EQUALITY TEXAS GIVES PRIDE FESTIVAL TO AUSTIN COMMUNITY by: Equality Texas, OIA Newswire
Equality Texas redirects its focus to statewide advocacy; Austin-area Pride Coalition will move forward with production of local Pride events
Austin, TX (August 26, 2008) – After thirteen (13) years of producing Austin’s gay pride festival, Equality Texas is turning over production of the annual event to the Austin-area community. “Pride Texas” has grown consistently over the past decade, moving from Fiesta Gardens to Waterloo Park and then to Auditorium Shores in June, 2008. Austin’s pride festival has become the largest in Texas, with over 150 vendors.
In February 2008, Equality Texas began a member-driven strategic planning process to set the goals and objectives of the organization for the next five years. That planning process is nearing completion, with formal adoption of the five-year strategic plan set for September 20th. “We are honored to have produced Pride events in Austin for the past 13 years,” said Paul Scott, executive director of Equality Texas. “However, our constituents are directing us to focus on our primary mission: statewide advocacy and lobbying to eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. Our energies must remain focused on our broader effort to achieve equality for all Texans,” Scott said.
Equality Texas made its announcement on August 25, 2008, at a gathering of community stakeholders. “As a member of, and advocate for, Austin’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied community, we want to facilitate and enable those interested in continuing the tradition of Austin’s pride festival,” Scott said. Invitees included representatives from the City of Austin, AIDS Services of Austin, and members of the Pride Coalition: allgo, Atticus Circle, Austin Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Human Rights Campaign, OutYouth, and Transgender Advocates of Central Texas. “The Pride Coalition organizations and leaders will decide how to best move forward with Austin’s pride events,” Scott concluded.
Equality Texas works toward the elimination of social, legal, and economic discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression through lobbying, education, and research directed toward the Texas Legislature and other state governmental agencies. More information about our work is available at www.EqualityTexas.org
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HRC STATEMENT ON SELECTION OF SENATOR JOE BIDEN AS DEMOCRATIC VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 23, 2008 Brad Luna | Phone: 202/216.1514 | Cell: 202/812.8140 Trevor Thomas | Phone: 202/216.1547 | Cell: 202/250.9758 Human Rights Campaign Statement on Selection of Senator Joe Biden as Democratic Vice Presidential Candidate HRC President Hails Biden as “A Proven and Effective Advocate for Fairness and Equality” WASHINGTON – Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, hailed the presumptive Democratic nominee, Senator Barack Obama’s selection of Senator Joe Biden as his Vice Presidential running mate. During his career in Congress, Senator Biden has a proven record of fighting for and supporting issues of fairness and equality. “In selecting Senator Joe Biden as his running mate, Senator Obama has chosen a proven and effective advocate for fairness and equality that our entire community can be proud of,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Senator Biden’s record in the United States Senate is one of support and understanding that has been unwavering throughout his career.” Recently, Senator Biden, as Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, played an instrumental role in securing the passage of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), legislation which included Senator John Kerry and Senator Gordon Smith’s provision repealing the discriminatory HIV travel and immigration ban. His working across the aisle guaranteed that the Kerry-Smith provision was adopted. Furthermore, when opponents of the provision attempted to garner support to strip the provision from the bill, Senator Biden fought to keep the provision in the bill and helped secure the votes for PEPFAR'S final passage. “We only need to look back to the recent passage of the repeal of the HIV travel and immigration ban to see the type of leadership we can expect from Senator Biden on the issues important to our community,” continued Solmonese. “It was because of his determination and tenacity that we were able to see this relic of discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS torn down.” “If the support Senator Biden has proven on our issues is any indication of the type of Vice President he will be than our community can be assured that Senator Obama has chosen a thoughtful and staunch advocate for equality as his closest adviser,” concluded Solmonese. The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. - 30 -
Highlights of Senator Joe Biden’s Record of Support for the GLBT Community > Full Story. [8/23/08]
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION GUIDE ADVISES EMPLOYERS ON BENEFITS FOR SAME-SEX SPOUSES "Marriage for Same-Sex Couples: Considerations for Employers" Aims to Assist Fair-Minded Employers in Providing Equal Benefits to Workers > Full Story. [8/19/08]
HRC STATEMENT ON DNC NATIONAL PLATFORM Human Rights Campaign Statement on DNC National Platform HRC testified before Drafting Committee on GLBT issues
WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, issued the following statement today on the release of the Democratic National Committee’s National Platform as prepared by the National Platform Committee. On August 1, Legislative Director Allison Herwitt testified in Cleveland, Ohio at the National Platform Drafting Committee meeting. To read her testimony, visit: http://www.hrcbackstory.org/2008/08/hrc-legislative.html.
