GLBT News Clips: Thursday, June 18, 2009

 

Thursday (June 18, 2009) News Clips
Headline		Date	Outlet	Links
.HRC In the News (18)
	Gay Activists: "Bruno" Reinforces Gay Stereotypes	06/18/2009	The Celebrity Cafe	Text	View Clip
	Obama Extends Benefits To Same-Sex Partners	06/18/2009	Washington Post - Online	Text	View Clip
	Sotomayor – like Souter, Scalia, or different?	06/18/2009	Bay Area Reporter	Text	View Clip
	Jones says equality march approved for October	06/18/2009	Bay Area Reporter	Text	View Clip
	LGBT immigration reform tied to larger effort	06/18/2009	Bay Area Reporter	Text	View Clip
	Obama To Consider Gay Pentagon Appointment	06/18/2009	On Top Magazine	Text	View Clip
	Obama eases rules covering benefits for gays in U.S. jobs	06/18/2009	Baltimore Sun	Text	View Clip
	Obama faces backlash from gay-rights activists.	06/18/2009	National Post - Washington DC Bureau	Text	View Clip
	Obama extends partial gay benefits	06/18/2009	AFP / Agence France-Presse - Washington DC Bureau	Text	View Clip
	Obama extends same-sex benefits	06/18/2009	National Post - Washington DC Bureau	Text	View Clip
	HRC official speaks at gay business networking meeting	06/18/2009	Southern Voice	Text	View Clip
	Administration Says Obama Can Extend Federal Benefits to Homosexual Couples Despite Defense of Marri	06/18/2009	CNSNews.com - Cybercast News Service	Text	View Clip
	On Agenda, Gays Ask, but Obama's Not Telling	06/18/2009	Time - Washington DC Bureau	Text	View Clip
	Rights groups pleased White House took first step	06/18/2009	KGAN CBS 2	Text	View Clip
	When Are Gay Rights Groups 'Far-Left'? When They Criticize Obama	06/18/2009	Newsbusters	Text	View Clip
	Obama's memo for federal workers: A closer look	06/18/2009	Windy	Text	View Clip
	Obama adds benefits for gay workers	06/18/2009	Los Angeles Times - San Francisco Bureau	Text	View Clip
	Obama extends benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees	06/18/2009	JURIST - Paper Chase	Text	View Clip
Activism/Protest (2)
	Gay activists, donors to boycott DNC fundraiser	06/18/2009	Washington Blade	Text	View Clip
	Bastian Latest to Snub DNC	06/18/2009	Advocate, The	Text	View Clip
Courts/Legal (3)
	Backers of Olson-Boies Challenge to Prop 8 Speak	06/18/2009	Towleroad	Text	View Clip
	Georgia Supreme Court rules against 'homophobic' custody agreement	06/18/2009	PinkNews.co.uk	Text	View Clip
	Prop. 8 is "Role of the Courts"	06/18/2009	Advocate, The	Text	View Clip
Discrimination (1)
	Straight teacher makes claim for homophobic abuse	06/18/2009	PinkNews.co.uk	Text	View Clip
Education/Youth (1)
	Anti-bullying bill in jeopardy	06/18/2009	Q-Notes	Text	View Clip
Entertainment/TV/Movies (3)
	Bruno Has Military Flair At Premiere	06/18/2009	On Top Magazine	Text	View Clip
	Bruno Hits London, Queen's Royal Guard Gets a Makeover	06/18/2009	Towleroad	Text	View Clip
	Ptown: Cape Tip Speculates on Marc Jacobs Wedding Date	06/18/2009	Towleroad	Text	View Clip
Events/Fundraising (1)
	Final fundraiser for Million Gay March is tonight	06/18/2009	Dallas Voice	Text	View Clip
International (6)
	Exclusive: British Foreign Office reacts to gay Iraqi killings	06/18/2009	PinkNews.co.uk	Text	View Clip
	Second ambassador in a week under fire for Pride support	06/18/2009	PinkNews.co.uk	Text	View Clip
	China preps 1st guidelines for sex change surgery	06/18/2009	365gay.com	Text	View Clip
	China appears to back down over gay-ban internet filtering	06/18/2009	PinkNews.co.uk	Text	View Clip
	LGBT people urged to join Iran demonstration in London	06/18/2009	PinkNews.co.uk	Text	View Clip
	Chinese Police Must OK Sex Changes	06/18/2009	Advocate, The	Text	View Clip
Legislation (1)
	Roundup: News from Around the Web	06/18/2009	Advocate, The	Text	View Clip
Marriage (2)
	DUMP DOMA	06/18/2009	Pam's House Blend	Text	View Clip
	NOM War Chest to Fight NY Pro-Marriage Equality Republicans	06/18/2009	Towleroad	Text	View Clip
National Politics (5)
	U.S. Passport Rules To Include Gays	06/18/2009	On Top Magazine	Text	View Clip
	The Official White House Guide to the Gay Community for Dummies	06/18/2009	Pam's House Blend	Text	View Clip
	News: Civil Disobedience, Mariah Carey, iPhone 3GS, O.J.	06/18/2009	Towleroad	Text	View Clip
	MSNBC: 'Gays Angry at Obama'	06/18/2009	Towleroad	Text	View Clip
	GLAD Wins Right to Change Name on Passport	06/18/2009	Pam's House Blend	Text	View Clip
Politicians/Leaders (15)
	Barney Frank Backtracks, Now Supports DOMA Brief	06/18/2009	Towleroad	Text	View Clip
	Baldwin: Responsibility on Congress Now	06/18/2009	Advocate, The	Text	View Clip
	Obama Considering Gay Man for Top Pentagon Post	06/18/2009	Towleroad	Text	View Clip
	Rachel Maddow and Keith Olbermann on Obama's 'Fierce Advocacy'	06/18/2009	Towleroad	Text	View Clip
	Obama To Consider Gay Pentagon Appointment	06/18/2009	On Top Magazine	Text	View Clip
	Baldwin, Frank To Address Gay Group Tonight	06/18/2009	On Top Magazine	Text	View Clip
	Anti-Gay Marriage Senator Admits Affair	06/18/2009	On Top Magazine	Text	View Clip
	New Executive Director Of GLAAD Announced	06/18/2009	Pam's House Blend	Text	View Clip
	Barney Frank finally speaks: I'm mad at what's going on, but keep the gay ATM open	06/18/2009	Pam's House Blend	Text	View Clip
	Jarrett T. Barrios Named New President of GLAAD	06/18/2009	Towleroad	Text	View Clip
	Former Mass. lawmaker to head GLAAD	06/18/2009	Washington Blade	Text	View Clip
	Mass. ex-senator to head gay rights group GLAAD	06/18/2009	365gay.com	Text	View Clip
	GLAAD Names New Head, Mass. Politician	06/18/2009	EdgeNewEngland.com	Text	View Clip
	Anti-Marriage Equality Senator Admits to Affair	06/18/2009	EdgeNewEngland.com	Text	View Clip
	Former Lawmaker To Lead Gay Rights Group	06/18/2009	On Top Magazine	Text	View Clip
Polling/Research (1)
	Women 'up to seven times less likely to report homophobic crime than men'	06/18/2009	PinkNews.co.uk	Text	View Clip
Religion (3)
	Christian Group: Burn "Gay" Book	06/18/2009	Advocate, The	Text	View Clip
	Neb. Catholics ask for OK for psychologists to not treat gays	06/18/2009	365gay.com	Text	View Clip
	Pastor: Gays Don't Belong in NFL	06/18/2009	Advocate, The	Text	View Clip
State/Local Politics (8)
	NOM Vows to Unseat Pro-gay GOP	06/18/2009	Advocate, The	Text	View Clip
	Judge Asked to Block D.C. Board Ruling on Anti-Gay Referendum	06/18/2009	Towleroad	Text	View Clip
	Trans woman runs for mayor in Idaho	06/18/2009	PinkNews.co.uk	Text	View Clip
	NC: anti-bullying bill is in jeopardy	06/18/2009	Pam's House Blend	Text	View Clip
	Fed judge allows ministry to leaflet at St. Louis gay pride	06/18/2009	365gay.com	Text	View Clip
	Gary & Larry Relegated to Doing Own Mule Work	06/18/2009	Pam's House Blend	Text	View Clip
	Florida cities get creative to attract LGBT travelers	06/18/2009	EdgeNewEngland.com	Text	View Clip
	Head of NH non-profit prematurely announces pending closure	06/18/2009	EdgeNewEngland.com	Text	View Clip
Taxation/Benefits (16)
	Obama: More benefits for gay workers only one step	06/18/2009	365gay.com	Text	View Clip
	Richard Socarides and Dustin Lance Black on Obama and Gays	06/18/2009	Towleroad	Text	View Clip
	Presidential Memorandum Already Viewed as Disappointment by Gay Leaders	06/18/2009	EdgeNewEngland.com	Text	View Clip
	White House releases details of tonight's Presidential Memo	06/18/2009	Pam's House Blend	Text	View Clip
	What the President will say about LGBT rights tonight - and who will be there?	06/18/2009	Pam's House Blend	Text	View Clip
	White House Outlines Benefits	06/18/2009	Advocate, The	Text	View Clip
	Obama Memo: What Benefits are Forthcoming to Same-Sex Partners?	06/18/2009	Towleroad	Text	View Clip
	Vanasco: Gay benefits press call clarifies…nothing	06/18/2009	365gay.com	Text	View Clip
	Presidential Memo Open Thread	06/18/2009	Pam's House Blend	Text	View Clip
	Obama's statement on gay Fed benefits	06/18/2009	365gay.com	Text	View Clip
	Crumby Memo: The Video	06/18/2009	Pam's House Blend	Text	View Clip
	National LGBT Bar Association Releases Statement	06/18/2009	Pam's House Blend	Text	View Clip
	Obama Signs Memo Granting Limited Federal Employee Benefits ; Reiterates Pledge to Get Rid of D...	06/18/2009	Towleroad	Text	View Clip
	Gay Activists Balk At New Obama Rights Offering	06/18/2009	On Top Magazine	Text	View Clip
	Obama Extends Partner Benefits	06/18/2009	Advocate, The	Text	View Clip
	Obama grants partner benefits for gay federal employees	06/18/2009	Washington Blade	Text	View Clip
Transgender issues (2)
	Cher Releases Statement in Support of Chaz Bono's Transition	06/18/2009	Towleroad	Text	View Clip
	Cher 'supportive' of Chaz Bono's sex change	06/18/2009	PinkNews.co.uk	Text	View Clip
Gay Activists: "Bruno" Reinforces Gay Stereotypes | View Clip 06/18/2009 The Celebrity Cafe According to the Hollywood Reporter, gay activists are fuming over comedian and satirist Sacha Baron Cohen's portrayal of an out gay reporter in "Bruno." The film follows the popular "Ali G" character as he loses his job and travels across the United States to do a documentary about how Americans live, in the same style as "Borat." But even though the film won't premiere until next month, gay activists are becoming concerned that Cohen's limp-wristed, flamboyant "Bruno" character may set back gains in public life, especially concerning American's perception of gays and lesbians. "We do feel the intentions of the filmmakers are in the right place--satire of this form can unmask homophobia--but at the same time it can heighten people's discomfort with our community," said Rashad Robinson, executive director of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. Acting on that premise, GLAAD asked Universal Studios, the movie house that backed "Borat," to add a message from Cohen addressing the importance of gay rights and tolerance. That did not go over well. "We believe most moviegoers will understand the film's positive intentions," Universal said in a prepared statement. "'Bruno' uses provocative comedy to powerfully shed light on the absurdity of many kinds of intolerance and ignorance, including homophobia." According to the studio, "Bruno" is expected to be a hit, in much the way that its predecessor was. But with the film's subject matter and portrayal of sexually aggressive homosexuality, many wonder whether the vaulted 18-50 male demographic which came out in droves to see "Borat" will show up this time around. "It's going to be interesting if a bunch of teenage boys actually go," said gay activist Cathy Renna. Even though the yet-to-be-released film is riding high on buzz and expectations that it will smash the $128 million box office record set by "Borat," several scenes in the film are already disturbing gays and lesbians who have seen previews of it. According to Robinson, one of the scenes portrays Bruno apparently having sex with a man in a bathtub, while his adopted baby sits nearby. During a time when gays and lesbians are barred from adopting, that doesn't sit will with activists. "That wasn't really unmasking homophobia," Robinson said. "Especially in a country where same-sex couples can still be denied the ability to adopt children they've raised since birth. Trivializing gay families isn't a joke." With the debate over same-sex marriage and laws like California's Proposition 8 continuing in the public square, many see the film as a reaffirmation of same-sex marriage opponents' stereotypes of gays as aggressive, colorful, and sexually perverted. But just as many hope that "Bruno" will do for homophobia what "Borat" did for anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant sentiment in 2006: demolish it with laughter. "Bigotry and homophobia get cloaked in many different nuanced ways, so a movie like this has the potential to let everyone in on the joke and to really change the way homophobia is viewed," said Brad Luna, spokesman for the Human Rights Campaign, an advocacy group that works on behalf of gays and lesbians. Return to Top
Obama Extends Benefits To Same-Sex Partners | View Clip 06/18/2009 Washington Post - Online President Obama signed a memorandum today extending some federal benefits to same-sex partners of federal workers. The measure does not cover health care and retirement benefits. "Many of our government's hard-working and dedicated, patriotic public servants have long been denied basic rights that their colleagues enjoy, for one simple reason: The people they love are of the same sex," Obama said at an Oval Office signing ceremony. After what he described as a "long, thorough review," Obama signed the measure that, among other things, grants employees' same-sex partners access to a government insurance program that pays for long-term conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease. They also would be allowed to take sick leave to care for a sick partner or non-biological child. "Extending equal benefits to the same-sex partners of Federal employees is the right thing to do, he said, noting that several top employers already offer benefits to same-sex partners. "Those companies recognize that offering partner benefits helps them compete for and retain the brightest and most talented employees. The federal government is at a disadvantage on that score right now, and change is long overdue," he said. Still, Obama noted that by law, the government cannot grant gay couples the same range of benefits afforded to heterosexual couples. He said he supports the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act, which would further extend benefits to gay couples. He also reiterated his opposition to the Defense of Marriage Act: "It's discriminatory, it interferes with States' rights, and it's time we overturned it," he said. Earlier in the day during a conference call with reporters, Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry said "This is a first step, not a final step." "This is an attempt to get our federal house in order, and that is very important to do. It's an example of practicing before preaching, and I believe the president is taking bold action to do just that, to get the federal house in order." Berry said his office has been working on the issue for several months with White House staffers and lawmakers. He noted that 57 percent of Fortune 500 companies extend similar benefits to the same-sex partners of employees. "I should also point out that Arizona and Alaska provide this benefit to their state employees," Berry said, in reference to the home states of last year's Republican presidential and vice presidential candidates. "I think the gay community, of which I am a member, can be very proud that this president stands with us," Berry said. (More on Berry below.) Three things to keep in mind regarding this decision: 1.) Obama Has Faced Criticism From Gay Rights Groups: Stopping short of full benefits means the president will still face stiff criticism from liberals and other activists that feel he has not done enough in his first 149 days in office to address gay rights. Still, today's move will likely ease some of the bad feelings. Criticism centers around the administration's decision to file a legal brief that supports the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act. On Monday the head of the Human Rights Campaign wrote an angry letter to the White House on the matter and The New York Times editorial board noted yesterday that Candidate Obama once vowed to overturn the act. "Now, the administration appears to be defending it out of a sense of obligation to support a validly enacted Congressional law. ... If the administration does feel compelled to defend the act, it should do so in a less hurtful way." You think a presidential order extending benefits to same-sex couples might ease the burden? You betcha. 2.) "Don't Ask Don't Tell": Today's decision applies only to the Defense Department's civilian workforce and not to men and women in uniform. Obama has also faced criticism for his reluctance to reconsider the military's policy on gay service members, despite his campaign pledge to repeal it. 3.) John Berry: The most senior openly gay official ever in U.S. government, Obama's director of the Office of Personnel Management is a telegenic, well-respected leader that has made several statements in recent months hinting at today's move, essentially test-driving comments you may soon hear from Obama. During a speech last week at the Justice Department, Berry passionately stated that the federal government had to do more to ensure equal rights for gay and lesbian Americans: "With the help of a president who supports our cause, the aid of courageous fellow countrymen and women who love liberty, and with God's grace, we shall prevail" in the quest for civil rights, Berry said. He made similar comments in April during his ceremonial swearing in ceremony attended by First Lady Michelle Obama: "It is the president's and my opinion, that employees should only be judged by their ability to do the job and their performance while on the job and not by any other irrelevant factors," he said. The president will take it from all sides on this decision: social conservatives will criticize the decision while gay rights activists will insist he did not do enough. Regardless, today is an important day for federal employees eager to enjoy the rights and benefits afforded to their colleagues. Return to Top
