Senate could take up 'Don't Ask,' hate crimes provisions
By CHRIS JOHNSON, Washington Blade Jul 13 2009, 10:10 AM
U.S. senators are considering the introduction of LGBT-related amendments to the fiscal year 2010 defense authorization bill if it comes to the Senate floor as planned this week.
The potential amendments could make the legislation a vehicle for the biggest advances to date in LGBT rights at the federal level.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) is considering the introduction of an amendment that would instate an 18-month moratorium on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which would prevent further investigation of gay service members until it expires or Congress can accomplish full repeal, according to Bethany Lesser, a Gillibrand spokesperson.
The Daily Beast first reported that Gillibrand was considering the introduction of the amendment.
But Lesser emphasized that the amendment is still only under consideration and Gillibrand wants ultimately to fully repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” as opposed to instating a moratorium.
“This is still, like, very much in the planning stages,” Lesser said. “[Gillibrand] is looking more big picture. She wants to repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ overall, and she’s working with Sen. [Ted] Kennedy’s office and Congressman [Patrick] Murphy’s office to garner support for this through Congress. So that’s more of her focus — this bigger picture.”
Lesser said Gillibrand’s office doesn’t have the specifics yet on what day the senator would introduce the bill if she decides to, nor does she know what would prompt Gillibrand to make a definitive decision on introducing the amendment. The Daily Beast reported that Gillibrand may submit the provision to the floor Tuesday.
Allison Herwitt, legislative director for the Human Rights Campaign, said in a statement that HRC believes a moratorium amendment should be introduced only if there is enough votes to fully overturn “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
“HRC believes that this temporary repeal amendment should only be offered and voted on if we are confident that there are sufficient votes to advance the issue of permanent repeal of ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell,’” she said. “It is not yet clear that threshold can be achieved this week. However, we remain committed to exploring every possible option available to stop the discharges of honorable men and women standing on the front lines protecting the safety and security of all Americans.”
A hate crimes provision in the defense bill can be expected, however. Herwitt said the defense legislation will be the likely vehicle for the hate crimes measure, and the amendment should come up sometime in the middle of this week. A senior Democratic leadership aide had earlier confirmed for the Blade that Senate leaders plan to amend the defense bill to include the hate crimes provision.
Herwitt said she thinks Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) will introduce the amendment on the Senate floor. David Carle, spokesperson for Leahy, confirmed the senator would introduce a hate crimes amendment to the defense bill this week, but said the day on which Leahy would introduce the amendment has not yet been set.
Carle said the language would be identical to S. 909, the standalone hate crimes legislation that Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) introduced in the Senate earlier this year.
President Obama has threatened to veto the defense bill because the House version contains funding beyond the administration’s request for F-22 jets. But sources have told the Blade that a Democratic Congress wouldn’t send a defense bill to a Democratic president if he would veto it.
Showing posts with label Gay Rights. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gay Rights. Show all posts
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
In a Presidential First, Obama Marks Gay Pride at the White House
By Michael D. ShearPresident Obama on Monday became the first Oval Office occupant to officially celebrate gay pride in the White House even as the gay community remains bitterly divided about the pace of Obama's efforts to turn words into action for their agenda.
In recognizing the march of progress since the protests outside New York's Stonewall Inn 40 years ago, Obama achieved a milestone for many gay and lesbian Americans who mark the day as the beginning of their modern rights movement.
But the excitement among the several hundred guests invited by the first couple to the East Wing Monday was tempered by frustration among many who believe that the president has moved too slowly to make good on his campaign promises.
Obama's refusal to take unilateral action to end the "don't-ask, don't tell" policy regarding gays in the military and his administration's support for a legal challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act even sparked a small protest outside a speech to gay activists by VicePresident Biden last week.
"There's been an awful lot of noise and criticism," said Steve Elmendorf, a top Democratic lobbyist who is openly gay. "For him to send a message to the entire country that this is an event worth celebrating is a big deal. But people expect beyond that to see some substance on a whole host of issues."
Obama confronted those expectations directly Monday, renewing his campaign promises to change the military's policy, repeal the marriage act and pass a federal hate crimes bill named for Matthew Shepard, the student murdered in Wyoming in 1998.
"I want you to know that I expect and hope to be judged not by word, but by the promises my administration keeps," Obama said to sustained applause from the crowd. "By the time this administration is over, I think you guys will have pretty good feelings about the Obama administration."
