MN Transwoman Accepts Plea Agreement

Chrishaun “CeCe” McDonald, who was charged with felony murder in the second degree after surviving a racist, transphobic assault that left one of her attacker dead, has accepted a plea agreement to a reduced charge of manslaughter in the second degree.

McDonald will be sentenced on June 4 under Hennepin County Judge Daniel Moreno to 41 months in prison. The executed sentence will be reduced by one third, for “good time” and credit for the time McDonald has served pending this resolution.

The plea agreement comes nearly a year after McDonald was arrested, interrogated, denied adequate medical care for a laceration she suffered during the attack, and held in solitary confinement for a month for being a transgender person.

During the pre-trial proceedings, there was a world-wide call for the charges against McDonald to be dropped. Last month, supporters delivered a petition to Hennepin County Attorney Michael Freeman with over 15,000 signatures and dozens of letters of support for McDonald from organizations and prominent individuals from around the globe.

Many of those in McDonald’s corner charge Freeman with failing to exercise his professional discretion and take a stand against racism and transphobia by dropping the charges.

“With the whole world watching, Freeman’s office consistently chose not to take the opportunity to stand up against racism and transphobia,” Katie Burgess from the Trans Youth Support told reporters after the plea deal was announced. “Freeman himself said, and I quote, ‘the criminal justice system is not built for, nor is it necessarily good at, solving a lot of society’s problems.’”

Burgess went on to praise the community for rallying behind McDonald.

“Over the past 10 months I have witnessed the legal system isolating and attacking another young trans woman of color in our community, CeCe McDonald,” said Burgess. “And over the past 10 months, I have also witnessed our community say very clearly, ‘you are not alone, CeCe! And we have had enough!’”

New Directive Requires LGBT Representative for Prison Employees

In a groundbreaking move, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has announced that every federal prison in the U.S. must appoint an LGBT representative to their Affirmative Employment Program.

This new position is designed with the specific goal of educating and informing prison employees about LGBT diversity issues. Additionally, each facility must now designate one person as the LGBT Special Emphasis Program Manager, which will ensure that equal opportunity issues and concerns affecting LGBT employees are adequately addressed.

Brian Winfield, managing director of Equality Florida, spearheaded the effort along with a team of senior officials at Florida’s Coleman Federal Correctional Complex.

“I am so proud to have worked with this group of employees whose efforts impacted national policy,” Winfield said. “It is only because they believed that LGBT individuals and issues needed more visibility, and because it was the right thing to do, that employees at federal prisons now have a place at the table within the Bureau of Prisons.”

In June, Winfield and the Equality Florida team will return to Coleman at the facility’s “Lunch & Learn” event, where employees at Coleman’s four correctional facilities will learn about diverse cultural issues during their lunch hour.

BOP Director Charles E. Samuels Jr. is also “personally committed” to creating an environment where “diversity is valued, understood and embraced” at all BOP locations.

“Every BOP institution and office should provide training and foster an atmosphere that provides access to all Special Emphasis Program areas,” he said.

Missouri Lawmakers Introduce “Don’t Say Gay” Bill

Tennessee isn’t the only state in the Union that wants to ban education about sexual orientation in its schools.

According to News-Leader.com a new Missouri bill—House Bill 2015—would bar any instructional material, teaching or extracurricular activities that discuss sexual orientation, unless it is in relation to scientific instruction on human reproduction.

The measure is sponsored by Rep. Steve Cookson, R-Fairdealing, and has the backing of most House Republican leaders and more than a dozen other Republican lawmakers.

Majority Floor Leader Tim Jones, a Republican from Eureka and a bill cosponsor, told the News-Leader that the bill signifies that “certain things are appropriate to be taught in schools and certain things are appropriate to be taught at home.”

Not all Republican lawmakers are on board. Rep. Zachary Wyatt, a 27-year-old cattle farmer from the rural northern Missouri town of Novinger and former member of the U.S. Air Force publicly announced that he is gay and asked that the bill be withdrawn. Wyatt said in a public statement that the bill was his “motivation” for coming out.

"I will not lie to myself anymore about my own sexuality," Wyatt said during a news conference at the state Capitol. "I am still the same person that I was when I woke up this morning and I will be the same person when I go to bed tonight. Today I ask you to stand with me as a proud Republican, a proud veteran, and a proud gay man who wants to protect all kids, addressing bullying in our schools."

Romney Slow to Defend Former Spokesman

The Mitt Romney camp is facing criticism due to the nature of the departure of Richard Grenell, an openly gay man who was to be the presidential hopeful’s national security and foreign policy spokesman, according to BuzzFeed.com.

Grenell joined the campaign at the end of April and resigned on May 1, the day he was set to begin work.

In his resignation letter, Grenell cited “the hyper-partisan discussion of personal issues” as his reason for leaving the job.

BuzzFeed reports that almost immediately after his hire was announced, Grenell became the target of “right-wing culture” warriors like Bryan Fischer, who called his appointment, a "deliberate poke in the eye to the pro-family community."

Additionally, Matthew J. Franck, director of the William E. and Carol G. Simon Center on Religion and the Constitution at the Witherspoon Institute, called Grenell a “loose cannon” with a passion for the “gay agenda.”

Romeny did not comment throughout the “conservative uproar,” but his campaign aids told BuzzFeed that as soon as they heard last week that Grenell was thinking of quitting, the campaign aggressively tried to convince him to stay, with six separate senior staffers—including Eric Fehrnstrom—placing calls to him.

After remaining silent for three days, Romney appeared on Fox News the morning of May 4 to say that his campaign does not discriminate in its hiring practices.

“[Grenell] is a very accomplished spokesperson, and we select people not based upon their ethnicity or their sexual preference or their gender but upon their capability,” Romney said.

First PTA for Gay Students Approved in Long Island

For the first time in history, a parent teacher association (PTA) chapter will be dedicated exclusively to the needs of LGBT students. WNYC News reports that the chapter, which is officially recognized by the National PTA, will serve all of Long Island, N.Y.'s 127 schools beginning next year.

In addition to proposing curriculum changes to include information about the LGBT civil rights movement and its leaders, the new PTA chapter will work to educate teachers and administrators on the importance of faculty awareness and competency when dealing with the needs of LGBT students and their families.

Transgender Voters Disproportionately Impacted by Voter ID Laws

New voter ID laws may be problematic for nearly 25,000 transgender voters this November. According to a new study by the Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and Public Policy, a think tank at UCLA School of Law, nine states are proposing strict requirements that may create substantial barriers to voting and possible disenfranchisement for transgender people. Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin have passed strict photo ID laws and could have them in place for the November election.

Transgender voters face unique challenges to obtaining accurate government-issued identification. According to the new Williams Institute report, 41 percent of transgender citizens who have transitioned reported not having an updated driver's license and 74 percent did not have an updated U.S. passport. Moreover, 27 percent of transgender citizens who have transitioned reported that they had no identity documents or records that list their current gender.

Small Victory for Transgender Woman in Alaska

While it appears that a measure to add protections for LGBT people from discrimination in employment, housing, and access to business serving the public has been rejected by Alaskan voters, the transgender community has won a small victory.

Beginning in 2011, the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles stopped changing the sex designation on any transgender person's licenses unless they could present proof of gender reassignment surgery. On March 12, a court ruled in the case K.L. v. State of Alaska that the practice unconstitutional.

According to John Knight, staff attorney with the ACLU LGBT Project, the K.L. decision is the only in country where a U.S. court recognized a transgender person's constitutionally protected privacy interests in having the sex designation on their driver's license match their "lived gender expression of identity."

President Delays Executive Order

President Obama has decided not to issue an executive order barring federal contractors from discrimination against LGBT workers "at this time." In explaining the decision, administration officials have indicated that they are pursuing legislation, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) because they view it as a more permanent solution.

"There is a well-established record documenting employment discrimination against LGBT Americans based on their sexual orientation or gender identity," said Ian Thompson, said on behalf of the ACLU. "[We] continue to view this executive order as the single most important step President Obama could take this year to eradicate LGBT discrimination from our country's workplaces [and] it is extremely disappointing that the administration has apparently decided to delay doing so."

North Carolina Gov. Speaks Out Against Anti-LGBT Legislation

Bev Perdue, governor of North Carolina, posted a video speaking out against Amendment One, which would constitutionally ban same-sex marriage, civil unions, and domestic partnerships. In the video, Perdue says, "Whatever your personal, moral or religious views might be, writing discrimination into North Carolina's constitution is just plain wrong…. The amendment I believe is dangerous for women. There is a real risk that some laws we have on the books now to protect the victims of domestic violence may no longer apply to many women in the state."

School Lifts Ban on Pro-LGBT T-Shirt

When 16-year-old Maverick Couch of southwest Ohio wore a T-shirt to school that said "Jesus is Not a Homophobe," his principal asked him to turn it inside-out. One year later, the Waynesville High School student has been given permission to wear the shirt for one day. While he can wear the shirt on April 20, the national Day of Silence, a movement to raise awareness about the bullying of gay teenagers, the Cincinnati Enquirer is reporting that Couch has decided to sue.

"A student's First Amendment rights are not restricted to one day of the year," Christopher Clark, Couch's lawyer, told the Enquirer. "We will continue to fight until Maverick is allowed to express who he is on any day he chooses."

According to the Enquirer, school officials told Couch the shirt violated rules against clothing that is "indecent or sexual in nature." A meeting is scheduled between Couch's lawyer and the attorneys representing the Warren County school officials is scheduled for May 2.