Sotomayor – like Souter, Scalia, or different? | View Clip 06/18/2009 Bay Area Reporter U.S. Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor was once grilled about her beliefs concerning the constitutional rights of gays, and her response, if taken out of context, sounded a lot like one that Justice Antonin Scalia might give. "I do not think that we should be making constitutional rights any greater than they exist right now," said Sotomayor, during her 1997 confirmation hearing for a position on the 2nd Circuit federal appeals bench. "... The Constitution is what it is. We cannot read rights into them." It has been Scalia's argument – in the context of several gay-related cases – that the court should not be engaged in the "invention of a brand new constitutional right." He said so in his 2003 dissent in Lawrence v. Texas, where the majority ruled that states could not ban private consensual sex between same-sex partners. Sotomayor also seemed to echo Scalia at her 1997 hearing when she stated that the courts owe government officials "enormous" deference. A law or rule that addresses "any government interest," she said, could pass constitutional muster. In arguing that the Texas sodomy law should be upheld, Scalia noted that, "Countless judicial decisions and legislative enactments have relied on the ancient proposition that a governing majority's belief that certain sexual behavior is 'immoral and unacceptable' constitutes a rational basis for regulation." Taken out of context, Sotomayor's remarks could be fanned by more liberal legal activists to fire up opposition to her nomination to the high court. Some of her current opponents are taking a similar tact in their interpretation of a remark Sotomayor made in a speech: "I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life." Her opponents, mostly Republicans, say the remark means Sotomayor believes a "wise Latina woman" is smarter than a "white male," and therefore, she must be racist. In that 2001 lecture, Sotomayor does state, "Our gender and national origins may and will make a difference in our judging." But she also states that she believes "we should not be so myopic as to believe that others of different experiences or backgrounds are incapable of understanding the values and needs of people from a different group. Many are so capable." And she acknowledged that "nine white men on the Supreme Court" delivered Brown v. Board of Education, in 1954, striking down laws that enforced racial segregation in public schools. "Personal experiences," said Sotomayor in the lecture, "affect the facts that judges choose to see." In its totality, the speech acknowledges that different people grow up under different circumstances and are affected by those experiences. But there does not appear to be any remark by Sotomayor that suggests her willingness to acknowledge differences constitutes or carries with it a hostility toward people different from herself. On the contrary. "I willingly accept," said Sotomayor, "that we who judge must not deny the differences resulting from experience and heritage but attempt, as the Supreme Court suggests, continuously to judge when those opinions, sympathies and prejudices are appropriate." Sympathies and prejudices So, what can be learned thus far about Sotomayor's "sympathies and prejudices" as they might involve LGBT people? Going back to the 1997 confirmation hearing: Just like the "wise Latina woman" remark compels a different reading when taken in the context of the full speech, so does Sotomayor's remarks concerning the extension of constitutional rights to cover gays. During Sotomayor's 1997 confirmation hearing, then-Senator John Ashcroft mentioned that Sotomayor had ruled on a case, Holmes v. Artuse , in which a prisoner had been removed from a food service job in prison because he was gay. The prisoner, noted Ashcroft, had sued prison officials, saying his removal violated his constitutional rights. Ashcroft noted that Sotomayor denied the prisoner's request to decide the case based on information provided in briefs, but said that she had written "that a person's sexual orientation, standing alone, does not reasonably, rationally, or self-evidently implicate mess hall security concerns." "Prison officials," said Ashcroft, "argue that he was reassigned from his food service job to prevent disciplinary problems that could arise from having open homosexuals prepare food. ... You ruled prison officials did not present evidence that having homosexuals prepare food was a real threat." Sotomayor corrected Ashcroft's understanding of the case, noting that the particular phase of the court proceeding in which she made the ruling did not allow prison officials to present evidence yet. Ashcroft then asked Sotomayor what level of deference a judge owes prison officials when it comes to prison security risks. "Enormous," replied Sotomayor. "It is a rational basis, which means any government interest, as long as there is a reasoned, rational basis for it and it is not arbitrary and capricious, the prison officials can do what they like." Sotomayor noted that ultimately a jury had ruled against the prisoner. "Do you believe that there is a constitutional right to homosexual conduct by prisoners?" asked Ashcroft. "No, sir; there is not. The case law is very clear about that," said Sotomayor. "The only constitutional right that homosexuals have is the same constitutional right every citizen of the United States has, which is not to have government action taken against them arbitrarily and capriciously. The Supreme Court said that last term [in Romer v. Evans]. But outside of that, that is a basic constitutional right, not to them in particular, but to the world that constitutes the United States." "Do you think there should be one – a special constitutional right?" asked Ashcroft. "I do not think that we should be making constitutional rights any greater than they exist right now," said Sotomayor. "The Constitution should be amended sparingly, sir, as it has been throughout our history. It is something that should be done only after much history and much thought." "So, in your judgment, you would not read additional rights into the Constitution, like a right for homosexual conduct on the part of a prisoner?" "I cannot do it, sir," said Sotomayor. "I cannot do it because it is so contrary to what I am as a lawyer and as a judge. The Constitution is what it is. We cannot read rights into them." So what can be read into Sotomayor's remarks in 1997? Could she be as conservative as Scalia? Law professor Nan Hunter noted that Sotomayor's responses were to a very specific question – should there be a special constitutional right to homosexual conduct by prisoners. And, noted Hunter, "She asserts that all citizens have the right to be free from arbitrary and capricious laws, and that is basically the holding in Lawrence." The Lawrence decision came six years later at the Supreme Court and, Hunter added, "I really don't doubt that she would have joined the majority in Lawrence ." Other gay legal advocates echoed that sentiment. "If I thought there was a chance she'd vote as conservatively as Antonin Scalia, we'd oppose her," said Kevin Cathcart, executive director of Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund. "And we don't." "Yes, if you pull [those remarks] out, it does" sound like Sotomayor is, like Scalia, a strict constructionist, said Cathcart. Strict constructionists are legal fundamentalists who believe the Constitution should be read only literally. They do not believe in a right to privacy, for instance, because the Constitution does not explicitly talk about a "right to privacy." "But when I look at her record in its totality, including her work as a civil rights lawyer and her years on bench," said Cathcart, "I don't come away thinking, 'this is one of these strict constructionists.'" Cathcart said he is heartened by the idea of a potential Supreme Court justice who has worked in a civil rights organization. Sotomayor served for 12 years on the board of the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund. "That says something to me," said Cathcart. "It's not a traditional route to the U.S. Supreme Court and it brings a kind of experience and world view that I don't see any reason to think she might be a stealth candidate for fundamentalism." "Sure, some people can surprise you," said Cathcart, noting that Justice David Souter was opposed by LGBT groups during his confirmation hearing and has turned out to be one of the court's most supportive members when it comes to gay civil rights. It is Souter's retirement that has opened up a seat on the court for which Sotomayor, 54, has been nominated. "You can never know what people will do or say or be once they get on the court. But is there a likelihood that she's like Scalia? I can't get there." Sotomayor was appointed to the federal district court by President George H.W. Bush and to the 2nd Circuit appeals court by President Bill Clinton. Duncan Osborne of Gay City News in New York reported he found Sotomayor, as a federal appeals panel judge, was involved in ruling on three cases involving gay people. All three were immigration cases dispensed with on technical grounds concerning the lower court decision. The Human Rights Campaign stated that while it believes the Senate Judiciary Committee should do "further probing" into Sotomayor's responses to Ashcroft's question about "special" rights, its preliminary research into her judicial record shows her to make "fair-minded decisions." "Although Sotomayor does not have a record regarding the rights of same-sex couples to legal protection," noted HRC, "we are encouraged by her record of fair-minded decisions, particularly in cases addressing discrimination and the right to privacy, which can shed light on her philosophy." As a college student at Princeton, Sotomayor was one of 39 students to sign onto a letter to the campus newspaper to decry vandalism perpetrated against two campus gay activists. The wording was a bit harsh by today's standards, but quite progressive for the mid-1970s. "No matter how much one may disagree with the Gay Alliance or the policies they are advocating, no matter how repugnant one may find homosexuality," said the letter, "the manner of expressing this opposition should be intellectual. At this university, we are dedicated to persuasion by reason, not by brute force." "Intimidation of those courageous enough to express their views, violence directed against unpopular associations, midnight criminal assaults on private residences," said the letter, "these speak for themselves. The entire university community should be angry, and disgusted, that this kind of action has occurred at Princeton." Bottom line? "Her record on gay stuff is pretty thin," said Cathcart. "However, there is nothing in her record or her history that makes us nervous in any way. She's eminently qualified." Return to Top
Jones says equality march approved for October | View Clip 06/18/2009 Bay Area Reporter Longtime gay activist Cleve Jones said that he has received approval for an equality march and rally on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. for Sunday, October 11, which is National Coming Out Day. Jones said that he's "100 percent confident the march will be allowed to proceed." He said organizers have been told "quite clearly and emphatically that there's no impediment to doing this." Jones said that for now, the rally is being called "Equality Across America." There has been vigorous debate in the community about whether to have a national march this year. Some have expressed concern about the event, saying that there isn't enough time to plan it and that resources should be used for other purposes. There's also been confusion as to whether space on the Mall would even be available. Others believe this year is the right time for a march, citing inaction by Congress and President Barack Obama on LGBT issues. "The biggest challenge is not getting people to view this march through the lens of previous marches," said Jones. Previous national marches have been highly produced affairs, with celebrity speakers being flown in. Jones said that organizers for October's event are not planning an elaborate march and rally. "We're doing a different type of thing," Jones said. "Bit by bit, we're making it clear to people that we're absolutely not going to spend millions of dollars on producing a march on Washington." The rally will be on the west Capitol lawn, the portion of the National Mall closest to the U.S. Capitol building, said Jones. Jones said organizers are also attempting to get use of the Lincoln Memorial site for an HIV/AIDS action on Saturday, October 10. "We've had nothing but cooperation from the D.C. police, the Capitol police, and the National Park Service," said Jones. "They are ready for us and can accommodate a march and rally of any size. We are the only people who have thus far requested the use of that area on the 11th." While Jones doesn't have a formal permit, he said that he does have a time stamp that he has applied, which is how he said the process works. "That's your proof of when you applied," Jones said. "That's your documentation of where you are in that queue. Ours has been time-stamped. There's nothing before us." Sergeant Kimberly Schneider, public information officer for the Capitol police, said an application for the demonstration has been submitted, but it hasn't been approved. She said she didn't know if there was anyone in line before the equality march. Jones, who founded the Names Project and AIDS Memorial Quilt, said he's been through this procedure "many, many, many times." "This process is not what people think it is," Jones added. "It has to do with freedom of speech. The authorities don't have the right to pick and choose who uses the space. It's first come, first serve to use it." There are other organizations that have reserved other portions of the Mall for that weekend. Sheila Gotha, permit assistant for the permits office of the National Park Service, previously confirmed to the B.A.R. that the Million March for God has reserved the Mall for October 10, and a three-day breast cancer event will occupy the Mall and other areas at the same time. Organizers of the Million March for God could not be reached for comment, and it's unclear if that event is still happening, though Gotha said the office had not received any cancellation notice. Jones said he's worked around the breast cancer group's events in the past, and "we would do nothing to interfere with what they're doing." Building action teams Jones said there's no interest "in producing a march that is a feel good, multimedia extravaganza. We view the march as a vehicle to create and build action teams in all 435 congressional districts, and their sole purpose is to pressure every single member of the House of Representatives to unequivocally support equal protection under the law, as is required by the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution." Jones said the equality march is also being marketed differently than previous marches on Washington. "This is being organized from the grassroots," Jones said. He said that he has been "getting thousands of e-mails from people all across the country." "We had a huge amount of e-mails that have been continuing as a result of the administration's position on DOMA [the Defense of Marriage Act], and I think that it's now abundantly clear the administration and the congressional leadership of the Democratic Party are turning their backs on our community and reneging on their promises," said Jones. The Obama administration angered gays recently when the Department of Justice filed a brief defending DOMA last week. The brief, which was roundly criticized by LGBT legal groups and others, was filed in connection with a federal lawsuit by a married same-sex couple asking the government to treat them equally with respect to federal protections and benefits. [See story, page 1.] Jones said that the start point for the march hasn't been determined. "My goal is to do this for less than $200,000 and, really, the figure in my mind is $150,000,� said Jones, who said organizers would not be renting offices or hiring staff. "I have pledged to do everything I can to keep this as cheap as possible, and I'm going to stick to my guns." Jones said the two biggest expenses would be portable toilets, estimated at $26,000, and the sound system, which he figures will be $50,000. He said he wants to encourage efforts around the country to try to raise funds locally so that people who might need extra help getting to the march, such as young people, can make it to Washington. A search on http://www.expedia.com showed that one adult could fly roundtrip from San Francisco to Washington that weekend for $239 on Virgin America. A three-night stay at a Motel 6 in Washington would cost at least $225 per adult. Jones said money for the march would come from some individual donors, Internet contributions, and probably a couple of small fundraisers. "I realize that many people are struggling,� he said, referring to the depressed economy. "All I really have to say to that is if you want to wait for an economic recovery to gain your rights, you might well be waiting a long time." As for those helping Jones organize the march, in California, people include Robin McGehee, who was the lead organizer for the Meet in the Middle rally in Fresno last month, and Kip Williams, with One Struggle, One Fight. That group organized a march to Sacramento in March. Jones also said that it's not known what the HIV/AIDS action will be like, but organizers are hoping to partner with Washington-based HIV/AIDS organizations. One person who's been calling for an HIV/AIDS component to the weekend is local blogger and AIDS activist Michael Petrelis. "Instead of bringing a few hundred people to D.C. in October, then leaving town, I have a counterproposal," Petrelis wrote in an e-mail to the B.A.R. "We desperately need an activist group in Washington devoted to actions such as picket lines and press conferences. It is shameful that the Human Rights Campaign and the LGBT community in the capital has been unable to mount any sort of public protest at the Justice Department over the DOMA arguments. ..." National LGBT groups seem lukewarm over the march plan. Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said in a statement, "We shouldn't wait until October for a march in Washington to do the critical grassroots organizing that can happen today. As we understand it, the purpose behind the call for a march is to organize grassroots representation from every congressional district in the country and encourage people to organize in their home districts. We encourage such efforts, but believe that organizing doesn't need to wait until October, in fact, it can begin today." Pamela Brown, national policy director for Marriage Equality USA, told the B.A.R. that the group's focus now is its "Get Engaged" tour. She said that on the tour, which will be completed by the end of July, they'll be asking people if energy should be focused on trying to repeal Proposition 8 – which banned same-sex marriage in California – in November 2010, or whether energy should be used for putting a measure on the ballot in November 2012 and then supporting efforts like the march on Washington. "Our big goal is we want grassroots feedback on how we move ahead, and this tour will help us do that," said Brown. For more information on the national march, visit www.nationalequalitymarch.com. Return to Top