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/06/29/in_a_presidential_first_obama.html?wprss=44
In recognizing the march of progress since the protests outside New York's Stonewall Inn 40 years ago, Obama achieved a milestone for many gay and lesbian Americans who mark the day as the beginning of their modern rights movement.
But the excitement among the several hundred guests invited by the first couple to the East Wing Monday was tempered by frustration among many who believe that the president has moved too slowly to make good on his campaign promises.
Obama's refusal to take unilateral action to end the "don't-ask, don't tell" policy regarding gays in the military and his administration's support for a legal challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act even sparked a small protest outside a speech to gay activists by VicePresident Biden last week.
"There's been an awful lot of noise and criticism," said Steve Elmendorf, a top Democratic lobbyist who is openly gay. "For him to send a message to the entire country that this is an event worth celebrating is a big deal. But people expect beyond that to see some substance on a whole host of issues."
Obama confronted those expectations directly Monday, renewing his campaign promises to change the military's policy, repeal the marriage act and pass a federal hate crimes bill named for Matthew Shepard, the student murdered in Wyoming in 1998.
"I want you to know that I expect and hope to be judged not by word, but by the promises my administration keeps," Obama said to sustained applause from the crowd. "By the time this administration is over, I think you guys will have pretty good feelings about the Obama administration."
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/06/29/in_a_presidential_first_obama.html?wprss=44
China's first Gay Pride event
Julie Desne
June 11, 2009
China's first Gay Pride event, organised by Shanghai's English-speaking expatriates, has been quietly celebrating homosexuality this week with no hint of a parade or advertising hype.
In a country where acceptance of homosexuality is still low, organisers -- foreigners living in China -- have been reluctant to draw official attention.
So "Shanghai Pride" does not include the colourful parade that typifies Gay Pride events in Europe and the US, but is centred around events held in private venues to avoid the need for government permission.
As a result, few Chinese appear to be taking part -- or even to know about the events -- and attendees have been mostly expatriate.
"Even though we have talked about (Shanghai Pride) for a long time, the news published in Chinese about this is only very recent," said Xing Zhao, a gay man in his thirties.
Homosexuality has long been a taboo subject in China with gay sex decriminalised only in 1997, while homosexual behaviour was officially viewed as a mental disorder until 2001.
Those behind Shanghai Pride hope it will help change prevailing attitudes, no matter how incrementally.
Organised by Shanghai LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered), an association of English-speaking expatriates, Shanghai Pride revolves around film screenings, workshops, exhibitions and charity sales.
Money raised will go to the Hong Kong-based Chi Heng Foundation, which funds education for children orphaned by AIDS in central China.
"We are aware that to develop understanding and acceptance of a non-traditional way of life naturally takes more time than to build skyscrapers," association spokeswoman Hannah Miller said in a statement.
"We therefore hope that this festival will work positively in that direction."
The gay Chinese community does not appear convinced the event will inspire greater acceptance of homosexuality.
"I don't think Shanghai Pride will change people's perception of homosexual people at once," said Wang Jin, a 27-year-old Chinese lesbian who has heard of the festival but does not intend to take part.
"But it's much better that it takes place than not," she said.
The week-long programme of events -- and the fact that the Shanghai Pride website is not in Chinese -- underscored the domination of expats, said Xing.
"They do not have bad intentions, but this is a very Westernised gay culture and it's not enough to include Chinese people, despite the fact there are so many Chinese homosexuals in a city like Shanghai."
Chinese homosexuals had their own life in the city, he said, adding he sometimes goes to gay tea dances, costing 5 yuan (70 cents), where everyone is Chinese.
By contrast, a Shanghai Pride barbecue on Saturday will cost 150 yuan -- a significant sum for Chinese people.
Nevertheless, Shanghai -- a vibrant metropolis of around 20 million -- is certainly more tolerant of its gay community than most Chinese cities, with bars that attract an exclusively gay clientele.
The official China Daily newspaper estimates there are 30 million homosexuals in China, or less than three percent of the population.
June 11, 2009
China's first Gay Pride event, organised by Shanghai's English-speaking expatriates, has been quietly celebrating homosexuality this week with no hint of a parade or advertising hype.
In a country where acceptance of homosexuality is still low, organisers -- foreigners living in China -- have been reluctant to draw official attention.
So "Shanghai Pride" does not include the colourful parade that typifies Gay Pride events in Europe and the US, but is centred around events held in private venues to avoid the need for government permission.
As a result, few Chinese appear to be taking part -- or even to know about the events -- and attendees have been mostly expatriate.
