- Location:Buckingham Palace
- Mood:
pleased - Music:"Flower of Scotland" by The Corries
How sadly ironic that at least one thing GLBTQI people and people of faith (which, of course, also includes GLBTQI people) share in common is that we're both hated equally?
Hi Folks,
There are several calls to action contained within this blog entry. I've el-jay cut the bulk of the content, so see below.
PLEASE CALL Your Senators and the White House TODAY and urge them to support the following:
1.) Please call or write the White house Comments Line at: 202-456-1111
Or via the net at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/
You don't need to leave your name or address at the White House, as they do not take that information.
Ask President Obama to remain committed to reproductive freedom and Pro-Choice. Tell him that while you would prefer the Hyde Amendment to be repealed, the current language put forward in the Senate version of the health care reform is something that you can live with in the short term, provided that the Stupak Amendment restrictions are permanently REMOVED in the FINAL BILL as signed into law by the President. Remember to inform the White House that you DO NOT support the Hyde Amendment and that you feel that the current language is AT BEST A COMPROMISE THAT STILL UNDERMINES WOMEN'S HEALTH. Tell them that you will be working with both national and grassroots organizations in the future to REPEAL the Hyde Amendment.
2.) Please also support the following Pro Choice Presidential Nominees:
a.) Tell President Obama that you are happy that the Senate confirmed Pro-Choice Judge Hamilton to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday. This is GREAT news for Pro Choice supporters, because Judge Hamilton was crucial in overturning a parental notification law in Indiana in 2001.
b.) Tell President Obama that you are supportive of Pro Choice Attorney Dawn Johnsen being appointed to President Obama's Office of Legal Counsel . Currently, she is three votes shy of confirmation in the Senate and has been facing obstruction to her post by conservative Republicans.
c.) Tell President Obama that you are supportive of the appointment of openly lesbian candidate, Chai Feldblum, to the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission [EEOC]. Feldblum is Pro-Choice and was instrumental in authoring language for the the American's with Disabilities Act [ADA] and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act [ENDA]. Feldblum has passed her confirmation hearings and is expected to be voted on in the Senate by the end of next month.
2.) Call your Senators and tell them that you phoned the White House and repeat similar comments as above.
Sign the NARAL Online Petition to encourage the Senate to Confirm Dawn Johnsen, which can be found here.
Remember to leave your name and address with your Senator's Office, so that they can confirm that you vote.
3.) Sign the White House and Senate Pro-Choice Online petitions and if you can do so, RALLY IN WASHINGTON, DC on DEC. for reproductive freedom!
Excerpts from the Senator Reid's Health Care Bill regarding the abortion language can be found beneath the cut, as well as a link to the recent analysis by George Washington Law School regarding the long term negative impact of the Stupak Amendment on abortion services and women's health.
( Read more... )
There are several calls to action contained within this blog entry. I've el-jay cut the bulk of the content, so see below.
PLEASE CALL Your Senators and the White House TODAY and urge them to support the following:
1.) Please call or write the White house Comments Line at: 202-456-1111
Or via the net at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/
You don't need to leave your name or address at the White House, as they do not take that information.
Ask President Obama to remain committed to reproductive freedom and Pro-Choice. Tell him that while you would prefer the Hyde Amendment to be repealed, the current language put forward in the Senate version of the health care reform is something that you can live with in the short term, provided that the Stupak Amendment restrictions are permanently REMOVED in the FINAL BILL as signed into law by the President. Remember to inform the White House that you DO NOT support the Hyde Amendment and that you feel that the current language is AT BEST A COMPROMISE THAT STILL UNDERMINES WOMEN'S HEALTH. Tell them that you will be working with both national and grassroots organizations in the future to REPEAL the Hyde Amendment.
2.) Please also support the following Pro Choice Presidential Nominees:
a.) Tell President Obama that you are happy that the Senate confirmed Pro-Choice Judge Hamilton to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday. This is GREAT news for Pro Choice supporters, because Judge Hamilton was crucial in overturning a parental notification law in Indiana in 2001.
b.) Tell President Obama that you are supportive of Pro Choice Attorney Dawn Johnsen being appointed to President Obama's Office of Legal Counsel . Currently, she is three votes shy of confirmation in the Senate and has been facing obstruction to her post by conservative Republicans.
c.) Tell President Obama that you are supportive of the appointment of openly lesbian candidate, Chai Feldblum, to the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission [EEOC]. Feldblum is Pro-Choice and was instrumental in authoring language for the the American's with Disabilities Act [ADA] and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act [ENDA]. Feldblum has passed her confirmation hearings and is expected to be voted on in the Senate by the end of next month.
