Tell Congress that Nixing DOMA is about Cutting Taxes!

Today is April 15th, tax day in the United States and thousands are rushing and worried making sure they complete their forms on time. Same-sex couples though have more to worry about than the average American family because tax inequity is a financial burden on millions of LGBT families because of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

Same-sex couples are unable to file joint tax returns and must check off the single category because the federal government does not honor their relationships even for those legally married. This means that LGBT people will not receive inheritance benefits, divorce settlements, medicaid survivor benefits, social security benefits, and pension benefits from their partners.



Contact your congressperson and senators and tell them to support the Respect for Families Act which would repeal DOMA.

Support Martha Coakley for U.S. Senate

The off-season election to replace the seat of the late Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy is currently taking place. Democrat Martha Coakley is running against Republican Scott Brown and the decision is a clear one for those who support LGBT equality.

The Republican contender is on the record opposing marriage equality and gay families:

"Brown believes that marriage should be between a man and a woman. In 2007, Brown voted in favor of a failed effort to place a proposed constitutional amendment on the statewide ballot that sought to ban additional gay marriages" (Daily Kos).

He also weighed in on state Senator Cheryl Jacques and her domestic partner having children, and said "it was not normal for two women to have a baby"

Martha Coakley has a stark difference of opinion when it comes to LGBT equality.

As Attorney General she filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act. She is a 'fierce advocate' and supports marriage equality, ending Don't Ask Don't Tell, and combating hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Please consider donating, volunteering and spreading the word so that tomorrow the headline can say Massachusetts elects Senator Martha Coakley.

Senator DeMint: "Gay President Would be Immoral"

Social conservative Republican South Carolina Senator Jim DeMint has made outrageous remarks about how he thinks the election of a gay president would be "immoral". He also restated his opposition to marriage equality both federally and locally.

“It would be bothersome to me just personally because I consider it immoral. Marriage is a religious institution. The federal government has no business redefining what it is DeMint told Hunt, adding that even state governments should not have the right to permit same-sex marriages. Governments should not be in the business of promoting a behavior that’s proven to be destructive to our society” (The Advocate).

This type of divisive and homophobic language is dangerous coming from a U.S. Senator. Demand he apologize for these outrageous remarks.

Senator DeMint can be contacted through his e-contact form, guestbook, and Twitter.

Missouri Senator Uses Gay Marriage as a Scare Tactic

Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill said in a statement defending her position against a senate bill to allow gun-owners to carry their weapons to states with similar laws on firearms:

"This is a foot in the door that would require, for example, the laws in Vermont on gay marriage to be enforced in Missouri."

This is an unacceptable comparison designed to be used as a scare tactic with her largely conservative constituents.

Offices of Senator Claire McCaskill:

E-contact form

Washington, D.C.
202.224.6154
202.228.6326 (fax)

NY Senator Schumer Announces Support for Marriage Equality and Calls for the Full Repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act

The Empire State Pride Agenda has released the following statement:

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) today announced his support for marriage equality for same sex couples and for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The announcement followed a meeting on Sunday evening in Manhattan, initiated by Senator Schumer, with a group of New York LGBT elected officials and leaders of the city's largest LGBT organizations, including Empire State Pride Agenda Executive Director Alan Van Capelle.

"I want to thank Sen. Schumer for his support of marriage equality and the repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act,” said Van Capelle. “Like a majority of New Yorkers, Sen. Schumer recognizes that only marriage equality provides same sex couples the status, protections and rights afforded to all other Americans. We look forward to working with him to win marriage equality in New York State and around the country."

Van Capelle said that during the meeting, Schumer pledged his support to repeal DOMA and, in the interim, to work to provide federal recognition and portability of benefits to legally married same-sex couples.
Sen. Schumer is Vice Chair of the U.S. Senate's Democratic Conference and the highest ranking member of the Senate to endorse marriage equality.
Among other topics discussed at the meeting were continued HIV and Ryan White Care Act funding, appointment of openly LGBT people to the federal bench, special issues facing LGBT youth and seniors, the U.S. Census, and passage of a trans-inclusive Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA) and hate crimes legislation.

Thank Senator Charles Schumer for his commitment to marriage equality in New York, and for supporting a repeal of DOMA.

E-contact Form

Office:
Washington D.C.
313 Hart Senate Building
Washington D.C. 20510
Phone - 202-224-6542

Kirsten Gillibrand to Replace NY Senator Hillary Clinton

There has been a lot of talk as to who Governor David Patterson will select to fill the now vacant seat of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. The Governor will select congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand to become the next New York state senator.

There have been conflicting reports as to where Congresswoman Gillibrand stands on LGBT issues. With some reports saying that she supports federal civil unions legislation but not marriage equality, and others saying she does not support a repeal of the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy. She is considered a "blue dog democrat" who has an 80% rating from the Human Rights Campaign and supports gun rights, who has had a more conservative record due to the nature of her district where she needed to get elected.

However, via Towleroad we now learn that New York's LGBT rights organization the Empire State Pride Agenda has only accolade for the incoming senator...

