Blog Posts for Anti-LGBT Discrimination
Just the Facts, Maggie
When the U.S. House Subcommittee on the Constitution held an April 15 hearing called “Defending Marriage,” we knew it would not be a friendly forum. Although the focus of the hearing was on the Justice Department’s decision not to defend DOMA, Chairman Trent Franks called Maggie Gallagher of the National Organization for Marriage as the principal witness rather than anyone from the Department of Justice. Ms. Gallagher’s written testimony begged for a written response, and GLAD submitted its rebuttal last week, which will now be entered into the Congressional Record.
My Afternoon on the Hot Seat, and Other Adventures in Transgender Advocacy
On Monday, I testified before the Connecticut Legislature’s Judiciary Committee in favor H.B. 6599, “An Act Concerning Discrimination,” which would add the phrase gender identity and expression in Connecticut’s non-discrimination laws. My prepared testimony was just about two minutes, but I spent the next hour on the hot seat, fielding questions from committee members about the bill and how, when adopted as law, it would be enforced. That is as it should be. It’s important to let those who are just learning about transgender people’s lives ask of all their questions and have them answered in a reasoned, thoughtful way.
Reality Check: The Big Lie About Catholic Charities, Adoption and Marriage Equality
Last month’s marriage equality hearing in Rhode Island left me feeling a little like Congressman Joe “You Lie!” Wilson. Wilson, you’ll recall, shouted his infamous exclamation at President Obama after the president stated in a speech to Congress that his health care legislation would not provide free health coverage for illegal immigrants, despite what vocal opponents of the healthcare bill were saying. As I watched Austin Nimocks of the anti-gay Alliance Defense Fund testify without blinking that marriage equality in Massachusetts “forced” Catholic Charities of Boston out of the adoption business, it was all I could do not to let loose a “You Lie!” right there in the marbled halls of the Rhode Island State House.
Know Your Rights: An Introduction to GLAD’s Legal InfoLine
Legal InfoLine Manager Bruce Bell begins a regular weekly blog post today.
MA CORI Reform: Now What?
The CORI Reform bill passed in Massachusetts, now what? Aaron Tanaka, Executive Director of the Boston Workers Alliance (BWA) and co-chair of the Commonwealth CORI Coalition (of which GLAD was a member) stopped by the GLAD office this week to answer that very question.
Our Work Is Not Done Until Everyone in the LGBT Community Is Protected
Nights like last Saturday night at Latino Pride, held by Somos Latin@s LGBT Coalition of Mass., remind me how much I love my job. What other job would allow me to accept an award in honor of GLAD’s work with the Latino community, in the company of other amazing award recipients like Miss Mass Gay Latina 2010 herself - Ms. Tatiana Jackson - who also thrilled us with multiple performances!
CORI Reform Passes the House
The Massachusetts CORI Reform Bill passed in the House Wednesday with a vote of 138 to 7! This is the last major step before the House and Senate bills are merged and sent to the Governor for his approval. GLAD is proud to share this victory with the Boston Workers Alliance and the countless other allies and supporters of the Commonwealth CORI Coalition. This reform legislation would limit employers’ access to the criminal records of job applicants and reduce the number of years until felony and misdemeanor charges can be sealed.
An Argument for Equality: Recapping DOMA Hearing Day
It was sunny and warm as we headed to the Joseph Moakley Federal Courthouse on Boston’s waterfront. Eight married couples, three widowers, and as many attorneys marched into the courtroom of Federal District Judge Joseph L. Tauro. The plaintiffs – all harmed by DOMA in various ways – sat in the jury box, and in an overflow courtroom next door, spectators could see them on two large flat-screen TVs.
Tax Day and the LGBT Party
There has been much argument about taxes lately. Yesterday, the Tea Party Express brought some of this talk to the Boston Common, just outside my office window.
I believe that paying taxes is a responsibility that comes with being an American citizen. We must share the costs of maintaining and improving our country’s infrastructure and security, and of providing the services that benefit all of us. But I also believe that the tax system must be administered fairly, and without discrimination.
So, as another tax day rolls around, I find myself reflecting on the particular relationship the LGBT community has to paying taxes.
Imagine a School Culture of Dignity and Respect for All
Yesterday I testified on behalf of GLAD in front of the General Court’s Joint Committee on Education in support of a comprehensive bill to prevent school bullying. The bill before the committee, H. 483, is an excellent starting point and has the potential to ultimately result in a law that would create safer schools for Massachusetts students, including those who are LGBT.