LGBT immigration reform tied to larger effort | View Clip 06/18/2009 Bay Area Reporter The fate of the 36,000 binational gay and lesbian couples and their families who are separated or threatened by United States immigration law will likely be tied to broader immigration reform, the leading sponsors of both efforts said during a June 11 telephone news conference. Representative Mike Honda (D-Campbell) has introduced the Reuniting Families Act (H.R. 2709), a broad immigration reform bill that for the first time includes LGBT families. "We are here to fix a broken immigration system," he said. The foundation of that system always has been reuniting families, giving preference to those with blood or marriage ties to U.S. citizens. "American workers who have a family are happier, healthier, and more likely to succeed with this family safety net," said Honda. They lower the burden for social and government services and reuniting these families will help to reduce the $46 billion that is remitted just to Latin America each year. "This is about folks who are here legally and petitioning their government to do the right thing. The problem is that the system is so broken that it is creating larger and larger backlogs," Honda said. Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-New York) first introduced the gay-specific Uniting American Families Act (H.R. 1024) nine years ago. "It is essential to solve the problem of the fundamental unfairness for gay and lesbian families," Nadler said, which is tied to a spouse not being able to sponsor their partner. "This is not part of the gay marriage debate," Nadler added. "It says a gay person can sponsor his or her partner for immigration to the United States as if they were spouses." Nadler called the current policy "gratuitous cruelty" because it serves no purpose for the United States. "It ought to be un-American. It's a crime against humanity," he said. The Obama administration has promised a White House conference on immigration reform but that meeting has twice been postponed. Nadler has heard that the administration prefers that the LGBT issues be part of the total reform package. Public opposition to including gays in broader legislation has come from "a Catholic Bishops letter that said including this would be incidental to gay marriage, or something to that effect," according to Nadler. Honda said the LGBT inclusion has been "inserted in such a way as to be impossible to extract, give up, or compromise away." Nadler recently was on a CNN program hosted by Lou Dobbs, a vocal opponent of past immigration reform efforts. Dobbs was notably restrained on LGBT reform. Nadler believes it is because of the basic unfairness of the situation and the fact that "you are not talking large numbers, maybe a couple of hundred people a year" once the backlog is eliminated. Immigration Equality is also working with Congress on the issue. "It is past time to fix our immigration system," said Rachel Tiven, executive director of the nonprofit. "It is crucial that the LGBT family be part of that process." Some 46 percent of those couples are raising minor children. Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said the legislation "sends a strong message that when we say families, we mean all families ... We are not strengthened as a nation when we force our citizens to abandon their community and country to keep their families together." Return to Top
Obama To Consider Gay Pentagon Appointment | View Clip 06/18/2009 On Top Magazine President Obama is considering nominating an openly gay man to a top civilian Pentagon post, the Washington Post reported Thursday. The president, under pressure from gay activists to live up to campaign promises he made to help secure greater rights for gay men and lesbians, is considering nominating William White to a high-ranking civilian Pentagon post. The paper did not disclose the post being considered, but White, chief operating officer of Manhattan's Intrepid Museum Foundation, was once touted by top retired military leaders and some Democrats in Congress to be the next Secretary of the Navy. While heading the Intrepid, White has accumulated extensive contacts in the armed forces, and in 1996, he was awarded the Meritorious Public Service Award for his work with the Navy. His consideration for the top spot drew praise from gay rights groups and fire from social conservatives. Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay and lesbian rights advocate, said the appointment would be a "concrete demonstration" of Obama's commitment to serving all Americans. "It's a matter of judgment, and I think that would be very poor judgment on the part of the commander in chief," said Center for Military Readiness President Elaine Donnelly, whose group opposes the repeal of the military's ban on open gay service known as "don't ask, don't tell." "It would be very demoralizing for the troops." Eventually, Obama passed on White for the job, opting instead on Ray Mabus. Paul Sousa, founder of Equal Rep, the Boston-based group that lobbied Obama to nominate White in January, was pleased with the news, but said it was unlikely to defuse the firestorm of protest underway against the administration's defense of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). "It's commendable that President Obama would nominate a well qualified openly gay man to this civil post," Sousa told On Top Magazine. Then added, "Our criticism will not stop until he rescinds that repugnant brief or repeals DOMA." Gay activists – and allies – have criticized the administration for defending DOMA in a brief against a California gay couple who have sued the federal government, claiming the law is unconstitutional. Candidate Obama promised the would repeal DOMA. Critics have decried the brief, labeling it "homophobic" for drawing parallels between gay marriage and incestuous and polygamous relationships, and its reliance on outdated and inaccurate gay stereotypes. Return to Top
Obama eases rules covering benefits for gays in U.S. jobs | View Clip 06/18/2009 Baltimore Sun WASHINGTON - Liz Matzinger works for NASA but gets her medical coverage from Montgomery County. The reason: The Maryland school district offers health insurance benefits to same-sex partners and the federal government doesn't. President Barack Obama took a modest step Wednesday night to remedy that disparity. He issued a memorandum intended to clarify the government's antidiscrimination and job-benefit policies. But he stopped short of giving gay partners of federal employees the same level of benefits that opposite-sex spouses receive because current law forbids it. As a result, his action, which some saw as a hasty response to growing criticism from gay supporters, got a decidedly chilly response from one of those it was intended to impress. "Anything less than full health insurance is just not good enough. ... I think a lot of us are very angry," said Matzinger, 29, an aerospace engineer at the Goddard Space Flight Center who enthusiastically backed Obama in the election last year. In a brief Oval Office ceremony, Obama said he would "work tirelessly" to expand the rights of gay Americans. Obama said his memo would require supervisors to grant federal workers sick leave to care for domestic partners, a privilege that they already enjoy but often must depend on a boss's whim to use. Domestic partners of federal employees could be added to the long-term care insurance program, according to a White House fact sheet. The president announced his support for legislation that would give same-sex partners of federal workers the same benefits that opposite-sex spouses receive. And he said he'd work with Congress to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act, though he stopped short of saying he'd propose legislation to repeal it. Gay-rights organizations erupted last week after learning that the Justice Department had filed a brief in support of the Defense of Marriage Act, signed by President Bill Clinton in 1996, which provides that the federal government will honor only marriages between a man and a woman. The Obama administration has said that until the law is changed, the government would continue to defend it in court. The president campaigned on a pledge to overturn the law and the military's "don't ask, don't tell" rules. The presidential memorandum drew a positive response from Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, which calls itself the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization. Solmonese, who demanded last week that Obama send legislation to Congress to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, praised Obama's action as "a welcome and long overdue step" and was among a dozen activists, lawmakers and administration officials at the president's desk as he signed the memo. But Cleve Jones, a California activist, said Obama was "scrambling to try to make up for their absurdly insulting brief on DOMA." "We want full equality," said Jones, organizer of a gay rights march on Washington this fall. "This latest announcement is a great illustration of why we have to change the debate on this issue." John Berry, who oversees the federal civil service as director of the Office of Personnel Management, said the president's action was "not in response in any way to any outside pressure." Berry, the highest-ranking openly gay member of the Obama administration, was evasive when pressed repeatedly on a conference call with reporters to explain whether any new benefits were being extended as a result of Obama's action. "This is a first step, not a final step," said Berry, a University of Maryland graduate and former aide to Rep. Steny H. Hoyer. The federal government lags behind many private companies and local and state governments, such as Maryland's, in providing benefits to same-sex couples. An estimated 50,000 gay federal employees, out of a civilian work force of 1.9 million, would be affected by an expansion of benefits, said Leonard Hirsch, a Smithsonian Institution official and president of the Federal Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Employees organization. Hirsch, who also attended the signing ceremony, said he was alive today because his husband, also a Smithsonian employee, could use paid leave to help Hirsch cope with kidney failure earlier this year. "He was able to take the time to be there to deal with the doctors, the nurses and everything," said Hirsch. Richard Klein of Rockville, who works at the Food and Drug Administration, tempered his initial enthusiasm for Obama's action after learning the details. But he pronounced himself happy with the president's public statement of support for ending federal workplace discrimination. "It's a step, and that's a good thing," said Klein, who would not be affected by an expansion of benefits as long as he and his partner both remain at the FDA. "It shows an effort on the part of the administration that I think is positive." Return to Top
Obama faces backlash from gay-rights activists. | View Clip 06/18/2009 National Post - Washington DC Bureau WASHINGTON - Facing a bitter backlash from gay-rights activists who say the White House has betrayed their long-standing political support, U.S. President Barack Obama was to announce Wednesday his administration would begin extending benefits to same-sex partners of U.S. federal government employees. But the policy change falls short of offering full health and retirement benefits currently provided to opposite-sex partners, and may do little to quell growing unhappiness with Obama among gays and lesbians, who were among his most committed and financially generous supporters during last year's campaign. The presidential memorandum to be signed by Obama gives same-sex partners of U.S. civil-service employees the right to be added to the government's long- term-care insurance program. Gay and lesbian civil servants will also be allowed to use their sick leave to care for an ill domestic partner or non- biological, non-adopted children - a long-standing demand of groups calling for equal treatment. Same-sex partners of U.S. foreign-service employees, meantime, will be able to use government medical facilities and be eligible for medical evacuations from overseas posts. The decision was applauded as a ``welcome and long-overdue step'' by Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay-rights advocacy organization. Joe Solmonese, the group's president, said Obama's signature is ``the first brick in paving what is a long path toward equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans.'' Still, Obama's move is also widely viewed as an attempt by the president to quell growing criticism over his virtual silence on gay rights since taking office. The rupture in relations began on Day 1 of Obama's presidency, when he invited Rev. Rick Warren - an outspoken opponent of same-sex marriage - to deliver the invocation at his inauguration. Since then, gay and lesbian supporters have been lobbying unsuccessfully for Obama to address one of their biggest beefs: ending the Clinton-era `Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy for gays in the U.S. military. Their unease over Obama's silence on that matter, however, transformed into outright anger over a decision last week by the U.S. Justice Department to file a court brief supporting the Defence of Marriage Act, a 1996 law that says U.S. states are not required to recognize same-sex marriages from other jurisdictions. In protest of the administration's legal brief, several prominent gay donors are boycotting a planned Democratic National Committee fundraiser organized for gay supporters and featuring Vice-President Joe Biden as guest speaker. ``How will they ever take us seriously if we keep forking out money while they harm us,'' David Mixner, a civil-rights activist and prominent gay political donor, wrote on his blog this week. ``I am so tired of being told by Democratic operatives to `suck it up' because so many other profound issues are at stake . . . President Obama, even Dick Cheney, is for marriage equality.'' The Justice Department filed its brief supporting the Defence of Marriage Act in response to a federal court challenge of the law by a same-sex couple who claims it violates their constitutional rights to free speech, due process and travel. According to Justice Department lawyers, states contend it's permissible for U.S. states to favour opposite-sex relationships because they represent a ``traditional and universally recognized form of marriage.'' During the 2008 presidential campaign, Obama called the Defence of Marriage Act ``abhorrent'' and said he believed it should be repealed. But now, with the U.S. economy in tatters and several other high-profile items grabbing his attention - including health-care reform and climate-change legislation - Obama has opted to spend his political capital elsewhere. ``This is a first step, not a final step. This is an attempt to get our federal house in order,'' said John Berry, the director of the White House Office of Personnel Management, and the highest ranking openly gay member of the administration. ``It's an example of practising before preaching.'' Obama continues to favour the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell and the Defence of Marriage Act, but can't move forward because he lacks enough support in Congress, said Berry. ``None of those can happen until we get 218 votes in the House and 60 votes in the Senate . . . We have a ways to go,'' Berry said. The administration argues it's only supporting the Defence of Marriage Act in court out of an obligation to defend existing statutes. Gay groups, however, say the administration's argument is offensive because it cites older laws allowing states to also reject recognition of other types of relationships, including those between cousins and uncles and nieces. In an open letter to Obama this week, HRC's Solmonese said gays and lesbians ``cannot overstate the pain that we feel as human beings and as families when we read an argument, presented in federal court, implying that our own marriages have no more constitutional standing than incestuous ones.'' Return to Top
