and Lesbian ministry in the Episcopal Church. One of the highlights of Fred’s term as President of Integrity was to be one of the speakers at the farewell event for the then Presiding Bishop, The Most Reverend Edmund Browning, at the 1997 General Convention in Philadelphia. Another highlight was to be able to participate in the first, and organizational meeting, of the LGBT Religious Leaders Roundtable in Washington, D.C. in July 1998.
Click here to read more about Fred H. Ellis.
Fred Ellis, a member of Integrity (Episcopal) since 1991, was born in 1952 in Lufkin, Texas. He grew up as an active member of the Methodist Church, attended college at the University of Texas at Austin, and following school began a career in the hospitality industry. In 1983, Fred was confirmed in the Episcopal Church at Christ Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Fred’s activism began shortly after that when the Rector at Christ Church asked him to speak with a couple whose daughter had just come out to them. For the next nine years that activism was focused at the local parish level in various locations. In 1991, Fred and five other people decided to form an Integrity Chapter in Nashville, Tennessee. It became Integrity of Middle Tennessee. In 1993, Fred was appointed by Bruce Garner, President of Integrity to serve as the Director of Development for the national organization, and, in 1994, was elected National President serving two terms through 1998.
During his term as President, Fred served a three-year term on the National Committee of the Episcopal Church for Continuing the Dialogue on Human Sexuality. He also began the process of bringing various LGBT groups within the Episcopal Church together, and to focus them on working together. This began with meetings with Oasis of Newark and participating in the organizational meeting of Oasis of California. During this same time, the National Board of Integrity worked closely with Lutherans Concerned, and the final National Convention of Integrity during Fred’s term was a joint meeting with Integrity and Lutherans Concerned. At that convention Fred was presented the Louie Crew Award for distinguished Gay and Lesbian ministry in the Episcopal Church. One of the highlights of Fred’s term as President of Integrity was to be one of the speakers at the farewell event for the then Presiding Bishop, The Most Reverend Edmund Browning, at the 1997 General Convention in Philadelphia. Another highlight was to be able to participate in the first, and organizational meeting, of the LGBT Religious Leaders Roundtable in Washington, D.C. in July 1998.
Click here to read more about Fred H. Ellis.
March 31, 2009
Advocacy Group: The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists
Yeah, yeah, I know. A lot of the folks that visit this site instinctively cringe when they see the word Baptist. The Southern Baptist Convention is one of, if not the most, anti-gay religious denominations around.
There are other Baptists, however, and The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists has gathered up a group of them that are GLBT friendly. From their website:
Ten years ago, after the lgbt community had been dealt yet another blow by members of their denomination, a group of American Baptist pastors decided that it was time to stand up and declare their affirmation of glbt people. The network of churches they founded, the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists (AWAB), has now grown to more than 60 churches and organizations. AWAB members are Baptist churches, organizations, and individuals who have gone on record as being welcoming and affirming of all persons, without regard to sexual orientation.
We know that much abuse of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons has been fostered and encouraged by the rhetoric of the church, leaving many people feeling that they must choose between their faith and their sexuality. AWAB members have joined together to advocate for inclusion of lgbt persons within Baptist communities of faith. Initiated at a gathering of pastors in 1991 at the American Baptist Biennial Meeting in Charleston, West Virginia, the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists was formally organized at the 1993 Biennial in San José, California. (For more on our formation and developments within the ABC, read our brief history.)
Currently, the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists consists of 48 congregations, several local support chapters, church groups and pastoral counseling centers, an international ministry, and individuals. See our current membership list for a list of Welcoming & Affirming congregations and ministries.
Click here to visit their website.
There are other Baptists, however, and The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists has gathered up a group of them that are GLBT friendly. From their website:
Ten years ago, after the lgbt community had been dealt yet another blow by members of their denomination, a group of American Baptist pastors decided that it was time to stand up and declare their affirmation of glbt people. The network of churches they founded, the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists (AWAB), has now grown to more than 60 churches and organizations. AWAB members are Baptist churches, organizations, and individuals who have gone on record as being welcoming and affirming of all persons, without regard to sexual orientation.
We know that much abuse of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons has been fostered and encouraged by the rhetoric of the church, leaving many people feeling that they must choose between their faith and their sexuality. AWAB members have joined together to advocate for inclusion of lgbt persons within Baptist communities of faith. Initiated at a gathering of pastors in 1991 at the American Baptist Biennial Meeting in Charleston, West Virginia, the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists was formally organized at the 1993 Biennial in San José, California. (For more on our formation and developments within the ABC, read our brief history.)
Currently, the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists consists of 48 congregations, several local support chapters, church groups and pastoral counseling centers, an international ministry, and individuals. See our current membership list for a list of Welcoming & Affirming congregations and ministries.
Click here to visit their website.
March 30, 2009
Transgender Day of Visibility
This is coming up on March 31. Here is an essay from a gay writer about why this day is needed:
The truth is I still hardly ever talk or write about transgender issues. That’s partly because I’m no expert on them. There are only so many minutes in an hour (or lines in a column), and you can’t cover everything.
But to be frank, it’s also partly because I’m nervous about offending people whom society has already hurt enough. It’s a touchy subject, and like many touchy subjects, it’s often easier for those of us without a direct stake in it simply to avoid it.