Statement by Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese:
“This year’s Democratic Party Platform does more to address policy issues important to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community than ever before. The 2008 Platform reiterates and strengthens past support for legislation that would protect our community, including calls for the passage of hate crimes and comprehensive employment discrimination legislation, and the repeal of the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in our nation's military. It is historic and important to note that for the first time this year, the platform pledges to fight discrimination based on gender identity. The platform also supports the full inclusion of same-sex couples and their families, with equal rights, benefits and responsibilities. For the first time, the platform opposes the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act, which bars federal recognition of even those same-sex couples legally married under state law. The platform also supports other issues of importance for GLBT, and all Americans, including a call for a national strategy to combat HIV/AIDS, support for fair and impartial judges not driven by ideology, and requirements that faith-based programs not use federal dollars to discriminate.
The platform addresses many of our community’s critical issues, however it does not explicitly use the words gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender. While this has prompted much discussion, it is our responsibility as a community in this election year to compare this document with the soon-to-be-adopted Republican platform and to judge which party would best advocate for us. Additionally, we challenge the Republican Party to, for the first time, adopt equally supportive language.
HRC applauds the efforts of GLBT members of the Drafting and full Platform Committees, including Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Diego Sanchez, the first-ever transgender member of the Platform Committee and a member of HRC's Business Council and Boston Steering Committee. Their presence is further testimony to the commitment of the Democratic Party to our community.”
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
-30-If you would rather not receive future email messages from Human Rights Campaign, let us know by clicking here.Human Rights Campaign, 1640 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036 United States > Full Story. [8/11/08]
PERSONAL FINANCE EXPERT SUZE ORMAN TO BE HONORED AT HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN NATIONAL DINNER Best-selling Author and Personal Finance Expert Suze Orman to be Honored at Human Rights Campaign National Gala Dinner Orman is recipient of 2008 National Equality Award > Full Story. [8/6/08]
PATTERN OF SEVERE ANTI-LGBT VIOLENCE NATIONWIDE New York –the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) reports a recent rash of at least 13 brutal and violent hate crimes that have occurred throughout the country on the heels of the murder of 15 year-old Lawrence King in Los Angeles and the brutal beating of Duanna Johnson, both in February of 2008. NCAVP reports that these hate crimes may indicate a frightening trend of increases in both the number and severity of anti-LGBT violence. NCAVP continues to be humbled by the strength and the dignity of these victims and survivors, and their loved ones. > Full Story. [8/5/08]
HRC APPLAUDS MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNOR FOR REPEALING 1913 LAW Human Rights Campaign Applauds Massachusetts Governor for Repealing 1913 Law Same-sex couples from any state now able to marry in Massachusetts
WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, applauded today Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick for signing legislation into law to repeal a 1913 law that prevented many out-of-state same-sex couples from marrying in Massachusetts. On Tuesday, the Massachusetts House of Representatives voted 118-35 to repeal the 1913 law that prevented many out-of-state same-sex couples from marrying in Massachusetts. Earlier this month, the State Senate also voted to repeal the 1913 law. Same-sex couples from any state will now be able to marry in Massachusetts, although their marriage may not be recognized by their home state.
“We applaud Governor Patrick and the state legislature, MassEquality, and GLAD for repealing this antiquated and discriminatory law,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Recognizing that the fundamental right to marry knows no borders, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has indicated that it will not bar gay and lesbian couples from marrying there just because their home states have discriminatory marriage laws.”