2.) Call your Senators and tell them that you phoned the White House and repeat similar comments as above.
Sign the NARAL Online Petition to encourage the Senate to Confirm Dawn Johnsen, which can be found here.
Remember to leave your name and address with your Senator's Office, so that they can confirm that you vote.
3.) Sign the White House and Senate Pro-Choice Online petitions and if you can do so, RALLY IN WASHINGTON, DC on DEC. for reproductive freedom!
Excerpts from the Senator Reid's Health Care Bill regarding the abortion language can be found beneath the cut, as well as a link to the recent analysis by George Washington Law School regarding the long term negative impact of the Stupak Amendment on abortion services and women's health.
( Read more... )
- Mood:enthusiastic
From Champ Network:
http://www.champnetwork.org
Dear allies -
Please join us in supporting the National Coalition for LGBT Health on the matter below.
CHAMP supports the creation of a dedicated Office of LGBT Health in the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as one part of a comprehensive strategy to confront HIV and AIDS in our country.
Note tight time-line! Sign-ons are needed no later than TOMORROW (FRIDAY) at 1 pm EST.
Please contact kellan@lgbthealth.net as soon as possible to endorse!
Thanks from all of us at CHAMP
Action Alert from the National Coalition for LGBT Health
The federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is considering creating a dedicated Office of LGBT Health. This would be an incredible affirmation of the importance of LGBT health and would help keep LGBT health concerns high on the list of priorities for attention, funding, and programming.
HHS is expected to make this decision before Thanksgiving. Due to the tight timeline, we are asking groups and organizations to sign on to the letter below by not later than 1 PM EST tomorrow (Friday, 11/20).
If your group or organization would like to sign on, please email Kellan Baker, Policy Associate at the National Coalition for LGBT Health, at kellan@lgbthealth.net. Please do not hesitate to contact Kellan with any questions.
Please join us in supporting an Office of LGBT Health and a healthier future for the LGBT community!
( Read more... )
http://www.champnetwork.org
Dear allies -
Please join us in supporting the National Coalition for LGBT Health on the matter below.
CHAMP supports the creation of a dedicated Office of LGBT Health in the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as one part of a comprehensive strategy to confront HIV and AIDS in our country.
Note tight time-line! Sign-ons are needed no later than TOMORROW (FRIDAY) at 1 pm EST.
Please contact kellan@lgbthealth.net as soon as possible to endorse!
Thanks from all of us at CHAMP
Action Alert from the National Coalition for LGBT Health
The federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is considering creating a dedicated Office of LGBT Health. This would be an incredible affirmation of the importance of LGBT health and would help keep LGBT health concerns high on the list of priorities for attention, funding, and programming.
HHS is expected to make this decision before Thanksgiving. Due to the tight timeline, we are asking groups and organizations to sign on to the letter below by not later than 1 PM EST tomorrow (Friday, 11/20).
If your group or organization would like to sign on, please email Kellan Baker, Policy Associate at the National Coalition for LGBT Health, at kellan@lgbthealth.net. Please do not hesitate to contact Kellan with any questions.
Please join us in supporting an Office of LGBT Health and a healthier future for the LGBT community!
( Read more... )
- Mood:
hopeful
I am known to frequent called a website called Alternet.org.
Alternet was established in 1998 in part (to quote their website) to confront the failures of corporate media, as well as the vitriol and disinformation of right wing media, especially "hate talk" media. AlterNet is a two-time winner of the "Webby Award" for Best Web Magazine, among others, and it pulls no punches as regards their raison d'être. Again, quoting their website, Alternet believes that media must have a higher purpose beyond the essential goal of keeping people informed. We insist on playing an active role in helping our community funnel its energy into change; an important & necessary mission when you consider that people like Bill O'Reilly, Rush Limbaugh & Glen Beck are blaring out their fear-mongering, Us-vs-Them hate talk nearly 24 hours a day.
Anyway, apparently a senior write for Alternet, Joshua Holland, writes in
this recent Alternet article about a group of conservative Christian ministers who came to Washington DC recently to protest the expansion of the federal Hate Crimes law recently passed in Congress & signed by President Obama to include sexual orientation & gender identity. In his article, Holland references a Washington Post column by Dana Milbank about the happenings at this protest. Believe it or not, not only were they there to protest the law, they wanted to stand their & spew their lies & hate to prove the point that just by speaking the ugly things they believe they could be arrested. These people have always contended that allowing people like me to be protected from hate crimes meant that people like them could no longer freely speak their minds about the "threat" people like me represent to decent upstanding Americans, and to society in general.