Proposed Change to US Customs Policy Benefits LGBT Families

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is proposing to expand the definition of a family on Customs Declaration Forms to include "two adult individuals in a committed relationship…and couples in civil unions or domestic partnerships."

The current rule requires same-sex couples to go through customs separately, making them legal strangers.

Equality Florida, the largest civil rights organization in Florida dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, applauds the proposed change as a significant step forward for LGBT couples and their children.

"This is a huge step forward, one that will avoid putting U.S. citizens through the indignity of denying their families in order to return to their own country," said Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith. "We should never have to explain to our child why the person at the desk says we're not a family."

NC Could Join Southern Neighbors in Marriage Ban

North Carolina, the only Southern state without a same-sex marriage ban on the books, may be joining its neighbors. On May 8, voters will have the chance to voice their opinion on adding an amendment to the state's constitution that would limit marriage to heterosexual couples. According to an article on Boston.com, part of the reason North Carolina has remained the "vale of humility" for so long is largely due to Democratic control of the state's legislator. In 2010, for the first time in nearly 140 years, Republicans took control.

HUD Awards $33 Million to HIV/AIDS Housing Programs

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced that more than 1,200 extremely low-income people living with HIV/AIDS will continue to receive permanent housing as a result of nearly $33 million in grants. The funding is offered through HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA) and will renew HUD's support of 18 local programs in 17 states. According to HUD, the majority of the money will be distributed using a formula that determines which cities have the most need based on the number of AIDS cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Marriage Equality Scored Victory in NH

The New Hampshire House voted 211-116 to kill HB 437 on March 21, which would have repealed the gay marriage statutes. According to the UnionLeader, 119 Republicans joined with 92 Democrats to kill the bill. Even if the bill passed through the state legislature, current Gov. John Lynch—who signed the civil union bill in 2007 and the gay marriage bill in 2007—vowed to veto the repeal bill. However, 115 Republicans and one Democrat voted to keep the bill alive. The bill's prime sponsor, Rep. David Bates, R-Windham, said it is "foolish to think the issue will not be back before lawmakers, particularly if there is a change in the governor's office."

Anchorage to Vote on Anti-Discrimination Proposition

For the LGBT population in Alaska, much is at stake in the next Anchorage Municipal Election on April 3. According to the Alaska Public, the “hottest” issue on the ballot is Proposition 5, a measure that—if passed—would amend the city’s municipal code to add legal protections against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and transgender identity. The Anchorage Equal Rights Initiative would also exempt official religious organizations, but require adherence by employers and landlords renting four or more units. Protections already exist for race, color, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, age, physical disability, and mental disability.

“Don’t Say Gay” Bill Might Be Dead

Tennessee lawmakers appear to be backing away from a controversial bill that would have further restricted discussions about homosexuality before high school. The sponsors of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill agreed to put off debating the measure until the end of the legislative session, a procedural move that usually signals they do not intend to pursue it. According to an article in The Tennessean, the bill’s sponsors had been under pressure to amend the original bill, which would have banned any teaching about sexuality apart from “natural human reproduction” before eighth grade. The measure was meant to keep schools and teachers from initiating discussions about gays and lesbians, but even its backers conceded Tuesday that it might have brought unintended consequences, like establishing a sex education curriculum in grades K-8.

“LGBT Smithsonian” Grows

There is no shortage of gay history at the Stonewall National Museum & Archives of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The Sun Sentinel recently reported that the museum is thriving and expanding. With 25,000 books and videos, Stonewall is the largest circulating library of gay literature and periodicals in the country. The organization's advertising boasts that it's “the LGBT community's Smithsonian.”

It Gets Better Shifts Focus to Families with Transgender Children

The “It Gets Better” campaign has spread its message to a new population: families with transgender children. In the Life Media debuted a web-exclusive “It Gets Better” video featuring parents of transgender youth delivering a message of support for other such parents on March 19. It is the first “It Gets Better” video of its kind. According to a press release from In the Life Media, the video features parents from PFLAG’s support group for families of transgender children sharing their personal struggles to understand their child’s needs and find support for both themselves and their families.

22 Senate Democrats Back Marriage Equality in Party Platform

The call for U.S. senators to embrace marriage equality as an official part of the Democratic Party platform is gaining steam. As of March 6, The Washington Blade reported receiving written statements from the offices of 22 Democratic senators all expressing support for including a marriage equality plank in the Democratic Party platform. For a complete list of all of senators in support of a "marriage equality inclusive" platform, visit WashingtonBlade.com.

Minnesota Bullying Lawsuits Settled

A legal battle involving Anoka-Hennepin School District in Minnesota has finally come to an end, with the promise of improving the treatment of LGBT students. The basis of the suit, filed last summer on behalf of six current and former students, was the contention that the district had violated the students' constitutional right to equal protection under the law. The school board voted 5-1 to settle the case out of court. Under the terms of the settlement, the Anoka-Hennepin School District is required to:

• Take proactive measures to address the hostile environment.
• Develop procedures for parental notification while maintaining sensitivity to a student's right of privacy relating to real or perceived orientation or gender identity.
• Hire a district-level, harassment-prevention official who will help lead the district's efforts to "eliminate and prevent future instances of harassment in its education programs and activities."
• Retain the Great Lakes Equity Center to provide a comprehensive, systemic review and recommend revisions to district policies and practices related to sex and sexual-orientation related harassment.
• Fully investigate reports of harassment; escalate remedial efforts through additional measures when students are harassed on a repeated basis; and mitigate the effects of harassment that occurs.

Texas Judge Won't Perform Marriages Until She Can Marry

An openly gay Texas judge has refused to perform "opposite-sex" marriages until she is allowed to be married. In a video posted to OpposingViews.com, Judge Tonya Parker explained at a recent Stonewall Democrats of Dallas meeting that it was "oxymoronic" to perform ceremonies that she is legally barred from taking part in.

"I don't perform marriage ceremonies because we are in a state that does not have marriage equality, and until it does, I am not going to partially apply the law to one group of people that doesn't apply to another group of people," Parker said.

Texas voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2005 that defined marriage as a union solely between one man and one woman.

Coalition Challenges Ohio's Gay Marriage Ban

Efforts to repeal the 2004 gay marriage ban in Ohio are underway, according to WLWT-TV in Cincinnati. The Freedom To Marry Coalition formally started a campaign to put the issue back on the ballot by submitting 1,700 signatures to the state Legislator, but will need a total of 400,000 to get the initiative on the ballot.

Chris Seelbach, the first openly gay City Council member, thinks the timing is right to repeal the ban: "For young people as myself and the other young members of Council, it's like this is a non-issue, like, of course this is something that should happen."

Not everyone, however, is on board. Phil Burress, of Citizens for Community Values, is staunchly opposed to same-sex marriage and said that young people who support marriage equality people will change their minds once they "mature."

Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory and about a dozen other Ohio mayors support marriage equality.

DOMA Ruled Unconstitutional

After s slew of state legislators voted in favor of legalizing same sex marriage, a judge has declared the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional. The Los Angeles Times reports that on Feb. 22, U.S. District Court Judge, Jeffrey S. White of San Francisco ordered the federal government to ignore the statute and provide health benefits to the wife of a lesbian federal court employee. Prior to White's ruling, DOMA prohibited the extension of federal benefits to same-sex spouses.

In his 43-page ruling, White wrote that "tradition alone" doesn't justify legislation that targets a vulnerable social group.

Karen Golinski, an attorney for the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, sued after her wife, Amy Cunninghis, was repeatedly denied coverage in a health benefits program offered to spouses of employees. White wrote that "DOMA, as applied to Ms. Golinski, violates her right to equal protection of the law … without substantial justification or rational basis."

This ruling is the first of its kind since the Obama administration announced last year that it will no longer defend a law considered to be discriminatory and reflective of a long history of denying equal rights to gays and lesbians.

NJ Gov. to Veto Marriage Equality Bill

Both branches of the New Jersey State Legislature passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage, but the state is unlikely to become the eighth state in the country to approve it. Republican Gov. Chris Christie has vowed to veto the bill, and while Democrats control both houses of the legislature, it is unlikely that they will have the two-thirds majority needed to override the governor's veto.

According to The Star-Ledger, in 2006, New Jersey's high court ruled that same-sex couples must be guaranteed the same rights as heterosexual married couples but left it up to the legislature to write the law. The legislature approved a civil unions law for same-sex couples later that year. The Star-Ledger reports that a new lawsuit challenging New Jersey's civil union law, is pending.

DOJ Supports Benefits for LGBT Veterans' Spouses

The Department of Justice will no longer defend a federal statute that denies spousal benefits to veterans in legal same-sex marriages. On Feb. 20, Attorney General Eric Holder announced in a letter to Congress that Title 38 of the United States Code—which defines "spouse" as a person of the opposite sex and therefore precludes the Department of Veterans Affairs from recognizing the legal marriages of same-sex couples— "contains no rationale for providing veterans' benefits to opposite-sex couples of veterans but not to legally married same-sex spouses of veterans."

Earlier this month, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and co-counsel Wilmer Hale filed a lawsuit on behalf of Tracey Cooper-Harris, an Army veteran who served in both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and her wife Maggie Cooper-Harris, challenging the legality of Title 38.