Massachusetts has recognized marriage equality under state law since the landmark Goodridge v. Dept. of Public Health decision in 2003, and gay and lesbian couples have been marrying in the Commonwealth since 2004. However, in 2004, then-Gov. Mitt Romney, an opponent of marriage equality, relied on a nearly century old law to prohibit many same-sex couples from outside Massachusetts from marrying. The so-called 1913 law, named for the year it was enacted, prohibits out-of-state couples from marrying in Massachusetts if their marriage would not be legally recognized in their home state. The law, which was not applied for decades before Gov. Romney enforced it, appears to have been passed in order to prohibit interracial marriages not recognized in many states at the time. Its application has prevented gay and lesbian couples from nearly every state other than New Mexico, Rhode Island, and, most recently, California, from marrying in the Bay State. New Mexico and Rhode Island do not have explicit prohibitions against marriage by same-sex couples, and California recently began recognizing marriage equality.
In June 2007, the Massachusetts legislature voted 151-45 to defeat a proposed constitutional amendment that would have rolled back marriage equality, the proposed amendment would have appeared on this November’s ballot if it gained support from 50 legislators.
The so-called Defense of Marriage Act, passed in 1996, prevents married gay and lesbian couples from receiving any rights or benefits under federal law. Additionally, in Delaware and Wisconsin, same-sex couples who marry could be subject to criminal penalties.
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. > Full Story. [7/31/08]
POWERHOUSE LINEUP OF SPEAKERS TO ADDRESS THE STATE OF THE FAITH MOVEMENT AND THE INCLUSION OF LGBT PEOPLE Pro-LGBT Christians will converge in New Orleans, Sept. 4–7, for Many Stories, One Voice conference > Full Story. [7/31/08]
NGLCC WELCOMES TOP LAW FIRM TO LGBT SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PROGRAM New York, NY (July 30, 2008) - Today the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and NGLCCNY announced the addition of Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal, LLP, a prestigious national law firm with major operations in thirteen U.S. cities including Chicago, New York, and Washington, DC. Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal, LLP, had joined the organizations in an effort to attract more diversity to the firm's supply chain, specifically by adding LGBT-owned companies to the mix. "Sonnenschein, Nath & Rosenthal are leading the way for major firms that are not just talking the talk, but walking the walk on diversity and inclusion," said Justin G. Nelson, NGLCC co-founder and president. > Full Story. [7/30/08]
THE PRESIDENT€™S EMERGENCY PLAN FOR A IDS RELIEF (PEPFAR) RENEWED The President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Renewed > Full Story. [7/30/08]
HRC APPLAUDS MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE FOR VOTING TO REPEAL 1913 LAW WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, applauded today the Massachusetts House of Representatives for voting 118-35 to repeal a 1913 law that prevented many out-of-state same-sex couples from marrying in Massachusetts. Earlier this month, the State Senate also voted to repeal the 1913 law. The legislation now moves to Gov. Deval Patrick, who is expected to ok the repeal. Once the 1913 law is repealed, same-sex couples from any state will be able to marry in Massachusetts, although their marriage may not be recognized by their home state, and in at least two states, Delaware and Wisconsin, same-sex couples who marry could be subject to criminal penalties.
“We congratulate Senate President Therese Murray, House Speaker Sal DiMasi, Sen. Dianne Wilkerson, other members of the legislature, MassEquality, and GLAD for this latest step forward toward full equality,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “We also thank Gov. Deval Patrick for his leadership in supporting the repeal of this antiquated and discriminatory law. This is an important step toward making clear that marriage equality for committed gay and lesbian couples means full equality under the law.”
Massachusetts has recognized marriage equality under state law since the landmark Goodridge v. Dept. of Public Health decision in 2003, and gay and lesbian couples have been marrying in the Commonwealth since 2004. However, in 2004, then-Gov. Mitt Romney, an opponent of marriage equality, relied on a nearly century old law to prohibit many same-sex couples from outside Massachusetts from marrying. The so-called 1913 law, named for the year it was enacted, prohibits out-of-state couples from marrying in Massachusetts if their marriage would not be legally recognized in their home state. The law, which was not applied for decades before Gov. Romney enforced it, appears to have been passed in order to prohibit interracial marriages not recognized in many states at the time. Its application has prevented gay and lesbian couples from nearly every state other than New Mexico, Rhode Island, and, most recently, California, from marrying in the Bay State. New Mexico and Rhode Island do not have explicit prohibitions against marriage by same-sex couples, and California recently began recognizing marriage equality.