So sure of their belief that they would now be legally muzzled if they dare speak out against the homosexual threat that they came to the nation's capital in hopes of being arrested, so as to claim that--as a representative of the "Christian Anti-Defamation Commission"--"we'd have standing to challenge the law."
But sadly (for them), not one person was arrested. They stood there on their Godly soap box speaking their alleged minds, and the few police officers that were there let them practice their freedom of speech unencumbered, of course. As Holland wrote, To run afoul of the new law, you need to "plan or prepare for an act of physical violence" or "incite an imminent act of physical violence." The same stipulations apply if you're speaking about people of color, disabled persons, or virtually any other group of Americans...including people of faith.
For me, the best part of this story is that the man the conservative Christian ministers hired to set up audio equipment for their little get-together had taken the money they paid him for his work at the event & donated to gay rights activists. The AV guy also waited until after the ministers were done & then--before taking it all down--he allowed the gay activists to use the same podium & the same sound system to practice their right to free speech, too!
After one of the ministers asked the AV guy if they were paying for the time "the homosexuals" were using (which they weren't, of course), he turned to one of the gay activists & asked "You guys gonna help us pay for the microphones?"
Holland writes that The gay activist smiled. "God," he said, "works in mysterious ways."
Amen, brother! :-)
Alternet was established in 1998 in part (to quote their website) to confront the failures of corporate media, as well as the vitriol and disinformation of right wing media, especially "hate talk" media. AlterNet is a two-time winner of the "Webby Award" for Best Web Magazine, among others, and it pulls no punches as regards their raison d'être. Again, quoting their website, Alternet believes that media must have a higher purpose beyond the essential goal of keeping people informed. We insist on playing an active role in helping our community funnel its energy into change; an important & necessary mission when you consider that people like Bill O'Reilly, Rush Limbaugh & Glen Beck are blaring out their fear-mongering, Us-vs-Them hate talk nearly 24 hours a day.
Anyway, apparently a senior write for Alternet, Joshua Holland, writes in
this recent Alternet article about a group of conservative Christian ministers who came to Washington DC recently to protest the expansion of the federal Hate Crimes law recently passed in Congress & signed by President Obama to include sexual orientation & gender identity. In his article, Holland references a Washington Post column by Dana Milbank about the happenings at this protest. Believe it or not, not only were they there to protest the law, they wanted to stand their & spew their lies & hate to prove the point that just by speaking the ugly things they believe they could be arrested. These people have always contended that allowing people like me to be protected from hate crimes meant that people like them could no longer freely speak their minds about the "threat" people like me represent to decent upstanding Americans, and to society in general.
So sure of their belief that they would now be legally muzzled if they dare speak out against the homosexual threat that they came to the nation's capital in hopes of being arrested, so as to claim that--as a representative of the "Christian Anti-Defamation Commission"--"we'd have standing to challenge the law."
But sadly (for them), not one person was arrested. They stood there on their Godly soap box speaking their alleged minds, and the few police officers that were there let them practice their freedom of speech unencumbered, of course. As Holland wrote, To run afoul of the new law, you need to "plan or prepare for an act of physical violence" or "incite an imminent act of physical violence." The same stipulations apply if you're speaking about people of color, disabled persons, or virtually any other group of Americans...including people of faith.
For me, the best part of this story is that the man the conservative Christian ministers hired to set up audio equipment for their little get-together had taken the money they paid him for his work at the event & donated to gay rights activists. The AV guy also waited until after the ministers were done & then--before taking it all down--he allowed the gay activists to use the same podium & the same sound system to practice their right to free speech, too!
After one of the ministers asked the AV guy if they were paying for the time "the homosexuals" were using (which they weren't, of course), he turned to one of the gay activists & asked "You guys gonna help us pay for the microphones?"
Holland writes that The gay activist smiled. "God," he said, "works in mysterious ways."
Amen, brother! :-)
Lawyers Tweak ENDA Language
The Advocate
November 17, 2009
By Kerry Eleveld
A House committee vote on the Employment Non-discrimination Act, originally scheduled for Wed., Nov. 18, was postponed so that lawyers could adjust the legal language regarding issues of disparate impact, double recovery, and attorney’s fees.