And that’s probably as good a reason for Transgender Day of Visibility as any. Our discomfort around the issue—I know I’m not alone in this—means that we’ve got some learning to do. Bravo to those trans people willing to come out and teach us.
I second that sentiment. One of the more interesting aspects of my connecting with so many people on Facebook is the large number of transgender people that are now my Facebook friends. Many of them have expressed a deep appreciation for my simple efforts of trying to tell people that God loves them just as much as He does me.
I'm coming to believe that understanding transgender is near impossible for someone who doesn't directly experience it.
That's okay. God didn't tell us to understand people--he told us to love them.
I can do that. I hope you can too.
The truth is I still hardly ever talk or write about transgender issues. That’s partly because I’m no expert on them. There are only so many minutes in an hour (or lines in a column), and you can’t cover everything.
But to be frank, it’s also partly because I’m nervous about offending people whom society has already hurt enough. It’s a touchy subject, and like many touchy subjects, it’s often easier for those of us without a direct stake in it simply to avoid it.
And that’s probably as good a reason for Transgender Day of Visibility as any. Our discomfort around the issue—I know I’m not alone in this—means that we’ve got some learning to do. Bravo to those trans people willing to come out and teach us.
I second that sentiment. One of the more interesting aspects of my connecting with so many people on Facebook is the large number of transgender people that are now my Facebook friends. Many of them have expressed a deep appreciation for my simple efforts of trying to tell people that God loves them just as much as He does me.
I'm coming to believe that understanding transgender is near impossible for someone who doesn't directly experience it.
That's okay. God didn't tell us to understand people--he told us to love them.
I can do that. I hope you can too.
March 29, 2009
Sunday Worship 3/29/09
If you don't have a welcoming church near you, or you just can't make yourself step into one, we're bringing worship to you. Here are links to some worship music and services from open and affirming ministries (all times eastern). I hope you are blessed and take time out of your busy schedule to enter into the Lord's day.
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
We appreicate all of the positive feedback we've received for our Sunday Worship series. If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with me.
Worship Music--sing along with Michael W. Smith and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Live Worship Services--all times Eastern
Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, WA 1:30 PM Eastern (also archives of pervious services)
Recent Recorded Worship Services
Rainbow Community Church of Vancouver, BC
Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
We appreicate all of the positive feedback we've received for our Sunday Worship series. If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with me.
Worship Music--sing along with Michael W. Smith and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Live Worship Services--all times Eastern
Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, WA 1:30 PM Eastern (also archives of pervious services)
Recent Recorded Worship Services
Rainbow Community Church of Vancouver, BC
Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Fort Lauderdale, FL
March 27, 2009
GLBT News & Political Roundup 3/27/09
Same-sex couples in Vermont shouldn't make their wedding plans quite yet. Gov. Jim Douglas has taken the unusual step of announcing his plans to veto it if it reaches his desk.
Pam's House Blend has an extensive update on the status of pro-LGBT bills around the nation.
The HRC took a LOT of grief for supporting an ENDA bill that excluded protection for transgender people. They aren't making that mistake again.
Rep. Barney Frank likely won't be breaking bread with "homophobe" Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia anytime soon. He explained why in this essay for The Huffington Post.
Lisa Larges, an openly lesbian candidate for ministry in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A), had her certification set aside by a church commission. More Light Presbyterians continue to support her ordination quest.
Larges herself weighs in at the Advocate.com.
Overseas, Japan OK's foreign marriages for gay citizens and Serbia passed an anti-discrimination law including sexual orientation and gender.
Pam's House Blend has an extensive update on the status of pro-LGBT bills around the nation.
The HRC took a LOT of grief for supporting an ENDA bill that excluded protection for transgender people. They aren't making that mistake again.
Rep. Barney Frank likely won't be breaking bread with "homophobe" Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia anytime soon. He explained why in this essay for The Huffington Post.
Lisa Larges, an openly lesbian candidate for ministry in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A), had her certification set aside by a church commission. More Light Presbyterians continue to support her ordination quest.
Larges herself weighs in at the Advocate.com.
Overseas, Japan OK's foreign marriages for gay citizens and Serbia passed an anti-discrimination law including sexual orientation and gender.
March 26, 2009
High Level Support for Same-Sex Marriage in New York
Two of the most powerful politicians in the state of New York, U. S. Senator Charles Schumer and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, have recently stated very strong support for legalizing same-sex marriage in that state.
First, Senator Schumer:
Sen. Charles Schumer reached out to gay leaders earlier this month and convened a meeting at an upscale Manhattan restaurant to make an important announcement: He was supporting gay marriage after years of opposing it.
The reversal marked a significant shift for the Democratic senator and gave further momentum to gay marriage in New York, where every other statewide Democratic official supports such unions.
Schumer's change, some political observers suggested, stemmed from pressure to bring his position on gay marriage in line with the other officials, while coming at a time when support for same-sex unions is strong in New York. Also, it's likely New York's gay rights interest groups, which played a role in Democrats retaking control of the state Senate last November, were pressing Schumer to change his position.
"At this point we have a fair amount of knowledge that supporting gay marriage in the Northeast is not the kiss of death politically" that it could be as recently as a decade ago, said Lee Badgett, director of the Center for Public Policy and Administration at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and research director at the Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy at UCLA.