"We are pleased the Department of Justice has recognized that there is no justification for this statute, which treats gay and lesbian veterans and their families as second-class citizens," said Christine P. Sun, deputy legal director for the SPLC in a press release. "This is welcome news for veterans who simply want equal treatment under the law."

Santorum Says Gays, Lesbians with Kids are Families

After an interview with Michigan's WKAR's Off the Record, Santorum was asked by reporter Kyle Melinn if gay or lesbian couples with children constitute a family. Santorum replied "Yes, of course it's a family."

When pressed further about his opinions on federal support for LGBT familial rights, he declined to answer, saying "I think I've answered that question probably more than any other candidate. The preoccupation with these questions with me can be a little trying after a while."

To see the exchange, visit: http://goo.gl/2lkPh

Gay Man Elected to Oklahoma Senate

Oklahoma has its first openly gay state senator. NewsOk reports that in a special election on Feb. 21, Democrat Al McAffrey soundly defeated his Republican opponent by 66 percent of the vote.

McAffrey, who will now represent District 46, served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2006 until 2010. According to The Dallas Voice, during his time in office, he was a leader on legislation supporting senior citizens, education issues, access to affordable health care. According to his website, the father of three has also been a "tireless advocate and supporter" of HIV/AIDS awareness.

After the victory, McAffrey sent a message to supporters via his official Facebook page.

"Tonight, the people of Senate District 46 have put their faith in me to represent them in our state legislature," he wrote. "I do not take their faith in me lightly or for granted. I am committed to fighting for the values that define our district: fairness, equality and moving Oklahoma forward."

WA Legalizes Gay Marriage, CA is One Step Closer

The fight for marriage equality has scored major victories in both Washington state and California. Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire signed into law a measure that legalizes same-sex marriage on February 13. The law takes effect June 7, but according to the Huffington Post, opponents plan to file a challenge that could put the law on hold pending the outcome of a November vote. Opponents would have until June to collect 120,557 valid signatures to place a referendum on the November 2012 ballot.

In California, Proposition 8—an amendment that would limit marriage to heterosexual couples—was ruled unconstitutional by the 9th U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals. In a 2-1 decision, the San Francisco court ruled that the bill violated basic rights to equality with no demonstrated reason.

"Proposition 8 serves no purpose, and has no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to officially reclassify their relationships and families as inferior to those of opposite-sex couples," said Judge Stephen Reinhardt in the majority opinion. "The Constitution simply does not allow for laws of this sort."

Same-sex marriage will remain illegal in California, as proponents of Prop. 8 fight the ruling. As a result, the issue will be passed on to still higher courts and eventually the U.S. Supreme Court.

VA. House Passes Bill that Could Prohibit LGBT Couples from Adopting

The House of Delegates in Virginia passed a version of a "conscious clause" bill, meaning that private adoption agencies have the right to refuse any prospective parents on religious grounds.

According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, House Bill 189—sponsored by Del. C. Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah—passed, 71-28.

"This law has one purpose, which is to protect the ability of religious groups receiving millions of dollars of taxpayer money to deny adoption and foster care placements involving gay and lesbian parents," Del. David Englin, D-Alexandria told the Times-Dispatch. "This isn't a 'conscience clause,' it's a 'state-sponsored discrimination clause.'"

However, Victoria Cobb, president of the Family Foundation of Virginia told the said the Times-Dispatch that the legislation will allow private adoption agencies to "continue doing the vital work they've been doing for decades."

Cobb also denies that the bill is aimed at barring gays and lesbians from adopting.

"Despite claims of opponents, this legislation does not change who can adopt children in Virginia," she said. "The law is already clear on that issue. This simply protects those agencies that do the bulk of the child placement work."

HealthCare.gov Now Helps Same-Sex Couples Find Insurance

LGBT couples have a new ally in the search for insurance plans that include coverage for domestic partners.

HeathCare.gov announced that the Health Plan Finder Tool has been updated so that partners, including same-sex couples, can now filter plans that offer coverage for all members of their family.

"Last year, as part of our commitment to work with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and be more responsive to the needs of these populations, we promised to improve the Health Plan Finder tool to give these individuals the ability to search for health plans that provide same-sex partner benefits." Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said in a statement to the press. "Today we have delivered on that promise."

According to a press release from HHS, a portion of the LGBT community is disproportionately uninsured, including those without access to coverage through a spouse, domestic partner, or employer. This new filter helps address that issue by linking same-sex couples to carriers that provide benefits for their partners.

"In the past, many same-sex couples have faced challenges searching for health coverage that suited their needs," said Steve Larsen, director of the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight. "This tool will eliminate the guesswork, providing an enhanced resource for exploring insurance coverage."

U.S. Defense Contractor Protects Gay Employees from Harassment

DynCorp International, one of the country's largest defense contractors, is expanding its non-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation and gender identity.

According to a press release from DynCorp, the decision was in large part due to a petition on Change.org. Tico Almeida, a civil rights attorney and founder of the organization Freedom to Work, started the petition after DynCorp announced a $150,000 settlement with a former employee who claimed that despite significant anti-gay harassment on the job—including being called homophobic slurs in front of managers—DynCorp officials did not step in to stop the abuse.

"This is a powerful victory that will help make the workplace a little more equal for all current and future LGBT DynCorp employees," Almeida said. "More than 50,000 people sent a loud and clear message to DynCorp that there is no room for anti-gay harassment or discrimination in the workplace."

While DynCorp's new policy, which is effective immediately, is a big victory for LGBT rights in the workplace, Almeida has set his sights on another, more expansive goal.

"An executive order outlawing discrimination at federal contractors on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is sitting at the White House," he said. "President Obama should take this opportunity, in the wake of DynCorp's decision, to make sure that no government contractor uses taxpayer money to fund anti-LGBT harassment or discrimination."

U.S. Mayors Join Push for Marriage Rights

More than 75 U.S. mayors have joined in a project to support marriage rights for lesbian and gay couples, a move some hope will encourage President Obama to publicly announce his support for same-sex marriage.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Annise Parker of Houston, TX, Thomas Menino of Boston, Mass., Antonio R. Villaraigosa of Los Angeles, Cal., and Marilyn Strickland of Tacoma, Wash., Michael Bloomberg of New York, NY, and Rahm Emanuel of Chicago, Ill. are a part of the effort organized by Freedom to Marry (FreedomToMarry.org).

"By joining the group, mayors hope to expand public and political support for ending the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage," the mayors' group said in a statement to the press.

Nebraskan Politicians Spar over LGBT Protections

A battle for protection of LGBT Nebraskans is brewing in City Hall and the State Capitol. At the heart of the debate is defining who can be considered members of a "protected class" under discrimination laws.

According to Omaha.com, City Councilman Ben Gray plans to place a measure to ban discrimination against homosexual and transgender people on the February 28 council agenda. A public hearing could follow March 6, with a vote as early as March 13.

Gray initially proposed a similar measure in 2010, which ultimately failed when Councilman Franklin Thompson abstained from voting. Omaha.com reports that Thompson has said he will vote this time, though he has declined to say whether he will support or oppose the proposal.

The proposal would allow gay and transgender residents who believed that they were fired over their orientation, suffered other workplace discrimination, or were refused service at a restaurant, hotel, or other place that serves the public to file a complaint with Omaha's Human Rights and Relations Department. It would also exclude all religious organizations from adhering to provisions prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Gray's efforts, however, could be a moot point. In the Legislature, State Sen. Beau McCoy introduced a bill in that would bar Nebraska cities and local governments from creating new classes of residents protected from discrimination. Legislative Bill 912 would grant such authority solely to the state. The bill is before the Judiciary Committee, but a hearing date has not been set.

Virginia Legislator to Consider LGBT Adoption Ban

Virginia legislators are poised to battle adoption discrimination for LGBT people. According to the Associated Press, Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria, introduced a bill that would prohibit Virginia from contracting with or funding agencies that discriminate against children or otherwise eligible prospective foster or adoptive parents solely on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, family status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Ebbin’s legislation comes on the heels of the removal of protections against discrimination based on personal factors by the Virginia Board of Social Services. They are set to take effect May 1.

“Adoption is a public act that goes through state courts, and no government agent should engage in discrimination,” Ebbin told the AP. He also said that he knows gay and lesbian parents and that they are some of the “best parents [he] knows.”

Sen. Jeffrey McWaters, R-Virginia Beach, and Del. Todd Gilbert , R-Woodstock, have also introduced “conscience clause” bills that would reinforce the Department of Social Services regulations and protect private, faith-based child-placement agencies.

“We just want to ensure that people can continue to abide by their religious beliefs and continue to provide services consistent with those beliefs,” Gilbert told the AP.

He went on to state that his bill “doesn't do anything but protect those with religious concerns” and argues that prospective parents have “ample opportunities to work with other organizations that have different religious concerns.”

Southern Poverty Law Center Demands End of LGBT Discrimination in Schools

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is demanding that Alabama’s Tuscaloosa County School System end its policy banning same-sex couples from attending prom and to stop censorship of speech supporting LGBT rights.

A letter sent on January 25 to Brookwood High School (BHS), the Tuscaloosa County School System superintendent, and the county’s school board warned that school officials should respect the students’ constitutional rights or face a federal lawsuit. The letter was sent on behalf of BHS student Elizabeth Garrett who was forced by a school administrator to remove her sweatshirt which bore an expression of acceptance of gay people.

“At Brookwood, like in too many Alabama schools, gay students and those perceived as gay face unfair treatment,” said Sam Wolfe, an SPLC attorney. “Too often, gay students also face serious harassment at school. No student should be singled out for unfair treatment or be denied their basic rights at school.”

