Blog Posts for Civil Rights Project
A Date With Destiny
Nearly three years ago, my wife Melba and I started on a road that would lead us to this day. During this period, we have seen one Administration go, and another come in. We have set our hopes not in these changes but on what it means to be American where fairness and equality are concerned. Understanding, that while the stewardship may change, America’s promise of equal treatment so intrinsic to the life of its citizens must remain a pledge for all. It is in search of this promise that we stand before this court today.
Today, we along with our co-plaintiffs in Gill et al vs. Office of Personnel Management et al will have our claims heard. And we will listen to our Attorney Mary Bonauto present the merits of our case. We will see opposing counsel do their best to present the merits of theirs. And we’ll stand before a U.S. Federal District Court and the presiding Judge Joseph L. Tauro for the first time in our lives; and trust that on this one Massachusetts morning, on this one day in Boston — the principles of justice and equality will prevail.
About To Make History Again
David Wilson and Rob Compton were plaintiffs in the Goodridge case that ended marriage discrimination against same-sex couples in Massachusetts. In anticipation of the May 6 hearing in GLAD’s DOMA challenge, we asked David to reflect on the experience of watching Mary Bonauto argue in court.
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.
2010 Census - It’s Personal and Political
It’s not just Uncle Sam - GLAD wants you to take part in the 2010 census!
This is an historic opportunity to show who we are as families. For the first time, the census will count married same-sex couples, in addition to counting same-sex couples living in the same household.
DOMA Damages Same-Sex Families and Their Children
(Excerpted from the ABA Family Advocate)
As Justice Ginsburg famously noted in 1996, the history of our constitution is the history of extending constitutional protections to those who were once ignored or excluded from American society. [United States v. Virginia, 518 U.S. 515 (1996)]. That journey to citizenship is well under way for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans as well.
A Vermont Mother’s Heartbreaking Search Continues
My heart goes out to Vermont mother Janet Jenkins, who remains in the dark as to the whereabouts of her daughter Isabella.
Lisa Miller, Isabella’s other mother, disappeared with the child before January 1, the date she was ordered by the Rutland Family Court to transfer custody to Janet.
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.
A Governor’s Heartless Veto
In my work, I encounter seeds of homophobia in subtle and insidious ways all the time. But I have to admit to being floored by the actions of Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri last week. On November 10, Gov. Carcieri vetoed a bill that would have provided same-sex couples a critical, discrete protection in a time of complete vulnerability and tragedy. The bill would have allowed a surviving same-sex partner the ability to claim the remains of his or her partner, and decide how he or she will be laid to rest. To be eligible to do this, the surviving partner would have to demonstrate that their relationship met the definition of “domestic partnership” that has been a part of Rhode Island law for over eight years.
On the ground in Maine today
Today, Mainers are deciding whether the hard-won marriage equality law passed in May and signed by Governor Baldacci will finally go into effect.
GLAD is committed to this fight, working with our coalition partners on public education efforts throughout the state to ensure all Maine families the security, protection, and respect they deserve.
Several GLAD folks are in Maine today and will posting at twitter.com/gladlaw throughout the day (you can also see the posts at www.glad.org). And check back here for photos from the ground as they come in.
Inclusive ENDA: Passage is Essential
The first Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) bill that would create a federal law prohibiting workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation was introduced into Congress fifteen years ago. Fifteen years feels like a very long time given the progress that has been made generally on LGBT social issues and understanding during that same time span.