If anything, Schumer's support for gay marriage is likely to bolster momentum for legalizing gay marriage in New York, where a gay marriage bill passed the Assembly in 2007.
Although not a change of position for him, Mayor Bloomberg restated his support yesterday:
Mayor Bloomberg said Wednesday night he stands ready to ask the Legislature to allow gay marriage in New York State, but doesn't know when the time will be right.
"We see that the tide is turning, that support is mounting," Bloomberg told the annual dinner of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center. "Make no mistake, the time will come ... and we will pass this bill."
Bloomberg has made similar pledges to testify in Albany for almost three years, but the GOP-run state Senate blocked any such bill.
Democrats now run the Senate but have not been able to round up votes to pass the measure - increasing pressure on Bloomberg to follow through.
"I don't know whether it's more likely or not" this year, Bloomberg said before his speech. "If they consider a bill, I think they should pass it, and I would be happy to testify for it."
Let's hope that day comes soon.
First, Senator Schumer:
Sen. Charles Schumer reached out to gay leaders earlier this month and convened a meeting at an upscale Manhattan restaurant to make an important announcement: He was supporting gay marriage after years of opposing it.
The reversal marked a significant shift for the Democratic senator and gave further momentum to gay marriage in New York, where every other statewide Democratic official supports such unions.
Schumer's change, some political observers suggested, stemmed from pressure to bring his position on gay marriage in line with the other officials, while coming at a time when support for same-sex unions is strong in New York. Also, it's likely New York's gay rights interest groups, which played a role in Democrats retaking control of the state Senate last November, were pressing Schumer to change his position.
"At this point we have a fair amount of knowledge that supporting gay marriage in the Northeast is not the kiss of death politically" that it could be as recently as a decade ago, said Lee Badgett, director of the Center for Public Policy and Administration at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and research director at the Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy at UCLA.
If anything, Schumer's support for gay marriage is likely to bolster momentum for legalizing gay marriage in New York, where a gay marriage bill passed the Assembly in 2007.
Although not a change of position for him, Mayor Bloomberg restated his support yesterday:
Mayor Bloomberg said Wednesday night he stands ready to ask the Legislature to allow gay marriage in New York State, but doesn't know when the time will be right.
"We see that the tide is turning, that support is mounting," Bloomberg told the annual dinner of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center. "Make no mistake, the time will come ... and we will pass this bill."
Bloomberg has made similar pledges to testify in Albany for almost three years, but the GOP-run state Senate blocked any such bill.
Democrats now run the Senate but have not been able to round up votes to pass the measure - increasing pressure on Bloomberg to follow through.
"I don't know whether it's more likely or not" this year, Bloomberg said before his speech. "If they consider a bill, I think they should pass it, and I would be happy to testify for it."
Let's hope that day comes soon.
March 25, 2009
Pioneers in GLBT Faith; Michael Kelly
From the LGBT Religious Archives Network:
Michael Bernard Kelly is known internationally for his work in integrating Christian spirituality and gay experience. Born in Australia in 1954 into a devout Catholic family, he joined the Franciscans after finishing high school, and his spirituality has continued to be nourished by the spirit, vision and example of Francis of Assisi, though outside formal religious structures. Michael is an educator, writer, activist, and retreat leader who has worked in the U.S. the U.K. and Australia. He holds professional qualifications in theology, spirituality, creative media and education, and is currently working on a doctorate in the field of Christian mysticism and gay experience.
For 17 years Michael was a religious education specialist and campus minister in Catholic schools and universities, in both Australia and the U.S. In 1993, he came out publicly and let go of his career in the church. Since then he has committed himself to developing new forms of creative ministry with gay and lesbian people. In 1995, Joseph Kramer of Erospirit Institute published Michael's eight-hour video lecture series, "The Erotic Contemplative: the spiritual journey of the gay Christian," which John J. McNeill hailed as "The most powerful and insightful study of gay spirituality that I know of." Michael has created communities of ritual and challenge on the fringes of the church and has offered spiritual direction to gay men from many Christian communities. In 1998, he co-founded the Rainbow Sash Movement in Australia, which publicly challenges the Catholic Church's treatment of gay and lesbian people. In this role, he became a prominent media spokesperson for gay Catholics in Australia, and he is frequently sought after for commentary on current religious issues.
Click here to read more about Michael Day.
Michael Bernard Kelly is known internationally for his work in integrating Christian spirituality and gay experience. Born in Australia in 1954 into a devout Catholic family, he joined the Franciscans after finishing high school, and his spirituality has continued to be nourished by the spirit, vision and example of Francis of Assisi, though outside formal religious structures. Michael is an educator, writer, activist, and retreat leader who has worked in the U.S. the U.K. and Australia. He holds professional qualifications in theology, spirituality, creative media and education, and is currently working on a doctorate in the field of Christian mysticism and gay experience.