Obama extends partial gay benefits | View Clip 06/18/2009 AFP / Agence France-Presse - Washington DC Bureau WASHINGTON (AFP) — President Barack Obama has extended partial federal benefits to same-sex partners of US government workers, in what he said was a historic step towards equality for gays and lesbians. "Many of our government's hardworking and dedicated patriotic public servants have long been denied basic rights that their colleagues enjoy -- for one simple reason, the people that they love are of the same sex," Obama said upon signing a presidential memorandum ushering in the changes on Wednesday. The move came in the wake of rising criticism from some lesbian and gay rights groups about what they see as sluggish progress towards implementing campaign promises. The president signed the order in the Oval Office, surrounded by rights activists, lawmakers and Vice President Joseph Biden. Under the new measures, domestic partners of federal workers will get benefits including long-term care insurance used by elderly people, and workers will be able to use sick days to care for their partners if they become ill. The move will also cover members of the foreign service, allowing partners of diplomats to use medical facilities at US posts abroad, to benefit from medical evacuations and to be included in housing allocations. Obama's memorandum does not include comprehensive health and life insurance, however, although he pledged to back legislation in Congress allowing full benefits to be provided. Independent Senator Joseph Lieberman signaled a new effort to get the bill through the House of Representatives and the Senate. "This is not only a matter of fairness, but would also help the federal government attract, recruit and retain the most qualified workers at a time when the number of federal employees eligible to retire is steadily increasing," he said. Despite Obama's action on Wednesday, the president has yet to follow through on a White House promise to end the ban on gays serving openly in the US military -- a hugely controversial issue. Gay groups also recently slammed the Obama Justice Department for backing the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which denies federal benefits to same-sex married couples. "The president has just as strong a duty to put his principles into action, and end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender people and our families," Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese said in a statement last week. But Obama said as he signed the memorandum that he was committing to overturning the act. "Today marks a historic step towards the changes we seek, but I think we all have to acknowledge it is only one step. "Among the steps we have not yet taken is to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. "I believe it is discriminatory, it interferes with states' rights and we will work with Congress to overturn it." Obama has said he believes marriage is a sacred union between a man and woman, though supports same-sex civil unions, and describes himself as a "fierce advocate" of gay and lesbian rights. Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund, said Obama's memorandum was a "building block toward full equality." Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, a gay rights advocacy group, slammed the president for not speaking out publicly against "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." The group said they "urge (Obama) to break his continued silence on DADT and endorse repeal legislation in the House, or send up his own language to Capitol Hill." In a statement in June marking national lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender month, Obama said he would support the "full spectrum" of equal rights for the community. This included workplace and adoption rights, and committing to fight HIV/AIDS. Wednesday's memorandum "is the first brick in paving what is a long path toward equality" for the gay community, Solmonese said after the signing. "We look forward to working with (Obama) to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, overturn 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and guarantee the entire American workforce is free from discrimination," he said. Return to Top
Obama extends same-sex benefits | View Clip 06/18/2009 National Post - Washington DC Bureau Facing a backlash from gay-rights activists who say the White House has betrayed their long-standing political support, Barack Obama, the U. S. President, said yesterday his administration would begin extending benefits to same-sex partners of federal government employees. But the policy change falls short of offering full health and retirement benefits currently provided to opposite-sex partners and may do little to quell growing unhappiness among gays and lesbians, who were among Mr. Obama's most committed and financially generous supporters during last year's campaign. The presidential memorandum signed by Mr. Obama allows same-sex partners of U. S. civil-service employees to be added to the government's long-term-care insurance program. Gay and lesbian civil servants can also use their sick leave to care for an ill domestic partner or non-biological, non-adopted children. Same-sex partners of U. S. foreign-service employees will be able to use government medical facilities and be eligible for medical evacuations from overseas posts. Extending equal benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees is "the right thing to do," Mr. Obama said at a late-afternoon signing ceremony. "As Americans, we are all affected when our promises of equality go unfulfilled." Human Rights Campaign, the U. S.'s largest gay-rights advocacy organization, applauded the move as a "welcome and long-overdue step." Joe Solmonese, the group's president, said Mr. Obama's signature is "the first brick in paving what is a long path toward equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans." Other activists see it as an attempt to quell growing criticism over his virtual silence on gay rights since taking office. They are particularly upset by the U. S. Justice Department's decision last week to file a court brief supporting the Defense of Marriage Act. The 1996 law says U. S. states do not have to recognize same-sex marriages from other jurisdictions. In protest, several prominent gay donors are boycotting a Democratic National Committee fundraiser organized for gay supporters and featuring Vice-President Joe Biden as guest speaker. Return to Top
HRC official speaks at gay business networking meeting | View Clip 06/18/2009 Southern Voice Meghan Stabler, a member of the Human Rights Campaign's Business Council, is the guest speaker at the Atlanta Executive Network's business meeting from 6-9 p.m. at Trois, 1180 Peachtree St. Stabler is also a transgender activist and software executive. Her talk tonight will focus on workplace discrimination and what it was like to work on Barack Obama's National LGBT Policy Committee. The meeting is free for members, $20 for guests. call 404-822-7967 of visit www.aen.org for more information. Return to Top
Administration Says Obama Can Extend Federal Benefits to Homosexual Couples Despite Defense of Marri | View Clip 06/18/2009 CNSNews.com - Cybercast News Service White House (CNSNews.com) – President Barack Obama's move to grant new benefits to homosexual partners of federal employees is only a first step, as White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said the president is pushing for Congress to pass legislation allowing greater benefits. But opponents of the move believe it could still be in violation of the law under the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The presidential memorandum that Obama signed Wednesday in the Oval Office came after several months of review by John Berry, director of the Office of Personnel Management, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who conducted internal reviews to determine whether benefits can extend to same-sex partners of federal employees. "This pushes long overdue progress in the nation's journey to equality," Berry, said in a conference call Wednesday. Berry is the highest ranking homosexual appointee in the administration, according to the White House. "People have been denied certain benefits for one simple reason: Because the people they love are of the same sex." The benefits do not extend to health care and retirement, which the administration determined could not be done under DOMA, but provide long-term care insurance and requires supervisors to allow employees to use sick leave to take care of homosexual partners and family members of their partners. For Foreign Service employees, benefits such as medical facilities at posts abroad, medical evacuation from posts abroad and inclusion in family housing will be required. "This can be done within the confines of DOMA," Berry said. The memo also orders the OPM to issue guidance within 90 days to all executive branch departments and agencies regarding compliance with, and implementation of, the civil service laws, which make it unlawful to discriminate against employees or applicants for federal employment on the basis of non-job-related factors. DOMA law, approved by a Republican Congress and signed by President Bill Clinton in 1996, specifically says, "In determining the meaning of any Act of Congress, or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various administrative bureaus and agencies of the United States, the word 'marriage' means only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and the word 'spouse' refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or wife." Obama's order comes just days after homosexual activists lambasted the administration because the Solicitor General's office defended the constitutionality of DOMA in a California court filing. "The Administration apparently determined that it had a duty to defend DOMA in the courts. The President has just as strong a duty to put his principles into action, and end discrimination against LGBT people and our families," said Joe Solmonese, president of the homosexual advocacy group Human Rights Campaign. "We call on the President to send legislation repealing DOMA to Congress," he added. The timing was entirely political and a use of federal tax dollars to quell a core constituency group, said Wendy Wright, president of the conservative Concerned Women for America. "Barack Obama's order demeans marriage and misuses taxpayer dollars. It violates the intent of the Defense of Marriage Act, which defines for the federal government that marriage (and thus all the benefits that come with marriage) is only between a man and a woman," said Wright. "It generates untold costs and creates an incentive for fraud. Workers could claim anyone of the same sex is a 'partner' or seek coverage for multiple serial partners." This is only the first step, Gibbs said Wednesday, adding that Obama supported repealing DOMA and the don't-ask-don't-tell policy for the military since he was a candidate for U.S. Senate in Illinois. To extend full employee benefits such as health care, it would require a change in the law, Gibbs said. "That requires not an executive order or presidential memorandum but a change in the law," Gibbs said. "That is part of what he promised with the repeal of DOMA." Return to Top
On Agenda, Gays Ask, but Obama's Not Telling | View Clip 06/18/2009 Time - Washington DC Bureau On Jan. 9, the President-elect's spokesman, Robert Gibbs, gave a rare one-word answer. Asked if Barack Obama would "get rid" of the military's "Don't ask, don't tell" policy, which prohibits gays from serving openly, Gibbs replied firmly, "Yes." Ever since, the relationship between the President and his gay and lesbian supporters has gotten more complicated. Soldiers continue to be discharged from the military for being openly gay, and activists have voiced increasing concern over the Administration's lack of action on other key issues. "The particular and generalized concern is, What's the plan?" says Robert Raben, a Democratic lobbyist for several gay and lesbian groups. (See pictures of the history of the gay-rights movement.) Last week, concern burst into outrage. When the Justice Department filed a legal brief arguing against gay marriage, the head of Human Rights Campaign — the largest gay-rights group in the U.S. — accused the Administration of failing to recognize the "humanity" of homosexuals. Barney Frank called the White House to protest, and several other gay Democrats announced plans to boycott an upcoming fundraiser, forcing the treasurer of the Democratic National Committee, Andrew Tobias, who is also gay, to write donors saying that he understood "all the hurt and anger." Gays have no real political alternative — it's not like anger will send them running to the warm embrace of the GOP. But the Administration realizes it has angered a crucial constituency and is intent on signaling that it will make good. On June 17, Obama held a signing ceremony in the Oval Office to announce new policies that made a number of minor changes to the benefits offered to the same-sex partners of federal employees and foreign-service officers, including sick leave and long-term-care insurance rights. But the core of the President's message was that work on gay and lesbian equality is just beginning. "We've got more work to do to ensure that government treats all its citizens equally; to fight injustice and intolerance in all its forms; and to bring about that more perfect union," the President announced with a group of gay-rights activists standing at his side. "I'm committed to these efforts." (Watch a video about gay marriage in the heartland.) The President's one-day message may briefly calm the storm, but after the Administration's inattentive first six months in office, the gay and lesbian community has made it clear they're unwilling to take a passive role as other legislative items trump their concerns. "In the first several months of the Administration, there has been a belief that we are not really in the mix," says Steven Elmendorf, a gay Democratic lobbyist. "Obama himself needs to sort of lay out at some point, 'Yes, I want to do these things ... I am going to use some political capital to try to do it." To date, Obama has mostly avoided confrontations with Congress on major agenda items, including repeals of "Don't ask, don't tell" and the Defense of Marriage Act, which restricts federal recognition to heterosexual marriages. The Administration did push a hate-crime bill (a gay-rights priority), which has already passed the House, and it is working on a rule-making process that is likely to lead to a lifting of immigration and visitation restrictions for HIV-positive foreigners, another priority for the gay and lesbian community. In his office on June 17, Obama announced his support of a Senate bill that would give domestic-partner rights for health insurance and other benefits to all federal employees. He also promised again to "work with Congress" to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act. But Obama remains noncommittal about when exactly the Administration will make these issues a priority. Even more infuriating to gays is that the White House has thus far refused to publicly criticize the Justice Department's filing last week that defended the Defense of Marriage Act and compared the prohibition of same-sex marriage to the prohibition of incest. While the Justice Department is obligated by tradition to defend current law in court, several gay-rights activists said they found the arguments in the brief insulting. "As an American, a civil-rights advocate and a human being, I hold this Administration to a higher standard than this brief," wrote Joe Solmonese, head of Human Rights Campaign, in a letter to Obama on June 15. Justice Department briefs are due on June 29 for another legal challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act — this one filed by Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders — and several legal groups will be watching to see if Justice rehashes the offensive arguments in its previous brief. Whatever happens, the gay and lesbian community has no intent to let off the pressure on Obama. "It's like any other intimate relationship," says Rabin, the lobbyist who works with Human Rights Campaign and other gay-rights groups. "It's close and warm and complicated, and you have really good days and really bad days." Return to Top
Rights groups pleased White House took first step | View Clip 06/18/2009 KGAN CBS 2 WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama calls extending some benefits to same-sex partners of federal workers "only one step." Gay activists say they're waiting for the next one. Obama moved to extend the benefits in a memorandum yesterday, but critics say it was little more than pandering to a voting bloc that was threatening to pull support. An official with the Human Rights Campaign says he's pleased by the White House action. He says a next step is repealing the Defense of Marriage Act -- something only Congress can do. Obama has said he'd back overturning the law, and replacing it with one that expands benefits to same-sex partners. The Human Rights Campaign and other activists plan to keep pressing the White House on gay-rights issues. One spokesman says the gay community has been working with the Obama administration since Day One, but has been "growing frustrated." Return to Top
