Richmond Times-Dispatch (Va.) (1/26)
By Jim Nolan
Democratic lawmakers Tuesday announced support for bills that would make it illegal to discriminate against gays and lesbians in Virginia's state work force and in the Virginia National Guard.
Lawmakers also pushed for legislation that would strengthen anti-bullying laws regarding Virginia schools, allow local governments to set their own benefits policies for employees and repeal a 2006 amendment to the Virginia Constitution that forbids same-sex marriages.
Similar legislation has failed in past General Assembly sessions, but lawmakers said there is growing bipartisan support for legislation this time around to give equal protection under the law and in public employment to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Virginians.
"It's simply the right thing to do," said Del. Adam P. Ebbin, D-Alexandria, the sponsor of House Bill 2046, which would add sexual orientation to the list of protected classes upon which the state cannot discriminate in employment. Sen. A. Donald McEachin, D-Henrico is sponsoring companion legislation, Senate Bill 747.
Last year, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli issued a legal opinion saying public colleges and universities could not include sexual-orientation bias in their nondiscrimination policies because it was not specifically authorized in state law.
Despite having issued an opinion similar to Cuccinelli's during his own tenure as attorney general, Gov. Bob McDonnell reacted to the ensuing uproar by issuing an executive directive — a declaration lacking the force of law — that forbade discrimination in the state work force for any reason.
"We need to get this in the code for all time," said Ebbin, the only openly gay member of the legislature, noting that it "makes good business sense" and that Virginia's top 10 employers have nondiscrimination policies that protect gays.
Joining lawmakers was Anthony Woods, an openly gay Army captain who served two tours in Iraq before his discharge from the military in 2008 for refusing to keep his sexual orientation a secret under the since-repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.
"On the battlefield, sexual orientation does not matter one bit," said Woods, a West Point graduate who received the Bronze Star for his service. He was present to support House Bill 2345, sponsored by Del. Joseph D. Morrissey, D-Henrico, prohibiting discrimination in the Virginia National Guard.
Lawmakers cited support from GOP counterparts such as Del. Thomas Davis Rust, R-Fairfax — whose House Bill 1964 would prohibit discrimination in public employment based on sexual orientation — as evidence that times could be changing.
The bills come up for consideration this week.
The Rev. Robin Gorsline of the Metropolitan Community Church in Richmond said, "Make respect the law of Virginia."
Monday, January 31, 2011
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Louisiana Stonewall Democrats Call on David Vitter to Recuse Himself from Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Vote
Capt. Heitmeier: Vitter Shouldn’t Pass Judgment on Honorable, Law-Abiding Service Members
BATON ROUGE, LA – Louisiana Stonewall Democrats President Capt. Cory Heitmeier released the following statement today calling on Senator David Vitter to recuse himself from the Senate’s expected debate and votes on repealing the U.S. military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.
“If David Vitter had been a military officer when he admitted breaking the law by soliciting prostitutes, he would have faced a dishonorable discharge, severe punishment or even time in the brig. Vitter is not fit to wear our nation’s uniform and he shouldn’t be allowed to pass judgment on others.
“Don’t Ask Don’t Tell bans honorable and law-abiding gay, lesbian and bisexual Americans from serving openly in the armed forces and since David Vitter is neither honorable nor law-abiding, he has no place in this debate.
Louisiana Stonewall Democrats is a grassroots force for social change within the Democratic Party. Members call voters, put together campaign mailings, go door-to-door for fair-minded candidates and have tough conversations with Democratic Party officials about why LGBTQ families need and deserve more support from the Democratic Party and its elected officials.
For more information about Louisiana Stonewall Democrats visit: www.louisianastonewall.org
BATON ROUGE, LA – Louisiana Stonewall Democrats President Capt. Cory Heitmeier released the following statement today calling on Senator David Vitter to recuse himself from the Senate’s expected debate and votes on repealing the U.S. military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.
“If David Vitter had been a military officer when he admitted breaking the law by soliciting prostitutes, he would have faced a dishonorable discharge, severe punishment or even time in the brig. Vitter is not fit to wear our nation’s uniform and he shouldn’t be allowed to pass judgment on others.
“Don’t Ask Don’t Tell bans honorable and law-abiding gay, lesbian and bisexual Americans from serving openly in the armed forces and since David Vitter is neither honorable nor law-abiding, he has no place in this debate.