For 17 years Michael was a religious education specialist and campus minister in Catholic schools and universities, in both Australia and the U.S. In 1993, he came out publicly and let go of his career in the church. Since then he has committed himself to developing new forms of creative ministry with gay and lesbian people. In 1995, Joseph Kramer of Erospirit Institute published Michael's eight-hour video lecture series, "The Erotic Contemplative: the spiritual journey of the gay Christian," which John J. McNeill hailed as "The most powerful and insightful study of gay spirituality that I know of." Michael has created communities of ritual and challenge on the fringes of the church and has offered spiritual direction to gay men from many Christian communities. In 1998, he co-founded the Rainbow Sash Movement in Australia, which publicly challenges the Catholic Church's treatment of gay and lesbian people. In this role, he became a prominent media spokesperson for gay Catholics in Australia, and he is frequently sought after for commentary on current religious issues.
Click here to read more about Michael Day.
March 24, 2009
Advocacy Group: Vermont Freedom to Marry
Vermont could very well become the next state to legalize full-rights same-sex marriage. One of the groups at the forefront of that effort is Vermont Freedom to Marry. From their website:
The Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force (VFMTF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to gaining civil marriage equality for same-sex couples in Vermont. VFMTF formed in 1996 as a coalition of individuals and associations in Vermont who support the freedom for same-sex couples to enter into civil marriages. We work throughout the state to educate Vermonters about the importance of civil marriage equality for same-sex couples and their families. In doing so, we do the following:
Below is a snapshot of our work:
o Tabling: Supporters volunteer at our informational table at county fairs and community events.
o Public speaking: We train volunteers to speak at churches and synagogues, Rotary Clubs and other local associations.
o Hosting house parties: Our supporters host house parties for equality to provide one-on-one education to their fellow community members.
o Collecting signatures of support: Volunteers work at community events to provide supporters of equality the opportunity to sign our Marriage Resolution.
o Other activities include: Organizing supportive businesses, clergy and parents of gay and lesbian individuals, grassroots lobbying and media relations.
If you live in Vermont or are just a supporter of equality, check them out and see what you can do to help.
The Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force (VFMTF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to gaining civil marriage equality for same-sex couples in Vermont. VFMTF formed in 1996 as a coalition of individuals and associations in Vermont who support the freedom for same-sex couples to enter into civil marriages. We work throughout the state to educate Vermonters about the importance of civil marriage equality for same-sex couples and their families. In doing so, we do the following:
Below is a snapshot of our work:
o Tabling: Supporters volunteer at our informational table at county fairs and community events.
o Public speaking: We train volunteers to speak at churches and synagogues, Rotary Clubs and other local associations.
o Hosting house parties: Our supporters host house parties for equality to provide one-on-one education to their fellow community members.
o Collecting signatures of support: Volunteers work at community events to provide supporters of equality the opportunity to sign our Marriage Resolution.
o Other activities include: Organizing supportive businesses, clergy and parents of gay and lesbian individuals, grassroots lobbying and media relations.
If you live in Vermont or are just a supporter of equality, check them out and see what you can do to help.
March 22, 2009
Welcome to Sunday Worship 3/22/09
If you don't have a welcoming church near you, or you just can't make yourself step into one, we're bringing worship to you. Here are links to some worship music and services from open and affirming ministries (all times eastern). I hope you are blessed and take time out of your busy schedule to enter into the Lord's day.
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
We appreicate all of the positive feedback we've received for our Sunday Worship series. If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with me.
Worship Music--sing along with Hillsong and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Live Worship Services--all times Eastern
Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, WA 1:30 PM Eastern (also archives of pervious services)
Recent Recorded Worship Services
Rainbow Community Church of Vancouver, BC
Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
We appreicate all of the positive feedback we've received for our Sunday Worship series. If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with me.
Worship Music--sing along with Hillsong and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Live Worship Services--all times Eastern
Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, WA 1:30 PM Eastern (also archives of pervious services)
Recent Recorded Worship Services
Rainbow Community Church of Vancouver, BC
Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Fort Lauderdale, FL
March 21, 2009
GLBT News and Political Roundup 3/21/09
The marriage debate is picking up in Vermont as the state legislature takes up a bill that would give same-sex couples the right to enjoy full marriage rights.
The measure would replace Vermont's first-in-the-nation civil unions law with one that allows marriage of same-sex partners beginning Sept. 1. Civil unions, which confer some rights similar to marriage, would still be recognized but no longer granted after Sept. 1.
Supporters cast the debate as a civil rights issue, saying a civil unions law enacted by the state in 2000 has fallen short of the equality it promised same-sex couples. Its appeal has declined, too: In 2001, the state granted 1,876 civil unions, compared with only 262 last year.
New Hampshire's lawmakers are also moving forward with important legislation.
New Hampshire lawmakers will vote next week on two LGBT rights bills - one that would allow same-sex couples to marry and one extending the state’s human rights laws to include protections for transpeople.
If they passed the House, the bills would then go to the Senate.
Rep. Jim Splaine, who sponsored the state’s civil unions law, said he believes there will be enough votes to pass his same-sex marriage bill and to block an attempt to amend the constitution to bar same-sex marriage.
Sadly, the Pope has again demonstrated just how out of touch he really is.
A day after Pope Benedict XVI prefaced his visit to Cameroon and Angola by saying the "scourge" of HIV could be made worse, not better, by the distribution of condoms, France, Germany and Belgium criticised his message as irresponsible. The UNAids agency said condoms were a vital part of the battle against HIV, which infects more than 7,000 people a day.
Here's another debate: Did Proposition 8 lead to an increase in anti-gay hate crimes in California?