“This is a true victory for equality. In repealing this law we’ve sent the message loud and clear that in Massachusetts, we respect and honor all families. We’ve ridded our state laws of the last vestige of discrimination against same-sex couples, and we once again lead the way for equality for all people,” said MassEquality Executive Director Marc Solomon.
In June 2007, the Massachusetts legislature voted 151-45 to defeat a proposed constitutional amendment that would have rolled back marriage equality, the proposed amendment would have appeared on this November’s ballot if it gained support from 50 legislators.
The so-called Defense of Marriage Act, passed in 1996, prevents married gay and lesbian couples from receiving any rights or benefits under federal law.
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
-30-If you would rather not receive future email messages from Human Rights Campaign, let us know by clicking here.Human Rights Campaign, 1640 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036 United States > Full Story. [7/29/08]
BUDAPEST PRIDE AND TEXAS ISPS If you read the news with sadness of the violence the LGBT community faced in Hungary this year at the Budapest Pride Parade, you might be interested in knowing that the violence which occurred was organized through a website ran by the ultra-right wing Hungarian Nazi Party, www.kuruc.info. It's content called for violent visits of the LGBT community and had a countdown of the hours until the Budapest LGBT Pride Parade. > Full Story. [7/28/08]
HRC RESPONDS, OFFERS ASSISTANCE TO KNOXVILLE CHURCH Human Rights Campaign Responds, Offers Assistance to Knoxville Church HRC Foundation to send Religion & Faith Director Harry Knox to Tennessee
WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, issued the following statement today on the tragedy at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. According to authorities, a man walked into the Knoxville area church on Sunday shooting and killing two adults and wounding seven others before being overpowered by congregants. The HRC Religion & Faith team placed calls to Unitarian Universalist Association officials this morning to offer our condolences and support. A vigil is scheduled for tonight at 7 p.m. Religion & Faith Director Harry Knox will be in attendance and is offering assistance as needed.
Statement from HRC Religion & Faith Director Harry Knox:
“Our hearts go out to the victims of the terrible shooting yesterday at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville, TN. We know that these types of acts have terrorizing effects on whole communities and we share the grief felt by the families of the victims, Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, and the whole Knoxville community.
Unitarian Universalist churches have been spiritual leaders for all of us. They have offered sanctuary for LGBT people when most other denominations wouldn't and have provided space for those shunned and marginalized by the larger culture. As we pray for the Knoxville Unitarian Universalist community, we also pray for the entire Unitarian Universalist Association as they grieve this senseless tragedy to one of their finest congregations.”
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. > Full Story. [7/28/08]
TASK FORCE EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY COURT DECISION National Gay and Lesbian Task Force expresses disappointment in Montgomery County Circuit Court decision allowing efforts to repeal transgender rights law to move forward > Full Story. [7/24/08]
CONGRESS DEBATES 'DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL' [VIDEO] Congress Debates 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Associated Press Jul. 23, 2008. 03:44 PM EST > Full Story. [7/24/08]
NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE ACTION FUND CALLS FOR END TO DISCRIMINATORY ‘DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL’ POLICY WASHINGTON, July 23 - The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for holding the first hearing since 1993 on the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, which prohibits lesbian, gay and bisexual people from serving openly in the military. In addition to submitting written testimony, the Action Fund worked closely with Servicemembers Legal Defense Network and other colleague organizations to prepare witnesses and members of the committee for the hearing. > Full Story. [7/23/08]
RIP - ESTELLE GETTY Sad sad news. > Full Story. [7/22/08]
LAMBDA LEGAL FILES FEDERAL LAWSUIT AGAINST GEORGIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY OFFICIALS FOR FIRING TRANSGENDER WOMAN (Atlanta, Georgia, July 22, 2008) - Today Lambda Legal announced a federal lawsuit against Georgia General Assembly officials on behalf of Vandy Beth Glenn, a transgender woman who was fired from her job as a Legislative Editor after she stated her intention to live as a woman in accordance with her health care providers' recommendations. > Full Story. [7/22/08]
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES MCCAIN, OBAMA TO ATTEND FORUM AT SADDLEBACK CHURCH
Presumptive presidential nominees Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Barack Obama (D-Ill.) have agreed to attend a forum at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., on Aug. 16, the New York Times reports. According to the Times, the candidates will appear together for the first time since presidential campaign efforts began. The Rev. Rick Warren, who called the candidates personally to invite them to the forum, said that the event will focus on how they make decisions and on some of Warren's main focus areas, such as HIV/AIDS, poverty and the environment (Rutenberg, New York Times, 7/21).
