United We Stand (Official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation)

University of the Cumberlands to receive $1.2 million in federal funds?

2009-07-06T06:34:00.006-04:00

Apparently the University of the Cumberlands is receiving $1.2 million in federal funds. (more)

One funding request to the University of the Cumberlands is pending review by the Kentucky Supreme Court. Former Governor Fletcher (R) requested that Kentucky courts decide the legality of nearly $11 million dollars in state funding. Each ruling against the University receiving the funds has been appealed, leaving the Kentucky Supreme Court with the final word on the issue.

Kentucky Equality Federation worked with Kentucky Fairness Alliance in issuing action alerts which resulted in over 500 people opposing the funding to the Office of the Governor (all within a 24 hour time period). Christina Gilgor, former executive director of Kentucky Fairness Alliance filed a lawsuit against the Commonwealth to stop the funding the following day.

Last week the University of the Cumberlands rejected assistance from the Broadway Baptist Church because of their stance on homosexuality. (story)

"Rip it from his throat!" a woman yells..... Church Performs Gay Exorcisms

2009-06-28T14:24:00.004-04:00

The video shows the 16-year-old boy lying on the floor, his body convulsing, as elders of a small Connecticut church cast a "homosexual demon" from his body.

"Rip it from his throat!" a woman yells. "Come on, you homosexual demon! You homosexual spirit, we call you out right now! Loose your grip, Lucifer!"

America was built on the concept of freedom of religion. I believe that people are free to choose and practice their own religious and spiritual beliefs in whatever way they choose — within certain limits. The state can, and has, interfered with religious freedom when it identifies the need to protect a child from harm. The question is: Does that apply in the case of a so-called gay exorcism?

Associated Press News Article

Manifested Glory Ministries

Louisville Pastor (New Bethel Church) Urges His Flock to Bring Guns to Church

2009-06-26T22:41:00.010-04:00

Ken Pagano (pictured), the pastor of the New Bethel Church in Louisville, is passionate about gun rights. He shoots regularly at the local firing range, and his sermon two weeks ago was on “God, Guns, Gospel and Geometry.”

Saturday night, he is inviting his congregation of 150 and others to wear or carry their firearms into the sanctuary to “celebrate our rights as Americans!” as a promotional flier for the “open carry celebration” puts it.

With gay hate killings the highest in more than 10 years because of gay marriage, and an increasing number of gay pride events nationwide..... this puts the icing on the cake...... a religious leader with a gun; this particular minister may not be 'dangerous with a gun,' encouraging others could be disastrous.

More from the New York Times:

“God and guns were part of the foundation of this country,” Mr. Pagano, 49, said Wednesday in the small brick Assembly of God church, where a large wooden cross hung over the altar and two American flags jutted from side walls. “I don’t see any contradiction in this. Not every Christian denomination is pacifist.”

The bring-your-gun-to-church day, which will include a $1 raffle of a handgun, firearms safety lessons and a picnic, is another sign that the gun culture in the United States is thriving despite, or perhaps because of, President Obama’s election in November.

......

The National Rifle Association says its membership is up 30 percent since November. And several states have recently passed laws allowing gun owners to carry firearms in more places — bars, restaurants, cars and parks.

Of the 40 states with right-to-carry laws, 20 allow guns in churches.

Public attitudes also seem to be turning more sympathetic to gun owners. In April, the Pew Research Center found for the first time that almost as many people said it was more important to protect the rights of gun owners (45 percent) than to control gun ownership (49 percent). Just a year ago, Pew said, 58 percent said gun control was more important than the rights of gun owners (37 percent).

Gun-control advocates say they feel increasingly ineffective, especially after a recent spate of high-profile shootings, including last month’s murder, inside a church in Kansas, of a doctor who performed late-term abortions.

“We’ve definitely been marginalized,” said Pam Gersh, a public relations consultant here who helped organize a rally in Louisville in 2000, to coincide with the Million Mom March against guns in Washington.

“The Brady Campaign and other similar organizations who advocate sensible gun responsibility laws don’t have the money and the political power — not even close,” she said. “This pastor is obviously crossing a line here and saying ‘I can even take my guns to church, and there is nothing you can do about it.’ ”

Mr. Pagano said the church’s insurance company, which he would not identify, had canceled the church’s policy for the day on Saturday and told him that it would cancel the policy for good at the end of the year. If he cannot find insurance for Saturday, people will not be allowed in openly carrying their guns.

Arkansas and Georgia recently rejected efforts to allow people to carry concealed weapons in church. Watching the debate in Arkansas was John Phillips, pastor of the Central Church of Christ in Little Rock. In 1986, Mr. Phillips was preaching in a different church there when a gunman shot him and a parishioner. Both survived, but Mr. Phillips, 51, still has a bullet lodged in his spine.

In a telephone interview, he said he found the idea of “packing in the pew” abhorrent.

“There is a movement afoot across the nation, with the gun lobby pushing the envelope, trying to allow concealed weapons to be carried in places where they used to be prohibited — churches, schools, bars,” Mr. Phillips said.