Louisiana Stonewall Democrats is a grassroots force for social change within the Democratic Party. Members call voters, put together campaign mailings, go door-to-door for fair-minded candidates and have tough conversations with Democratic Party officials about why LGBTQ families need and deserve more support from the Democratic Party and its elected officials.
For more information about Louisiana Stonewall Democrats visit: www.louisianastonewall.org
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Louisiana Stonewall Dems travel the State this past weekend in support of EQUALITY
Having fun and making a difference
NEW ORLEANS
NO/AIDS Walk 2010
NEW ORLEANS
NO/AIDS Walk 2010
LAKE CHARLES
Friday, September 10, 2010
Our Governor is leaving Louisiana again, this time for Minnesota?
Jindal will fundraise for GOP, Emmer
Minnesota Republicans are looking for a boost from the bayou.
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is headed to Minnesota on Sept. 13 for fundraisers benefiting the Republican Party and gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty and GOP chair Tony Sutton will chair the first event on Monday afternoon, with Reps. Michele Bachmann and Erik Paulsen serving as “honorary event chairs,” according to an invite obtained by the Star Tribune.
Bob Ulrich and Brad Anderson, former CEOs of Target and Best Buy respectively, will be “honorary finance chairs.”
Both Jindal and Pawlenty are said to be eying a run at the presidency in 2012.
The minimum donation to attend the Minneapolis Hilton event is $1,000, though guests can pay $10,000 to be part of the “host committee.”
Immediately afterward, Jindal will turn his attention to Emmer at a $500 per person reception in the same hotel.
Minnesota Republicans are looking for a boost from the bayou.
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is headed to Minnesota on Sept. 13 for fundraisers benefiting the Republican Party and gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty and GOP chair Tony Sutton will chair the first event on Monday afternoon, with Reps. Michele Bachmann and Erik Paulsen serving as “honorary event chairs,” according to an invite obtained by the Star Tribune.
Bob Ulrich and Brad Anderson, former CEOs of Target and Best Buy respectively, will be “honorary finance chairs.”
Both Jindal and Pawlenty are said to be eying a run at the presidency in 2012.
The minimum donation to attend the Minneapolis Hilton event is $1,000, though guests can pay $10,000 to be part of the “host committee.”
Immediately afterward, Jindal will turn his attention to Emmer at a $500 per person reception in the same hotel.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Jindal's office revises his endorsement comments
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
By Jan Moller
Capital bureau
BATON ROUGE -- Two days after Gov. Bobby Jindal said he would not be endorsing fellow Republican David Vitter for re-election to the U.S. Senate, his chief spokeswoman left the door open for a possible change of heart in the weeks to come.
"The governor hasn't gotten involved in the Senate race yet," Melissa Sellers said Tuesday, declining to elaborate.
Jindal caused a stir over the weekend when he said he had no plans to get involved in the race between Vitter and his chief Democratic opponent, U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon of Napoleonville.
"Voters can make up their own mind," Jindal said, adding that he does not get involved in federal races.
Two years ago, however, Jindal endorsed GOP state Treasurer John Kennedy in his unsuccessful Senate bid against Democrat Mary Landrieu, and he has supported other Louisiana Republicans running for Congress.
He also has lent fundraising support for several Republican congressional candidates around the country.
Sellers said Jindal's statement about federal races was referring only to the current election cycle, not previous years.
. . . . . . .
By Jan Moller
Capital bureau
BATON ROUGE -- Two days after Gov. Bobby Jindal said he would not be endorsing fellow Republican David Vitter for re-election to the U.S. Senate, his chief spokeswoman left the door open for a possible change of heart in the weeks to come.
"The governor hasn't gotten involved in the Senate race yet," Melissa Sellers said Tuesday, declining to elaborate.
Jindal caused a stir over the weekend when he said he had no plans to get involved in the race between Vitter and his chief Democratic opponent, U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon of Napoleonville.
"Voters can make up their own mind," Jindal said, adding that he does not get involved in federal races.
Two years ago, however, Jindal endorsed GOP state Treasurer John Kennedy in his unsuccessful Senate bid against Democrat Mary Landrieu, and he has supported other Louisiana Republicans running for Congress.
He also has lent fundraising support for several Republican congressional candidates around the country.