When Are Gay Rights Groups 'Far-Left'? When They Criticize Obama | View Clip 06/18/2009 Newsbusters During the Bush administration, do you recall the MSM ever describing a gay rights group such as the Human Rights Campaign as "far-left"? Neither do I. To the contrary, such organizations were sympathetically portrayed as proponents of mainstream values. But let such groups criticize Pres. Obama and—what do you know?—the MSM suddenly decides they're "far-left." That's Joe Solomnese, head of the Human Rights Campaign, in the screencap, branded as far-left by the Early Show this morning. Solmonese appeared as part of a segment this morning on the way that gay rights groups in general are disappointed with Pres. Obama for not doing more on behalf of their agenda. Isn't that convenient? By positioning them as "far-left," CBS places PBO in the middle, the victim of their attacks. Double-standard, anyone? Return to Top
Obama's memo for federal workers: A closer look | View Clip 06/18/2009 Windy President Barack Obama signed a memorandum June 17 that he said "paves the way for long overdue progress in our nation's pursuit of equality" for LGBT civil-service employees. The "Presidential Memorandum on Federal Benefits and Non-Discrimination" does not spell out any specific benefits to be granted to federal civil service employees. But the Obama administration's top-ranking openly gay appointee, John Berry, said it would allow civil-service employees to receive long-term care insurance for their domestic partners and take sick leave to care for those partners, as well as any children they share with those partners. The entire four-minute-long Oval Office ceremony can be viewed at www.WhiteHouse.gov . Surrounded by Vice President Joe Biden; U.S. Reps. Barney Frank and Tammy Baldwin; and about a dozen other activists and openly gay appointees, a somber-looking Obama called the signing an "historic step" that addresses "some of the wrongs" LGBT civil-service employees face. But, he added, "under current law, we cannot provide same-sex couples with the full range of benefits enjoyed by heterosexual married couples." "I think we all have to acknowledge this is only one step," said Obama. "Among the steps we have not yet taken is to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. I believe it's discriminatory, I think it interferes with states' rights, and we will work with Congress to overturn it." He also expressed his "proud" support for a bill introduced by Rep. Baldwin—the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act—that seeks to provide to federal employees with "domestic partners" the same benefits made available to federal employees with married spouses. Read more story below.... Baldwin told MSNBC's Rachel Maddow Wednesday night that she agrees Obama went "as far as he could go" without an act of Congress. And she said she thinks her bill to provide equal rights to LGBT federal employees "really got a boost by his strong endorsement today." Office of Personnel Management ( OPM ) Director Berry characterized the memorandum as an "important step" in a journey to eventually provide equal rights in a whole host of areas. Family Equality Council Executive Director Jennifer Chrisler, who attended the ceremony, issued a statement saying, "President Obama's actions will help thousands of committed, same-sex couples working for the federal government ensure their families' security." "While today's memorandum falls short, it does move us forward," said Chrisler. But many reacting to the memorandum were concerned with how "short" the memorandum falls. Kevin Cathcart, head of Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, said in a statement that [ t ] he day is long past for incomplete, piecemeal fixes that leave hard-working families uninsured and struggling." "While ending any of the discrimination against gay and lesbian federal employees is a welcome step," Cathcart said, the June 17 announcement "falls far short of our hopes and expectations." Lee Swislow, head of Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, a leader in the court fights over marriage equality, said the memorandum was a "very limited step toward equal benefits for same-sex partners of federal employees." Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and a ceremony attendee as well, issued a statement saying the memorandum "inches our federal government closer to nondiscrimination both in word and policy, which is a good thing." But she added that "much more remains to be done in order for the administration to live up to the promises of equality the president made as a candidate on the campaign trail." Frank Kameny, a gay activist who has been fighting longer than anyone for equal rights for gays in civil-service jobs, called Obama's memorandum "a reasonable half-step, given DOMA [ the Defense of Marriage Act ] and all of that." Kameny, too, was an invited guest to the Oval Office. Also attending were Leonard Hirsch, president of the federal gay employees group GLOBE; Joe Solmonese, head of the Human Rights Campaign; Berry; U.S. Export-Import Bank Chair ( and gay appointee ) Fred Hochberg; U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, a sponsor of the federal-employee benefits bill; and Lorilyn Holmes, a career federal employee. What the memorandum says The two-page memorandum that Obama signed does not specify any new benefits to be given to LGBT federal employees. It makes a "request" that Berry and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton "extend the benefits they have respectively identified to qualified same-sex domestic partners of Federal employees where doing so can be achieved and is consistent with Federal law." In a telephone conference call with reporters prior to the signing ceremony, Berry said there were two benefits for all LGBT federal employees: long-term care insurance and sick leave to care for domestic partners and any shared children. Three additional benefits were identified for LGBT employees who are posted overseas. The memorandum requests that the heads of all other executive departments and agencies "conduct a review" of current benefits within 90 days "to determine what authority they have to extend such benefits to same-sex domestic partners of Federal employees" and submit a report on this to OPM. It directs OPM to consult with the Justice Department to develop recommendations to the president for "any additional measures that can be taken, consistent with existing law … ." And it further directs OPM to "issue guidance" to other departments and agencies within 90 days regarding compliance with current civil service laws and regulations. The memorandum indicates that it is "subject to the availability of appropriations" and "is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States..." These latter provisions have appeared on a variety of presidential documents. Memorandum vs. executive order Some bloggers and activists have questioned why the president chose to issue a memorandum rather than an executive order. ( Note: During the ceremony, Obama referred to the document as an "executive order," although the document itself is identified as a "memorandum." ) Some speculated that a memorandum is valid only during the administration of the president who signs it, while an executive order remains valid until or unless a future president revokes it. An advisory memo from the Justice Department to President Bill Clinton's White House Counsel in 2000 that "a presidential directive that is not styled as an executive order" does not expire at the end of a president's term. Instead, said the memo, "as with an executive order, unless otherwise specified, a presidential directive would remain effective until subsequent presidential action is taken." According to a 1999 report—"Executive Orders and Proclamations," by the Congressional Research Service—executive orders and memoranda are, generally speaking, interchangeable. Is this really new? Only one other president has issued a presidential directive aimed specifically to help LGBT citizens. President Clinton issued an executive order in 1998, banning discrimination based on sexual orientation in federal civilian employment. The document added "sexual orientation" to an already existing executive order, No. 11478, which banned discrimination in federal civilian service based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap and age. Prior to that, Clinton signed an executive order concerning criteria for obtaining security clearances, in 1995, that also included a provision that "No inference concerning the standards … may be raised solely on the basis of the sexual orientation of the employee." During Berry's conference call with reporters June 17, gay political blogger John Aravosis of AmericaBlog.com said he thinks the Obama memorandum is delivering benefits gay civil-service workers already have. Aravosis said a gay Defense Department employee told him that she has been allowed to take sick leave to care for her partner since the Clinton years. But Obama's memorandum, noted Kameny, is the first to give any recognition to gay relationships. Kameny, who began his fight for non-discrimination in civil service in 1957 after being fired from his federal job for being gay, noted that, at that time, there was a ban on gays working in the civil service. Many court challenges to the policy, including Kameny's, eventually forced the then-Civil Service Commission to eliminate that ban in 1975. Commentator Rachel Maddow noted that the president's remarks and his signing of the memorandum constituted his "first move in support of gay rights since taking office and his first substantial comments on gay rights since taking office." At the White House's daily press brief, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said the timing of the memorandum was not affected by the recent onslaught of LGBT criticism of the administration of a Department of Justice memo that said "homosexuals" are not being discriminated against by the federal Defense of Marriage Act. Based on early reaction to the memorandum, it does not appear that the criticism has been significantly quelled. A number of critics point out that DOMA addresses only the meaning of the word "marriage" and "spouse" concerning federal laws and regulations and not "domestic partners." They say, therefore, the memorandum could have delivered more than just long-term care and sick leave. However, the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program defines eligibility as "spouse" and children. Return to Top
Obama adds benefits for gay workers | View Clip 06/18/2009 Los Angeles Times - San Francisco Bureau Acknowledging anger from gay-rights groups, he said the extension of some benefits for federal workers "is only one step." By MARK Z. BARABAK, Los Angeles Times Faced with growing anger from its gay and lesbian supporters, the Obama administration announced on Wednesday the extension of some benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees but stopped short of offering full health care coverage. "We all have to acknowledge this is only one step," Obama said in the Oval Office, where he signed a memorandum extending some benefits, such as visitation or dependent-care rights, to the same-sex partners of gay federal employees. John Berry, director of the White House Office of Personnel and the highest-ranking gay member of the administration, called the move "long overdue progress in our nation's journey to equality." 'He stabbed us in the back' But the president's critics -- and there were many -- saw the incremental move to expand gay rights as little more than pandering to a reliably Democratic voting bloc, with the primary aim not of making policy more fair but of cutting short a fundraising boycott. "When a president tells you he's going to be different, you believe him," said John Aravosis, a Washington-based gay activist. "It's not that he didn't follow through on his promises, he stabbed us in the back." Joe Solmonese, the president of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay-rights group, added: "The community has been growing frustrated and the administration has been working on this since Day 1." Kate Kuykendall, a federal worker in Los Angeles, said: "This is not enough. I want to be able to add my wife to my policy in the same way that every other federal employee can add their spouse to their policy." She noted that the federal government is the only employer exempt from a California law that requires employers to extend benefits to same-sex partners. Berry said Obama's move would allow employees' domestic partners to be added to the government's long-term insurance program and would allow employees to use sick leave to take care of domestic partners and children. Return to Top
Obama extends benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees | View Clip 06/18/2009 JURIST - Paper Chase [JURIST] US President Barack Obama [official website] on Wednesday signed [statement] a memorandum [text, PDF] that would provide certain benefits to same-sex domestic partners of federal employees. In a fact sheet [text] released earlier in the day, the White House disclosed that the Director of the Office of Personnel Management and the Secretary of State have been working for several months to determine what benefits may be extended under existing law [Defense of Marriage Act]. In terms of what benefits will be extended, the fact sheet states, For civil service employees, domestic partners of federal employees can be added to the long-term care insurance program; supervisors can also be required to allow employees to use their sick leave to take care of domestic partners and non-biological, non-adopted children. For foreign service employees, a number of benefits were identified, including the use of medical facilities at posts abroad, medical evacuation from posts abroad, and inclusion in family size for housing allocations. In his statement, Obama also announced his support for the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act [HR 2517 materials], which was introduced in the House in late May. Gay rights group Human Rights Campaign [advocacy website] has called the memorandum [press release] "an important first step" toward achieving equality, but others have criticized it [NYT op-ed] for not including health care or retirement benefits. Several states have recently passed legislation to allow same-sex marriages, which would grant gay couples access to all the rights and benefits available to heterosexual married couples. Last month, Maine became the fifth state to allow same-sex marriage [JURIST report] when Governor John Baldacci signed a same-sex marriage bill into law. In April, Vermont became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage through a vote of the legislature, joining Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Iowa [JURIST reports] as the other states that allow same-sex marriage. Return to Top
Gay activists, donors to boycott DNC fundraiser | View Clip 06/18/2009 Washington Blade By CHRIS JOHNSON, Washington Blade Displeasure with the Obama administration's handling of LGBT issues is prompting some activists and donors to boycott an upcoming Democratic National Committee fundraiser. The event, set for June 25, is sponsored by the DNC's LGBT Leadership Council and set to take place at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in D.C. The featured speaker is Vice President Joe Biden. But several gay invitees to the event are pledging to boycott because of what they say is a lack of action from President Barack Obama on LGBT issues. Many said they are particularly upset about the extent to which the U.S. Justice Department defended the Defense of M ... Return to Top
Bastian Latest to Snub DNC | View Clip 06/18/2009 Advocate, The Bruce Bastian is the latest major, gay Democratic Party donor to pull out of a major fundraiser for the party after last week's brief from the Department of Justice upholding DOMA as law... as directed by Obama. Return to Top
Backers of Olson-Boies Challenge to Prop 8 Speak | View Clip 06/18/2009 Towleroad Reuters speaks with political strategist Chad Griffin and producer Bruce Cohen, two board members behind The American Foundation for Equal Rights, which hired Ted Olson and David Boies to mount the federal change to Prop 8, about their motivation and... Return to Top
Georgia Supreme Court rules against 'homophobic' custody agreement | View Clip 06/18/2009 PinkNews.co.uk A ruling by Georgia's Supreme Court to reject the custody agreement placed on a gay father has been heralded as a victory over "blatant discrimination". Return to Top
Prop. 8 is "Role of the Courts" | View Clip 06/18/2009 Advocate, The California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger extolled the validity of a federal challenge to Proposition 8 and urged the court to take prompt action to hear the case. Return to Top
Straight teacher makes claim for homophobic abuse | View Clip 06/18/2009 PinkNews.co.uk A straight teacher has told an employment tribunal that he suffered homophobic taunts from pupils who called him "perv", "gay", "poof", and "weirdo". Return to Top