The SPLC gives the school district until Feb. 1 to stop its censorship of speech supportive of LGBT people and its prohibition against same-sex couples at the prom. If the school district does not comply with those demands, the SPLC will file a federal lawsuit seeking an injunction, damages and attorneys’ fees.

Citing the First and 14th amendments, as well as recent federal court cases, the SPLC argues that baring same-sex couples from attending school functions, and students from wearing clothing expressing LGBT support, are unconstitutional acts.

The letter also stated that BHS has a “duty” to admonish students who react disruptively to Garrett’s sweatshirt or any same-sex couple at the prom.

GLSEN Reports Bullying in Schools Not Getting Better

A study released by the Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) reports that homophobia and bullying in schools is prevalent as early as kindergarten. Moreover, the majority of teachers feel unequipped to handle LGBT questions in the classroom.

The study, “Playgrounds and Prejudice: Elementary School Climate in the United States,” finds that the most common forms of biased language in elementary schools, heard regularly by both students and teachers, is use of the word “gay” as a pejorative.

Additionally, 75 precent of students reported that at school they are called names, made fun of or bullied with at least some regularity. Most commonly this is because of students' looks or body size, followed by not being good at sports, how well they do at schoolwork, not conforming to traditional gender norms/roles, or because other people think they're gay.

Other key findings from the report:

• Gender nonconforming students are less likely than other students to feel very safe at school, and are more likely than others to indicate they sometimes do not want to go to school because they feel unsafe or afraid.

• Only a third of teachers report having personally engaged in efforts to create a safe and supportive classroom environment for gender nonconforming students.

• Less than half of teachers indicate that they feel comfortable responding to questions from their students about gay, lesbian, or bisexual people. There was a lower level of comfort found among teachers responding to questions from their students about transgender people.

“Playgrounds and Prejudice: Elementary School Climate in the United States” can be found at: glsen.org/playgroundsandprejudice.

Colorado Governor: “Pass Civil Unions”

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper has declared his support of civil unions. In his State of the State address on January 12, the ColoradoIndependent.com reports that Hickenlooper called on the Legislature to pass legislation legalizing same-sex civil unions.

“As we strive to make Colorado healthier, we believe in equal rights for all regardless of race, creed, gender, or sexual orientation,” he said in the address. “We don’t believe we should legislate what happens inside a church or place of worship,” he added, “but government should treat all people equally. It’s time to pass civil unions.”

Girl Scout Calls for Cookie Boycott over Transgender Members

Upon hearing that a Colorado troop extended membership to a transgender child, a protester identified only as Taylor, decided to take action. The Daily News is reporting that Taylor—who wears Girl Scout sash—recorded an eight-minute video to argue that allowing a transgender child into the organization goes against scout values. In the video, she urges people to refuse to buy Girl Scout cookies until the organization agrees to ban transgender members.

The video was posted to HonestGirlScouts.com a group that encourages the Girl Scouts to eliminate sexual education and insist on a return to the traditional values listed in Girl Scouts of USA Congressional Charter. In it, Taylor questions the GSUSA for “breaking its own safety rules and going against its own research findings to accommodate transgender boys.”

“Unfortunately, I think it is because GSUSA cares more about promoting the desires of a small handful of people than it does my safety and the safety of my friends. And they are doing it with the money we earn for them by selling Girl Scout cookies.”

According to the article, the video has received more than 100,000 hits as of January 12, and it sparked response videos from people praising the Girl Scouts for allowing transgender kids into troops. In Colorado, one mom, Amy Thieme told 9News that she is using the video to encourage people to buy more cookies to voice their support for transgender scout, Bobby Montoya, and the Girl Scouts. When Montoya was kicked out of her troop in Louisiana, a Colorado troop welcomed her.

The Girl Scouts defended their policies of inclusion in a statement to the Daily News.

“For 100 years, Girl Scouts has prided itself on being an inclusive organization serving girls from all walks of life. We handle cases involving transgender children on a case-by-case basis, with a focus on ensuring the welfare and best interests of the child in question and the other girls in the troop as our highest priority.”

Transgender Activists Aim to Ease Birth Certificate Revisions

In New York, a group of transgendered men and women are fighting to make it easier for people to change their genders on birth certificates. The BBC reports that under current law, gender can only be amended on birth certificates if a person has undergone "convertive surgery."

Birth certificates are required to apply for public benefits, register for school, marry, and for a host of other circumstances. This has become problematic for transgender individuals who attempt to obtain government-issued identification, especially when their expressed gender does not match the one listed on the birth certificate.

Three transgender people sued the state in 2011 because of the roadblocks they encountered when they tried to obtain government-issued documents.

"Having something as simple as government recognition of our authentic gender identity goes a long way in promoting health, wellness, and safety," Masen Davis, executive director of the Transgender Law Center in San Francisco told The BBC."

Opponents of the current law argue that gender is "the contents of a person's mind and soul," not in their genitalia.

"Recognition of our gender is really a matter of basic human dignity," Davis added.

New York isn't the only state facing this problem. In 2011, the Transgender Law Center in California successfully pushed for passage of legislation ending surgery as a requirement to obtain a new birth certificate.

On a federal level, in 2010, the U.S. State Department issued new guidelines for changing gender in passports stating that "sexual reassignment surgery was no longer a prerequisite." Under the guidelines, if an applicant has "certification from an attending medical physician that the applicant has undergone appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition," they will be given a passport that reflects their new gender.

Gay Marriage is Top Priority for NJ Democrats

New Jersey Democratic legislators have vowed to make gay marriage the top priority in the new session of Congress—which started on January 10. An article on Newsmax.com reports that Senate Democrats argue that marriage equality is a civil rights issue, and that current civil union law—passed in December 2006—isn't working. The article states that the current state law is meant to give LGBT couples the same rights that straight married couples enjoy. Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver, however, says the two are not equal. "Civil unions send a message to the public that same-sex couples and their families are not equal to married couples in the eyes of the law," Oliver told Newsmax.com. "It sends a message that same-sex couples are not good enough to warrant equality. This is the same wrong message we heard from segregation laws."

In 2009, a marriage equality bill was defeated 14-20. Certain lawmakers, however, have changed their position, and Senate President Stephen Sweeney is confident he now has the votes to pass it. Sweeney, who abstained to vote in 2009, has pledged to vote in favor of the legislation. He also told Newsmax.com that both Democrat and Republican Senators have reversed their position on gay marriage. But even if a marriage equality bill passes in congress, it will likely be vetoed by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Sweeney did not indicate if he could secure enough voted to override a veto, but did say that Democratic legislators are ready and willing to do whatever it takes.

"We'll work to do what we have to do. We're going to work toward an override if necessary," he said.

Santorum Challenged on LGBT Rights

Republican Presidential candidate Rick Santorum continues to reaffirm his stance on the LGBT lifestyle. At a campaign stop in New Hampshire, he suggested to students at a private school that an imprisoned father is better than a gay dad. LGBTQNation.com reports that Santorum was questioned repeatedly about his position on gay marriage during his speech at Dublin School, which runs from 9th to 12th grade.

"Marriage is not a right," Santorum told the students. "It's a privilege that is given to society by society for a reason … We want to encourage what is the best for children." Santorum also said it was critical for children to have both a father and mother and that even an imprisoned father was preferable to a same-sex parent. Citing an anti-poverty expert, Santorum said, "Even fathers in jail who had abandoned their kids were still better than no father at all to have in their children's lives." LGBTQNation.com reports that the audience—half students and half local residents—reacted with snorts and applause.

This isn't the first time Santorum has been confronted about his beliefs. The Washington Post reports that he was "aggressively heckled" at a campaign stop in the parking lot of a Manchester, N.H. restaurant. He also sparred with college students in Durham, N.H. The Washington Post reports Santorum "shrugged off the heckles" stating, "I come from southwestern Pennsylvania. I represented a district that had more steel workers in it than any other district in America. This is nothing. This is cake. Steel workers, those are serious folks. This is no problem."

In the January 10 primary, he finished in a disappointing fourth, tying with Newt Gingrich.

Likely Victory Predicted for Marriage Equality in Washington State

The Associated Press is reporting that the Washington legislature is "on the verge of having enough support to approve gay marriage." The AP contacted all 49 senators and, through polling, discovered that more lawmakers are now firmly supporting gay marriage than opposing it. Currently at 22-18, and the measure needs just three more votes to pass the Senate. The House is expected to pass the bill. If Washington legalizes gay marriage, it will become just the seventh state to do so.

Law Seeks Protection for Religious Beliefs

Lawmakers in Tennessee are proposing legislation that would protect students who speak out against homosexuality, as long as their religious beliefs warrant it. TheDailyActivist.com reports that the new bill is "top priority" for the Family Action Council of Tennessee, an ultraconservative collective of Republicans. The group's December newsletter said that they aim "to make sure [the law] protects the religious liberty and free speech rights of students who want to express their views on homosexuality."

The Tennessee Equality Project, an LGBT advocacy group, says that the legislation "will allow students to hide their irrational biases behind an extreme religious belief." Tennessee Equality Project official Chris Sanders told TheDailyActivits.com that "this kind of legislation can send a message that it's ok to hate and we'll even give you religious sanction for it."

