Vermont House Passes Marriage Equality Same-sex marriage bill advances
Forwarded from New Hampshire Freedom To Marry (NHFTM)
MONTPELIER — Vermont ’s House of Representatives gave preliminary approval tonight to a historic same-sex marriage bill, setting up a showdown with Gov. Jim Douglas.After nearly four hours of passionate debate from supporters and opponents of the measure, the House approved the bill by a vote of 95-52 shortly after 9 p.m. The legislation, S.115, gives same-sex couples the right to marry in Vermont .The bill will be brought up again Friday for final approval, then return to the Senate, where changes to language must be approved. Should the Senate OK those changes, the bill will head to Douglas ’ desk and a promised veto.That veto — which Douglas declared last week he would deliver — would not kill the legislation. Instead members of the House and Senate will try to override the veto by securing a two-thirds majority of support in each chamber. The Senate would need 20 votes; the House would need 100 with all members in attendance.
Send a letter to the following decision maker(s): Governor John Lynch (if you live in New Hampshire)Your State Senator (if you live in New Hampshire)
Below is the sample letter:
Subject: The time is now, support HB436
Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],
I am writing to you today regarding House Bills 436. I am writing to you to request your support for this bill and to ask how you intend to vote on this bill. Regarding HB436, I believe in granting marriage equality to gays and lesbians. I want to end discrimination and the segregation of gay/lesbian families by urging you to pass HB 436 and marriage equality. Excluding gay/lesbian couples from marriage or segregating them with separate institutions, like civil unions -- marks them and their children as less worthy than other citizens.Children of gay/lesbian couples are harmed when their families are treated as less worthy. HB436 upholds freedom of religion. This bill is about civil marriage, and leaves decisions about religious ceremonies to faith leaders.NH's motto is "Live Free or Die." I believe that most people, when called upon, will do the right thing. In this case, please do the right thing and support marriage equality. Thank you for your time, I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[your name automatically inserted]
Click Here to take action!
4/3/09
VICTORY IN IOWA : court says gay marriage ban unconstitutional
The Iowa Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the Constitutional ban on same sex marriage is unconstitutional. Polk County Attorney John Sarcone said that this ruling was not going to be contested meaning the ruling could go into effect in three weeks providing no other parties contest the decision.
The Iowa ruling could potentially have enormous effect on the pending California Supreme Court decision regarding same sex marriage. This finding took into consideration that human rights are afforded all people equally under constitutional guarantee and may not be removed by a popular vote or because a majority of the populations religious views demands it.
Iowa will become the third State to offer Gay Marriage following Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Lambda Legal has scheduled a news conference for Friday morning.
AP News release Iowa court says gay marriage ban unconstitutional
by Kelli Busey
April 03, 2009
planetransgender
4/2/09
Notre Dame Hosts Obama Despite Catholic Hierarchy Protests
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Dallas Transgender Activists and Allies
April 02 2009
Contact
kellibusey@yahoo.com
The Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies applauds Notre Dame University for exhibiting determination of free will by initiating dialogue about stem cell research and birth control.
Presently the official policy of Catholicism is not to honor or even to hold discourse with those who disagree with Church theology. The invitation to President Obama as the commencement speaker has been confirmed by Notre Dame despite loud choreographed disapproval. The Obama administration favors a mix of technology and faith when approaching birth control and the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Entire populations in Africa are being forced to adhere to abstinence only programs by government and religion and are suffering on a scale previously unknown. The Dallas Advocates and Allies condemns this practice as genocide as gay men in some African countries are refused treatment or even preventive education. President Obama's policy is not acceptable by most of Notre Dame alumni yet favored by nearly all of the graduating class.
Back ground information click here
Show Notre Dame that regardless of the difference of our beliefs we appreciate open dialogue by sending The Rev. John I. Jenkins, the university’s president a email.
Below is a sample email, feel free to copy and paste it on this link to Rev. Jenkins
Rev. John I. Jenkins, President Notre Dame University
Thank you for your resolve in extending your invitation to President Obama to be the May 17 commencement speaker. We understand that without conversation there only can be conflict and misunderstanding. You have distinguished Notre Dame as a fearless leader for Catholic progressive thinking.
Whether the President speaks directly to these controversial issues at the Commencement ceremony will not lessen our admiration.