"Even though we have talked about (Shanghai Pride) for a long time, the news published in Chinese about this is only very recent," said Xing Zhao, a gay man in his thirties.
Homosexuality has long been a taboo subject in China with gay sex decriminalised only in 1997, while homosexual behaviour was officially viewed as a mental disorder until 2001.
Those behind Shanghai Pride hope it will help change prevailing attitudes, no matter how incrementally.
Organised by Shanghai LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered), an association of English-speaking expatriates, Shanghai Pride revolves around film screenings, workshops, exhibitions and charity sales.
Money raised will go to the Hong Kong-based Chi Heng Foundation, which funds education for children orphaned by AIDS in central China.
"We are aware that to develop understanding and acceptance of a non-traditional way of life naturally takes more time than to build skyscrapers," association spokeswoman Hannah Miller said in a statement.
"We therefore hope that this festival will work positively in that direction."
The gay Chinese community does not appear convinced the event will inspire greater acceptance of homosexuality.
"I don't think Shanghai Pride will change people's perception of homosexual people at once," said Wang Jin, a 27-year-old Chinese lesbian who has heard of the festival but does not intend to take part.
"But it's much better that it takes place than not," she said.
The week-long programme of events -- and the fact that the Shanghai Pride website is not in Chinese -- underscored the domination of expats, said Xing.
"They do not have bad intentions, but this is a very Westernised gay culture and it's not enough to include Chinese people, despite the fact there are so many Chinese homosexuals in a city like Shanghai."
Chinese homosexuals had their own life in the city, he said, adding he sometimes goes to gay tea dances, costing 5 yuan (70 cents), where everyone is Chinese.
By contrast, a Shanghai Pride barbecue on Saturday will cost 150 yuan -- a significant sum for Chinese people.
Nevertheless, Shanghai -- a vibrant metropolis of around 20 million -- is certainly more tolerant of its gay community than most Chinese cities, with bars that attract an exclusively gay clientele.
The official China Daily newspaper estimates there are 30 million homosexuals in China, or less than three percent of the population.
Obama extends gay health benefits
June 18, 2009
President Barack Obama has extended some federal health 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... for one simple reason, the people that they love are of the same sex," Obama said on Wednesday.
Obama signed a presidential memorandum ushering in the changes, in the wake of rising criticism from some lesbian and gay rights groups about what they see as sluggish progress towards implementing campaign promises.
Under the new measures, domestic partners of federal workers will get benefits including long term care insurance. Government workers will also 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.
But Obama's memorandum does not include comprehensive health and life insurance. Obama promised to back legislation in Congress allowing those full benefits to be provided.
Despite his 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 Defence of Marriage Act (DOMA), which denies federal benefits to same-sex married couples.
© 2009 AFP
http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-world/obama-extends-gay-health-benefits-20090618-cige.html
President Barack Obama has extended some federal health 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... for one simple reason, the people that they love are of the same sex," Obama said on Wednesday.
Obama signed a presidential memorandum ushering in the changes, in the wake of rising criticism from some lesbian and gay rights groups about what they see as sluggish progress towards implementing campaign promises.
Under the new measures, domestic partners of federal workers will get benefits including long term care insurance. Government workers will also 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.
But Obama's memorandum does not include comprehensive health and life insurance. Obama promised to back legislation in Congress allowing those full benefits to be provided.
Despite his 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 Defence of Marriage Act (DOMA), which denies federal benefits to same-sex married couples.
© 2009 AFP
http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-world/obama-extends-gay-health-benefits-20090618-cige.html
India's ban on gay sex overturned after 150 years
LAWS dating back to the British Raj that banned gay sex have been overturned in a landmark judgment in India's capital.
The 150-year-old section 377 of India's penal code, introduced when the British ruled the subcontinent, described homosexual intercourse as "carnal intercourse against the order of nature" and imposed a 10-year jail term for offenders.
The Delhi High Court yesterday declared the laws a violation of "fundamental rights" and unconstitutional.
The decision means consensual sex between those over the age of 18 will no longer be punishable, although the court ruled that section 377 should still apply to cases of non-consensual sex and pedophilia.
The court recommended that the Indian Government amend section 377 in accordance with its ruling. However, Indian Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily responded cautiously, saying he would study the judgment before commenting.
The ruling is a big victory for India's gay rights movement, which has staged a long campaign for homosexuality to be decriminalised.