Chicago Cardinal Apologizes for Anti-LGBT Remarks

Chicago Cardinal Frances George apologized for likening the church's clash with the gay rights movement to the anti-Catholicism of the Ku Klux Klan. Despite the apology gay rights activists gathered in protest outside Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, Ill. on January 8.

"It is totally inadequate," Andy Thayer, co-founder of the Gay Liberation Network, said to The Chicago Tribune.

George, when asked about next summer's pride parade and whether or not it would disrupt Sunday services, had replied, "You know, you don't want the gay liberation movement to morph into something like the Ku Klux Klan, demonstrating in the streets against Catholicism."

Some, however, are satisfied with the Cardinal's apology. Joe Murray executive director of the Rainbow Sash Movement—a group of gay and lesbian Catholics who believe they should receive Holy Communion—believed George was sincere. "We asked for an apology, and we got an apology," said Murray.

Former Child Actress Comes Out

Kristy McNichol—the former child and teen star of Family and Empty Nest—revealed to People Magazine that she is a lesbian. In one of her first public statements in years, the Golden Globe and Emmy Award winning actress said her decision to open up about her private life was a matter of timing. "[I am] approaching 50, and want to be open about who I am."

McNichol also wanted to send a message to LGBT youth. Her publicist Jeff Ballard told the magazine that she is very sad about kids being bullied. "She hopes that coming out can help kids who need support," he said. "She would like to help others who feel different."

Petition Urges Broncos to Take a Stand on Bullying LGBT Youth

Despite the efforts of nearly 10,000 people, the Denver Broncos won’t be making an “It Gets Better” video anytime soon.

Broncos fan, Andy Szekeres, created a petition on Change.org to urge his team to become the first in the NFL to participate in the anti-bullying campaign.

“The Denver Broncos can do what the San Francisco Giants did earlier this year, starting a movement within their sport to stand up against bullying and homophobia,” said Szekeres in a statement on Change.org. “Given how popular the Broncos have become, and the nationwide attention being paid to the team and their starting quarterback Tim Tebow, this is a unique moment for the Denver Broncos to send a strong message to the community and to LGBT fans worldwide that bullying is wrong.”

Patrick Smyth, a spokesman for the Broncos, told the Huffington Post that while the team is “committed to tolerance, acceptance and respect for all in the community,” there are no immediate plans to participate in the It Gets Better campaign.

Instead, Smyth said that the Broncos will work in conjunction with the NFL and the USA Network on its “Characters Unite” campaign, which aims to combat prejudice and intolerance.

To sign the petition visit Change.org/petitions/denver-broncos-make-an-it-gets-better-video-2

Ed Koch Endorses Openly Gay NYC Mayoral Candidate

Ed Koch, former mayor of NYC, is endorsing Christine Quinn—an out lesbian—for the 2013 mayoral race.

“I believe that she is the best one for New York because I think she’ll be in the tradition of being in the center—a center candidate like I was center left,” Mayor Koch said in a statement announcing his endorsement. “I think she’ll follow in the tradition of Mike Bloomberg, and of all the candidates, I think she has the most experience and the best philosophy to lead New York in these difficult times.”

Quinn, a city council member since 1999, and the first openly gay speaker of the city council, has doggedly fought against harassment at reproductive health clinics and exposed anti-abortion front groups that pretend to be family planning clinics. She also coordinated a public/private partnership to expand free HIV testing for tens of thousands of public hospital patients.

Additionally, Quinn recently ended the injustice at Riker's Island that was turning innocent immigrants over to the INS and splitting up families. She also works extensively to expand access to healthy food and reduce hunger by expanding access to food stamps for those that need them, and making sure food stamps can be used to buy fresh produce at Greenmarkets around the city.

Corporate Equality Index Reports Huge Increase in Employer-Provided Health Care for Transgender Employees

On Dec. 8, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) published the 2012 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) which evaluates the inclusiveness of corporate policies towards Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender people. The most striking findings include the huge increase in transgender inclusive policies, particularly those offering health care coverage to transgender employees.

Some of the key findings in the HRC's report are as follows:

• 80% of rated employers include gender identity protections in their non-discrimination policies. In 2002, it was only 5%.
• More than 200 major U.S. businesses include transgender-inclusive health care coverage that provides medically necessary transition-related care, tripling since last year.
• 50% of Fortune 500 companies now include gender identity in their employment nondiscrimination policy, a dramatic growth of 1,567% since 2002.

The Transgender Law Center has worked tirelessly over the last year to improve polices and educate employers on obtaining equitable health benefits for transgender individuals. Most recently, the Transgender Law Center helped Google develop and implement a "gold standard" role model, a comprehensive insurance plan for transgender employees.

"While transgender people, especially people of color, continue to face discrimination at every level of society, we are inspired to see that more than ever businesses are realizing that healthy employees whose human dignity is respected make for a more motivated workplace," said Masen Davis, executive director of the Transgender Law Center.

Gay Republicans Running as Delegates for D.C. Primary

Campaigns for GOP presidential hopefuls Jon Huntsman, Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney and Ron Paul have each selected openly gay Republicans to run with them as candidates for delegate to the Republican National Convention in D.C.'s April 3 presidential primary.

According to the Washington Blade, Huntsman's campaign selected R. Clarke Cooper, executive director of the Log Cabin Republicans. The Gingrich campaign selected gay Republican activists Marc Morgan and Timothy Day. The Romney campaign, meanwhile, recruited Rachel Hoff, a lesbian who last year ran for the presidency of the Young Republican Federation, a national GOP youth group.

While the campaigns may have openly gay delegates in their ranks, many of the candidates are staunchly opposed to gay marriage. Paul is personally against it, but thinks it is a matter for the states to decide. Huntsman supports civil unions but not gay marriage. Both Romney and Gingrich have publicly declared support for an amendment that would define marriage as between one man and one woman.

For the complete article, visit: washingtonblade.com/2011/12/14/gay-republicans-running-as-delegates-for-d-c-primary/

Massachusetts Senate Hopeful, Elizabeth Warren, Declared Support for all LGBT Issues

In a recent press release, Elizabeth Warren pledged support for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, called for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and advocated a program to help teachers and school administrators combat bullying.

The piece, which was published December 15 on BlueMassGroup.com, praises Massachusetts for "[being] the nation's leader in protecting and promoting equality—from marriage equality to the recently passed Transgender Equal Rights Bill," but she added there is still much work to be done.

"As other states grapple with whether to support marriage equality, I'm ready to move to the next step: End the two-tiered system created by the Defense of Marriage Act. Our federal government should not be in the business of selecting which married couples it supports and which it treats with contempt."

Warren, who is running against incumbent Scott Brown (R) also wrote that "This is our moment in history. From marriage equality to investing in public education, from sensible financial regulations to environmental protections, we must decide what kind of people we are and what kind of nation we are going to build."

To read the entire piece, visit: bluemassgroup.com/2011/12/protecting-and-promoting-equality

Sen. Kerry Demands LGBT-Friendly Financial Aid

As the cost of college education rises, federal financial aid is declining. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) is calling for the federal government to remove barriers against incoming college students who are transgender or the children of same-sex parents and looking for financial aid.

According to an article on Advocate.com, transgender students encounter complications with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because of name and gender identity mismatches between their official documentation and application information, a problem Kerry called "disturbing."

"We should encourage all students to pursue a higher education, and turning them away because the bureaucracy can't 'compute' their gender is just wrong," he told the Advocate.

Historic Number of LGBT Roles Nominated for SAG Awards

The Screen Actors Guild Award nominations were announced on Dec. 14. GoldDerby.com reports that among those nominated were a record number of LGBT roles.

For films, Leonardo DiCaprio and Armie Hammer were recognized for their performance in "J. Edgar," in which DiCaprio played the title role and Hammer played Hoover colleague Clyde Tolson. Hoover and Tolson's close friendship was rumored to have a "romantic element," one that was explored more in the film than perhaps Hoover's life.

Glenn Close and Janet McTeer were nominated for "Albert Nobbs." The two play women dressing as men in the late 1800's. McTeer's character is married to a woman, and Close, who plays the title character, falls in love with a female coworker.

Nominations for television boast even more LGBT parts. Three Best Comedy Series Ensemble nominees have LGBT actors or characters in their cast; "Glee," "Modern Family," and "The Office" all star one or more LGBT character. Eric Stonestreet, a straight actor who plays the gay character Cameron Tucker on "Modern Family," is nominated for Best Actor in a Comedy Series.

Barney Frank to Retire

Barney Frank, a 16-term congressman from Massachusetts and the most prominent openly gay elected official, announced on Nov. 28 that he will not seek reelection in 2012. The outspoken Democrat cited fundraising and Congressional redistricting as a few of the reasons he has chosen to retire.

"Introducing myself and learning about the new area while continuing to give the existing area the full representation it deserves would make demands of my time that would detract from my focus on the national issues," Frank said in a statement on his Website, frank.house.gov. "Starting on a series of projects only to be passing them along in various stages of incompletion to a successor two years later is not a responsible way to act."

Frank also expressed frustration with politics as a whole.

"Our politics has evolved in a way that makes it harder to get anything done at the federal level," he said, "I now believe that there is more to be done trying to change things from outside than by working within."

In addition to his relentless advocacy for LGBT rights, Frank chaired the Financial Services Committee from 2007 to 2011 and co-authored sweeping Wall Street reforms with Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn) after the 2008 financial crisis. His decision to retire came shortly after the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act was signed into law. Although he will not seek reelection, Frank does not intend to disappear from politics stating, "In some ways I believe I may have more impact speaking, writing and in other ways advocating for the changes that I think are necessary than trying to bring them about inside our constricting political process."