Sellers said Jindal's statement about federal races was referring only to the current election cycle, not previous years.
. . . . . . .
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Target refuses HRC request to “make it right”
Human Rights Campaign, Minnesota, Target
Target Corp. has informed the Human Rights Campaign that it will not take action to “correct” its $150,000 donation to a group supporting an anti-gay candidate for governor in Minnesota, according to an HRC release tonight.
“If their initial contribution was a slap in the face, their refusal to make it right is a punch in the gut and that’s not something that we will soon forget,” said Joe Solmonese, HRC’s president.
HRC also announced it would spend $150,000 in the state this year to help elect a pro-equality governor and state legislature. ”With full marriage equality hanging in the balance in Minnesota, regardless of Target, it’s important that we as a community send a message that we will work tirelessly to elect pro-equality candidates,” Solmonese said.
Meanwhile, protests outside Target stores continue. Fifty protesters descended on a new Chicago store Saturday in the city’s Uptown neighborhood.
Target Corp. has informed the Human Rights Campaign that it will not take action to “correct” its $150,000 donation to a group supporting an anti-gay candidate for governor in Minnesota, according to an HRC release tonight.
“If their initial contribution was a slap in the face, their refusal to make it right is a punch in the gut and that’s not something that we will soon forget,” said Joe Solmonese, HRC’s president.
HRC also announced it would spend $150,000 in the state this year to help elect a pro-equality governor and state legislature. ”With full marriage equality hanging in the balance in Minnesota, regardless of Target, it’s important that we as a community send a message that we will work tirelessly to elect pro-equality candidates,” Solmonese said.
Meanwhile, protests outside Target stores continue. Fifty protesters descended on a new Chicago store Saturday in the city’s Uptown neighborhood.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
PROP 8 OVERTURNED
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Katrina L. Rogers
info@louisianastonewall.org
225-308-1607
Louisiana Stonewall Democrats Congratulate Judge Vaughn Walker on Overturning the Proposition 8 Ban in California
The Louisiana Stonewall Democrats commend the federal court of California for overturning the Proposition 8 Ban, allowing same-sex couples to marry in the state.
"It is our desire that this is a sign that marriage will be an option for all Americans. We are merely asking for equality and this decision signifies that we are deserving. Now we work towards equality for LGBT couples across this great nation who want to get married," says Captain Cory F. Heitmeier, President of Louisiana Stonewall Democrats.
In his ruling, Judge Vaughn Walker stated, ""Plaintiffs have demonstrated by overwhelming evidence that Proposition 8 violates their due process and equal protection rights and that they will continue to suffer these constitutional violations until state officials cease enforcement of Proposition 8."
Louisiana Stonewall Democrats is an organization dedicated to supporting candidates and policy that will help combat discriminatory legislation based on sexual orientation and sexual identification. We are a grassroots establishment within the Democratic Party that advocates social change that will improve the lives of people in LGBTQ communities and families in Louisiana and across the country.
###
We can only hope that one day a video like this can be made by students here in Louisiana
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bwyVYD2vwk&feature=player_embedded
Contact: Katrina L. Rogers
info@louisianastonewall.org
225-308-1607
Louisiana Stonewall Democrats Congratulate Judge Vaughn Walker on Overturning the Proposition 8 Ban in California
The Louisiana Stonewall Democrats commend the federal court of California for overturning the Proposition 8 Ban, allowing same-sex couples to marry in the state.
"It is our desire that this is a sign that marriage will be an option for all Americans. We are merely asking for equality and this decision signifies that we are deserving. Now we work towards equality for LGBT couples across this great nation who want to get married," says Captain Cory F. Heitmeier, President of Louisiana Stonewall Democrats.
In his ruling, Judge Vaughn Walker stated, ""Plaintiffs have demonstrated by overwhelming evidence that Proposition 8 violates their due process and equal protection rights and that they will continue to suffer these constitutional violations until state officials cease enforcement of Proposition 8."
Louisiana Stonewall Democrats is an organization dedicated to supporting candidates and policy that will help combat discriminatory legislation based on sexual orientation and sexual identification. We are a grassroots establishment within the Democratic Party that advocates social change that will improve the lives of people in LGBTQ communities and families in Louisiana and across the country.
###
We can only hope that one day a video like this can be made by students here in Louisiana
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bwyVYD2vwk&feature=player_embedded
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