“I don’t understand how any minister who is familiar with the teachings of the Bible can do this,” he added. “Jesus didn’t say, ‘Go ahead, make my day.’ ”

Mr. Pagano takes such comments as a challenge to his faith and says they make him more determined.

“When someone from within the church tells me that being a Christian and having firearms are contradictions, that they’re incompatible with the Gospel — baloney,” he said. “As soon as you start saying that it’s not something that Christians do, well, guns are just the foil. The issue now is the Gospel. So in a sense, it does become a crusade. Now the Gospel is at stake.”

Proposed marriage amendment sparks protest in Indiana

2009-06-20T05:28:00.005-04:00

Gay Recruiters, an Indiana advocacy group for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people is planning a demonstration on July 02, 2009 in Bloomington to fight a constitutional amendment against same-sex marriage in the State of Indiana.

Calling it a 'Marriage Counter Sit-In for Equality,' in the Monroe County Justice Building, a rally is to occur simultaneously outside the justice building.

Founder Lillie Aydt says the goal of the demonstration is to prevent legislation similar to California's Proposition 8 outlawing same sex marriage. Recent legislative attempts to ban same-sex marriage in Indiana have passed the state Senate but have failed in the Indiana House.

Gay hate killings highest since 1999

2009-06-17T05:07:00.003-04:00

The number of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people killed in bias-motivated incidents increased by 28 percent in 2008 compared to a year ago, according to a national coalition of advocacy groups.

Last year’s 29 killings was the highest recorded by the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs since 1999, when it documented the same number of slayings, according to a report released Tuesday by the coalition.

Coalition officials say their figures are more accurate than those from law enforcement agencies. As an example, the FBI doesn’t record bias crimes against transgender people because gender identity isn’t covered by federal hate-crime law.

In addition, victims sometimes are reluctant to report bias incidents to police because they don’t want to reveal their sexual orientation or gender identity and/or they fear bias from police.

U.S. Supreme Court rejects challenge to 'don't ask, don't tell' as Obama administration requested

2009-06-09T16:55:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a challenge (Pietrangelo v. Gates, 08-824) to the U.S. Defense Department policy forbidding gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military, granting a request by the Obama administration.

The court refused to hear an appeal from former Army Capt. James Pietrangelo II, who was dismissed under the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

In public papers, the Obama administration said the appeals court ruled correctly in this case when it found that "don't ask, don't tell" is "rationally related to the government's legitimate interest in military discipline and cohesion."

During last year's campaign, President Barack Obama pledged to overturn the policy, but he has made no specific move to do so since taking office in January. Meanwhile, the White House has said it will not stop gays and lesbians from being dismissed from the military.

"The law requires the (Defense) Department to separate from the armed services members who engage in or attempt to engage in homosexual acts; state they are homosexual or bisexual; or marry or attempt to marry a person of the same biological sex," Whitman said in a statement.

Who cares that Cheney supports gay marriage? U.S. Supreme Court said it lacked the authority to rule on gay marriage

2009-06-06T02:06:00.007-04:00

So does anyone really care that former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney now supports gay marriage? He certainly did not when he was the sitting U.S. Vice President. Not to mention that the U.S. Vice President is also the ex-officio President of the United States Senate (a member of a body who is part of it by virtue of holding another office).

During every photo opportunity the Cheney's had with their granddaughter, they never included their lesbian daughter in any of the photo's. Say what you will, but the President cannot force the Vice President/President of the U.S. Senate to do anything, much less force him to leave his lesbian daughter and her partner out of photo's.

This week, Dick voiced his support for same-sex marriage, as long as it is handled by the states and not the federal government. The former U.S. VP said "people ought to be free to enter into any kind of union they wish, any kind of arrangement they wish."

Hmmm. Why didn't he say this when it would have actually carried weight.......when he was President of the U.S. Senate, or the U.S. Vice President?

We still have a long way to go for marriage equality.

In 1971, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that Minnesota law limited marriage to opposite-sex couples, and that this limitation did not violate the United States Constitution. The plaintiffs appealed, and the United States Supreme Court, 409 U.S. 810 (1972), dismissed the appeal "for want of [a] substantial federal question," meaning the U.S. Supreme Court lacked the authority to rule or override the Minnesota Supreme Court. That dismissal by the Supreme Court of the United States constituted a decision on the merits, and established Baker v. Nelson as the controlling precedent as a matter of federal constitutional law on the absence of federal authority regarding same-sex marriage.

This is one of many reasons gay rights organizations are so outraged about the latest federal lawsuit. (previous story)

Challenges to DOMA have already been rejected by several federal courts, including a decision by Judge James S. Moody in the case of Wilson v. Ake.

Most legal scholars believe that the federal government cannot impose a definition of marriage onto the laws of the various states.

Now, there is all this talk about a march on Washington, D.C.! When will people learn that the battle for marriage equality must be waged within our states? Even the U.S. Supreme Court has said so!