Last night likely Senate pick Kirsten Gillibrand spoke to Empire State Pride Agenda Executive Director Alan Van Capelle about issues important to New York’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community

"After talking to Kirsten Gillibrand, I am very happy to say that New York is poised to have its first U.S. Senator who supports marriage equality for same-sex couples. She also supports the full repeal of the federal DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) law, repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) and passage of legislation outlawing discrimination against transgender people. While we had a productive discussion about a whole range of LGBT concerns, I was particularly happy to hear where she stands on these issues."

Below is the contact information should you wish to correspond with the incoming senator.

Click here for an E-contact Form.

120 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5614
Fax: (202) 225-1168

Gay Ally Al Franken Wins Senate Seat!

After a long and contested recount, one which the Coleman (R) campaign is going to continue to attempt to fight, the canvassing board will declare that Al Franken (D) has won the election for senate seat in Minnesota by a 225 vote lead.

Senator-elect Franken has long been an ardent supporter of same-sex marriage rights, and will likely usher in a new era of progressive politics within the senate.

Next Illinois Senator, Attorney General Roland Burris?

Attorney General Roland Burris will be appointed to the U.S. senate by governor Blagojevich of Illinois. The governor is currently in a scandal over allegations that he was selling Barack Obama's former senate seat to the highest bidder. Whether the senate appointment will stick is anyone's guess at this time.

It seems we have a friend in Roland Burris though. With minimal information out there, all accounts seem to be LGBT friendly.

• He lobbied extensively to add sexual orientation and gender identity to the hate crimes law in the state.

• He pushed to include same-sex couples in domestic violence legislation.

• Burris has been reported to be a "trailblazer" by hiring openly LGBT people for his staff.

Much more will come out about Roland Burris and his positions on LGBT issues, as the media, political analysts, and bloggers will dissect his record. Whether he becomes senator of Illinois or not, it appears likely that we have an ally in this man.

Senator McConnell - Do You Have Any Skeletons in Your CLOSET?

Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has a notoriously anti-gay voting record. Senator McConell scores a 0% percent from the Human Rights Campaign on LGBT issues. He has consistently voted for a same-sex marriage ban, against adding sexual orientation to hate crimes legislation and job employment non-discrimination acts.

Well, now people are calling for an investigation into his records as to why he was dismissed from the U.S. military. It is suspect that he may have been dismissed because of homosexual activity. Another closeted-republican hypocrite? Maybe.

The blog world is mixed on the decision to release this ad, because it is playing into voters fears and homophobia. Mike Rogers over at BlogActive writes "Why give what by many is seen to be homophobia by many any legs?" While Michelangelo Signorile over at The Gist sees it differently saying:"Yes, the people pushing it are no doubt trying to appeal to homophobia in many voters. But they are also appealing to my -- and presumably many Kentucky voters' -- desire not to have a hypocrite and liar in office. And that's not a bad thing."

As always activism has different tactics and opinions, we can all agree though that we want to see this anti-gay politician out of his bullying pulpit.

http://mcconnell.senate.gov/contact_form.cfm

Senator Dianne Feinstein: "Vote No on 8"

Senator Feinstein Against Prop 8

Senator Dianne Feinstein of California has come out against proposition 8 which would eliminate marriage equality in the state.

"As a state, I believe we should uphold the ability of our friends, neighbors and co-workers who are gay and lesbian to enter into the contract of marriage," she said." (Sign-On San Diego)

Please join me in thanking the senator for her position against prop 8 and for supporting marriage equality.

E-Contact Form

Senator Dianne Feinstein
United States Senate
331 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

Phone: (202) 224-3841
Fax: (202) 228-3954
TTY/TDD: (202) 224-2501

We Will Have Nunn of That!

"Noted gays are urging the Obama campaign to back away from any consideration of former Sen. Sam Nunn as a potential running mate, pointing to his "No" vote in the 1996 ENDA battle (which lost by only one vote) and his 1993 orchestration of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Call & email the Obama campaign and tell him Queers say NO to Nunn! http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/contact2

*H/T to JoeMyGod for the story.

Support the Safe Schools Improvement Act

A new action alert has come out from the The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force:

"Across the country, communities are mourning the brutal murder of 15-year-old Lawrence King of California, who classmates say was killed because of his sexual orientation and gender expression. This tragic event reminds us of the importance of creating safe learning environments. We call on schools to honor King’s memory by using this as an opportunity to address violence and harassment directed at lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students. Further, we call on Congress to enact strong anti-harassment and anti-bullying legislation.

U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.) has introduced the Safe Schools Improvement Act (H. R. 3132), which would promote bullying prevention efforts in schools across America. H. R. 3132 is vital to protecting America’s students in schools, but the bill needs more cosponsors in the House.

The Senate has included similar language to address bullying and harassment in the draft of No Child Left Behind reauthorization, sponsored by Sens. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Mike Enzi (R-Wyo). Senators, especially those on the Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee, should support maintaining the language that will strengthen state and local efforts to prevent bullying and harassment through the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Act.

Contact your members of Congress today and urge support for strong anti-bullying legislation."

Click Here to contact your representative

Click Here to contact your Senators

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

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