NJ State Senator Flip-Flops on Gay Marriage

Two years ago, New Jersey State Senator Jennifer Beck (R-Monmouth) voted against gay marriage. Not only has she changed her vote, but the New Jersey paper, The Auditor, reports Beck is planning to co-sponsor marriage equality legislation when it is introduced. According to The Auditor, Beck has expressed that she will support efforts to override Gov. Chris Christie's expected veto of the bill. At present, the case for gay marriage is currently in the state Superior Court. If the Senate and Assembly can pass the bill and override Gov. Christie's veto with a two-thirds majority, gay marriage proponents will not have to win in court.

Former Gay Marriage Advocate Appointed to VT Supreme Court

On Nov. 28, Beth Robinson became the first openly gay person to serve on the Vermont State Supreme Court. Robinson was the head of the Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force and in 1999 argued before the court for the right of gays and lesbians to marry. As a result, civil unions, and eventually gay marriage, became legal in Vermont. According to BurlingtonFreePress.com, Robinson is replacing another historical judge. Justice Denise Johnson was the first female to serve on the state's top court. She is retiring after serving on the bench for 20 years.

LGBT Activists Fight to Repeal Sodomy Law

The Kansas Equality Coalition, a group that advocates on behalf of LBGT rights, is calling for the repeal of a law that criminalizes "unnatural" sex. According to the law, both anal and oral sex are considered "unnatural." Even though the law—and others like it—is unenforceable due to the 2003 U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Lawrence vs. Texas, Thomas Witt, chairman of the Kansas Equality Coalition, told the Lawrence Journal-World that it is "an affront to thousands of law-abiding gay and lesbian Kansans."

"This law technically criminalizes our relationships and leaves us open to harassment by unscrupulous authorities who may still make arrests under the provisions of this statute," he said. An AP report on the same issue states that Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback created the Office of the Repealer in January 2010 in an effort to get rid of outdated, unreasonable laws. However, Brownback's endorsement of GOP presidential hopeful Rick Perry and opposition to same-sex marriage makes it unlikely that he will be sympathetic to the repeal of this particular law.

Marriage Equality Legislation Will Not Be Introduced in Iowa

Think Progress is reporting that Iowa House Speaker, Republican Kraig Paulsen will not introduce "social issues" in the next legislative session. Abortion and marriage equality legislation will have to take a backseat to the economy and job creation.

"We're not afraid to address those issues, but we're also not interested in squandering Iowans' time," said Senate Majority Leader, Michael Gronstal (D) who last year blocked a resolution passed by the House calling for a referendum to deny marriage to gays and lesbians. He went on to state that "Iowans would prefer that we all work on things that would get 100,000 Iowans back to work."

Not all Iowan politicians agree with Paulsen's decision. Iowa's Republican senate minority leader Jerry Behn expressed displeasure that there won't be a popular vote on gay marriage. Gronstal responded to his colleague by arguing that "people's rights should not be put to a popular vote."

Mitt Romney Announces Support of "Traditional Marriage"

GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney is making sure his position on gay marriage is crystal clear. In an interview with the Nausha Telegraph, Romney stated that while he does not want to discriminate against LGBT people in employment or other opportunities, he is "in favor of traditional marriage."

"I oppose same-sex marriage," he said, "I favor gay rights; I do not favor same-sex marriage. That has been my position all along." When he was governor of Massachusetts, he fought against gay marriage. He has also stated that he supports a federal amendment to define marriage as between one man and one woman.

Marine Chief "Pleased" with DADT Repeal

Top officer of the U.S. Marines, Gen. James F. Amos is "pleased" with how smoothly the adaptation of repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell has gone. Amos initially opposed the repeal of DADT, telling Congress that it would "have disruptive effects on unit cohesion."

Politico.com reports that Amos has witnessed the opposite to be true during a recent trip to Afghanistan where he attended more than a dozen town-hall meetings with Marines. In an exclusive interview with the Associated Press, Amos said that he was not once asked about the repeal.

He recounted to the AP an interaction at the Marine Corps' annual ball in Washington, D.C., earlier this month. When a female Marine approached his wife and introduced herself and her lesbian partner, Amos said that "Bonnie just looked at them and said, 'Happy birthday ball. This is great. Nice to meet you.' That is happening throughout the Marine Corps."

Co-founder of Lesbian Publishing House Dead at 78

Barbara Grier, co-founder of lesbian publishing house Naiad Press, died Nov. 10 of lung cancer. She was 78. Grier started Naiad Press in 1973 with her longtime partner, Donna McBride. Together, they turned a $2,000 loan into a $1 million business. Naiad Press published more than 500 titles by the time it folded in 2003.

According to an article in The Los Angeles Times, prior to Grier and McBride’s publishing house, lesbian literature consisted primarily of pulp fiction written by men whose protagonists generally ended up one of three ways: They married a man, went crazy, or killed themselves.
Grier wanted to provide lesbian readers with stories that could help them lead happier lives.

“She created Naiad Press because the mainstream would not publish any of our books,” author Katherine V. Forrest, told The Times. “Her accomplishments are just monumental, given the obstacles she faced. There was such virulent homophobia. Barbara was nothing if not fearless.”

Mass. Passes Transgender Rights Bill

The Massachusetts State Legislature has passed a bill that specifically protects transgender people from discrimination and hate crimes, according to ABC News. The bill, which mends the state’s nondiscrimination statute and existing hate crime laws to include gender identity and expression, is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Deval Patrick.

“Transgender individuals in Massachusetts face unacceptably high levels of violence and discrimination in their daily lives,” state Rep. Carl Sciortino Jr., a Medford Democrat who co-sponsored the bill, told ABC News. “This bill will extend our statutory civil rights and hate crime protections to the transgender community.”

Prop 8 Case Back in Federal Court, Proponents Granted Right to Appeal

The fight for marriage equality in California faced a minor setback on Nov. 17 when the California Supreme Court ruled that the proponents of Proposition 8 are allowed to defend Prop 8 in court. While Jon Davidson, legal director of Lambda Legal, called the court’s decision “disappointing,” he is still confident that same-sex couples in California will win back the right to wed.

“The ruling addresses only a procedural legal question, Davidson said in a press release on LambdaLegal.org. “The key question underlying this case is whether the U.S. Constitution permits a state electorate to treat one group of people unequally to everyone else by depriving them of what the state’s high court has held to be a fundamental right. A federal court has already ruled that it may not. We look forward to seeing that decision upheld.”

LGBT Seniors Face Increased Difficulties

A new study by the University of Washington’s School of Social Work reports that LGBT seniors and baby boomers—a group whose numbers are expected to be more than 4 million by 2030—have greater rates of disability, depression, and loneliness compared with heterosexuals of similar ages. The study, released Nov. 16 and led by Karen Fredriksen-Goldsen, UW professor of social work and director of UW’s Institute for Multigenerational Health, surveyed 2,560 LGBT adults aged 50-95 across the United States. The study highlights issues unique to older LGBT adults, such as fear of discrimination, the lack of children to depend on as caregivers, and less social support and financial security with age, and that they are less likely to be partnered or married.

Fredriksen-Goldsen implored congress to take action during a presentation of some of the study’s key findings.

“The health disparities reflect the historical and social context of their lives, and the serious adversity they have encountered can jeopardize their health and willingness to seek services in old age,” she said. To read the full report, visit CaringAndAging.org.

Marriage Equality Measure won’t be on 2012 Ballot in Oregon

While Basic Rights Oregon is “committed to winning the freedom [for same-sex couples] to marry,” the organization has decided not to pursue a ballot measure on marriage in 2012. In a recent press release, the Board of Directors cited several factors, including the “expense of waging a statewide political campaign in the midst of an economic crisis” as the main reason the board unanimously voted against putting the issue of marriage equality on the ballot. The press release also stated that in order to reach this decision, the board looked at a variety of data including an online survey with over 1,000 respondents from across Oregon, results from town hall meetings held across the state, and dialogues with a group of community leaders and campaign professionals.

Election Night Huge for Open LGBT Candidates

Nov. 8 was a big night for Chris Seelbach, but an even bigger night for the LGBT community in Cincinnati, OH. Seelbach, 32, became the first openly gay man to be elected to city council, a move that State Rep. Denise Driehaus, D-Clifton Heights, said “changes the conversation” in the notoriously conservative city.

According to an article on Cincinnati.com, in his first 100 days in office Seelbach plans to propose legislation to give health benefits to city employees’ same-sex partners.

Ohio wasn’t the only place where LGBT politicians scored big on Election Night. LGBTNation.com reports the following:

Houston, Texas: Mayor Annise D. Parker has been re-elected to a second term on Tuesday. Parker is Houston’s second female mayor, and was the first elected gay mayor of a major U.S. city.

New London, Conn.: Openly gay attorney Daryl Justin Finizioas became the city’s first elected mayor in nearly nine decades.

Holyoke, Mass.: Alex Morse, a 22-year-old graduate of Brown University, was elected mayor, becoming the nation’s youngest openly gay mayor.

Charlotte, N.C.: LaWana Mayfield won her race for City Council, becoming that city’s first openly LGBT elected official. She was heavily favored after ousting the incumbent Democrat in the primary earlier this year.

Virginia: State Del. Adam Ebbin was elected to the Virginia state Senate, making him the Commonwealth’s first openly gay senator.

