Thank Senator Schumer for Supporting GLBT Equality

Thank Senator Schumer for Supporting Marriage Equality and Calling for the Repeal of DOMA
This week New York ’s senior U.S. Senator – Charles Schumer – announced his support for marriage equality and for the full repeal of the so called “Defense of Marriage Act” (DOMA). As Vice Chair of the U.S. Senate's Democratic Conference, Senator Schumer is now the highest ranking member of the U.S. Senate to endorse marriage equality for our families.
When announcing his support, Senator Schumer said, “It’s time. Equality is something that has always been a hallmark of America and no group should be deprived of it. New York , which has always been at the forefront on issues of equality, is poised appropriately to take a lead on this issue.”

Click here to read our press release, where we thank Senator Schumer for his support for marriage equality and for the full repeal of DOMA

Click here to take action

HRC Board : ENDA Policy Statement March 25, 2009

By Kelli Anne Busey
March 25, 2009
planetransgender

HRC published a statement on March 25th regarding it's policy on a gender inclusive ENDA past and present. HRC emphatically states it will not embrace the policy of 2007 when it abondoned it's support of transgender people.

I have a problem with this statement. HRC is still attempting to rewrite history. HRC is still trying to play the innocent victim. The sexual orientation ENDA had ZERO chance of passing the Senate or be signed by the president and they knew it. The move to abandon transgender people was despicable and we will not, and can not forget.

HRC if people see you as a revisionist that adds fuel to the fears you are also an assimilationist organization. Come clean and you will win hearts.

As a co-captain of the HRC haters club I am highly sceptical of the resolve that HRC will display in the future as it faces the potty mouthed right wingdings on the national front but then.....I can not deny the recent effectiveness of our combined efforts.Go Equality Federation!

I'd say give them a shot. Who knows?

**********************

HRC Board ENDA Policy
3/25/2009

"It's the policy of HRC that the organization will only support an inclusive ENDA. In 2007 House leadership informed us that there were insufficient votes to pass an inclusive bill, so they decided to vote on a sexual orientation only bill. We made a one time exception to our policy in 2007 because we strongly believed that supporting this vote would do more to advance inclusive legislation. We will not support such a strategy again. We look forward to Congress sending President Obama a fully inclusive ENDA for his signature."

On the web at HRC.org News

Take Action for Transgender Equality in Maryland

Countdown - Take Action NOW for Trans Rights
Gender Identity Legislation Still Alive - Take Action! Legislation that would ban discrimination against transgender people in housing and employment is poised for a vote this week in committee. Please take action now to urge your legislators to vote yes on House Bill 474 and Senate Bill 566. Click here to send an email today. We truly need your support to make this proposed civil rights legislation state law.

This action alert will send a email to your legislators if you live in Maryland.

kelli's note~Equality Maryland has distinguished it's self as a true advocate for transgender causes. Please support Equality Maryland!

Support the TEXAS "Freedom from Workplace Discrimination Act"

Sign this petition End Workplace Discrimination!
Equality Texas is joining with State Representative Mike Villarreal (D-San Antonio) in his efforts to secure a public hearing for his bill, HB 538 - "The Freedom from Workplace Discrimination Act". This bill would prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
Please sign this petition in support of the bill and calling for a public hearing in the House Committee on State Affairs.
All the petitions will be delivered by Rep. Villarreal to the Honorable Burt Solomons (R-Carrollton), Chair of the House Committee on State Affairs. Our goal is to obtain 2,000 signed petitions in order to persuade Chairman Solomons to schedule a public hearing on this bill.
Please take action. YOU make equality happen.

Sign this petition

Gainesville Florida VOTES to KEEP Human Rights : WE WIN, WE WIN, WE WIN!!!

EQUALITY IS GAINESVILLE BUSINESS WINS!!!

Despite fear mongering and misinformation from opponents of transgender and gay rights the people of Gainesville Florida stood shoulder to shoulder and have spoken LOUD and CLEAR by voting 58% against amendment 1.

This landmark victory in the historically progressive city of Gainesville serves as a beacon of hope for all who will stand firm in the face of bigotry and discrimination.
People of Florida and the country rejoice in Victory!!!!

On the web

Gainesville, Fla., anti-discrimination laws kept

"GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Voters have turned down a measure that would have stripped Gainesville, Fla.'s anti-discrimination protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender residents."

"With all precincts reporting Tuesday, the vote was 58 percent against changing the law."

"A group, Citizens for Good Public Policy, had sought to replace the city's protections with the Florida Civil Rights Act."

"The act does not include anti-discrimination laws to sexual preference or gender identity."

"The winning group, Equality is Gainesville's Business, says the allegations played on the public's fears and the changes were merely an attempt to remove protections from Gainesville citizens."


Equality Is Gainesville's Business

Equality is Gainesville’s Business VOTE TODAY!

Gainesville’s March 24th election is here! Today is your final opportunity to say NO to Discrimination in Gainesville!!!

March 24, 2009
Polls are open from 7 AM – 7 PM.

Click here to find out where you should vote

Call if you need a ride to the polls: 352-433-4183

If you have problems voting, call us: 352-327-3359

Please urge your friends, family and neighbors to vote NO on Charter Amendment 1 and bring them to the polls today! Tell them why you think Charter Amendment 1 is bad for Gainesville.

Thank you to everyone who helped us reach this historic day. With your support today we will defeat Charter Amendment 1 and keep Gainesville an inclusive community, free of discrimination.

The Equality is Gainesville’s Business Team

P.S. Join us Tonight as the results come in! Equality is Gainesville’s Business will be hosting a watch party at Brophy’s Irish Pub (60 SW Second Street) in Downtown Gainesville. Please arrive at 8:00pm and join us for the big news!

Pd. Pol. Adv. Paid for by Equality Is Gainesville's Business, PO Box 40, Gainesville FL 32602