We deeply appreciate your courage.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Above is a sample email, feel free to copy and paste it on this link to Rev. Jenkins
For Immediate Release
Dallas Transgender Activists and Allies
April 02 2009
Contact
kellibusey@yahoo.com
The Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies applauds Notre Dame University for exhibiting determination of free will by initiating dialogue about stem cell research and birth control.
Presently the official policy of Catholicism is not to honor or even to hold discourse with those who disagree with Church theology. The invitation to President Obama as the commencement speaker has been confirmed by Notre Dame despite loud choreographed disapproval. The Obama administration favors a mix of technology and faith when approaching birth control and the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Entire populations in Africa are being forced to adhere to abstinence only programs by government and religion and are suffering on a scale previously unknown. The Dallas Advocates and Allies condemns this practice as genocide as gay men in some African countries are refused treatment or even preventive education. President Obama's policy is not acceptable by most of Notre Dame alumni yet favored by nearly all of the graduating class.
Back ground information click here
Show Notre Dame that regardless of the difference of our beliefs we appreciate open dialogue by sending The Rev. John I. Jenkins, the university’s president a email.
Below is a sample email, feel free to copy and paste it on this link to Rev. Jenkins
Rev. John I. Jenkins, President Notre Dame University
Thank you for your resolve in extending your invitation to President Obama to be the May 17 commencement speaker. We understand that without conversation there only can be conflict and misunderstanding. You have distinguished Notre Dame as a fearless leader for Catholic progressive thinking.
Whether the President speaks directly to these controversial issues at the Commencement ceremony will not lessen our admiration.
We deeply appreciate your courage.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Above is a sample email, feel free to copy and paste it on this link to Rev. Jenkins
4/1/09
Dallas Texas GLBT Job Fair April 1 2009 at SMU
Bringing diversity to the workplace.
Job Expo 2009 will be April 1 (Wednesday), 2-6 p.m. at the Fincher Building, Cox School of Business (6212 Bishop Blvd.), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75205. Free parking is available for Expo attendees along Bishop Blvd. Click here for SMU campus map: the Fincher Building is #42.
Hosted by the Office of Diversity, Cox School of Business, Southern Methodist University.
Job Seekers: Whether you are looking for a better job, re-entering the workforce or you are just starting your career, GLBT Job Expo provides an opportunity to meet with employers looking to hire you.
Employers: Diversity in your business makes sense. By showing that you value and promote diversity demonstrates a commitment that goes beyond market share and employment. GLBT Job Expo provides an opportunity for you to meet and hire eligible candidates eager to make your companies shine. Click here to have your company be part of the 2009 GLBT Job Expo.
The GLBT Job Expo is part of the Center's commitment to raising awareness of how all people benefit by supporting each other and working together.
2009 GLBT Job Expo participants include:
City of Fort Worth
McKesson Corporation
Prudential
Wells Fargo
Raytheon
North Texas LEAD
Dallas County Sheriff's Department
Texas Instruments
American Airlines
University of Texas at Arlington
Southwest Airlines
Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas
Liberty National Life Insurance
OBOX Solutions
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Center for Non-Profit Management
Dallas ISD Alternative Certification
Metro PCS
HEB Central Market
Farmers Insurance
City of Dallas
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Frito-Lay
CVS Caremark
State Farm Insurance
SMU Continuing and Professional Education
posted by Kelli Busey
I'm job hunting so I'll see you there!
North Texas Presbyterians vote to ease rules on gay clergy
Posted by Thomas Squiers on "Walking With Integrity" original source By SAM HODGES / The Dallas Morning News samhodges@dallasnews.com
"In a break from the past, North Texas clergy and lay leaders of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have voted to ease the way for ordination of openly gay pastors, deacons and elders."
"Clergy and lay leaders of Grace Presbytery – the regional body covering 177 churches in North Texas and other parts of the state – voted Saturday to remove constitutional language requiring that ordained officers maintain “fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness."
”The vote was 203-182 in favor of the change, with six abstensions, said Rob Allen, spokesman for Grace Presbytery."
"The issue has come up in previous years, and Grace Presbytery has voted in favor of maintaining the barrier to ordination of gay pastors, deacons and elders."
Full Story at Dallas Morning News
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)