Warren said that at the request of McCain and Obama, the forum will be held in a nondebate format and open to all media, although only Warren will ask questions. The candidates will appear briefly together before each one takes questions from Warren for an hour, according to the AP/Contra Costa Times. "While I know both men as friends, and they recognize I will be frank, but fair, they also know I will be raising questions in ... four areas beyond what political reporters typically ask," Warren said, adding, "This includes pressing issues that are bridging divides in our nation, such as poverty, HIV/AIDS, climate and human rights" (AP/Contra Costa Times, 7/21). According to Warren, he will develop his questions with feedback from the Muslim, Jewish and Christian leaders associated with the group (New York Times, 7/21).
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – July 22, 2008 – The AccuWeather.com Hurricane Center reports Tropical Storm Dolly is nearing hurricane strength as it moves through the western Gulf of Mexico toward landfall early on Wednesday near the Texas - Mexico border. The gathering storm has raised concerns in the oil and agriculture industries.
The AccuWeather.com Hurricane Center reports Tropical Storm Dolly is expected to reach hurricane strength today as it moves over the warm water of the Gulf of Mexico. There is a strong possibility it could reach Category 2 strength, with winds of 100 mph, before making landfall early on Wednesday near the mouth of the Rio Grande River.
Oil Production Impacts
The storm is not expected to have a major impact on oil and natural gas operations in the Gulf; however, several oil companies have begun to evacuate some rigs and platforms.
Exxon Mobil spokeswoman Margaret Ross tells AccuWeather.com nonessential personnel have been evacuated from company facilities expected to be in the path of the storm. She adds there has been minimal impact on production.
Royal Dutch Shell on Sunday and Monday evacuated about 185 people from its operations in the western part of the Gulf. Meanwhile, the U.S. Minerals Management Service has activated its Continuity of Operations Plan team to monitor activities in the Gulf until operations return to normal and the storm is no longer a threat.
Landfall Concerns
The strength of the storm by landfall will depend on its forward speed. On Monday, Dolly entered the Gulf at around 18 mph. Today, it has slowed to near 12 mph as it moves west-northwest across the Gulf.
“We are concerned that Dolly has the potential to cause damaging winds and life-threatening, widespread flooding across South Texas and northern Mexico. Rainfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches are likely across the region with locally heavier amounts possible,” said AccuWeather.com Expert Senior Meteorologists Alex Sosnowski and Ken Clark.
The Mexican government has issued a hurricane warning from the U.S. border to Rio San Fernando and a tropical storm warning and hurricane watch from Rio San Fernando to the U.S. border, while a tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch are in effect south of Rio San Fernando to La Pesca. Anyone along the Gulf Coast, especially in the areas under hurricane warnings, should take immediate steps to protect life and property.
Hurricane-force winds will pound the coast of South Texas, while tropical storm-force winds will extend into the mid to upper Rio Grande Valley. In addition, a coastal storm surge of 4 to 7 feet above normal tide levels can be expected, with the strongest surf striking the coast to the north of the eye.