“Our understanding is that the committee lawyers wanted a few more days to look at several of the outstanding issues,” said Allison Herwitt, legislative director of the Human Rights Campaign.
ENDA would prohibit employers from discriminating against workers on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The legal fine-tuning stands to push back the date of the committee vote by about two-to-three weeks. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to see a markup after Thanksgiving and before the end of the year,” Herwitt said.
Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts, lead sponsor of the bill, has suggested the full House vote might not take place until February of next year.
( Read more... )
The Advocate
November 17, 2009
By Kerry Eleveld
A House committee vote on the Employment Non-discrimination Act, originally scheduled for Wed., Nov. 18, was postponed so that lawyers could adjust the legal language regarding issues of disparate impact, double recovery, and attorney’s fees.
“Our understanding is that the committee lawyers wanted a few more days to look at several of the outstanding issues,” said Allison Herwitt, legislative director of the Human Rights Campaign.
ENDA would prohibit employers from discriminating against workers on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The legal fine-tuning stands to push back the date of the committee vote by about two-to-three weeks. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to see a markup after Thanksgiving and before the end of the year,” Herwitt said.
Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts, lead sponsor of the bill, has suggested the full House vote might not take place until February of next year.
( Read more... )
- Mood:
disappointed
Help for Gay Caregivers Who Look After Elderly
NY Times
November 16, 2009
By BAO ONG
SAGE: Michelle Obama with Laurie Young, aging-policy analyst with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
When Michelle Obama pitched the president’s health care reform efforts to a room of women at the White House last week, one group of New Yorkers present clung to every word.
And when Mrs. Obama mentioned that “families come in many different configurations,” Karen Taylor, the director of advocacy and training at Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders, nodded in approval.
SAGE, a New York-based nonprofit group that supports gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender caregivers, this week is beginning a “Caring and Preparing” initiative to provide such caregivers an array of resources: assistance with insurance benefits and entitlements, counseling, legal assistance, and various outreach and support programs.
The program comes as research suggests that gay and lesbian baby boomers are more likely to be caregivers than their heterosexual contemporaries, including siblings. The challenges facing gay elderly people are also drawing more attention: Last month, the health and human services secretary, Kathleen Sebelius, announced plans to create a national resource center to support elderly gays and lesbians.
( Read more... )
NY Times
November 16, 2009
By BAO ONG
SAGE: Michelle Obama with Laurie Young, aging-policy analyst with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
When Michelle Obama pitched the president’s health care reform efforts to a room of women at the White House last week, one group of New Yorkers present clung to every word.
And when Mrs. Obama mentioned that “families come in many different configurations,” Karen Taylor, the director of advocacy and training at Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders, nodded in approval.
SAGE, a New York-based nonprofit group that supports gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender caregivers, this week is beginning a “Caring and Preparing” initiative to provide such caregivers an array of resources: assistance with insurance benefits and entitlements, counseling, legal assistance, and various outreach and support programs.
The program comes as research suggests that gay and lesbian baby boomers are more likely to be caregivers than their heterosexual contemporaries, including siblings. The challenges facing gay elderly people are also drawing more attention: Last month, the health and human services secretary, Kathleen Sebelius, announced plans to create a national resource center to support elderly gays and lesbians.
( Read more... )
- Mood: happy
From TPM.
Credo Action Pro-Choice Petition Website
This isn't for the squeamish. It's about as hardball and brutal as it gets.
The liberal group CREDO Action will soon ask over 1,000,000 members to sign a petition condemning the Stupak amendment...and with each signature, CREDO will send a coat hanger to the 20 supposedly pro-choice members of Congress who voted for it.
"We know what happens when women are denied access to reproductive health care including abortion," the petition reads. "And we can't go back to an era of coat hangers and back alley abortions. Reconsider your vote on the Stupak Amendment. Tell House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid that the final health care bill that emerges from the conference committee can't turn the clock back on women's rights."
The email hasn't been sent yet, but you can read the language below the fold.
( Read more... )
Credo Action Pro-Choice Petition Website
This isn't for the squeamish. It's about as hardball and brutal as it gets.
The liberal group CREDO Action will soon ask over 1,000,000 members to sign a petition condemning the Stupak amendment...and with each signature, CREDO will send a coat hanger to the 20 supposedly pro-choice members of Congress who voted for it.