2010 Elections to provide more anti-gay legislation

2009-06-03T19:24:00.008-04:00

With an election year just around the corner (2010), it is all but certain that Kentucky lawmakers will file anti-gay legislation in a misguided attempt to appeal to their conservative base in order to get elected again.

During the last election year, Kentucky House members filed legislation to prevent Kentucky public institutions from offering domestic-partner benefits.

That wasn't even the worst of it, over a dozen of the co-sponsors of the bill belonged to the Democratic Party. Kentucky Equality Federation accused several of the lawmakers of lying (previous story). This was a fight we fought year after year for several years (including a special session called by then Governor Fletcher which included the ban on domestic-partner benefits), and I'm amazed it was not proposed again during the 2009 legislative session.

During the 2008 legislative session, House and Senate members also pushed the new "In God We Trust" license plate legislation (previous story) to appeal to their conservative base.

To complicate things further this year for the LGBTI community, one of the most powerful anti-gay groups in the nation, Liberty Counsel went on high alert in January. Liberty Counsel went as far as to call the Office of U.S. President and the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives an 'axis of power.' (previous story).

This year the Family Foundation of Kentucky has toured the Commonwealth with their "Save Marriage Initiatives" (previous story).

Senate Bill 68 in 2009 was only the beginning of the attack the LGBTI community of Kentucky has in store for it with the 2010 elections around the corner.

Though the general election will not take place until November 02, 2010, lawmakers will attempt to 'make a name for themselves' by filing whatever legislation is necessary to get elected to office again (as they have in the past). I for one am sick and tired of being used as a political target simply because I'm gay.

LGBTI rights organizations can only do so much to protect the LGBTI community; the rest requires direct action from the LGBTI community and our straight allies..... to become engaged in the fight for equality by volunteering or making financial donations.

Kentucky still needs anti-gay bullying legislation!

2009-05-30T06:08:00.008-04:00

Though such legislation always dies in the Kentucky Senate, other school districts see the need for anti-gay bullying rules and/or laws.

Just last year former Senator Ernesto Scorsone tried to force the issue in the Kentucky Senate. Lawmakers have passed legislation related to school bullying since 2005, but it has yet to ever receive a hearing in a Kentucky Senate Committee.

STORY: 2008 School Bullying Legislation Dies
STORY: Bullying at Northern Kentucky University
STORY: Bullying at Conner High School

Just this week another major county, Alameda, in the State of California adopted "Safe School Curriculum," that aim to curb anti-gay bullying. School officials say it will help children of gay parents feel welcome at school and help end anti-gay teasing and bullying on the playground.

The lessons also aim to provide a safe environment for children to learn, as well as to offer a framework for teachers to break down stereotypes and teach kids about different types of families.

A student offered testimony during the hearing:

Brian Harris, a 16-year-old student at the Alameda Community Learning Center, told trustees that he has been called anti-gay epithets on campus.

"I have been harassed by other students in the classroom and I have even begun to consider just stopping and giving up on life," Harris said.

"We need to start somewhere," said Trustee Niel Tam, who voted yes.

According to the American Physiological Association, children and/or teenagers who are victims of school bullying have some of the following characteristics:

Are cautious, sensitive, quiet, withdrawn and shy
Are often anxious, insecure, unhappy and have low self-esteem
Are depressed and engage in suicidal ideation much more often than their peers
Often do not have a single good friend and relate better to adults than to peers
If they are boys, they may be physically weaker than their peers

These characteristics are likely to be both a partial cause and a consequence of the bullying. There is also another, much smaller group of victims, called provocative victims or bully-victims, with partly different characteristics, including frequent reading and writing problems and ADHD characteristics.

As the school official in Alameda County, California said, "We need to start somewhere." Well, we obviously need to start somewhere here in Kentucky also..... but for now, children and teenagers will have to continue to suffer because of homophobic lawmakers who believe the legislation will be used to "promote homosexuality," or our so-called "gay agenda."

If you are a victim of school bullying, report it here*.

* If you or anyone else is in immediate danger, notify school officials or local law enforcement immediately.

Gay rights organizations continue to fume over federal lawsuit

2009-05-29T09:59:00.005-04:00

Attorney's no longer in the limelight wanting to make a comeback have sued the State of California in federal court to overturn Prop 8 (previous story).

In 2006 a three-judge panel with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals tossed out a LGBTI case, saying the federal judiciary should stay out of it and leave such issues to the states. Even influential gay rights groups such as Equality California opposed that lawsuit. Equality California asked the appellate court to throw out the case without reaching its merit. In its ruling, the court also said the couple did not have legal standing to sue under federal law.

Historically, the U.S. Supreme Court does not get too far ahead of either public opinion or the law in the majority of states (in which case same-sex marriage is overwhelmingly illegal).

Nine gay and civil liberties organizations - including the American Civil Liberties Union, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Center for Lesbian Rights and Lambda Legal - said "even the strongest gay-rights decision the court has issued - the Lawrence v. Texas case striking down laws against intimacy for gay couples - explicitly commented that it was not saying anything about formal recognition of same-sex relationships."