Anti-bullying bill in jeopardy | View Clip 06/18/2009 Q-Notes A bill that would protect North Carolina students from harassment and bullying on the basis of sexual orientation and gender-identity passed a key House committee on Tuesday, June 16, as right-wing and anti-gay Christian fundamentalist organizations attempted to stop the bill. Sponsored by Sen. Julia Boseman (D-New Hanover) the bill had already cleared the Senate before [...] Return to Top
Bruno Has Military Flair At Premiere | View Clip 06/18/2009 On Top Magazine Sacha Baron Cohen's Bruno shows military flair in skimpy palace guard outfit at film premiere Return to Top
Bruno Hits London, Queen's Royal Guard Gets a Makeover | View Clip 06/18/2009 Towleroad It is now apparently called the Guard's Royal Queen. Bruno premiered in London today. Brief video, AFTER THE JUMP... Return to Top
Ptown: Cape Tip Speculates on Marc Jacobs Wedding Date | View Clip 06/18/2009 Towleroad WWD reports on the imminent (or not) marriage of designer Marc Jacobs and Lorenzo Martone: "Since reports surfaced that Marc Jacobs and his fiancé Lorenzo Martone planned to tie the knot in Provincetown, Mass., where Jacobs' business partner Robert Duffy... Return to Top
Final fundraiser for Million Gay March is tonight | View Clip 06/18/2009 Dallas Voice A final fundraiser for the Million Gay March of Texas — set for June 28 in Dallas — will be at 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Round-Up Saloon. The Miss Million Gay March Pageant will be hosted by Heather Skyy and will include performances by Chanel, Aspen Tyler, Justine LaBelle, Ashley Cole and others. A [...] Return to Top
Exclusive: British Foreign Office reacts to gay Iraqi killings | View Clip 06/18/2009 PinkNews.co.uk The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office has released a statement on the killings of gay men in Iraq, following strong condemnation of the reports from the US State Department last week. Return to Top
Second ambassador in a week under fire for Pride support | View Clip 06/18/2009 PinkNews.co.uk The British ambassador to Bulgaria has been criticised for his support of gay Pride. The attacks on Steve Williams follow criticism of British ambassador to Poland Ric Todd last week, when he gave gay groups a translated guide to LGBT rights. Return to Top
China preps 1st guidelines for sex change surgery | View Clip 06/18/2009 365gay.com (Beijing)  China's first medical guidelines on sex change surgery could require patients to gain police approval before the procedure, according to a posting on the Health Ministry's Web site. The proposed guidelines, posted Tuesday, say candidates for surgery must show an agreement from police to change their sex on their identification ... Return to Top
China appears to back down over gay-ban internet filtering | View Clip 06/18/2009 PinkNews.co.uk New internet software designed to filter out violence and porn in China may not be mandatory, it has been reported. The software blocks out discussion of homosexuality and other non-pornographic gay content. It had even been found to block pictures of pigs, mistaking the image for naked human skin. Return to Top
LGBT people urged to join Iran demonstration in London | View Clip 06/18/2009 PinkNews.co.uk On the fifth day of violence and unrest in Iran following the country's elections, LGBT people are being urged to attend a demonstration calling for democracy and freedom. Return to Top
Chinese Police Must OK Sex Changes | View Clip 06/18/2009 Advocate, The The Chinese government is setting up the nation's first guidelines for sex-reassignment surgery, which may require candidates to gain police approval before undergoing the procedure, according to the country's Ministry of Health. Return to Top
Roundup: News from Around the Web | View Clip 06/18/2009 Advocate, The ENDA to be introduced next week, Iran's Twitter revolution continues and more. Return to Top
DUMP DOMA | View Clip 06/18/2009 Pam's House Blend Among the steps we have not yet taken is to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. I believe it's discriminatory, I think it interferes with states' rights, and we will work with Congress to overturn it. --President Obama, June 17, 2009Our Allies at People For the American Way are calling the bluff:Tonight, President Obama announced that he is moving administratively to provide some benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees. This is a very small step in the right direction, but it's really just a token, and tokens are no longer enough. What stands in the way of real progress for all same-sex couples is DOMA, which denies the most important benefits -- healthcare, retirement, health insurance and more -- to anyone but "spouses" under DOMA's definition of marriage (ie. married heterosexual couples). And sadly, the administration has not lived up to the president's earlier calls to repeal DOMA. On Friday, the Justice Department filed a legal brief in which it went far above and beyond simply defending DOMA as a federal policy against a court challenge. The brief cited laws regarding incest ... it called DOMA a policy of government "neutrality" (which it is clearly anything but) ... and it justified the government's continued discrimination on the basis that it's cheaper than expanding fundamental rights and protections. There is no defense for the Defense of Marriage Act. Help spread the word that less unequal is still unequal -- help get others to sign the petition at www.DumpDOMA.com.Have you told your members of Congress and President Obama lately how you feel about DOMA? Tell them we are through with waiting. DUMP DOMA. We are through with crumbs. DUMP DOMA. We are through being the gAyTM. DUMP DOMA! Return to Top
NOM War Chest to Fight NY Pro-Marriage Equality Republicans | View Clip 06/18/2009 Towleroad Ben Smith at Politico reports that the National Organization for Marriage is promising to oppose New York GOP senators who vote for marriage equality in their re-election campaigns to the tune of $500K: "'Gay marriage is not high on the... Return to Top
U.S. Passport Rules To Include Gays | View Clip 06/18/2009 On Top Magazine The State Department will allow married gay and lesbian couples to use their spouse's surname when applying for a passport Return to Top
The Official White House Guide to the Gay Community for Dummies | View Clip 06/18/2009 Pam's House Blend NOTE FROM PAM: I'll be offline a lot of the day, but I look forward to seeing your suggestions here. One thing this admin can and should do pronto is renounce the DOMA brief's homophobic arguments. Ok, I have to work it out the best way I can. Obviously, the Obama Administration is completely clueless (or downright vicious, but go with me on the clueless part for a sec) vis-a-vis its relations with the gay community. In any event, I just thought that I would throw out to everyone here at the Blend, exactly how can the Obama Administration improve it's relations with the gay community? That doesn't mean, of course, the he needs to support marriage equality, he didn't campaign on that so we don't have to hold him to that, of course. I mean, I am talking about basic fuc*ing communications. By all means, be truthful, be blunt, but be respectful (he is the President, after all). Be satirical, if you must. Maybe write something that the White House can get a little chuckle out of. Please, help a brotha out! Return to Top
News: Civil Disobedience, Mariah Carey, iPhone 3GS, O.J. | View Clip 06/18/2009 Towleroad Savage: One year Civil Disobedience plan for gay rights. Schwarzenegger: Prop 8 challenge should be decided by the courts. End sign? Listen: Mariah Carey's new single "Obsessed". Portland Mayor Sam Adams woes continue: home payment default. Gizmodo's review of the... Return to Top
MSNBC: 'Gays Angry at Obama' | View Clip 06/18/2009 Towleroad Michelangelo Signorile, Washington Post's Jonathan Capehart, and The Nation's Katrina vanden Heuvel discuss Obama, LGBT rights, and the DOMA flap. Watch it, AFTER THE JUMP... Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy Return to Top
GLAD Wins Right to Change Name on Passport | View Clip 06/18/2009 Pam's House Blend Thanks to Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders and plaintiff Keith Toney, the State Department is changing its passport policy. They will now allow same-sex spouses who have changed their last name upon marriage to update their passports accordingly. This change is a direct result of GLAD's challenge to section 3 of DOMA.Our DOMA plaintiff Keith Toney can now get a passport in his correct, married name - and so can thousands of married LGBT people like him. We are elated! Denying married same-sex couples the ability to have their married names on their passports not only puts them at risk by making them travel with two identities, it demeans their marriages. We're thrilled that the federal government will put an end to this mean-spirited piece of discrimination. When GLAD filed its DOMA lawsuit, Gill v. OPM, in March this year, we predicted five years of litigation from beginning to end. This quick and gratifying result is only one small step. But it's a very meaningful step, and it keeps us focused on our ultimate goal - ending federal discrimination against all married same-sex couples.Here is the magic letter that changes the former bigoted policy. GLAD is the organization that brought us marriage equality in Massachusetts, and so much more. Their approach to DOMA is smart. After the Crumby Memo debacle today, it's refreshing to hear from people who a) have a plan to win equality, and b) are pursuing it relentlessly. THANK YOU GLAD! Return to Top
Barney Frank Backtracks, Now Supports DOMA Brief | View Clip 06/18/2009 Towleroad Rep. Barney Frank released a statement yesterday backtracking on his remarks to the Boston Herald, saying that he commented to the press on the DOMA brief before having even read it...and...he now supports it. Said Frank: "When I was called... Return to Top
Baldwin: Responsibility on Congress Now | View Clip 06/18/2009 Advocate, The Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin appeared on the Rachel Maddow Show on Wednesday night to discuss President Obama's signing of a presidential memorandum to give certain benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees. Return to Top
Obama Considering Gay Man for Top Pentagon Post | View Clip 06/18/2009 Towleroad The Washington Times reports that Obama is considering gay COO of the Intrepid Museum Foundation William White for an undisclosed high-ranking post at the Pentagon: "President Obama is considering nominating an openly gay man to a top civilian Pentagon post... Return to Top
Rachel Maddow and Keith Olbermann on Obama's 'Fierce Advocacy' | View Clip 06/18/2009 Towleroad Rachel Maddow had Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) on last night to discuss Obama's tiptoe toward gay rights. Olbermann hosted Human Rights Campaign's Joe Solmonese. Said Solmonese: "What I was really looking for was the conveyance of health care benefits to... Return to Top
Obama To Consider Gay Pentagon Appointment | View Clip 06/18/2009 On Top Magazine President Obama is considering nominating an openly gay man to a top civilian Pentagon post Return to Top
Baldwin, Frank To Address Gay Group Tonight | View Clip 06/18/2009 On Top Magazine Openly gay Baldwin, Frank to address gay group tonight after chiding President Obama over his defense of DOMA Return to Top
Anti-Gay Marriage Senator Admits Affair | View Clip 06/18/2009 On Top Magazine Nevada Senator John Ensign admitted Tuesday he had an affair with a former staffer Return to Top
New Executive Director Of GLAAD Announced | View Clip 06/18/2009 Pam's House Blend We're making progress toward equality, but we'll only achieve full equality if we change hearts and minds - and that's what GLAAD is all about. We're working for the day when every one of us is accepted, respected and valued for the contributions we make to this country. It's an ambitious goal, but I know we can do it. I believe in our community, and I believe in our country. --Jarrett T. Barrios One of my favorite lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) non-profits has announced a new executive director: Jarrettt T. Barrios: The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and GLAAD's National Board of Directors today announced that Jarrettt T. Barrios, a former State Senator from Massachusetts who now heads a leading health care foundation, will serve as GLAAD's new President. GLAAD works to achieve full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans through media advocacy and anti-LGBT defamation work. ...At 40 years of age, Barrios will become the youngest leader of GLAAD and, as a Cuban-American, he will be the first head of a national LGBT organization fluent in English and Spanish. He was the first openly gay person and the first Latino elected to the Massachusetts State Senate, where he represented a largely white, Catholic, working-class district. He is an accomplished fundraiser and manager who broke fundraising records in his election campaigns and managed a multi-million dollar budget at the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Foundation of Massachusetts. He is married to Doug Hattaway, his partner of 16 years, and they are raising two teenage sons. "Jarrett is an inspiring, new voice for the national movement," said Yvette Burton, Co-Chair of GLAAD's Board of Directors. "As a Latino and a parent, he will build bridges among communities. He is also an accomplished progressive leader and activist with the talent and experience to take GLAAD and our movement to new heights." Barrios has been an advocate for LGBT equality since co-chairing Harvard's LGBT student organization in the late 1980s and the Boston Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project in the early 1990s. He has also served on the boards of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders and Greater Boston Lesbian and Gay Political Alliance. As a State Senator, Barrios successfully helped lead the legislative effort to protect marriage equality in Massachusetts, and is best known for a globally televised speech where he spoke on discrimination faced by his own family. In the legislature, he also successfully championed anti-bullying legislation, the Gay and Lesbian Youth Commission to prevent teen suicide and make schools safe for LGBT youth, buffer zones for women's health facilities and other progressive issues. Perhaps my favorite lines from the GLAAD media release (emphasis added): Jarrett's advocacy and proven results are a natural fit with GLAAD's work to shape our culture through the media and raise visibility for LGBT people and issues. GLAAD's work to change hearts and minds is needed today more than ever. It's the only way our community will see real change. --GLAAD Board Co-Chair Laurie Perper Jarrett Barrios, by the way, was one of the twenty-some signers original signers for the The Dallas Principles. As most of y'all know, I worked very closely with GLAAD during the Angie Zapata Hate Crime Murder Trial, and during the recent Rob, Arnie, And Dawn In The Morning show dust up over transgender children. I have nothing but praise for Jarrett Barrios, and for the organization GLAAD itself. Good luck, sir. You have a wonderful LGBT non-profit in your hands now, and I fully expect that under youre leadership, it will reach new heights. Return to Top
Barney Frank finally speaks: I'm mad at what's going on, but keep the gay ATM open | View Clip 06/18/2009 Pam's House Blend BZZZZZT. Wrong answer from one of our official gays on the Hill, Rep. Barney Frank, where the DNC Kool-Aid is strong. He wants to salvage that DNC fundraiser he's hosting, where he and gay donors can hobnob in the 10,400-square-foot spa with Joe Biden and pretend no one is watching. (Boston Herald):U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, one of the nation's leading gay rights champions, blasted President Obama yesterday over a controversial anti-gay marriage court filing and is calling on the commander in chief to explain himself. "I think the administration made a big mistake. The wording they used was inappropriate," Frank (D-Newton) said of a brief filed by Obama's Department of Justice that supported the Defense of Marriage Act. ...Frank said he understands the rage but vowed that the fund-raiser - one of the gay community's biggest of the year - will go on. "There are a lot of people who aren't boycotting," he said. "I think it's a mistake to deny money to the DNC."Sorry, Barney, this is a massive FAIL this time. With that brief, the administration took a big dump on the civil rights of the LGBT community. He, the gay-queasy leadership on the Hill and the DNC enablers have to pay. No more $$$. No delay, No excuses. Our community should not pay for continued oppression -- defended oppression, done so in the most vile way imaginable. Return to Top
Jarrett T. Barrios Named New President of GLAAD | View Clip 06/18/2009 Towleroad Jarrett T. Barrios, The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, a former Massachusetts legislator and current president of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation will replace Neil Giuliano as GLAAD's new president, the organization announced today. According to the... Return to Top
Former Mass. lawmaker to head GLAAD | View Clip 06/18/2009 Washington Blade By CHRIS JOHNSON, Washington Blade The newly selected president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation is pledging to work toward a "culture change" that will enable more legal and legislative victories for LGBT people. Jarrett Barrios, 40, was announced Wednesday as the new president of GLAAD. He said in an interview with the Blade that he wanted to take up the reins of the organization because he feels "there is no more exciting time in [his] lifetime to be part of the movement ? toward full equality for [LGBT] Americans." "I'm not solely referring to the White House and the Congress," he said. "I'm really ... Return to Top
