Blog Posts for Rhode Island
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.
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.
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.