A petition seeking legalisation of homosexuality was first lodged in 2001 by Naz Foundation, an organisation that promotes sexual health. One argument put forward for decriminalising homosexuality was it would help promote the prevention of HIV/AIDS in India.
The petition, which was opposed by the Indian government, was thrown out of the Delhi High Court in 2004 but later reopened after India's Supreme Court directed that the High Court reconsider.
Tripti Tandon, one of the lawyers who brought the petition, said she hoped the Government would not appeal against the decision.
Gay activists said the judgment reaffirmed the liberal and secular nature of India's democracy.
"This is a huge milestone and a very emotional moment for so many of us," said activist Nitin Karani of the Humsafar Trust, which promotes prevention of HIV/AIDS among gay men.
"A lot of gay people have been … too afraid to come forward to get information about their sexual and mental health because of this law. Now they will be less afraid and less inhibited."
The court's decision drew fire from Indian religious leaders.
"This is absolutely wrong," said Muslim leader Ahmed Bukhari, the imam of Delhi's Jama Mosque. "If the Government (attempts) to scrap Section 377, we will oppose it strongly."
Last year, during a hearing into the Naz Foundation's petition, a leader of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, or World Hindu Council, objected to gay sex on the grounds that it caused bodily injury, a claim rejected by the Delhi High Court.
Father Dominic Emmanuel, of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, said the church did not oppose the decriminalisation of homosexuality but opposed further reforms such as the legalisation of gay marriage.
Matt Wade, South Asia Correspondent, Delhi
July 3, 2009
http://www.theage.com.au/world/indias-ban-on-gay-sex-overturned-after-150-years-20090702-d6j4.html
The 150-year-old section 377 of India's penal code, introduced when the British ruled the subcontinent, described homosexual intercourse as "carnal intercourse against the order of nature" and imposed a 10-year jail term for offenders.
The Delhi High Court yesterday declared the laws a violation of "fundamental rights" and unconstitutional.
The decision means consensual sex between those over the age of 18 will no longer be punishable, although the court ruled that section 377 should still apply to cases of non-consensual sex and pedophilia.
The court recommended that the Indian Government amend section 377 in accordance with its ruling. However, Indian Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily responded cautiously, saying he would study the judgment before commenting.
The ruling is a big victory for India's gay rights movement, which has staged a long campaign for homosexuality to be decriminalised.
A petition seeking legalisation of homosexuality was first lodged in 2001 by Naz Foundation, an organisation that promotes sexual health. One argument put forward for decriminalising homosexuality was it would help promote the prevention of HIV/AIDS in India.
The petition, which was opposed by the Indian government, was thrown out of the Delhi High Court in 2004 but later reopened after India's Supreme Court directed that the High Court reconsider.
Tripti Tandon, one of the lawyers who brought the petition, said she hoped the Government would not appeal against the decision.
Gay activists said the judgment reaffirmed the liberal and secular nature of India's democracy.
"This is a huge milestone and a very emotional moment for so many of us," said activist Nitin Karani of the Humsafar Trust, which promotes prevention of HIV/AIDS among gay men.
"A lot of gay people have been … too afraid to come forward to get information about their sexual and mental health because of this law. Now they will be less afraid and less inhibited."
The court's decision drew fire from Indian religious leaders.
"This is absolutely wrong," said Muslim leader Ahmed Bukhari, the imam of Delhi's Jama Mosque. "If the Government (attempts) to scrap Section 377, we will oppose it strongly."
Last year, during a hearing into the Naz Foundation's petition, a leader of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, or World Hindu Council, objected to gay sex on the grounds that it caused bodily injury, a claim rejected by the Delhi High Court.
Father Dominic Emmanuel, of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, said the church did not oppose the decriminalisation of homosexuality but opposed further reforms such as the legalisation of gay marriage.
Matt Wade, South Asia Correspondent, Delhi
July 3, 2009
http://www.theage.com.au/world/indias-ban-on-gay-sex-overturned-after-150-years-20090702-d6j4.html
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The Oregonian
From "The Stump" section of the Portland Oregonian News Paper Nov. 7, 2008
A blow to gay rights
It's painfully ironic. Just as the first African American president was elected, that minority group was also overwhelmingly casting ballots in California in favor of Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage. It's "success" this week was a crushing blow to gay right. Barack Obama did not support the proposition, but he also does not support same-sex marriage for religious reasons. He hopes to steer from the center, so his stance is no doubt reassuring to some who apposed him. But some gay-rights activists say his failure to more strongly assert his influence in the California race set back the civil rights cause of our time.