Mass. ex-senator to head gay rights group GLAAD | View Clip 06/18/2009 365gay.com (Boston) A gay former state lawmaker who fought a personal and political battle to help Massachusetts become the first state to legalize gay marriage has been appointed head of a national gay rights group. Former Sen. Jarrett Barrios tearfully shared stories of his family during debate on a proposal that would ... Return to Top
GLAAD Names New Head, Mass. Politician | View Clip 06/18/2009 EdgeNewEngland.com GLAAD, the gay media watchdog, has named Jarrett Barrios, a former Massachusetts state senator, as its new president. Return to Top
Anti-Marriage Equality Senator Admits to Affair | View Clip 06/18/2009 EdgeNewEngland.com An anti-marriage equality senator who cited the "sanctity of the institution" of marriage in his support of a federal amendment to bar gay and lesbian marriage has admitted to cheating on his wife with a married woman. Return to Top
Former Lawmaker To Lead Gay Rights Group | View Clip 06/18/2009 On Top Magazine Former lawmaker Jarrett Barrios will take the helm at the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Return to Top
Women 'up to seven times less likely to report homophobic crime than men' | View Clip 06/18/2009 PinkNews.co.uk A Metropolitan Police survey has suggested that women are up to seven times less likely to report homophobic or transphobic crime than men. Return to Top
Christian Group: Burn "Gay" Book | View Clip 06/18/2009 Advocate, The A group calling itself the Christian Civil Liberties Union filed a claim with the city of Milwaukee seeking the right to burn a public library's copy of a young-adult book with gay content, according to the American Library Association. Return to Top
Neb. Catholics ask for OK for psychologists to not treat gays | View Clip 06/18/2009 365gay.com (Lincoln, Neb.)  Nebraska's rules for licensed psychologists could change because of concerns about potential conflicts between religious convictions and sexual orientation. Jim Cunningham of the Nebraska Roman Catholic Conference says psychologists and other licensed therapists should be able to refuse to treat or refer clients because of the counselors' religious or ... Return to Top
Pastor: Gays Don't Belong in NFL | View Clip 06/18/2009 Advocate, The Kenneth Hutcherson, former NFL linebacker and current pastor of the Antioch Bible Church in Kirkland, Wash. says that gays don't belong in professional team sports because they would make their team members feel uncomfortable. Return to Top
NOM Vows to Unseat Pro-gay GOP | View Clip 06/18/2009 Advocate, The The antigay National Organization for Marriage, which has been slow to gain traction in New York and other Northeast states, vowed to spend $500,000 on a primary campaign against any Republican who votes for marriage equality in the New York state senate, Ben Smith at Politico.com reported on Wednesday. Return to Top
Judge Asked to Block D.C. Board Ruling on Anti-Gay Referendum | View Clip 06/18/2009 Towleroad A day after the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics blocked a referendum that would have put the D.C. Council's recent decision to recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere in front of voters, a lawsuit has been filed asking Judge Judith... Return to Top
Trans woman runs for mayor in Idaho | View Clip 06/18/2009 PinkNews.co.uk Melissa Sue Robinson, a trans woman, is running in the mayoral election for Nampa, Idaho. Robinson is the founder of civil rights organisation the National Association for the Advancement of Transgendered Persons, which was established in Michigan in 2000. Return to Top
NC: anti-bullying bill is in jeopardy | View Clip 06/18/2009 Pam's House Blend This is heinous. The wingnut Republicans in the state legislature are erupting and threatening passage of a bill that would protect children from bullying in schools, the School Violence Prevention Act. And the bill would not only protect children based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It boggles the mind to think the following language is what keeps this bill from being a quick done deal:"Bullying or harassing behavior includes, but is not limited to, acts reasonably perceived as being motivated by any actual or perceived differentiating characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, socioeconomic status, academic status, gender identity or expression, physical appearance, sexual orientation, or mental, physical, developmental, or sensory disability, or by association with a person who has or is perceived to have one or more of these characteristics."Matt Comer at QNotes reports efforts are under way by winger and homobigoted Christian fundamentalist organization to bully lawmakers and pick off votes of queasy supporters through scare tactics. Look at the insanity one long-time GOP fossil offers in opposition to safe schools:"The House did pass it last time, but the right-wing and Republican leadership have effectively made this bill just about that specific language [of the enumerated categories of 'sexual orientation' and 'gender-identity'] in the minds of many legislators," Palmquist said. "I think that is what's making it closer this time." Equality NC is encouraging supporters to go to their website and send an action alert email to their legislators. "We strongly encourage people to follow that up with a phone call, to let them know they support the bill," Palmquist said. Supporters can participate in the action alert here: eqfed.org/campaign/HouseSVPA2 In the committee meeting on Tuesday, the leading opponent of the bill in the House, Minority Leader Skip Stam (R-Wake) said same-sex parents are "more dangerous than second-hand smoke." Stam also "argued that explicitly protecting gay kids from bullying would lead to pedophilia and gay marriage," WUNC public radio reported. A second bill of interest to Equality NC and other equality and child welfare advocates is the Healthy Youth Act. It would create better and more accurate comprehensive sex health courses for students. The bill has already passed the House and awaits a vote in the Senate this week. As of Wednesday afternoon, it had been scheduled for a floor vote on Thursday, June 18.In my most recent column for the Durham News, I discussed a local case of bullying that shows exactly why we need this bill to pass. The public support is there; but we've got these fringe bigots like Stam in there who have a vote and is unafraid to whip up the gay strawman at every turn. Look at the broad support. Stam is not with the majority of North Carolinians. Related: * NC: Stop the bullying - the School Violence Prevention Act heads to final House vote Return to Top
Fed judge allows ministry to leaflet at St. Louis gay pride | View Clip 06/18/2009 365gay.com (St. Louis)  A federal judge has issued a permanent order allowing a ministry to leaflet at a gay pride event in St. Louis later this month. A lawyer representing Apple of His Eye Inc. said Monday that the ministry will resume religious leafleting at St. Louis' PrideFest on June 27-28, following ... Return to Top
Gary & Larry Relegated to Doing Own Mule Work | View Clip 06/18/2009 Pam's House Blend Referendum 71 seeks to repeal the incremental Domestic Partnership Expansion Law of 2009 in Washington state, but would not do away with domestic partnerships. I have no doubt that there are some very determined and dedicated people pushing the smarmy referendum. However, it is telling that both Larry Stickney and Gary Randall have had to do the donkey work themselves. In any reasonably popular effort, campaign managers propose while volunteers dispose.I was personally out Saturday helping deliver petitions. ---Gary RandallAnd you can practically hear the sweat dripping off of Larry's drenched-to-squishy shirtHaving personally logged over 1500 driving miles in the past five days delivering R-71 petitions... ---Larry Stickney What does this tell us of the campaign? Well, let's just say that when the latest padding of your endorsement list is a retiree who admits that he heads up a "small organization" (I was visitor 164 to his website) and has previously spoken publicly against the referendum as a foolhardy endeavour (see Wayne Lawson quote), what this tells us is that the campaign has very little popular support indeed. Steven Pidgeon bonus track below the fold. This is such a hilarious factoid that I had to share. Larry sent out an email on June 13th with quotes from "State Leaders". Steven Pidgeon being such a paragon of honesty, sanity and reason, I can surely see why Larry included his sage pronouncement.HB 5688, together with other domestic partnership laws in Washington, represent the most radical rewriting of the statutory scheme in this state since the Code of Washington was first revised. R71 is your opportunity to reject the legislature's attempt to overthrow traditional marriage in Washington. --Stephen Pidgeon, Legal Counsel, Protect Marriage WashingtonCurious that Larry only put Pidgeon's burbles in the email but not in the list of quotes on the website or on the petition sheet. And I wonder why Pidgeon left off the part about "I come here under the authority of Jesus Christ" to tell us that "there are going to be millions of people fleeing California once the starvation program begins down there." Oh that's right, to this group abolishing an incremental domestic partnership law is even more important than stopping a holocaust of kagillions of pre-born Americans, so a "starvation program" announced under the authority of Jesus Christ would be a triviality hardly worth mentioning. Join Washington Families Standing Together in their fight to defeat Referendum 71 by clicking on the graphics below. Cross-posted at Washblog. Return to Top
Florida cities get creative to attract LGBT travelers | View Clip 06/18/2009 EdgeNewEngland.com As cash-strapped Americans continue to limit their spending as a result of the recession, popular travel destinations throughout Florida are becoming more creative in their attempt to lure LGBT tourists--and especially their money--to the Sunshine State. Return to Top
Head of NH non-profit prematurely announces pending closure | View Clip 06/18/2009 EdgeNewEngland.com William Wesley, executive director of Seacoast Outright, retracted an announcement to supporters earlier this month his organization would close its doors at the end of the month. Return to Top
Obama: More benefits for gay workers only one step | View Clip 06/18/2009 365gay.com (Washington) President Barack Obama signaled to gay-rights activists Wednesday that he's listening to their desire for greater equality in "a more perfect union." But he didn't give them even close to everything they want, bringing to the surface an anger that's been growing against the president. "We all have to acknowledge ... Return to Top
Richard Socarides and Dustin Lance Black on Obama and Gays | View Clip 06/18/2009 Towleroad Attorney and former Clinton adviser Richard Socarides and Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black joined Anderson Cooper to talk about his extension of benefits to same-sex couples of federal employees and whether it is enough. Both agree it's not. Watch it,... Return to Top
Presidential Memorandum Already Viewed as Disappointment by Gay Leaders | View Clip 06/18/2009 EdgeNewEngland.com Critics of an expected Obama memorandum on benefits for the families of gay and lesbian federal employees charge that the directive is an anemic gesture that will do little to redress inequalities. Return to Top
White House releases details of tonight's Presidential Memo | View Clip 06/18/2009 Pam's House Blend Hot from the inbox. Submitted without comment (since I'm heading out the door).THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 17, 2009 Fact Sheet: Presidential Memorandum on Federal Benefits and Non-Discrimination In an Oval Office event later today, President Barack Obama will sign a Presidential Memorandum on Federal Benefits and Non-Discrimination. The Memorandum follows a review by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management ant the Secretary of State regarding what benefits may be extended to the same-sex partners of federal employees in the civil service and the foreign service within the confines of existing federal laws and statutes. Over the past several months, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management and the Secretary of State have conducted internal reviews to determine whether the benefits they administer may be extended to the same-sex partners of federal employees within the confines of existing laws and statutes. Both identified a number of such benefits. For civil service employees, domestic partners of federal employees can be added to the long-term care insurance program; supervisors can also be required to allow employees to use their sick leave to take care of domestic partners and non-biological, non-adopted children. For foreign service employees, a number of benefits were identified, including the use of medical facilities at posts abroad, medical evacuation from posts abroad, and inclusion in family size for housing allocations. The Presidential Memorandum to be signed today will request that the Director of OPM and the Secretary of State act to extend to same-sex partners of federal employees the benefits they have identified. The Memorandum will also request the heads of all other executive branch departments and agencies to conduct internal reviews to determine whether other benefits they administer might be similarly extended, and to report the results of those reviews to the Director of OPM. The Memorandum will also direct OPM to issue guidance within 90 days to all executive departments and agencies regarding compliance with, and implementation of, the civil service laws, which make it unlawful to discriminate against federal employees or applicants for federal employment on the basis of factors not related to job performance. Return to Top
What the President will say about LGBT rights tonight - and who will be there? | View Clip 06/18/2009 Pam's House Blend The one thing that is clear was outlined in this press advisory that hit my inbox:In the evening, the President will deliver brief remarks and sign a Presidential Memorandum regarding federal benefits and non-discrimination in the Oval Office. This event is pooled press.So when he sits down with his pen, the big question is, who will be the LGBT human shields guests for the photo op? ( It will be at 5:45 PM ET; just my luck -- I'll be in transit to the Women's Media Center awards, so I can't blog it in real time). The Washington Blade:The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the president was scheduled to sign the memorandum and discuss its contents at a brief ceremony in the Oval Office alongside invited guests.Lane Hudson sat down and wrote a great primer on how to parse what is going to be said by President Obama tonight. The first order of business -- what exactly can this President do for federal employees with a pen stroke:What's the difference between an Executive Order and a Presidential Memorandum? Will the extension of benefits include health care and retirement? Will the transgender community receive employment protections in the Federal Workforce? Does Obama plan to announce his plan to honor his promises to the LGBT community? These are all great questions. Some of them have been answered through the night and others will be answered throughout the day. What is certain is that there is a limit to what the President can do with the stroke of his pen.How President Obama should be judged is on his actions regarding the specific promises he made to the community, not some limited plan the WH itself admitted is being tossed out there tonight to save a gay DNC fundraiser next week. Lane reminds us of those specific promises from last year...I'm running for President to build an America that lives up to our founding promise of equality for all - a promise that extends to our gay brothers and sisters. It's wrong to have millions of Americans living as second-class citizens in this nation. And I ask for your support in this election so that together we can bring about real change for all LGBT Americans. ...As your President, I will use the bully pulpit to urge states to treat same-sex couples with full equality in their family and adoption laws. ...I support the complete repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Federal law should not discriminate in any way against gay and lesbian couples, which is precisely what DOMA does. I have also called for us to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and I have worked to improve the Uniting American Families Act so we can afford same-sex couples the same rights and obligations as married couples in our immigration system. ...The next president must also address the HIV/AIDS epidemic. When it comes to prevention, we do not have to choose between values and science. While abstinence education should be part of any strategy, we also need to use common sense. ...We also need a president who's willing to confront the stigma - too often tied to homophobia - that continues to surround HIV/AIDS. ...I will never compromise on my commitment to equal rights for all LGBT Americans. But neither will I close my ears to the voices of those who still need to be convinced. That is the work we must do to move forward together. ...Americans are yearning for leadership that can empower us to reach for what we know is possible. I believe that we can achieve the goal of full equality for the millions of LGBT people in this country. To do that, we need leadership that can appeal to the best parts of the human spirit. Join with me, and I will provide that leadership. Together, we will achieve real equality for all Americans, gay and straight alike.Those are Obama's words. The only prior statements about any of our issues since he took office have come out of the mouth of White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, and they have been insulting exercises in avoidance regarding DADT, and dodges or silence about marriage equality gains at the state level this year. And to top that off, the DOMA defense brief out of the Obama Department of Justice is nothing less than homophobic. So the President's photo op tonight will be the first time he's addressing our issues personally, and in the affirmative at a limited level. As a co-author of The Dallas Principles, Lane offers how the President can live up to his statements and embody those principles.1. Extending the full range of benefits (whatever they may include) to same sex partners of Federal employees in a lasting Executive Order. According to Chuck Todd of NBC News, a Presidential Memorandum will not last past his Presidency. 