"We know what happens when women are denied access to reproductive health care including abortion," the petition reads. "And we can't go back to an era of coat hangers and back alley abortions. Reconsider your vote on the Stupak Amendment. Tell House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid that the final health care bill that emerges from the conference committee can't turn the clock back on women's rights."
The email hasn't been sent yet, but you can read the language below the fold.
( Read more... )
- Mood:active
See also http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/09/tr
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/engl
Police arrest man in murder probe
Police investigating the murder of a 29-year-old woman in north-west London have made an arrest.
A man in his 20s is being held in connection with Destiny Lauren's murder on 5 November.
Police were called to an address in Leighton Crescent, Kentish Town, following reports of a woman collapsed at about 0055 GMT.
She was taken by ambulance to the Royal Free Hospital, but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Police have appealed for witnesses in Destiny Lauren's murder
Investigators are still awaiting results from a post-mortem test.
Detective Chief Inspector Lawrence, who is leading the inquiry said: "We are keeping an open mind regarding a motive for Destiny's murder and I appeal to anyone who has information that can assist this investigation to contact us.
"In particular, I would like to hear from anyone who was in the quiet residential area of Leighton Crescent on the evening of Wednesday 4 November. Did you see or hear anything suspicious?"
Police previously arrested a 35-year-old man connection with the investigation, who has been bailed to return in December pending further inquiries.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/engl
Police arrest man in murder probe
Police investigating the murder of a 29-year-old woman in north-west London have made an arrest.
A man in his 20s is being held in connection with Destiny Lauren's murder on 5 November.
Police were called to an address in Leighton Crescent, Kentish Town, following reports of a woman collapsed at about 0055 GMT.
She was taken by ambulance to the Royal Free Hospital, but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Police have appealed for witnesses in Destiny Lauren's murder
Investigators are still awaiting results from a post-mortem test.
Detective Chief Inspector Lawrence, who is leading the inquiry said: "We are keeping an open mind regarding a motive for Destiny's murder and I appeal to anyone who has information that can assist this investigation to contact us.
"In particular, I would like to hear from anyone who was in the quiet residential area of Leighton Crescent on the evening of Wednesday 4 November. Did you see or hear anything suspicious?"
Police previously arrested a 35-year-old man connection with the investigation, who has been bailed to return in December pending further inquiries.
- Music:Absolute Radio
The D.C. Catholic Archdiocese has threatened to stop helping thousands of the needy in the nation's capital if the District's City Council approves a pending bill which states that marriage between 2 people in the District of Columbia shall not be denied or limited on the basis of gender, and which also ensure[s] that no minister of any religious society who is authorized to celebrate marriages shall be required to celebrate any marriage...or solemnization of a same-sex marriage.
Though the Catholic Church in general is not usually known as a great supporter of GLBTQI equality, apparently this Archdiocese on this issue, has chosen to demonstrate their obvious displeasure with this bill by revealing a predilection toward being particularly punitive: castigating not just same-sex-loving people & our "enablers", but anyone & everyone in need under their religious purview.
( There goes the baby... )
Though the Catholic Church in general is not usually known as a great supporter of GLBTQI equality, apparently this Archdiocese on this issue, has chosen to demonstrate their obvious displeasure with this bill by revealing a predilection toward being particularly punitive: castigating not just same-sex-loving people & our "enablers", but anyone & everyone in need under their religious purview.
( There goes the baby... )
From NARAL:
Hi -
I'm pretty angry that the House passed an anti-choice measure that would essentially eliminate insurance coverage for abortion in the new system. Health reform is important, but no one should lose coverage in the new system.
I just signed a petition to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid asking him to stand strong against a similar attack in the Senate. Will you add your name? The deadline is 12 noon (EST) on Friday, November 13.
http://action.prochoiceamerica.org/s
Thanks for standing up for women!
To take action on this issue, click on the link below:
https://secure.prochoiceamerica.org/sit
If the text above does not appear as a link or it wraps across multiple lines, then copy and paste it into the address area of your browser.
Hi -
I'm pretty angry that the House passed an anti-choice measure that would essentially eliminate insurance coverage for abortion in the new system. Health reform is important, but no one should lose coverage in the new system.
I just signed a petition to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid asking him to stand strong against a similar attack in the Senate. Will you add your name? The deadline is 12 noon (EST) on Friday, November 13.
http://action.prochoiceamerica.org/s
Thanks for standing up for women!
To take action on this issue, click on the link below:
https://secure.prochoiceamerica.org/sit
If the text above does not appear as a link or it wraps across multiple lines, then copy and paste it into the address area of your browser.