Hate crime cases involving anti-gay sentiment shot up in Santa Clara County last year, a striking increase that a leading prosecutor attributes to controversy over Proposition 8, the voter-approved ban on gay marriage.
Anti-gay incidents accounted for more than half of hate-crime cases last year — 56 percent — a big jump from only 15 percent in 2007. There were 14 anti-gay cases out of 25 hate-crime cases in 2008, compared with only 3 out of 20 in 2007.
"My belief from having done this work for many years is that surges in types of hate incidents are linked to the headlines and controversies of the day,'' said Deputy District Attorney Jay Boyarsky, who is assigned to monitor hate crimes. "Marriage equality and Proposition 8 have been in the news, and we have seen an increase in gay-bashing.''
Better late than never, the U.S. will endore the U.N. declaration calling for the worldwide decriminalzation of homosexuality.
The Obama administration on Wednesday formally endorsed a U.N. declaration calling for the worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality, a measure that former President George W. Bush had refused to sign.
"The United States is an outspoken defender of human rights and critic of human rights abuses around the world," Wood told reporters. "As such, we join with other supporters of this statement, and we will continue to remind countries of the importance of respecting the human rights of all people in all appropriate international fora."
Think all GLBT folks are affluent? Think again, says this new study.
Lesbian couples are more likely to be poor than married heterosexuals, and children of same-sex parents are twice as likely to live in poverty as those of traditional married couples, a new report shows.
The measure would replace Vermont's first-in-the-nation civil unions law with one that allows marriage of same-sex partners beginning Sept. 1. Civil unions, which confer some rights similar to marriage, would still be recognized but no longer granted after Sept. 1.
Supporters cast the debate as a civil rights issue, saying a civil unions law enacted by the state in 2000 has fallen short of the equality it promised same-sex couples. Its appeal has declined, too: In 2001, the state granted 1,876 civil unions, compared with only 262 last year.
New Hampshire's lawmakers are also moving forward with important legislation.
New Hampshire lawmakers will vote next week on two LGBT rights bills - one that would allow same-sex couples to marry and one extending the state’s human rights laws to include protections for transpeople.
If they passed the House, the bills would then go to the Senate.
Rep. Jim Splaine, who sponsored the state’s civil unions law, said he believes there will be enough votes to pass his same-sex marriage bill and to block an attempt to amend the constitution to bar same-sex marriage.
Sadly, the Pope has again demonstrated just how out of touch he really is.
A day after Pope Benedict XVI prefaced his visit to Cameroon and Angola by saying the "scourge" of HIV could be made worse, not better, by the distribution of condoms, France, Germany and Belgium criticised his message as irresponsible. The UNAids agency said condoms were a vital part of the battle against HIV, which infects more than 7,000 people a day.
Here's another debate: Did Proposition 8 lead to an increase in anti-gay hate crimes in California?
Hate crime cases involving anti-gay sentiment shot up in Santa Clara County last year, a striking increase that a leading prosecutor attributes to controversy over Proposition 8, the voter-approved ban on gay marriage.
Anti-gay incidents accounted for more than half of hate-crime cases last year — 56 percent — a big jump from only 15 percent in 2007. There were 14 anti-gay cases out of 25 hate-crime cases in 2008, compared with only 3 out of 20 in 2007.
"My belief from having done this work for many years is that surges in types of hate incidents are linked to the headlines and controversies of the day,'' said Deputy District Attorney Jay Boyarsky, who is assigned to monitor hate crimes. "Marriage equality and Proposition 8 have been in the news, and we have seen an increase in gay-bashing.''
Better late than never, the U.S. will endore the U.N. declaration calling for the worldwide decriminalzation of homosexuality.
The Obama administration on Wednesday formally endorsed a U.N. declaration calling for the worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality, a measure that former President George W. Bush had refused to sign.
"The United States is an outspoken defender of human rights and critic of human rights abuses around the world," Wood told reporters. "As such, we join with other supporters of this statement, and we will continue to remind countries of the importance of respecting the human rights of all people in all appropriate international fora."
Think all GLBT folks are affluent? Think again, says this new study.
Lesbian couples are more likely to be poor than married heterosexuals, and children of same-sex parents are twice as likely to live in poverty as those of traditional married couples, a new report shows.
March 19, 2009
Welcoming the "T" to the White House
Mara Keisling is the Executive Director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, also happens to be a transwoman herself. She was recently invited to the White House to attend a signing ceremony and blogged about it at The Bilerico Project.
At NCTE, we do not pretend that our having been invited to send me to a mostly ceremonial, albeit significant, moment is akin to Perkins being the first woman in the cabinet. I was not, to say the least, in the high seats. But, imagine, this week a transperson was invited as a transperson to the White House. And bigger, more significant firsts have already happened this year. A transgender man, Diego Sanchez, was the first openly out transperson to become a staffer on Capitol Hill, standing on the shoulders of at least one other transperson who worked for a Senator in a district office. And this year a transgender person, Shannon Minter, argued for the second time before the California Supreme Court and was named Lawyer of the Year by California Lawyer magazine, standing on the shoulders of numerous trans lawyers who had mentored him. And this year, other firsts have happened and will continue to happen, and in years hence, these firsts will stand as foundations on which new, taller firsts will stand.