Rio Grande Ag Impacts
Five to 10 inches of rain and locally higher amounts forecast for South Texas and northern Mexico could spark dangerous flash flooding that could threaten lives and property. The rain could have a major impact on agriculture in the Rio Grande Valley, the center of citrus production and the most important area of vegetable production in Texas, producing cotton, sugarcane, maize and a variety of sorghums. > Full Story. [7/22/08]
NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE NOW ACCEPTING SESSION PROPOSALS FOR WASHINGTON, July 16 - The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is now accepting session proposals for The 21st National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change. > Full Story. [7/17/08]
ANOTHER MISGUIDED EFFORT BY RIGHT-WING TO FOMENT ANTI-GAY SENTIMENT DURING PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN Washington -- Tomorrow, leaders of the anti-gay right wing will gather at the Family Research Council to discuss the results of their latest poll on the political impact of anti-gay amendments on the November ballot. This is clearly another effort by right-wing to force Republican presidential nominee John McCain into using gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues as a divisive wedge during the presidential campaign. In reality, the FRC's efforts another symbol of its movement's weakness in 2008 according to the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest GLBT civil rights group.
"Pollsters for John Kerry and George Bush, Mark Mellman and Matthew Dowd, have disavowed the idea that anti-gay voters were a factor in the 2004 election. Knowing that, candidates and voters should be skeptical of a Family Research Council-commissioned poll indicating that they are more likely to support a candidate who supports statewide amendments to ban marriage for gay and lesbian couples," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "The FRC poll is another attempt to browbeat John McCain into becoming more anti-gay."
Voters in California, Arizona and Florida will consider ballot measures to enshrine discrimination in their states' constitutions. Arizona voters defeated a similar initiative in 2006. In California, Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has announced his opposition to the efforts to reverse marriage equality. California made legal marriages for gay and lesbian couples in May and began conducting marriages in June. In Florida, Governor Charlie Crist has been on both sides of the issue. He opposed spending state GOP funds on the effort to place the amendment on the ballot.
Even GOP nominee, John McCain twice voted against a federal marriage amendment, which had the very strong support of the FRC and its allies. Those votes have created a conundrum for the anti-gay organizations, hence their efforts to re-ignite the issue with a poll.
"Efforts to use GLBT equality as a way to win votes are stale in today's political environment," continued Solmonese. "A recent Field Poll shows that a majority of Californians support marriage equality. The FRC thinks that anti-gay voters are McCain's best hope to win his home state of Arizona, but Arizona voters have already rejected this tactic at the polls.That just smacks of desperation. Our nation was built on the ideals of fairness, opportunity, and equality under the law. Pathetic attempts to claim otherwise are a disgrace. Besides, the right wing's tired tactics are unlikely to sway voters feeling the pressure of a strained economy and exhausted by five years of a no-end-in-sight Iraq War."
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. > Full Story. [7/10/08]
BERTHA TO SPARE OIL RIGS
Bertha to Spare Oil Rigs
First Hurricane of Season Not Concern for Gulf Interests
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - July 8, 2008 - AccuWeather.com Chief Hurricane Forecaster Joe Bastardi reports “Hurricane Bertha will not be a threat for the Gulf area.”
As the nation’s rising oil prices impact millions of families at the pump, it is welcome news that Bertha will not enter the Gulf of Mexico and will not impact energy producing interests in the Gulf.
“The biggest news is that it is not a Gulf problem,” Bastardi says of the first hurricane of the 2008 Atlantic Basin season. “My gut feeling is that, should it miss the connection with the trough to the north, a move close to the coast the middle part of next week is possible, most likely south of Hatteras, but not into the Gulf.”
According to Bastardi, the disturbed weather in the western Gulf is not likely to organize now that a new Pacific system is developing on the other side of Mexico. The active pattern is liable to produce another African wave that may be on a track that would be of concern for the Gulf by next week at this time, some 5 degrees south of where Bertha is now.