SPECIAL NOTE: Credit to the Kentucky Supreme Court who struck down sodomy laws over 10 years before the U.S. Supreme Court heard the Lawrence v. Texas case (2003). The Kentucky Supreme Court struck down laws against intimacy for gay couples back in 1992 (Wasson v. the Commonwealth of Kentucky).

This is what prominent LGBTI organizations are saying about the new federal lawsuit:

Evan Wolfson of the GLBT equality group Freedom to Marry sent out a May 27 press release that stated, "In response to the California Supreme Court decision allowing Prop 8 to stand, four LGBT legal organizations and five other leading national LGBT groups are reminding the LGBT community that ill-timed lawsuits could set the fight for marriage back."

Law professor John Oakley of the University of California called the suit "a silly and rash act."

"It's an enormous intellectual exercise against the biggest legal opponent in the country—the United States government," said Lambda Legal's Jennifer Pizer. A similar challenge to federal gay marriage law was brought in Massachusetts in March by the Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, but Pizer said the Boston group is being supported by big law firms.

“Successful change involves building blocks,” Matt Coles, director of ACLU's LGBT project, told the Wall Street Journal's law blog. “You build constitutional principles alongside efforts at the societal and legislative levels. They're jumping over the process and going straight to the end. From where we sit, this is a very high-risk proposition.”

“In our view, the best way to win marriage equality nationally is to continue working state by state, not to bring premature federal challenges that pose a very high risk of setting a negative U.S. Supreme Court precedent,” Shannon Minter, legal director of National Center for Lesbian Rights, told the AP.

Superstar Rob Thomas details the "The Big Gay Chip on His Shoulder"

2009-05-28T08:42:00.005-04:00

Superstar Rob Thomas shows everyone "The Big Gay Chip on His Shoulder." This is a great article written by a gifted singer and songwriter.

Do yourself a favor and read the entire article.

Here are some highlights:

I am a person who believes that people are born gay. I don't think you have any control over what moves you or to whom you're attracted. That's why it's called an attraction and not a choice.

There isn't one person who is against gay marriage that can give me a reason why it shouldn't be legal without bringing God or their religion into it. Still, I'm amazed at the audacity of a small, misdirected group of the ultra-conservative Christian right wing, to spend millions of dollars, in a recession, on advertisements to stop two men or women who love each other from being able to be married, but when you present any opposition to them, they accuse you of attacking their religion. Isn't it funny that the people who are the quickest to take someone's basic rights to happiness are always the loudest to scream when someone attacks their right to do so?

I've heard it said before, many times, that if two men or two women are allowed to join into a civil union together, why can't they be happy with that and why is it so important that they call it marriage? In essence, what's in a name?

A civil union has to do with death. It's essentially a document that gives you lower taxes and the right to let your faux spouse collect your insurance when you pass away. A marriage is about life. It's about a commitment. And this argument is about allowing people to have the right to make that commitment, even if it doesn't make sense to you. Anything else falls under the category of "separate but equal" and we know how that works out.

The support of legalizing gay marriage is in no way meant to change the ideals of the section of Christians who believe that homosexuality is a sin. But we should refuse to let other people's ideals shape the way we live our lives. Each of us has a short ride on this earth and as long as we stay in our lane, and don't affect someone else's ride, we should be allowed to drive as we see fit.

Thanks for the support Rob!

Gay rights advocates rip suit to undo Prop. 8

2009-05-28T03:12:00.004-04:00

What a complete joke; I'd say it will take all of 10 minutes for a federal Judge to throw this out of federal court since the California Supreme Court is the highest authority on California law, especially the California Constitution.

Here are some clips of the story:

Gay rights advocates Wednesday blasted two veteran attorneys for filing a federal lawsuit seeking to overturn Proposition 8, California's voter-approved same-sex marriage ban, saying the move is premature and could be disastrous for the marriage movement.

.....

The advocates say it took 17 years to undo a 1986 Supreme Court decision that upheld Georgia's sodomy law. An Arkansas court used that law as justification to deny a lesbian mother custody of her children, said Jon Davidson, legal director at Lambda Legal, a national gay rights group.

.....

Still, filing a federal lawsuit at this point "sounds like a silly and rash act," said UC Davis law professor John Oakley, an expert on the federal court system.

Stupid faggot..... personal feelings or professional misconduct?

2009-05-27T13:48:00.014-04:00

Where is the line between personal feelings and professional conduct? How do you define it? Are they the same or are they separate?

Is it possible, to separate your personal feelings from professional conduct? What if you work for the Commonwealth in a position of power? That changes the outlook drastically doesn't it?

Yes, the pin displayed directly relates to this blog post. Even more shocking, it is for sale on cafepress.com!

Checkout this emailed complaint and give your opinion:

As the secretary of the Cabinet for health and social services I am writing you today to ask advice on where,who and how to formally file a complaint on a state employee (inside of Child protective services) that has engaged herself in discriminating and derogatory language towards homosexuals. I have a copy of a text message where one of your employees, while at work, sent me a text message in response to a conversation that we were having, "go to hell you faggot." I do happen to be a gay man, and she is very aware of this.