Missoula, Mont.: Caitlin Copple, an out lesbian who was endorsed by the Victory Fund, won her race for city council, defeating an incumbent who voted against an LGBT non-discrimination ordinance.

Maywood, N.J.: Mayor Tim Eustace was elected to the New Jersey Assembly, becoming the first openly gay non-incumbent to win a seat in the state legislature.

House Democrats Challenge DOMA

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and 130 Democrats have officially challenged the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) by filing a friend-of-the-court brief. Pelosi is credited with spearheading the effort, which challenges the decision by House Republican leaders to hire outside counsel to defend the statute after the Justice Department decided in February it could no longer do so on constitutional grounds.

In a recent article in the San Francisco Chronicle, Evan Wolfson, founder and president of Freedom to Marry, called the Democrats' brief “a tremendously powerful statement to the courts and the country” that shows “how much the political center of gravity has shifted on the marriage question.”

“Fifteen years ago, people were falling over themselves to sign on to DOMA,” he said.

On Nov. 10, the Senate Judiciary Committee plans to vote on bill by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calf., to repeal the law. The Respect for Marriage Act, has 31 co-sponsors, all of them Democrats. A companion bill in the House by Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., has 130 co-sponsors, including one Republican, Florida's Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.

Read the complete article at: sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/11/03/MNP31LQ681.DTL#ixzz1clBWZpP1

International Healing Foundation
Apologies to LGBT Community

On its 21st anniversary, the International Healing Foundation (IHF) has issued an official apology to the LGBTQ community. In a press release for the organization, IHF Founder and Director Richard Cohen, is sorry for “years of unknowingly fueling anti-gay sentiment.” Headquartered in Maryland, but serving men, women, and adolescents worldwide since 1990, the IHF’s new message is one of acceptance and tolerance.

"By opening our doors to everyone in the LGBTQ and straight communities, we are expanding upon our mission and broadening the scope of our services," Cohen said. According to the press release, IHF’s new effort, “Coming Out Loved,” adopts therapeutic guidelines from the American Psychological Association for members of the lesbian, gay and, bisexual communities; American Counseling Association guidelines for the transgender community; and National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality therapeutic guidelines for anyone questioning their sexuality and/or experiencing unwanted same sex attraction.

New Jersey GOP Members Make ‘It Gets Better’ Video

For the first time since the It Gets Better Campaign began in 2010, three members of the Republican party participated in a video with other members of New Jersey Delegation in support of LGBT youth. New Jersey Congressional Republican Reps. Leonard Lance, Frank LoBiondo, and Jon Runyan have a mixed voting record when it comes to legislation to expand gay rights. While all three have voted against legislation like the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and in favor of the Marriage Protection Bill, Lance voted to expand the federal hate crimes law to cover sexual orientation, and sponsored the Employment Non-Discrimination Act to prohibit job discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity—which LoBiondo also supported.

In a statement to the Washington Post, Runyan—who opposes gay marriage but supports civil unions—said; “There is no place in our society for bullying, especially when continued bullying leads to young adults taking their own lives. This issue goes beyond political affiliations.”

In related news, The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, the toughest and most intense anti-bullying law in the country, has been signed by New Jersey Governor Christie. The new law requires that New Jersey public teachers, administrators, and other employees go through training that will help them stop and counteract bullying of all kinds.

The video is here: youtube.com/watchfeature=player_embedded&v=XsHwmqp567Q

Gay Ohio Teen Beaten by Classmate

A 15-year old student at Union-Scioto High School in Chillicothe, Ohio was brutally attacked on campus, and the entire event was captured on video. No one attempted to help. According to Change.org—a campaign launched by Bret Thompson of Columbus, Ohio—the victim suffered broken teeth and a possible concussion. His attacker was suspended for three days. Thompson started the campaign to urge the Union-Scioto Local School District to create and implement a policy that specifically protects against harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

“Every child has the right to learn in a safe environment, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” he told a Huffington Post reporter. The petition, which also calls for the expulsion of the attacker, racked up more than 4,000 signatures in just a matter of days. The victim's mother, told reporters that she wants criminal charges pressed against the attacker, including federal hate crime charges.

CA Politician Comes Out

California Assemblywoman Cathleen Galgiani has officially come out as a lesbian. Galgiani, who helped pass a law requiring that LGBT history be taught in schools, told the Stockton Record that she was motivated to come out after actor Zachary Quinto publicly announced he was gay. He cited the recent suicide of 14-year-old Jamey Rodemeyer as the moment that made him want to show there's no reason to hide being gay. Like Quinto, Galgiani wants to be an example to LGBT youth.

"It sickens me that young people would think about taking their lives because of who they are," she told the Stockton Record. Quinto’s coming out also inspired ABC's World News Now anchor Dan Kloeffler to announce he is gay.

Lady Gaga Starts Nonprofit
Aimed at Supporting LGBT Youth

Lady Gaga, known for her support of LGBT equality, has announced that she is launching the “Born This Way Foundation,” a non-profit that will focus on youth empowerment. According to The Daily Activist, the organization is joint effort between Gaga and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The California Endowment, and the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University to create the foundation. Beginning in 2012, it will focus on issues like “self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying, mentoring and career development."

Gaga released a statement regarding the foundation saying “Together we hope to establish a standard of Bravery and Kindness, as well as a community worldwide that protects and nurtures others in the face of bullying and abandonment.”

Bachman, Others Ask Senate
to Ban Same-Sex Marriage in Military

Congresswoman and GOP presidential hopeful Michelle Bachman does not want same-sex marriages allowed in military facilities. Bachman, along with 86 members of the House of Representatives signed a letter written by Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.) urging the Senate to pass an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act in order to prohibit them. In a statement, Akin said that the letter is in response to the Department of Defense stating it would allow military chaplains to marry gay couples on a “sexual orientation-neutral basis.”

“Unfortunately, this current administration is now directing the Department of Defense to ignore this law and perform gay marriages on military bases,” he said. “I think that is wrong, which is why I offered an amendment to the House-passed defense bill making it clear that DOMA applies to the DOD.”

Reverend Bill Freeman of Holland, Mich. was arrested on Oct. 19 for protesting the city’s lack of a gay rights anti-discrimination ordinance. The Grand Rapids Press reports Rev. Freeman was protesting the City Council’s 5-4 June decision against expanding the ordinance, covering discrimination in employment and housing. He was arrested after refusing to leave City Hall. Later that evening, he posted a $100 bond and was released. In a statement to the media regarding his actions, he said that, “I think sometimes the only thing you can do is civic disobedience.”

President Barack Obama honored gay rights advocate Janice Langbehn with the Presidential Citizens Medal. Langbehn is credited with convincing the president to sign a directive ordering the Department of Health and Human Services to establish new rules that would prevent hospitals from denying visitation rights to the partners of gay men and lesbians. In 2007, Langbehn was barred from seeing her partner, Lisa Pond, at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Fl. The couple’s four adopted children were also forbidden from seeing Pond, who eventually died due to complications from a brain aneurism. Langbehn is among the 13 recipients this year to receive the nation’s second-highest civilian honor.

For the first time in history, out LGBT U.S. Troops gathered at the Armed Forces Leadership Summit in Las Vegas, NV. According to Stars and Stripes (Stripes.com), more than 200 gay and straight troops took part in the conference, which was sponsored by OutServe, a pro-repeal group. Doug Wilson, assistant secretary of defense for public affairs and the highest-ranking openly gay civilian in the Pentagon, delivered the keynote address, and First Lady Michelle Obama sent a congratulatory message. The event featured discussions on when to come out to co-workers, how to avoid conflict with religious conservatives, and the problems that still lie ahead for gay troops. The summit also focused on military resources and discussions that are run-of-the-mill for most troops but until now have been unavailable to closeted service members, like a workshop on deployment stress that offered advice on how to stay connected with partners at home, gay or straight.

Herman Cain, former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza and current GOP presidential candidate, is making waves among LGBT advocates. In an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, Cain stated that while he wouldn’t seek a ban on same-sex marriage he was “pro-traditional marriage.” He is also one of the only GOP candidates who doesn’t support a Federal Marriage Amendment, also known as the Marriage Protection Amendment, or the reinstatement of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. However, according to the Washington Blade, Cain stated in a January radio interview with anti-gay conservative Bryan Fischer that he would veto the Employment Non-Discrimination Act if it reached his desk. He also said this month that he believes homosexuality to be a choice, and that science hasn’t been able to prove otherwise. Michael Cole-Schwartz, spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign, told the Washington Blade that he questioned the authenticity of Cain’s remarks on Meet the Press.

“It’s not entirely clear where he stands on this,” Cole-Schwartz said. “Certainly his positions have not been consistent.” He also said that, regardless of his recent comments, he believes a Cain presidency would be problematic for the LGBT community. “[Saying] that being gay is a choice and suggesting that the science proves his point just shows that these are not issues that he has spent time thinking about in a positive way.”

Tim McGhee, a Republican running for Senate in Virginia, has an odd way of lobbying for votes from the LGBT community. According to GayPolitics.com, McGhee told attendees at an Arlington, Va. Gay & Lesbian Alliance event that God may have made them gay and then declared homosexuality sinful simply to “fully demonstrate who he is.” He then proceeded to sermonize to the crowd, quoting several passages from the Bible. McGhee is running against Democrat Adam Ebbin, who, if he wins, would become the first open LGBT State Senator in Virginia history. To read the full-text version of the speech, visit NotLarrySabato.com.

