Give Same-Sex Couples the Same Immigration Rights!

By writing your lawmakers today, you bring us one step closer to equal immigration rights, so citizens can sponsor their same-sex partners for immigration.

No more separation. No more deportation. No more fear.

Help Congress get the message loud and clear: America supports passage of the Uniting American Families Act.

Sign the petition supporting immigration equality.

Congressman Keith Ellison Joins LGBT Caucus

Straight off of Keith Ellison's Congressional Website:

"The mission of the Caucus is to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality. The Caucus will work toward extending equal rights, repealing discriminatory laws, the eliminating hate-motivated violence. The Caucus is dedicated to the improved health and well-being for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

“I am honored to join this caucus because of my lifelong commitment to fighting all discrimination. I believe when my gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender neighbor suffers from discrimination, then I suffer, and so does our whole community. Every member of our society contributes to the health, wealth and generosity of our community. Only when we recognize, protect, and, celebrate that will we realize all our citizens’ potential,” Ellison concluded."

Please join me in thanking Representative Ellison for joining the LGBT Caucus and for his commitment to advancing the rights of our community.
http://ellison.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=87

Mayor Jim Naugle Obsessed with Homosexuality Yet Again!

"Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle spoke with 850 WFTL in Fort Lauderdale yesterday. The outgoing mayor, well-known for his positions that gays are "unhappy", says he thinks a "responsible homosexual" could fill his seat: "He defined that as one who rejects the idea that it's OK to take over public parks for gay sex, and who would 'do something about the AIDS crisis here, recognizing promiscuous activity has a heavy cost on life and dollars.'"

The bigot ahem I mean mayor is leaving office shortly. Anyways, feel free to send him your thoughts (he usually replies to emails).

mayorjames@aol.com

Rep. Steve Rothman Joins the Equality Bandwagon

New Jersey Democratic congressman Steve Rothman who previously did not support same-sex marriage has made an about face and now supports equal marriage rights. He has made this decision in light of his lesbian step-daughter.

Mr. Rothman has also joined the newly formed LGBT Caucus within the House of Representatives.

Please take the time to thank Representative Rothman for supporting Marriage Equality and joining the LGBT Caucus and let him know that you appreciate his commitment to equality.

http://www.house.gov/rothman/contact_steve.htm

Washington, DC Office
2303 Rayburn HOB
202-225-5061 (phone)

Northern Ireland Politician Suggests "Gay Conversion" Therapy

According to BBC News:

"Iris Robinson, is the chair of the Stormont health committee in Northern Ireland.

Mrs Robinson said with help, gay people could be "turned around".

"I have a very lovely psychiatrist who works with me in my offices and his Christian background is that he tries to help homosexuals - trying to turn away from what they are engaged in," she said.

"I'm happy to put any homosexual in touch with this gentleman and I have met people who have turned around and become heterosexuals."

Perhaps you would like to remind her that the Royal College of Psychiatrists said that homosexuality is NOT a psychiatric disorder and that she should stick to her day job of politics and representing all people in her district.

Ms. Iris Robinson

12 North Street
Newtownards
BT23 4DY
Tel: 9182 7701
Fax: 9182 7703

Email: Click here to email Ms. Robinson!

New Yorker's Thank Your Assemblymembers for Vote on GENDA

"The New York State Assembly just voted 102-33 to pass the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and amend the state’s human rights law to include anti-discrimination protections based on gender identity and expression. This is the first time that GENDA has ever made it to the floor of the Assembly for a vote!

We now need you to take a moment to thank your Assemblymember for voting for GENDA. We often call on our elected officials to act on issues that are important to us, and we need to be sure that they know we appreciate what they’ve done once they’ve acted."

PRIDE AGENDA Action Center E-Alert!

OH Congressman Jeff Wagner Spews Out Hate

According to Pam's Houseblend:

"Jeff Wagner, a Republican who represents the 81st district in Ohio. Said he believes that "same-sex committed relationships lead to mental and physical illness". When a constituent asked about H.B. 502, the "Equal Housing and Employment Act", that would cover LGBTs, this is what Wagner said via email (spelling and grammar intact):

"This is a dangerous and misguided bill. The bill is not really about people being denied rights to basic needs, but it is about promoting acceptance of an immoral lifestyle. As much as some people would have us to believe otherwise, this country was founded on Christian principles. One of those long honored principles is the tradition of holy matrimony. One man and one woman joined together in a union that goes as far back as Adam and Eve. As our society has gotten further from that standard (not just homosexuality, but easy divorce, cheating on a spouse, etc.) we see a continued collapse of the basic building block of society the family unit. As that traditional family erodes, we see more sexually transmitted diseases, kids without parents, heartbroken people and I believe a host of mental and physical illnesses. . . . rest assured I can not support a bill in any way promotes or encourages the homosexual lifestyle."