PArt of the details are that she is my sister-in-law. She is employed by the state in Winchester KY in the offices of child protective services. We were having a a discussion via text message, so I have the dialogue between us, about some family concerns. We were both a bit aggravated, she told me to "go to hell you faggot", and I let her know I would let her daughters now what their mother felt about their uncle ***DELETED***. She quickly followed up that she would not allow them to see me, because she would use her knowledge of the system to push through court documents that would require her to be present and she would not allow me to visit. I am very sorry that this sounds like a very dramatic mess, it is. I have no desire to concern anyone else with family issues.

Having said that, however, I have a serious problem with someone engaging, on or off the clock, on or off a personal phone, calling them a faggot and saying she would make it to where "her" girls could not visit me. I have serious problems, whether in my case or another individuals, that a state "social worker" posses the vocabulary and mentality of a bigot and of using their position to threaten individuals of child custody and visitation rights.

That is how all of this came about. Its a very grey area here and what road to take on this matter, for me and I am sure on your part as well. Bottom line, the state has in its retention, the state has licensed, the state trusts to protect the rights of children and families, to uphold impartial, unbiased action to advocate actions in the best interest of children, a woman by the name of *****DELETED****** that has in her heart hatred, bigotry and the inability to see past her own desire to control and manipulate a system of which she has been sworn to uphold.

I am sorry for bring you all into my world the thought of her in a position with that in her heart sickens me.

I have spoken the the secretary in her office and she clarified that my sister-in-law was at work, on the clock while all of this occurred. I had a lengthy discussion yesterday with ****NAME DELETED - THIS PERSON IS AN EMPLOYEE OF THE COMMONWEALTH*****.

He is in agreement with you (Jordan Palmer) that it is a very dysfunctional area of the state. One thing I even discovered is that it is not required to be a licensed social worker to perform duties as one, inside of this area of the state. The state requires massage therapists to be licensed, and they could do for less harm than a social worker, hands down. But I digress. He agrees that bigoted remarks have no place inside or outside of the workplace for someone retaining a job inside of the Health and Social Services. He also agrees that she is most likely to claim that she was on a break when she tested such remarks, he knows how most disputes end inside of the state level. He also agrees that it is very unfortunate that the state, even with proof contrary to inappropriate behavior, most likely will defend their employees, for what ever reason. I am curious to what affect it would be different if she had called me a N*&#er, or Jew, or Retard...had I been any of those minorities that the hateful remarks could be applied too. I am certain that this would hold different weight inside of the state level.

Bottom line, from where I am standing, this state is in need of a reformation. Every person in every office that I have spoken to agrees that bigoted comments, inside or out of professional settings, from a state employee, are wrong. Bottom line. By having no legislation and having no rights or no recourse in such matters, they in practice ARE condoning bigoted actions towards LGBT individuals. The are that seems like it should be more strict is being revealed as one of the most lax and dysfunctional.

So, to me if the commonwealth is part of the problem, then they need to be addressed and admit that they are allowing such behavior to persist. They are endorsing this.

Please share your comments below; they will be forwarded to the Commonwealth, and the person who sent this complaint to Kentucky Equality Federation.

NOTE: Posting this complaint was done with permission from the plaintiff to gauge public opinion on the issue.

California Supreme Court upholds Prop 8

2009-05-26T12:43:00.004-04:00

As expected, the California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8, passed by the citizens of the State of California. This now places the states constitution in direct conflict with itself.... California has an 'equality clause' in their constitution.

However, the Supreme Court ruled 'no authority is greater than that of the people.' During oral arguments, Chief Justice George suggested that the unfairness of Proposition 8 should be addressed through the political process.

The 18,000 plus marriages performed in the state when same-sex marriage was legal will remain valid.

In summary, we conclude that Proposition 8 constitutes a permissible constitutional amendment (rather than an impermissible constitutional revision), does not violate the separation of powers doctrine, and is not invalid under the “inalienable rights” theory proffered by the Attorney General.

We further conclude that Proposition 8 does not apply retroactively and therefore that the marriages of same-sex couples performed prior to the effective date of Proposition 8 remain valid. Having determined that none of the constitutional challenges to the adoption of Proposition 8 have merit, we observe that if there is to be a change to the state constitutional rule embodied in that measure, it must “find its expression at the ballot box.”

U. S. Department of State to Offer Equal Benefits to Gay Diplomats

2009-05-26T12:19:00.002-04:00

The U.S. State Department is preparing to provide equal benefits for gay and lesbian American diplomats, according to a leaked noticed to employees being prepared by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, The New York Times reported.

“Historically, domestic partners of Foreign Service members have not been provided the same training, benefits, allowances and protections that other family members receive,” the notice says. “These inequities are unfair and must end.”

Read the previous story about this: Pets more important than gays; even if you're a U.S. Ambassador.

United We Stand, Divided We Fall - the motto of the Commonwealth couldn't be more accurate

2009-05-25T18:35:00.009-04:00

The California Supreme Court ruling on the legality on Prop 8 is scheduled for tomorrow, but Kentucky has higher mountains to climb..... LGBTI people can still be fired simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity!