In January 2012, the first full-time LGBT senior center will open in New York. The Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders Center (SAGE Center) will be based in Chelsea. It will offer a “comprehensive array of services and support” to LGBT elders throughout all five boroughs, according to Catherine Thurston, SAGE senior director of programming. In an interview with the Huffington Post, Thurston said, “Many LGBT elderly say they feel they’ve encountered discrimination, anything from simply feeling excluded to something more overt. ...If you cannot authentically be who you are at this stage of your life, it’s really tragic.” Authorities also say the center will service an estimated 300 people a day throughout the city, and its Manhattan-based headquarters will provide an anticipated 130 hot meals each day.

Washington State’s largest private-sector union, UFCW 21, has voted to endorse marriage equality. Keeping with the union's tradition of supporting equality—UFCW 21 was a major coalition member in the Approve Referendum 71, saving Washington’s domestic partnership law from repeal—UFCW 21 has fought for and won same-sex partner rights for members in collective bargaining agreements with regard to issues such as eligibility for health care coverage that are often only provided for a spouse. Marriage equality legislation is expected to be introduced in the 2012 legislative session on Jan. 9. A statement on UFCW 21‘s website argues that, “Domestic partnerships were a giant step forward and provided working families with important protections. However, only marriage can provide gay and lesbian couples and their children legal rights that provide essential protections such as social security, spousal and survivor benefits.”

Frank Kameny, widely known as the Father of the LBGT Civil Rights movement was found dead in his Washington, DC home on Oct. 11. He was 86. According to a press release from the Equality Forum, Kameny spearheaded the first organized gay and lesbian demonstrations of activists at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell each July 4th from 1965 to 1969. Known as “The Annual Reminders,” it was the first time that demonstrators self-identified as gay and lesbian and openly and proudly demanded equality and laid the groundwork for the Stonewall Riots.

Malcolm Lazin, executive director of Equality Forum worked with Kameny on the documentary Gay Pioneers—a film about Annual Reminders and the start of the LGBT civil rights movement—and he had this to say about his friend and colleague: “I traveled across the nation with Frank Kameny at screenings of Gay Pioneers and at other events. Frank had a Ph.D. from Harvard, a computer-like mind and even into his 80’s was a feisty, lovable and committed activist for human rights. American history will remember Frank Kameny as an iconic civil rights leader.”

For Gays and Lesbians in the Military, the Days of DADT Are Over

The 17-year federal law that made it impossible for gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military officially ended on Sept. 20. For countless service members, the repeal of the controversial “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was met with great relief. Not only will gays and lesbians be able to serve without fear of being discharged, but those who have been discharged under DADT will be allowed to re-enlist.

“Gay and lesbian Americans eager to serve the country but not willing to compromise who they are as individuals will, for the first time ever, be able to openly join,” said Joe Solmonese, Human Rights Campaign president, in a statement.

Gay Wisconsin Congresswoman Sets Sights on Senate Seat

Tammy Baldwin is out to make history. The progressive Wisconsin congresswoman announced September 6 that she will run for U.S. Senate. If elected, Baldwin, who has represented Wisconsin’s second Congressional District for since 1998, will be the first openly gay senator. Additionally, she would be the first woman to represent Wisconsin in the Senate.

The Human Rights Campaign—the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization— has officially announced their endorsement for Baldwin.

Rick Perry Signs NOM Pledge

Texas Governor Rick Perry joined the ranks of fellow conservatives and presidential-hopefuls Michelle Bachman and Mitt Romney in signing the National Organization for Marriage’s pledge to “protect” marriage. According to Brian Brown, president of NOM, the purpose of the pledge is to “move from vague values statements to concrete actions to protect marriage.” The pledge further states that Perry, if elected president, will support a Constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Additionally, he promises to appoint U.S. Supreme Court and federal judges who will “reject the idea our Founding Fathers inserted a right to gay marriage into our Constitution.”

Prop 8: Back to the ballot in 2012?

Equality California on April 4 launched a campaign to gauge community support for heading back to the ballot in 2012 to try to undo Proposition 8. Approved by voters in November 2008, Prop 8 amended the state constitution to re-ban same-sex marriage, which had been legal for 4 1/2 months. EQCA said the ongoing federal lawsuit against Prop 8 “could take years to resolve” and so  it wants to know what the “community” wants to do. In a case brought by the American Foundation for Equal Rights,  represented by famous attorneys Ted Olson and David Boies, a federal district court struck down Prop 8 last summer and issued an  injunction barring its further enforcement. However, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals suspended the injunction, and the  people who had put Prop 8 on the ballot appealed District Judge Vaughn Walker’s decision.

Maryland Trans Rights Bill Dies

A transgender nondiscrimination bill that had passed the Maryland House of Delegates died in the Senate on April 11. Senators voted 27-20 to return it to committee. The development took state LGBT activists by surprise, as they believed they had lined up the needed votes for passage. In the end, 16 Democrats voted with the majority.

“Senators ... took a walk on justice and fairness today and turned their backs on the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Equality Maryland Executive Director Morgan Meneses-Sheets.

National Gay & Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey added, “Without legal protections, transgender people are made particularly vulnerable to ... neglect, bias and abuse.”

Proponents Seek to Erase Prop 8 Strikedown because Judge did not Disclose Same-Sex Relationship

The proponents of California’s Proposition 8 on April 25 asked the federal District Court in San Francisco to nullify last year’s decision that struck down Prop 8 because now-retired Judge Vaughn Walker did not disclose at the time that he was in a same-sex relationship.

“Given that Chief Judge Walker was in a committed, long-term, same-sex relationship throughout this case (and for many years before the case commenced), it is clear that his ‘impartiality might reasonably [have been] questioned’ from the outset,” the Prop 8 proponents wrote in their motion to vacate judgment. Walker had an obligation either to recuse himself from the case, the filing says, or to disclose the relationship so that the parties in the case could have decided whether to request his recusal. Gay rights lawyers derided the motion.

ABA Honors Olson, Boies

The American Bar Association will honor Ted Olson and David Boies, the famous odd-couple lawyers who got Proposition 8 declared unconstitutional last year. The two star attorneys, who represented George W. Bush and Al Gore respectively before the U.S. Supreme Court in the 2000 “hanging chad” election debacle, teamed up with the American Foundation for Equal Rights to fight the voter-passed constitutional amendment that re-banned same-sex marriage in California in 2008. A federal district judge in San Francisco agreed with their arguments and struck down the amendment, which has remained in force as the ruling is appealed.

On Aug. 8, Olson and Boies will receive the American Bar Association Medal, a rare honor that isn’t bestowed at all in some years. Last year, Time magazine declared Olson and Boies two of the 100 most influential people in the world.

DADT Dies for Good on Sept. 20

Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, the military gay ban, will be fully and permanently dead on Sept. 20. It already can’t be enforced against active-duty troops, courtesy of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. But on July 22, the military’s readiness to implement Congress’ repeal of DADT was certified by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta; Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and President Barack Obama, setting in motion a 60-day waiting period until the policy is history. The certification confirms that the armed forces’ implementation of the repeal and the transition to open service will not affect “military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention of the armed forces,” Panetta said.

“The final countdown to repeal begins today,” said Servicemembers Legal Defense Network Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis, who urged Obama to now issue an executive order banning anti-gay discrimination and harassment in the military.

Rhode Island Civil-Union Law Takes Effect

Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee signed a civil-union bill July 2 and it took effect immediately. Although it extends the rights of marriage to civil-union same-sex couples, gay activist groups opposed the law because of concessions made to religious forces. “Not only does the bill propose a separate-and-unequal status instead of ending the denial of marriage itself, it grants an unprecedented license to discriminate against same-sex couples and their families,” said Freedom to Marry’s Marc Solomon.

New York Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

New York state legalized same-sex marriage June 24.

The Senate passed the bill 33-29 at 10:29 p.m. and Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed it into law less than 90 minutes later. Same-sex couples can begin marrying July 24.

"This state, when it is at its finest, is a beacon of justice," Cuomo said.

Move to Undo Prop 8 Strikedown Fails
Judge also rejects request that trial tapes be returned

A legal attempt to "vacate" the federal court ruling that struck down California's Proposition 8, which amended the state constitution in 2008 to re-ban same-sex marriage, failed June 14.

Bloomberg Gives Rousing Speech for Same-Sex Marriage

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, an independent, gave an enthusiastic—and seemingly heartfelt—speech May 26 urging the state Legislature to legalize same-sex marriage in the current session.

Prop 8 Federal Case Delayed for Several More Months 
A huge new delay was introduced into the federal case against California's Proposition 8.

Illinois Civil-Union Bill Signed into Law

Gov. Pat Quinn signed Illinois' comprehensive civil-union bill into law Jan. 31. It will take effect June 1. Under the law, gay and straight couples in a civil union will receive the same state-level benefits, protections and responsibilities provided to married people. The law also recognizes other states' same-sex marriages -- but only as civil unions.

Supremes squash last-ditch effort to undo D.C. marriage law
The U.S. Supreme Court on Jan. 18 refused to hear an appeal by anti-gays hoping to force a voter referendum on the law that legalized same-sex marriage in the District of Columbia.

Justice Dept. appeals rulings that struck down DOMA HRC to Obama: Support same-sex marriage now

The Human Rights Campaign called on President Barack Obama Jan. 13 to abandon his opposition to same-sex marriage.