Address:
77 S. High St
12th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Telephone: (614) 466-1374
Fax : (614) 719-6981

Email Address: district81@ohr.state.oh.us

Congressman Broun Vows to Fight for Federal Marriage Ban

According to 365Gay:

"Republican Congressman Paul Broun has announced plans to reintroduce an amendment to the US Constitution to bar same-sex marriage.

Broun (R-Ga) said the California Supreme Court ruling recognizing same-sex marriage has made it an imperative to reign in what he called "activist judges".

"My amendment will preserve the original intent of the drafters of the Constitution, by ensuring that no state or federal judge can take it upon themselves to suddenly discover a right to homosexual marriage within the text of the document," Broun said in a statement."

I am not too optimistic we can change his mind but feel free to voice your concern and opposition to his proposed amendment...

http://broun.house.gov/contact.shtml

Urge Salt Lake County Council to Vote in Favor of Partner Benefits

The council in Salt Lake City Utah is scheduled to vote on a health insurance plan that would include lesbian and gay couples. The plan would enable anyone living together who can demonstrate financial ties regardless of their gender or if they are legally married to be able to access coverage.

Please urge council members to vote in favor of equality.

Click below to find contact information for council members:

http://www.council.slco.org/html/contact.html

Arizonans Speak Up Against Anti-Marriage Amendment

According to Pam's House Blend:

"The anti-marriage amendment is back. After it looked like the amendment had been derailed, it is back on the agenda for the Arizona House of Representatives. Things may move very quickly-the House could vote on the amendment at any time, possibly on today, April 22, and the Senate might immediately follow. If the legislature approves the amendment, it will be on this November's ballot, just two years after a similar effort was defeated."

Arizona residents click CLICK HERE to contact your representatives.

Please call them now at 602-926-4221 or 1-800-352-8404 to urge them to vote no on SCR 1042, as amended. Urge them to keep this divisive amendment off the ballot.

Senator Brophy: "Finds No Pattern of Gay Discrimination"

According to Lavender Newswire:

Sen. Greg Brophy, R-Wray of Colorado, has introduced a stunt amendment arguing that gay people do not need a bill to protect against discrimination.

"The debate on the Senate floor over a bill that would expand the prohibition of sexual orientation-based discrimination became personal and emotional this morning after a senator offered a rhetorical amendment to ban discrimination against short people.

Sen. Greg Brophy, R-Wray, withdrew the stunt amendment after arguing that there is no need for the bill because he has not seen evidence that gays and lesbians are discriminated against when seeking a job or a home.

“What I’m talking about is economic discrimination, political discrimination, employment discrimination,” Brophy said. “I find no pattern of any of those.”

Email him to let him know why sexual orientation/gender identity need anti-discrimination laws as a form of protection.

Citizens for Greg Brophy

P.O. Box 332

Wray, CO 80758

970-332-5766

Email: greg@gregbrophy.net

Illinois Your Chance is NOW!

Anti-gay activists are working around the clock to get petitions signed and contact their representatives to defeat the proposed civil unions bill.

Please join Equality Illinois in demanding equal rights for all citizens.

"HB1826, the civil union bill, passed the House Human Services Committee and now is waiting for a vote on the full House floor."

Illinois citizens please goto the link below and contact your representatives!

http://eqfed.org/campaign/action_alert_hb1826_mar2008

Rep: Jane Cunningham feels "physically ill" Looking at Gender Non-Conforming Students

Representative Jane Cunningham (R) District 86 in Missouri who runs the ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION committee recently made some disturbing comments regarding "The Missouri Safe School Legislation" that her committee will decide on.

The bill is intended to protect students from discrimination based on "actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, intellectual ability, physical appearance, or mental, physical, or sensory disability or disorder."

"Two youth attempted to speak with Representative Jane Cunningham (R-86) regarding Safe Schools Legislation because of her position as chair of the House Education Committee. Upon entering Rep. Cunningham told the youth to leave, as she "couldn't look at [them] anymore," because their appearance "offended" her. Both youth have facial piercings as many students do. The youth thanked Rep. Cunningham for her time and left the office.