In addition to answering that legal question, however, the seven-member court is expected to address the legal status of some 18,000 same-sex couples who were married in California between June — when the legalization took effect — and Election Day in November.

California Attorney General Jerry Brown, said last year that he believed those same-sex marriages would be legal regardless of Proposition 8. But opponents of same-sex marriage argue that it is illogical to continue to recognize marriages that can no longer be legally performed here.

Since the passage of Proposition 8, several other states have legalized same-sex marriage, including Iowa, Maine and Vermont. Connecticut, where a court decision legalized same-sex marriage shortly before Election Day, began performing ceremonies shortly after California banned them with Proposition 8.

Don't breath very easily about recent victories however, many organizations are mobilizing to fight them, especially Protect Marriage, and the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), Liberty Counsel, and the American Family Association.

Do we give up? NO! Because that's what true evil is...... though these organizations say gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people are 'sick and evil,' I submit that true evil is when we submit to them.... we believe what they say and give up instead of defying them. I am reminded and inspired by an email Kentucky Equality Federation Jordan Palmer sent a couple of weeks ago:

This is a time in Kentucky's history that every organization and individual must put differences aside and work together to finally secure the 1st Step of Equality for Kentucky. At the end of the day, we are all the same: one community fighting for our civil rights.

While we know the climb to secure equality in Kentucky is very steep, the magnitude of the issues at stake requires that every LGBTI person and straight ally act and stand for the 1st Step of Equality in Kentucky: a statewide law to protect LGBTI people from discrimination in housing, credit, accommodations, and employment!

Eventually, we will also overturn the 2004 discriminatory marriage amendment which blocks same-sex marriage, civil unions, and domestic partnerships.

Our community and our volunteers continue to be our inspiration to drive forward. At Kentucky Equality Federation, no individual, no group, and no organization shall be turned away in our struggle; we welcome everyone with open arms.

We must bring change to our Commonwealth; it is our generation's obligation and opportunity to bring equality to the LGBTI community; we stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us – the time is here.

United We Stand, Divided We Fall - the motto of the Commonwealth couldn't be more accurate.

For tickets and additional information, click here.

Equality Utah's Executive Director is leaving for California

2009-05-25T01:15:00.004-04:00

Like Kentucky Equality Federation, Equality Utah has been around for about 5 years, has a large following, and is use to spinning major defeats into mini-victories. Utah is as conservative as Kentucky, and every inch of victory is hard fought; but after 4 years as the head of the successful non-profit, their executive director is leaving.

Teary-eyed mourning and a black countdown paper chain hang over the nonprofit group's office. Each day, Keri Jones, programs and administration manager, dons her campaign pin with the slogan "We want Mike to stay."

Mike Thompson, Equality Utah's executive director is leaving the 5-year-old organization after four years at the helm. His last day is Friday.

The Oklahoma native is heading west to San Francisco -- a city he has wanted to live in for a long time -- to do what he does best: Build up fledgling nonprofits.

The nonprofit's board has launched a national search for a candidate "with heart."

Andrew Sullivan summarizes the Obama Administration

2009-05-17T14:51:00.001-04:00

Andrew Sullivan, one of the most popular and published gay bloggers slams the Obama Administration; some of his comments are discussed below on CNN, but here is his blog post: http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2009/05/the-fierce-urgency-of-whenever.html

Ohioans continue to struggle for equality

2009-05-13T22:37:00.001-04:00

Kentucky Equality Federation applauds Rep. Stewart and Rep. McGregor for filing the Equal Housing and Employment Act (EHEA) in the State of Ohio House of Representatives (HB 176) to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.

Like Kentucky, Ohio has seen this bill many times but it always fails to pass; come on LGBTI Ohioans, unite and fight!

QueerCincinnati.com has more.

Gay Culture War reaches the West again as conservative groups try to block Referendum 71 in the State of Washington

2009-05-11T06:15:00.005-04:00

The Culture War continues as citizens in the State of Washington are being asked to sign Referendum 71, a referendum seeking to overturn legislation awaiting the governor's signature that offers "everything but marriage" to gay and lesbian domestic partners.

No one needs a campaign to stomp on legislation that doesn't hurt anyone. The bill in question tidies language in numerous statutes and legislation to give registered gay and lesbian domestic partners equality in business and legal affairs, the same rights married couples enjoy.

Referendum 71 was filed by Larry Stickney, president of the Washington Values Alliance. Supporters need to get more than 120,500 valid voter signatures by July 25 in order to qualify for the November ballot.

Stickney said he was filing the referendum on behalf of a broad-based coalition, saying that foes were going to "do all we can to turn this back."

Governor Chris Gregoire said she will sign the domestic partnership expansion into law on May 18, saying it "embraces the values of the people of the State of Washington."

The filing of the referendum delays the scheduled July 26 effective date of the law until the signatures are counted. If opponents qualify for the ballot, the law is delayed until the results of the November election.