A blow to gay rights
It's painfully ironic. Just as the first African American president was elected, that minority group was also overwhelmingly casting ballots in California in favor of Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage. It's "success" this week was a crushing blow to gay right. Barack Obama did not support the proposition, but he also does not support same-sex marriage for religious reasons. He hopes to steer from the center, so his stance is no doubt reassuring to some who apposed him. But some gay-rights activists say his failure to more strongly assert his influence in the California race set back the civil rights cause of our time.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Pigs And Cows Get Rights, But Not Gays
Pigs And Cows Get Rights, But Not Gays
We elect a black President, California passes laws to protect pigs, chickens and cows, and DENIES GAYS EQUAL RIGHTS. We are trampled on once again, as this country continues to discriminate against gay people.
As many have pointed out, the core source of California Proposition-8 bigotry lies at the heart of the Christian and Mormon church, and its hateful message cuts a wide resonant swath across American ethnic communities. Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics have all bought into Christian propaganda and share responsibility for its virulent homophobia.
However, as a prominent Christian and African American, not to mention leader of the Democratic Party, it is Obama who now leads the way for those who seek to block the acceptance of LGBT people in mainstream society. He has shown them how and where to draw the line that keeps us shut out, while betraying absolutely no animosity or prejudice against us personally. This is exactly the balance of benign neglect that homophobic Christian America has been searching for.
Much as Clinton caved on the issue of gays serving openly in the military, Obama undermined his flacid support of LGBT rights with his clear statement that “marriage is between a man and a woman”. Obama’s self-contradictory formal opposition to Proposition 8 didn’t discourage the Yes on 8 campaign. They proudly pictured Obama along with McCain on their advertisements, the two candidates united in support of traditional marriage.Of course, Obama’s lack of conviction on same-sex marriage has been no worse than his running mate’s, or for that matter, the Democratic Party’s cowardice. But Obama has become the undisputed leader of his Party and an inspiration to all Americans who hope to see the nation make a change for the better. If Obama himself won’t muster up the courage to oppose discrimination against LGBT folks, how can anyone expect any more support from Democrats as a whole? Is it not clear that it’s an issue that Obama has declared “off the table”?
Michael (Gaytwogether)(See blog list)
We elect a black President, California passes laws to protect pigs, chickens and cows, and DENIES GAYS EQUAL RIGHTS. We are trampled on once again, as this country continues to discriminate against gay people.
As many have pointed out, the core source of California Proposition-8 bigotry lies at the heart of the Christian and Mormon church, and its hateful message cuts a wide resonant swath across American ethnic communities. Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics have all bought into Christian propaganda and share responsibility for its virulent homophobia.
However, as a prominent Christian and African American, not to mention leader of the Democratic Party, it is Obama who now leads the way for those who seek to block the acceptance of LGBT people in mainstream society. He has shown them how and where to draw the line that keeps us shut out, while betraying absolutely no animosity or prejudice against us personally. This is exactly the balance of benign neglect that homophobic Christian America has been searching for.
Much as Clinton caved on the issue of gays serving openly in the military, Obama undermined his flacid support of LGBT rights with his clear statement that “marriage is between a man and a woman”. Obama’s self-contradictory formal opposition to Proposition 8 didn’t discourage the Yes on 8 campaign. They proudly pictured Obama along with McCain on their advertisements, the two candidates united in support of traditional marriage.Of course, Obama’s lack of conviction on same-sex marriage has been no worse than his running mate’s, or for that matter, the Democratic Party’s cowardice. But Obama has become the undisputed leader of his Party and an inspiration to all Americans who hope to see the nation make a change for the better. If Obama himself won’t muster up the courage to oppose discrimination against LGBT folks, how can anyone expect any more support from Democrats as a whole? Is it not clear that it’s an issue that Obama has declared “off the table”?
This is truly Obama’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” issue, and it is he who has the opportunity to break the stalemate. But until Obama does some genuine soul-searching on his commitment to social justice, nothing that he says is going to make a difference.We are moms, dads, teachers, business owners, students, retirees, all races, all religions, and all ages. We have no rights to marriage or adoption. We have no equality in taxation or medical and insurance coverage. We face constant discrimination on the job. We live as second class citizens in a country filled with hate. We are the LGBT community, refused our rights as USA citizens. Exactly where is this so-called LAND OF THE FREE? And why isn't it for me or you?
Michael (Gaytwogether)(See blog list)
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