Directly following the youths dismissal by Rep. Cunningham, another group of Volunteer Lobbyists met with the Representative and in asking why the last group of students were asked to leave the office, Rep. Cunningham stated:

"I don't see how any human being could look at them for any prolonged period of time without getting physically ill... I thought I would throw-up if I looked at them any longer." (http://www.pamshouseblend.com)

This kind of language from the chairperson of the education committee is disturbing and dangerous. Her role is to protect and educate children of Missouri. Please contact her and tell her to apologize for her comments and swiftly move forward to pass the "Missouri Safe Schools Legislation".

Phone: 573-751-1186
Email:Jane.Cunningham@house.mo.gov

MO House of Representatives
201 West Capitol Avenue
Room 313
Jefferson City MO 65101

Sally Kern Gone Wild? Rep: "Gays Shouldn't Be Fired Because of Sexual Orientation"

Pop out the champagne, Sally Kern who just a few days ago said the "gays are worse than terrorism" and said the "gay agenda is spreading like a cancer" now has a change of heart. In front of P-FLAG (Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays) she has said she does not rescind her previous comments but does not feels gays should be discriminated against with regards to employment.

We at Queers United applaud any positive step in the right direction, its small but it is something. Please contact Ms. Kern to thank her for her pro-LGBT sentiment, and also push for her to apologize for her previous offensive comments.

UPDATE: This is an email response I have received from Sally Kern after thanking her for her more progressive comments.

"For the record, I said a homosexual should not be fired from their job just because they are a homosexual. Meaning that if they are doing their job just the same as a heterosexual does their job, they should not be fired. Those from PFLAG misinterpreted my comments to mean that I think homosexuals should have equal rights as they interpret equal rights. I told them that as US citizens they already have equal rights but want special rights. Employers should not go on a witch hunt to fire homosexuals. I do not support laws that would force employers to check their First amendment rights to freedom of religion, speech, and association at the workplace. " -Representative Sally Kern

Capitol Address: 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. Room 332 Oklahoma City, OK 73105

District Address: 2713 Sterling Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73127.

Phone: (405) 557-7348.
Email:sallykern@okhouse.gov

Rep: Sally Kern Defends her Vicious Homophobia

Please contact her and urge others to do so as well. The mainstream media is not covering this story and it is the obligation of LGBT groups to hold this woman responsible for her actions.

Capitol Address: 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. Room 332 Oklahoma City, OK 73105

District Address: 2713 Sterling Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73127.

Phone: (405) 557-7348.
Email: sallykern@okhouse.gov

Senator Storms Won't Allow Gay Adoption Bill Come up for a Vote

Please call and email Senator Ronda Storms (R- Florida) who heads the committee that is responsible for a newly introduced bill to ease the Gay adoption ban in Florida. She maintains she will not allow the bill to come up for a vote in the committee.


District Office:
313 E. Robertson Street
Brandon, FL 33511

Email: storms.ronda.web@flsenate.gov
Phone: (813) 651-2189

Representative Thatcher Doesn't Believe in Oregon Equality Act

"Many of my constituents tell me they don't believe sexual orientation should be considered a protected class like race or religion," Thatcher said. "The new law has vague definitions of sexual orientation, which will lead to expensive litigation and there are already measures in place to deal with discrimination." -Rep. Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer).


http://www.kimthatcher.net

Email: kim@kimthatcher.net


Contact #: 503-932-1291

PO Box 9111
Salem, Oregon 97305

Homophobic Rhetoric from Oregon Senator Gary George

Check out the exclusive interview the Senator had with Just Out Magazine http://www.justout.com/pt/blog/default.aspx?id=860&t=Just-Out-exclusive-Explosive-interview


The senator believes "Gays should SHUTUP and not talk about their sexuality", and he is leading the effort to repeal the Oregon Equality Act.

Feel free to send the senator your thoughts on his homophobic comments.

Contact Tel. (503) 986-1712
or email at: sen.garygeorge@state.or.us

Address:
900 Court St. NE, S-214
Salem, OR 97301

Contact the entire house and senate to censure and fight off his bigoted comments and attempt to repeal the Oregon Equality Act.
http://www.senatorgeorge.com/contact.html

Rep: Sally Kern: "Gays Worse Than Terrorism"

Please watch this clip of Oklahoma state represenative Sally Kern



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFxk7glmMbo&eurl

Feel free to contact her by phone and email and let her know that her bigoted views do not represent you.

Capitol Address: 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. Room 332 Oklahoma City, OK 73105

District Address: 2713 Sterling Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73127.

Phone: (405) 557-7348.
Email: sallykern@okhouse.gov