The bill expands on previous Washington state domestic partnership laws by adding such partnerships to all remaining areas of state law where currently only married couples are mentioned. The statutes range from labor and employment rights to pensions and other public employee benefits.

Stickney said that opponents to the law worry that it will ultimately lead to courts legalizing same-sex marriage in the state.

"This kind of legislation kind of tees it up for the courts to act," he said.

Four states have legalized same-sex marriage: Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa through court order, and Vermont through legislative action.

Same-sex marriage was legal in California for five months until a state referendum to ban it passed last fall. Bills to allow same-sex marriage are currently before lawmakers in New Hampshire, Maine, New York and New Jersey.

New Jersey, California, New Hampshire, Oregon, Washington and the District of Columbia have laws that either recognize civil unions or domestic partnerships that afford same-sex couples similar rights to marriage. Thirty states have gay marriage bans in their constitutions.

Gay marriage battles resume; U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says it is not a priority for Congress

2009-05-08T06:32:00.006-04:00

Despite a massive coalition, the ban on same-sex marriage in California passed while states like Maine (story), Connecticut (story), and others have succeeded in securing marriage equality. Some bloggers called this a 'tipping point,' but we disagree (reasons we disagree).

29 states have constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage.
12 states have laws preventing same-sex marriage.
4 states have neither a constitutional amendment in place, nor any laws making it legal. These states include: New Mexico, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, New York, and New Jersey.
5 states make same-sex marriage legal with most under legal attack, as well as being attached in the court of public opinion with new television ads being aired in various states by the National Organization for Marriage (NOM).

California coalitions are planning a large rally to kickoff a campaign they hope will change minds-and votes. Their goal: to undo Proposition 8. In the meantime, they have damage control to address like California celebrity blogger Perez Hilton.

In choosing Fresno, supporters of same-sex marriage are moving far from the supportive urban environs of San Francisco and West Hollywood, and coming to hostile territory.

The passage of Prop 8 in California led the Board of Directors of Equality California to snatch the executive director of EqualityMass (Equality Massachusetts) to be the new "Marriage Director."

The California Supreme Court has until June 03, 2009 to issue its ruling on the legality of Prop 8.

The rally is being called "Meet In The Middle For Equality." Actress Charlize Theron is expected to attend and organizers predict the rally could attract up to 3,000 people from throughout California.

While supporters hope to overturn the will of the people (not that majority rule is always best), the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) is challenging the recent legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in the State of Maine by using a law provided in the Maine Constitution called a 'people's veto'.

Gay couples in Maine hoping to take advantage of this week's legalization of gay marriage may be forced to wait months or even a year to hold their ceremonies. (previous story)

To get the bill on the ballot in November, they have 90 days to collect 55,000 signatures opposing gay marriage. This means the bill will be put on hold until then. Depending on when petitions are submitted, a referendum may not be held until June 2010.

Brian Brown, the executive director of NOM, said: "We will devote staff, volunteers and resources to this battle in Maine. Marriage means a man and a woman, and we will work hard to ensure that voters in Maine have the ability to do what voters in every other state where they have had a chance have done and stand up for marriage as we have always known it."

Betsy Smith of EqualityMaine, said pro-gay marriage campaigners would fight any attempt to repeal the bill, although she added that fundraising could be an issue in the present economic climate.

As far as federal recognition of same-sex marriage in states that have approved it, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said it is not a priority for Congress.

"Right now on our agenda we are talking about turning the economy around, dealing with an energy policy, health care for all Americans, education. We have an economic crisis of the magnitude none of us have seen in our lifetime," Pelosi told reporters at a Wednesday press conference.

The battle for marriage equality is far from over.

In Kentucky, the Family Foundation is so scared about the recent gay marriage victories, and possibly the launch of Marriage Equality Kentucky, they have planned a series of 'save marriage' workshops around the Commonwealth. (previous story)

If you have ever needed a better reason to volunteer or make a donation, this is it!

Maine Governor Gay Marriage Bill

2009-05-06T13:58:00.003-04:00

This is a press release issued by the Governor of the State of Maine:

Governor Signs LD 1020, An Act to End Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedom

Governor John E. Baldacci today signed into law LD 1020, An Act to End Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedom.

“I have followed closely the debate on this issue. I have listened to both sides, as they have presented their arguments during the public hearing and on the floor of the Maine Senate and the House of Representatives. I have read many of the notes and letters sent to my office, and I have weighed my decision carefully,” Governor Baldacci said. “I did not come to this decision lightly or in haste.”

“I appreciate the tone brought to this debate by both sides of the issue,” Governor Baldacci said. “This is an emotional issue that touches deeply many of our most important ideals and traditions. There are good, earnest and honest people on both sides of the question.”

“In the past, I opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions,” Governor Baldacci said. “I have come to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage.”

“Article I in the Maine Constitution states that ‘no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, nor be denied the equal protection of the laws, nor be denied the enjoyment of that person’s civil rights or be discriminated against.’”

“This new law does not force any religion to recognize a marriage that falls outside of its beliefs. It does not require the church to perform any ceremony with which it disagrees. Instead, it reaffirms the separation of Church and State,” Governor Baldacci said.