Storms moving across North America this week could influence Bertha’s path. AccuWeather.com meteorologists note Bertha could become virtually stationary by the weekend. All interests along the Southeast coast and anyone planning vacations to beach resorts in the Southeast should monitor the AccuWeather.com Hurricane Center for updates on Bertha's progression over the next week to 10 days
MICHELLE OBAMA PRAISED FOR CONNECTING HISTORICAL DOTS OF DISCRIMINATION Faith In America today praised Michelle Obama for connecting the historical dots of discrimination and prejudice for Americans in a speech yesterday in New York. > Full Story. [6/30/08]
LONG PATH TO THE ALTAR FOR GAY COUPLES IN CALIF. [VIDEO] Long Path to the Altar for Gay Couples in Calif. Associated Press • Jun. 16, 2008. 08:23 AM EST
California today becomes only the second state in the nation after Massachusetts to allow gays to get married. Last month's ruling by the state Supreme Court kicks in at 5:01 p.m. Pacific time. (June 16) > Full Story. [6/16/08]
GEORGE MICHAEL: A NEW ALBUM AND MAKES AMERICAN ACTING DEBUT
New York, NY (March 24, 2008) – After performing 80 shows in 12 European countries for a staggering 1.3 million fans over the past year alone, legendary superstar George Michael will be bringing his smash 25 LIVE tour to North American Arenas in the summer of 2008 in support of his new retrospective record. This will be Michael's first North American tour in 17 years. The new record, titled Twenty-Five, will be released April 1st and is a 29-song, 2-CD set featuring six new songs (including duets with superstars Paul McCartney and Mary J. Blige and a song from the Eli Stone finale, “Feeling Good”) in addition to many of Michael's iconic songs from both his solo and WHAM! career. In addition, a companion 2-disc DVD of 40 videos will also be made available.
The 25 LIVE tour broke several ticket sales records, most notably in Copenhagen. Michael's concert at The Parken Stadium sold over 50,000 tickets in the matter of minutes, shattering the previous ticket sales record at the venue, formerly held by U2. On the 25 LIVE tour, Michael left both fans and critics alike in awe:
"It was a master class in pop genius." - The Observer
"George proved he is simply one of the best vocalists this country has ever produced. A stunning performance." - The Sun
"Worth waiting for. The show was, in every single meaning of the word, perfect." - De Morgen
"A tremendous singer, a complete showman, all George Michael needs is a mike, his songs, and the magic on stage is instantaneous." - La Parisien
The North American leg of the 25 LIVE tour will kick off in San Diego on June 17th and will continue through San Jose, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Seattle, Vancouver, Minneapolis, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York and several other major cities. The tour will incorporate 22 shows over the course of seven weeks and Michael will perform material taken from the entire span of his career, including some classic Wham! tracks. Michael has recently teamed up with iTunes and Ticketmaster to produce an innovative media package which allows fans rare access to Michael’s videos, songs, and tickets to one of his North American 25 LIVE concerts. The package goes on sale on iTunes on March 25th. Tickets to the 25 LIVE tour will go on sale to the general public the weekend of April 6th.
George Michael has enjoyed one of the most successful and enduring careers in the history of pop music, selling more than 85 million records globally and encompassing seven US No. 1 singles, two Grammy awards, three American Music Awards, an MTV Video Music Award and two prestigious Ivor Novello awards for songwriting. His record "Faith" has sold over 20 million copies alone. In addition, Michael has garnered 11 British No. 1 singles and seven British No. 1 albums. He recently was declared the most played British artist on radio over the course of the last 20 years. On March 27th, Michael can be seen making his American acting debut on the new hit ABC series, Eli Stone, in which each episode is titled after one of his songs.
For more information about the George Michael, please visit:
CA SCHOOL SHOOTING; HATE-CRIME CHARGES HAVE BEEN FILED Local Groups for Gay Rights KCOY CBS 12 Santa Maria • Feb. 15, 2008. 03:12 AM EST > Full Story. [2/15/08]
NEWS: "CALL FOR LOVE" SUPPORTS LGBT JAMAICANS A CALL FOR LOVE: Valentine's Day 2008 by Mel Bryant
"STOP THE VIOLENCE! STOP THE HATE!" More than 30 die-hard activists, including two associates from Jamaica AIDS Services, one of whom is currently seeking asylum in the United States after threats to his life, chanted these words as they gathered at the Jamaican Consulate on Third Avenue in New York City on Valentine's Day to CALL FOR LOVE. The international action campaign, organized by Metropolitan Community Churches in response to the recent wave of mob violence directed against LGBT people in Jamaica, brought together representatives from MCC, Human Rights Watch, The Center, UNITY Fellowship, Renewed Life Ministries, Lavender and Green, Hadwen Park Congregational Church and the Peace Corps.
The Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Chair of Global Justice Ministry of Metropolitan Community Churches, recounted many of the horrific events of the past year, including the January 29th break-in to the private home of three gay men by a mob wielding clubs and machetes. "Two of those young men, doing nothing more than existing in their own home, were clubbed and macheted to the point of hospitalization," she said. "One lost an ear and may suffer paralysis from the attack. A third young man is missing and presumed dead. Only the blood trail away from the home remains."
"Enough is enough!" she called to the lunchtime crowds passing by the Consulate. "The time has come for people of goodwill around the globe to break their silence and demand that the Jamaican government and its political and social structures guarantee the safety of all Jamaicans."
Rebecca Schleiffer of Human Rights Watch recounted the horror of three gay men trapped in a pharmacy by a mob of two hundred in Montego Bay last year on Valentine's Day. "Those three young men had to place an international phone call to the Human Rights Watch," she said, "and we had to act on their behalf before the police would intervene. And even then," she continued, "those charged with protecting the lives of Jamaican citizens joined in the taunting and threatening gestures, punching one of the three in the face and stomach."
Jamaican Nathaniel Cunningham, who is seeking asylum in the United States because of death threats for his work with Jamaica AIDS Services and his courage in being out as a gay man, said, "The nightmares must end! No more sleepless nights wondering if you will be next! It's time for all Jamaicans to feel safe in their own homes and in their own country!" Cunningham led the crowd in chants calling for love to replace hate.
Speaker after speaker, including the Rev. Judith Hanlon, Pastor of the Hadwen Park Congregational Church, UCC, who had traveled to New York from Worcester, MA to participate in the demonstration, called on the Jamaican Consulate to intervene and promised to keep the pressure on until change is as evident as the violence has been. Prior to the demonstration, Rev. Bumgardner and Jamaican activist Junior Walker were politely rebuffed in their attempt to meet with the Acting Consul General, Lincoln Downer. They did, however, manage to deliver a letter calling attention to the CALL FOR LOVE campaign and promising ongoing efforts until the violence ends.
As the demonstration ended, those gathered placed flowers carrying the banner, "For the Jamaican Victims of Homophobic Hatred and Violence." As Rev. Bumgardner prepared to lead the crowd in a prayer of remembrance and promise, the Consulate's building manager came outside to say that praying on the sidewalk was not allowed. "We are going to pray now," Rev. Bumgardner responded, at which point the building manage stepped away and waited for the prayer's conclusion. A few moments later he reappeared to say that the flowers must be removed. After some negotiation, the flowers were delivered to the Consulate with their banner intact.
The Valentine's Day public actions in New York City, along with similar actions in Philadelphia, Toronto, Miami, and Washington, DC, marked the beginning of an international public awareness campaign organized by Metropolitan Community Churches.
For More Information On The New York City Action or Upcoming "Call For Love" Events, Contact: The Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Chair MCC Global Justice Team GlobalJustice@MCCchurch.net. 212-629-7440 > Full Story. [2/15/08]
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STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – July 22, 2008 – The AccuWeather.com Hurricane Center reports Tropical Storm Dolly is nearing hurricane strength as it moves through the western Gulf of Mexico toward landfall early on Wednesday near the Texas - Mexico border. The gathering storm has raised concerns in the oil and agriculture industries.
Exxon Mobil spokeswoman Margaret Ross 
New York, NY (March 24, 2008) – After performing 80 shows in 12 European countries for a staggering 1.3 million fans over the past year alone, legendary superstar George Michael will be bringing his smash 25 LIVE tour to North American Arenas in the summer of 2008 in support of his new retrospective record. This will be Michael's first North American tour in 17 years. The new record, titled Twenty-Five, will be released April 1st and is a 29-song, 2-CD set featuring six new songs (including duets with superstars Paul McCartney and Mary J. Blige and a song from the Eli Stone finale, “Feeling Good”) in addition to many of Michael's iconic songs from both his solo and WHAM! career. In addition, a companion 2-disc DVD of 40 videos will also be made available. 