In the mean time, of course, trans people around the country and the world continue to face horrible disrespect, discrimination and violence, and I know my invitation to the White House this week is only one tiny step toward lessening those years from now.
I know more of us will be invited again soon, and next time hopefully to witness the signing of a Hate Crimes law or ENDA or maybe the much needed Executive Order protecting transgender federal employees.
Click here to rest the rest of the post at The Bilerico Project.
At NCTE, we do not pretend that our having been invited to send me to a mostly ceremonial, albeit significant, moment is akin to Perkins being the first woman in the cabinet. I was not, to say the least, in the high seats. But, imagine, this week a transperson was invited as a transperson to the White House. And bigger, more significant firsts have already happened this year. A transgender man, Diego Sanchez, was the first openly out transperson to become a staffer on Capitol Hill, standing on the shoulders of at least one other transperson who worked for a Senator in a district office. And this year a transgender person, Shannon Minter, argued for the second time before the California Supreme Court and was named Lawyer of the Year by California Lawyer magazine, standing on the shoulders of numerous trans lawyers who had mentored him. And this year, other firsts have happened and will continue to happen, and in years hence, these firsts will stand as foundations on which new, taller firsts will stand.
In the mean time, of course, trans people around the country and the world continue to face horrible disrespect, discrimination and violence, and I know my invitation to the White House this week is only one tiny step toward lessening those years from now.
I know more of us will be invited again soon, and next time hopefully to witness the signing of a Hate Crimes law or ENDA or maybe the much needed Executive Order protecting transgender federal employees.
Click here to rest the rest of the post at The Bilerico Project.
March 18, 2009
Pioneers in GLBT Faith: Rev. Howard Warren
From the LGBT Religious Archives Network:
The Rev. Howard B. Warren, Jr., affectionately known as "God's Glorious Gadfly," was born September 7, 1934, in St. Louis, Missouri. He was a graduate of McCormick Theological Seminary; and he held degrees from Missouri Valley College and Union Theological Seminary (New York). He also held a masters degree from the School of Social Work at Hunter College. Ordained by the Presbytery of Kansas City in 1965, Warren served Presbyterian churches for 25 years. His pastorates were in Milford, Penn.; Vernon, Fayetteville and Huntington, New York; Pontiac, Michigan; and Orchard Park, Indiana.
In 1987, Howard came out to the Presbytery of Detroit as a person with AIDS and a gay man. Active in Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns (now More Light Presbyterians), he was a founder of Presbyterians Act Up, was active with the Presbyterian AIDS Network and was a founding supporter of That All May Freely Serve.
From the time of his diagnosis with HIV/AIDS in 1987, until he required hospital and nursing home care in 2001, he was an advocate and caregiver for persons with HIV/AIDS and their families, friends and partners. He served as the director of pastoral care at the Damien Center in Indianapolis from 1989 to 1999, a care site for HIV/AIDS patients that was established by the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
March 17, 2009
Advocacy Group: Integrity USA
The Episcopal Church has been a primary battleground for GLBT equality issues, especially since openly gay Bishop Eugene Robinson was ordained. This painfully public schism points out that there is still very strong resistance toward GLBT equality within the denomination.
That's where Integrity USA steps in. From their website:
Integrity is a nonprofit organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender [LGBT] Episcopalians and our straight friends. Since our founding by Dr. Louie Crew in rural Georgia in 1974, Integrity has been the leading grassroots voice for the full inclusion of LGBT persons in the Episcopal Church and our equal access to its rites. However, advocacy is only one facet of our ministry. At the national level and in local chapters and diocesan networks throughout the country, the primary activities are:
* worship
* fellowship
* education
* communication
* outreach, and
* service to the church
Through Integrity's evangelism, thousands of LGBT people, estranged from the Episcopal Church and other denominations, have returned to parish life.
Although the Episcopal Church has made tremendous strides toward inclusiveness, it still has a long way to go. Unfortunately, in too many parishes and dioceses, prejudice and oppression are still the norm.
Integrity is a member of The Institute for Welcoming Resources. They offer a regular newsletter and have a blog for updates. Their website's front page also offers a section for Faith-Based Community Organizing.
Click here to visit the Integrity USA website.
That's where Integrity USA steps in. From their website:
Integrity is a nonprofit organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender [LGBT] Episcopalians and our straight friends. Since our founding by Dr. Louie Crew in rural Georgia in 1974, Integrity has been the leading grassroots voice for the full inclusion of LGBT persons in the Episcopal Church and our equal access to its rites. However, advocacy is only one facet of our ministry. At the national level and in local chapters and diocesan networks throughout the country, the primary activities are:
* worship
* fellowship
* education
* communication
* outreach, and
* service to the church
Through Integrity's evangelism, thousands of LGBT people, estranged from the Episcopal Church and other denominations, have returned to parish life.
Although the Episcopal Church has made tremendous strides toward inclusiveness, it still has a long way to go. Unfortunately, in too many parishes and dioceses, prejudice and oppression are still the norm.
Integrity is a member of The Institute for Welcoming Resources. They offer a regular newsletter and have a blog for updates. Their website's front page also offers a section for Faith-Based Community Organizing.
Click here to visit the Integrity USA website.