“It guarantees that Maine citizens will be treated equally under Maine’s civil marriage laws, and that is the responsibility of government.”

“Even as I sign this important legislation into law, I recognize that this may not be the final word,” Governor Baldacci said. “Just as the Maine Constitution demands that all people are treated equally under the law, it also guarantees that the ultimate political power in the State belongs to the people.”

“While the good and just people of Maine may determine this issue, my responsibility is to uphold the Constitution and do, as best as possible, what is right. I believe that signing this legislation is the right thing to do,” Governor Baldacci said.

Forthcoming Same-Sex Sacramental Marriage Litigation?

2009-05-06T06:39:00.002-04:00

The Universal Life Church Monastery (TheMonastery.org) has announced a legal defense campaign that will take action in all states that have enacted unconstitutional same-sex sacramental marriage restraints. The Universal Life Church Monastery reports that "States that deny ministers the religious right to perform the sacrament of marriage, regardless of the couple's sexual orientation, do so in violation of the 1st Amendment of the US Constitution."

The Universal Life Church Monastery displays this graphic on its website:

To investigate appropriate legal action supporting same-sex sacramental marriage, the Universal Life Church Monastery has retained two constitutional law firms, which include Arizona-based DeConcini McDonald Yetwin & Lacy, and Seattle-based Carney Badley Spellman.

As popular support for same-sex sacramental marriage continues to escalate, the Universal Life Church Monastery has observed a marked increase in its ministerial ordination requests. The Universal Life Church receives in excess of 500 ordination requests per day, attributing the increase to nationwide dissatisfaction with the intolerance of traditional religious dogma. Ministers who have joined the Universal Life Church have spoken in favor of its inclusive practices.

Reverend Aiyanna Looney of Oskaloosa, Iowa, a minister of the Universal Life Church Monastery for the past five years, explains her same-sex sacramental marriage beliefs to the Ottumwa Courier: "Starting as early as April 24 [2009, clergy members such as myself will finally be able to officiate legal marriages (religious and secular) for same-sex couples in the State of Iowa. As a Cleric with the Universal Life Church, my right to officiate the marriages of same sex couples, in accordance with my beliefs, is now a protected right by the State of Iowa."

Looney adds, "I am a supporter of same-sex marriage, and I am willing to perform same-sex marriages because I see no difference between the racism I have experienced and the discrimination homosexuals have experienced stemming from Conservative Christian ideology. I am not white, my husband is, and I am in a mixed race marriage. I have been told [that my union [with my husband, Sam Looney, is sacrilegious and not recognized as marriage by several Conservative Christians. These people have used biblical passages such as Genesis 28:1, Leviticus 19:19 and Deuteronomy 7:3-4 to support their racist beliefs. However, I have a Certificate of Marriage [and marriage cannot be defined by racists."

The Universal Life Church Monastery recognizes Looney's right to perform the sacrament of marriage, and stands behind the constitutionally protected religious rights for all its ministers to perform ceremonies for any and all United States citizens.

The 20 Million strong Universal Life Church is the only denomination in the world that opens its doors to everyone, and welcomes all who ask to become an ordained minister. As a non-denominational, interfaith ministry, the Universal Life Church Monastery proclaims that God, Mother Nature or intelligent design created all beings intentionally.

Kentucky's Dr. James W. Holsinger not likely the next U.S. Surgeon General

2009-05-01T11:24:00.006-04:00

U.S. Senator Jim Bunning, one of Dr. James W. Holsinger Jr.'s staunchest supporters in his bid to become U.S. surgeon general, suggested Tuesday that the physician's quest for the nation's top medical post is at an end.

And with that, we all breathe relief!

Previous Story: Dr. James Holsinger for anti-gay U.S. Surgeon General. May 31, 2007

Previous Story: Dr. James Holsinger - homophobic nominee for U.S. Surgeon General? June 10, 2007

Previous Story: Kentucky Equality Federation today condemned the nomination of Dr. James W. Holsinger Jr. as U.S. Surgeon General. June 11, 2007

The proposed nomination as Dr. James W. Holsinger Jr. as U.S. Surgeon General by former U.S. President Bush also led Kentucky Equality Federation to issue an action alert to oppose his confirmation in the U.S. Senate.

Click here to read the entire story.

Mongiardo present for Governor's Press Conference today about the budget and Swine Flu

2009-04-30T14:23:00.005-04:00

Lt. Governor D. Mongiardo (former Kentucky Senator D. Mongiardo) was on hand today during the Governor's Press Conference about the Swine Flu in Kentucky for his 'medical knowledge.'

Mongiardo is currently running to be part of Kentucky's Congressional delegation, and will be running against Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway in the Democratic Primary.

D. Mongiardo co-sponsored the 2004 Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage in the Commonwealth; D. Mongiardo was a member of the Kentucky Senate at the time.

Below are the sponsors of the 2004 Amendment that PASSED:

Mongiardo is circled, standing to the right of the Kentucky Commissioner of Public Health:

Click here to watch the news conference.