2. Calling on the Congress to immediately pass legislation that would extend the balance of benefits not able to be extended via Executive Order. 3. Announcing that he will instruct the Department of Justice not to defend section 3 of DOMA, which deals with Federal benefits, that is being challenged in a federal lawsuit by the Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) in Massachusetts. 4. Signing an Executive order that bans employment discrimination against transgender persons in the Federal workforce. 5. Announcing a concrete path forward on repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell 6. Calling on Congress to pass the far too long delayed Employment Non-Discrimination Act and Federal Hate Crimes Legislation. 7. Urging Congress to include the Uniting American Families Act in immigration reform legislation to be considered this year. 8. Committing the National Institute of Health to undertake a new effort for the treatment of HIV/AIDS and the Department of Health and Human Services to commit to new efforts on prevention of HIV/AIDS.Then we may see a fierce advocate. No Delays, No Excuses. He's the one who appointed himself to lead on this. If he choose not to, for whatever reason, political, personal, I don't really care. The bottom line is that the LGBT community has had enough with the games, and now the outright dehumanization represented by the DOMA brief. One thing you all should watch for is how the mainstream media covers this story -- I had the TV on this AM and heard how health care benefits are included -- that can't happen without legislative intervention, but that wasn't mentioned. NBC's First Read sees through the smokescreen:This move, however, seems mostly about placating gay-rights advocates who have been angered by 1) the administration's hesitance in overturning "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"; 2) its brief defending the Defense of Marriage Act, which Obama has promised to repeal; and 3) Obama's invitation of Rev. Rick Warren to deliver the prayer at the inauguration. In fact, some wealthy gay supporters of Obama have become so mad that they're taking their names off an upcoming Biden fundraiser...[T]oday's presidential memo is a reactive attempt to quell the anger coming from the gay community. Also vaguely addressed is the disastrous state of the upcoming DNC fundraiser, which is bleeding supporters and attendees left and right. That's the real story. It will take more than a half-measure that is signed tonight to open the always reliable gay ATM. NOTE: The Washington Blade will be at that dinner to photograph and report on who shows up to support a party and administration that endorses the DOMA hate brief. Return to Top
White House Outlines Benefits | View Clip 06/18/2009 Advocate, The The White House press office has issued a "fact sheet" that outlines the benefits to be made available to same-sex partners of federal workers by President Barack Obama. Return to Top
Obama Memo: What Benefits are Forthcoming to Same-Sex Partners? | View Clip 06/18/2009 Towleroad The White House has sent out some more information on this evening's memorandum from Obama on benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees. Today's memorandum, which Obama will sign in the Oval Office, comes after a review by the Director... Return to Top
Vanasco: Gay benefits press call clarifies…nothing | View Clip 06/18/2009 365gay.com In advance of President Obama's 5:45 remarks on extending limited benefits to gay  federal workers, Director of Personnel Management John Berry spoke to the press and said....very little. He seemed to be reading from a brief, prepared statement that recapped what we already know: OPM investigated which benefits could be extended ... Return to Top
Presidential Memo Open Thread | View Clip 06/18/2009 Pam's House Blend This afternoon at 5:45 EST, Obama will present The Memo to expand minor benefits for LGBT federal employees. The pre-memo fact sheet is an exercise in low expectations. It tells us that Obama is not going to make change by changing any laws. In fact, the fact sheet states twice that Obama has been scrounging for crumbs for us with the stipulation that they are already... within the confines of existing laws and statutesIt remains to be seen if he takes the opportunity to push legislation so that he has more to offer us "within the confines" of the law. You can watch live on C-SPAN. If you hear of other live viewing or listening locations before it starts, please drop them in the comments. Lee Swislow of Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) responds to the pre-memo fact sheet. She's not buying it.Presidential Memorandum on Federal Benefits and Non-Discrimination Statement of LEE SWISLOW, Executive Director, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders Based on the White House fact sheet released earlier today, the Presidential memorandum will be but a very limited step toward equal benefits for the same-sex partners of federal employees. It does not in any way resolve the important issues of fairness that are raised in our lawsuit (Gill v. Office of Personnel Management) which seeks to declare DOMA unconstitutional as applied to workplace benefits for federal employees and retirees, as well as several other federal programs. Bread-and-butter protections like health insurance and pension benefits remain off limits for federal employees because the Defense of Marriage Act is still law. Our plaintiff Nancy Gill is a postal worker who still can't provide health insurance for her spouse, Marcelle Letourneau, even though she pays for a family policy that covers their children. Al Koski, who's retired from the Social Security Administration, still can't provide health benefits to his spouse, Jim Fitzgerald, who has diabetes, let alone survivor rights on Al's pension. And Dean Hara, widower of the late Congressman Gerry Studds, still cannot receive Gerry's pension nearly three years after his untimely death. These are concrete harms that are not changed by today's announcement from the White House. The one and only way for this pervasive discrimination to end is for DOMA to end - whether by the courts declaring it unconstitutional or by Congressional repeal. Only then will married same-sex couples receive equal treatment under law. Return to Top
Obama's statement on gay Fed benefits | View Clip 06/18/2009 365gay.com REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AT THE SIGNING OF A PRESIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM REGARDING FEDERAL BENEFITS AND NON-DISCRIMINATION Oval Office 6:04 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT:  Well, today I'm proud to issue a presidential memorandum that paves the way for long-overdue progress in our nation's pursuit of equality. Many of our government's hard-working, dedicated, and patriotic public ... Return to Top
Crumby Memo: The Video | View Clip 06/18/2009 Pam's House Blend Well here it is. In his comments Obama said he support the Domestic Partners Benefits & Obligations Act which, if passed, would give federal employees full spousal benefits. Tammy Baldwin is an author of that bill, and was present at the event today. Obama also said he would work with Congress to repeal DOMA, but of course gave no indication that this was going to happen in our lifetimes. He used vague words such as "in the months and years ahead". He failed to say anything even vaguely resembling "I'm going to be pounding on Reid & Pelosi's desks until we get those abominations DADT & DOMA repealed!!!" THE PRESIDENT: Well, today I'm proud to issue a presidential memorandum that paves the way for long-overdue progress in our nation's pursuit of equality. Many of our government's hard-working, dedicated, and patriotic public servants have long been denied basic rights that their colleagues enjoy for one simple reason -- the people that they love are of the same sex. Currently, for example, LGBT federal employees can't always use sick leave to care for their domestic partners or their partners' children. Their partners aren't covered under long-term care insurance. Partners of American Foreign Service officers abroad aren't treated the same way when it comes to the use of medical facilities or visitation rights in case of an emergency. These are just some of the wrongs that we intend to right today. In consultation with Secretary of State Clinton, as well as OPM Director John Berry, my administration has completed a long and thorough review to identify a number of areas where we can extend federal benefits to the same-sex partners of Foreign Service and executive branch government employees. I'm requesting that Secretary Clinton and Director Berry do so where possible under existing law -- and that the heads of all executive departments and agencies conduct reviews to determine where they may do the same. Hundreds of Fortune 500 companies already offer such benefits not only because it's the right thing to do, but because they recognize that it helps them compete for and retain the best possible talent -- and we need top talent serving their country right now more than ever. Now, under current law, we cannot provide same-sex couples with the full range of benefits enjoyed by heterosexual married couples. "That's why I'm proud to announce my support for the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act, crucial legislation that will guarantee these rights for all federal employees. I want to thank Representative Tammy Baldwin, who is behind me somewhere -- there she is, right there -- for her tireless leadership on this bill and in the broader struggle for equality. I want to thank Senator Joe Lieberman -- Joe is here -- as well as Susan Collins for championing this bill in the Senate; and Representative Barney Frank for his leadership on this and so many other issues -- in fact, this is his second trip to the White House today. (Laughter.) It's a day that marks a historic step towards the changes we seek, but I think we all have to acknowledge this is only one step. Among the steps we have not yet taken is to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. I believe it's discriminatory, I think it interferes with states' rights, and we will work with Congress to overturn it. We've got more work to do to ensure that government treats all its citizens equally; to fight injustice and intolerance in all its forms; and to bring about that more perfect union. I'm committed to these efforts, and I pledge to work tirelessly on behalf of these issues in the months and years to come. Thank you very much everybody, and with that I am going to sign this executive order. (The memorandum is signed.) (Applause.) END 6:08 P.M. EDT Also present were OPM Director John Berry, Fred Hochberg, the president of the Export-Import Bank of United States, Rea Carey, executive Director of the Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Jennifer Chrisler, executive director of Family Equality, Leonard Hirsch, the president of the Federal GLOBE, Lorilyn "Candy" Holmes, a career federal employee, and Joe Solmonese, the president of the Human Rights Campaign. Well Blenders, are you satisfied? John Aravosis isn't. here's his evisceration of Obama's civil rights performance to date. National Center for Lesbian Rights responds:A statement from NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell on the Presidential Memorandum (San Francisco, California, June 17, 2009) - The policy announced today by the President committing to a federal workplace free from discrimination, is a step in the right direction but inadequate and long overdue. It leaves out millions of Americans who do not work for the federal government and fails to include key benefits including health insurance. When running for office, then candidate Obama called equality for LGBT people a "moral imperative." We will continue to demand this administration live up to the President's promise of achieving "full equality for the millions of LGBT people in this country." Return to Top
National LGBT Bar Association Releases Statement | View Clip 06/18/2009 Pam's House Blend Just released and sent to "tips": Statement of the National LGBT Bar Association on The Presidential Memorandum Offering Benefits To Same Sex Federal Employees Washington, DC - The National Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Bar Association, the nation's leading association of LGBT legal professionals, today issued a statement on President Barack Obama's memorandum offering limited benefits to same-sex federal employees and their partners. "We applaud the President's memo as an important first step toward workplace equality for government employees," said D'Arcy Kemnitz, Executive Director of the National LGBT Bar Association. "But there is still much more to be accomplished. The president's action should spur Congress to finish the job and pass the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act." According to a White House Fact Sheet, the executive order does not include full health care benefits, one of the most significant federal benefits afforded to married couples in the federal government. By contrast, the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligation Act, introduced last month by U.S. Representative Tammy Baldwin and Senators Joseph Lieberman and Susan Collins, would provide full family benefits to lesbian and gay federal employees, equivalent to those provided to employees with different-sex spouses. ### The National LGBT Bar Association is a national association of lawyers, judges and other legal professionals, law students, activists, and affiliated lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender legal organizations. The association promotes justice in and through the legal profession for the LGBT community in all its diversity. www.lgbtbar.org Return to Top
Obama Signs Memo Granting Limited Federal Employee Benefits ; Reiterates Pledge to Get Rid of D... | View Clip 06/18/2009 Towleroad There you have it. Please discuss. Return to Top
Gay Activists Balk At New Obama Rights Offering | View Clip 06/18/2009 On Top Magazine Gay activists not impressed with President Obama's latest rights overtures; call it too little, too late Return to Top
Obama Extends Partner Benefits | View Clip 06/18/2009 Advocate, The President Barack Obama Wednesday singed a memo extending certain benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees flanked by LGBT activist Frank Kameny, Congressional members Barney Frank and Tammy Baldwin, and organizational leaders Joe Solmonese, Rea Carey, and Jennifer Chrisler. The Oval Office signing took about five minutes and was carried by CNN. Return to Top
Obama grants partner benefits for gay federal employees | View Clip 06/18/2009 Washington Blade By LOU CHIBBARO JR, Washington Blade With gay leaders, government officials, and Vice President Joe Biden standing beside him in the White House Oval Office, President Obama Wednesday signed a presidential memorandum granting a limited number of federal employee benefits to same-sex partners of federal workers. Noting that his action provided as many employee related benefits to LGBT federal workers as possible under the constraints of existing laws, the president said the memorandum "marks a historic step towards the changes we seek" for LGBT federal workers through legislation pending in Congress. "Many of our government's hard-working, dedicated, and patriotic pub ... Return to Top
Cher Releases Statement in Support of Chaz Bono's Transition | View Clip 06/18/2009 Towleroad Following last week's news about Chastity Bono beginning a gender transition and her identification as 'Chaz' Bono, many were wondering what Cher thought about all of it. Said Cher in a statement yesterday: "She is embarking on a difficult journey,... Return to Top
Cher 'supportive' of Chaz Bono's sex change | View Clip 06/18/2009 PinkNews.co.uk Cher has said she supports her child Chaz Bono's decision to change gender. Chaz, formerly known as Chastity, revealed his decision to undergo gender reassignment last week. Return to Top