March 16, 2009
Some Things Just Can't Be Compromised
That's the gist of this post by Jenna Lowenstein on 365gay:
We live in a country founded on the tenet that all men are equal. Period. If we decide that we should push for civil unions, if we decide that’s the responsible battle to fight because it might be easier or faster or might not ruffle as many feathers, than we need to be willing to decide that we’re ok with compromising that founding ideal.
I don’t know about you, but I’m certainly not there yet.
The idea that there is a trade-off for any rights movement– between principle and compromise, revolution and assimilation, absolutism or gradualism, belief and strategy– is what forces this debate, but I think the answer is easy.
During the debate on ENDA last summer, Congressman Rush Holt gave a floor speech in which he quoted Congressman John Lewis quoting Martin Luther King:
“Mr. Speaker, our distinguished colleague John Lewis often reminds us of the words of Dr. King, “The time is always right to do the right thing.” Dr. King warned us against the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. I am concerned that when we break apart legislation, some pieces fall on the floor to get swept into the dustbin of history or to be considered only years later. We should not do this to members of our society who need and deserve the same protections as all other Americans.”
I think Holt’s and Lewis’ and King’s point is spot on. We can compromise on taxes and on infrastructure funding and on health care costs. But we cannot– we must not– sell out the fundamental right to equality.
Emma Ruby-Sachs takes a more pragmatic approach in this essay, also on 365gay:
In the debate about gay marriage, a lot of attention is paid to civil unions vs. marriage and, while I agree with Jenna that creating inequalities in law – even if the two terms fundamentally stand for the same thing – creates untenable violations of the rights of LGBT people, I am a pragmatist at heart.
What this history tells us is that these little battles that have been playing out in states across the country are important. And the battles we fight everyday to have employers recognize our relationships without a government mandate are also essential.
But no government, not even Obama, will leap into equality without being forced to do so. And while I believe in activism by the courts, maybe we all have to settle for a piecemeal struggle for the rights in the marriage basket. That is what the new DOMA challenge is about.
--
I am infuriated by calls for separate but equal and am frustrated by the inaction of the current administration. But that part of me that understands politics and history recognizes that rights may have to be won one by one before real equality can be achieved.
Should our society settle for gathering up crumbs a little at a time to eventually have enough to make a cake, or should their be a principled, uncomromising push for the entire cake of full equality.
We all need to look at what is in our hearts and answer one simple question--what is the right thing to do--and proceed accordingly.
In my heart, compromise is NOT the right thing to do.
We live in a country founded on the tenet that all men are equal. Period. If we decide that we should push for civil unions, if we decide that’s the responsible battle to fight because it might be easier or faster or might not ruffle as many feathers, than we need to be willing to decide that we’re ok with compromising that founding ideal.
I don’t know about you, but I’m certainly not there yet.
The idea that there is a trade-off for any rights movement– between principle and compromise, revolution and assimilation, absolutism or gradualism, belief and strategy– is what forces this debate, but I think the answer is easy.
During the debate on ENDA last summer, Congressman Rush Holt gave a floor speech in which he quoted Congressman John Lewis quoting Martin Luther King:
“Mr. Speaker, our distinguished colleague John Lewis often reminds us of the words of Dr. King, “The time is always right to do the right thing.” Dr. King warned us against the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. I am concerned that when we break apart legislation, some pieces fall on the floor to get swept into the dustbin of history or to be considered only years later. We should not do this to members of our society who need and deserve the same protections as all other Americans.”
I think Holt’s and Lewis’ and King’s point is spot on. We can compromise on taxes and on infrastructure funding and on health care costs. But we cannot– we must not– sell out the fundamental right to equality.
Emma Ruby-Sachs takes a more pragmatic approach in this essay, also on 365gay:
In the debate about gay marriage, a lot of attention is paid to civil unions vs. marriage and, while I agree with Jenna that creating inequalities in law – even if the two terms fundamentally stand for the same thing – creates untenable violations of the rights of LGBT people, I am a pragmatist at heart.
What this history tells us is that these little battles that have been playing out in states across the country are important. And the battles we fight everyday to have employers recognize our relationships without a government mandate are also essential.
But no government, not even Obama, will leap into equality without being forced to do so. And while I believe in activism by the courts, maybe we all have to settle for a piecemeal struggle for the rights in the marriage basket. That is what the new DOMA challenge is about.
--
I am infuriated by calls for separate but equal and am frustrated by the inaction of the current administration. But that part of me that understands politics and history recognizes that rights may have to be won one by one before real equality can be achieved.
Should our society settle for gathering up crumbs a little at a time to eventually have enough to make a cake, or should their be a principled, uncomromising push for the entire cake of full equality.
We all need to look at what is in our hearts and answer one simple question--what is the right thing to do--and proceed accordingly.
In my heart, compromise is NOT the right thing to do.
March 15, 2009
Welcome to Sunday Worship 3/15/09
If you don't have a welcoming church near you, or you just can't make yourself step into one, we're bringing worship to you. Here are links to some worship music and services from open and affirming ministries (all times eastern). I hope you are blessed and take time out of your busy schedule to enter into the Lord's day.
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
We appreicate all of the positive feedback we've received for our Sunday Worship series. If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with me.
Worship Music--sing along and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
We Want to See Jesus Lifted High
Open the Eyes of My Heart
As the Deer
Live Worship Services--all times Eastern
Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, WA 1:30 PM Eastern (also archives of pervious services)
Recent Recorded Worship Services
Rainbow Community Church of Vancouver, BC
Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
We appreicate all of the positive feedback we've received for our Sunday Worship series. If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with me.
Worship Music--sing along and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
We Want to See Jesus Lifted High
Open the Eyes of My Heart
As the Deer
Live Worship Services--all times Eastern
Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, WA 1:30 PM Eastern (also archives of pervious services)
Recent Recorded Worship Services
Rainbow Community Church of Vancouver, BC
Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Fort Lauderdale, FL
March 14, 2009
GLBT News and Political Roundup 3/14/09
In the upcoming 2010 Census, legal same-sex marriages will be treated as "unmarried partners" as stipulated by the Federal Defense of Marriage Act.
Equality California is importing some help with a good track record in it efforts to overturn Proposition 8. Marc Solomon, who develop MassEquality into a powerful advocacy force in the fight for equality in Massachussets, will be leading the effort to restore marriage equality in California.
Despite the efforts to fight AIDS in Africa, HIV is still a major problem in the United States, and this report states that the highest death rate in the counrty is in the nation's capital.
Fairness West Virginia is off to a good start in organizing a GLBT advocacy group in a state not known for its forward thinking.
The rate that we are gathering supporters is unbelievable,” said Stephen Skinner, a lawyer from the state’s Eastern Panhandle.
“ And they’re from all over West Virginia and I don’t know whether they are gay or lesbian or straight or the parents or the brother or the sister, but they’re there. And they’re ready to be heard this year,” he said.
Canadians are wondering what is the big deal about same-sex marriage south of their border.
Although anti-gay factions in the U.S. charge that marriage equality would present a long list of dangers to religious freedom, families, and civilization itself, Canada has proven that with sensible and equitable laws in place, everyone’s rights can remain intact.
Such was the gist of a Mar. 11 Vancouver Sun article titled, "Note to Americans: Canada resolved the contentious issue four years ago and the sky did not fall.
"The article noted, "With almost four years having passed since we resolved the same-sex marriage question, it’s hard to remember there was controversy in the first place."
Out Maryland State Senator Richard Madaleno (who represents my district and is one of my favorite politicians) has an op-ed in the Washington Blade making his case for trans rights in our state:
The Washington Area Transgender Needs Assessment survey estimates that 42 percent of transgender people in the D.C. Metro Area are unemployed, 31 percent have incomes of less than $10,000 per year and 19 percent do not have their own living space. These statistics mirror statistics from around the country that have found similar alarming rates of discrimination for transgender persons.
FORTUNATELY, MORE THAN 100 jurisdictions across the country have gender identity anti-discrimination laws, including 13 states and Washington, D.C. In Maryland, Montgomery County last year joined Baltimore City in enacting such a law, and Gov. O’Malley signed an executive order banning such discrimination in state personnel practices. Now, I am sponsoring legislation with my colleague from Prince George’s County, Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk, to outlaw discrimination on the basis of gender identity in housing, employment, credit and public accommodations statewide.
Equality California is importing some help with a good track record in it efforts to overturn Proposition 8. Marc Solomon, who develop MassEquality into a powerful advocacy force in the fight for equality in Massachussets, will be leading the effort to restore marriage equality in California.
Despite the efforts to fight AIDS in Africa, HIV is still a major problem in the United States, and this report states that the highest death rate in the counrty is in the nation's capital.
Fairness West Virginia is off to a good start in organizing a GLBT advocacy group in a state not known for its forward thinking.
The rate that we are gathering supporters is unbelievable,” said Stephen Skinner, a lawyer from the state’s Eastern Panhandle.
“ And they’re from all over West Virginia and I don’t know whether they are gay or lesbian or straight or the parents or the brother or the sister, but they’re there. And they’re ready to be heard this year,” he said.
Canadians are wondering what is the big deal about same-sex marriage south of their border.
Although anti-gay factions in the U.S. charge that marriage equality would present a long list of dangers to religious freedom, families, and civilization itself, Canada has proven that with sensible and equitable laws in place, everyone’s rights can remain intact.
Such was the gist of a Mar. 11 Vancouver Sun article titled, "Note to Americans: Canada resolved the contentious issue four years ago and the sky did not fall.
"The article noted, "With almost four years having passed since we resolved the same-sex marriage question, it’s hard to remember there was controversy in the first place."
Out Maryland State Senator Richard Madaleno (who represents my district and is one of my favorite politicians) has an op-ed in the Washington Blade making his case for trans rights in our state:
The Washington Area Transgender Needs Assessment survey estimates that 42 percent of transgender people in the D.C. Metro Area are unemployed, 31 percent have incomes of less than $10,000 per year and 19 percent do not have their own living space. These statistics mirror statistics from around the country that have found similar alarming rates of discrimination for transgender persons.
FORTUNATELY, MORE THAN 100 jurisdictions across the country have gender identity anti-discrimination laws, including 13 states and Washington, D.C. In Maryland, Montgomery County last year joined Baltimore City in enacting such a law, and Gov. O’Malley signed an executive order banning such discrimination in state personnel practices. Now, I am sponsoring legislation with my colleague from Prince George’s County, Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk, to outlaw discrimination on the basis of gender identity in housing, employment, credit and public accommodations statewide.
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