From NARAL and the House:
Attention Michigan residents: Rep. Stupak, he of the anti-choice Stupak-Pitts amendment "fame," is holding a townhall today.
Here are the details:
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM (EST)
Bay de Noc Community College
Besse Center
2001 North Lincoln Rd
Escanaba, MI
(Map It)
From Rep. Stupak's press release:
U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) will host a town hall meeting in Escanaba on Wednesday, November 11, from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. (EST) at Bay de Noc Community College's Besse Center. The meeting is open to the public and will provide an opportunity for constituents to ask Stupak questions on a range of issues, including health care and the economy. Stupak will also provide an update on his work in Congress.
The Besse Center is located at 2001 North Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, Mich.
"This is an opportunity to speak with constituents, answer their questions, and address their concerns about the critical issues currently impacting Northern Michigan, including the health care bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives this past weekend," Stupak said. "I look forward to engaging in a respectful, civil dialogue on a broad range of issues. I enjoy hearing from constituents and the ideas and feedback I receive at town hall meetings, and through the letters, emails, faxes and telephone calls to my offices is valuable to me personally and is critical to the work I do in Congress."
Out of respect for all those wishing to attend the town hall meeting only credentialed media will be permitted to record the event. Signs, banners and posters will not be allowed inside the center.
If you live near Escanaba, Michigan... this would be a good opportunity for you to tell Rep. Stupak what you think about his anti-choice amendment.
And might I also suggest you sign our petition calling on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to stand firm against a ban on abortion coverage for women in the new health system? Thanks!
Attention Michigan residents: Rep. Stupak, he of the anti-choice Stupak-Pitts amendment "fame," is holding a townhall today.
Here are the details:
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM (EST)
Bay de Noc Community College
Besse Center
2001 North Lincoln Rd
Escanaba, MI
(Map It)
From Rep. Stupak's press release:
U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) will host a town hall meeting in Escanaba on Wednesday, November 11, from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. (EST) at Bay de Noc Community College's Besse Center. The meeting is open to the public and will provide an opportunity for constituents to ask Stupak questions on a range of issues, including health care and the economy. Stupak will also provide an update on his work in Congress.
The Besse Center is located at 2001 North Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, Mich.
"This is an opportunity to speak with constituents, answer their questions, and address their concerns about the critical issues currently impacting Northern Michigan, including the health care bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives this past weekend," Stupak said. "I look forward to engaging in a respectful, civil dialogue on a broad range of issues. I enjoy hearing from constituents and the ideas and feedback I receive at town hall meetings, and through the letters, emails, faxes and telephone calls to my offices is valuable to me personally and is critical to the work I do in Congress."
Out of respect for all those wishing to attend the town hall meeting only credentialed media will be permitted to record the event. Signs, banners and posters will not be allowed inside the center.
If you live near Escanaba, Michigan... this would be a good opportunity for you to tell Rep. Stupak what you think about his anti-choice amendment.
And might I also suggest you sign our petition calling on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to stand firm against a ban on abortion coverage for women in the new health system? Thanks!
- Mood:
angry
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2
Legal ceremonies for same-sex couples
Posted Wed Nov 11, 2009 1:06pm AEDT
Updated Wed Nov 11, 2009 5:00pm AEDT
The ACT Legislative Assembly has passed a Greens bill allowing same-sex couples to recognise their relationships with a legal ceremony.
The ACT Government tried to legalise ceremonies as part of its 2008 Civil Partnerships Act but the Federal Government intervened saying the arrangement was too similar to marriage.
( Read more... )
Legal ceremonies for same-sex couples
Posted Wed Nov 11, 2009 1:06pm AEDT
Updated Wed Nov 11, 2009 5:00pm AEDT
The ACT Legislative Assembly has passed a Greens bill allowing same-sex couples to recognise their relationships with a legal ceremony.
The ACT Government tried to legalise ceremonies as part of its 2008 Civil Partnerships Act but the Federal Government intervened saying the arrangement was too similar to marriage.
( Read more... )
- Mood: pleased
- Music:Bryan Adams - Run to You (Absolute Radio)
From the Washington Post, as relayed via DailyKOS.
"Because of the limits placed on the exchanges, most of the participants will have some form of premium credit or affordable subsidy. That means most will be ineligible for abortion coverage. The idea that people are going to go out and purchase separate "abortion plans" is both cruel and laughable. If this amendment passes, it will mean that virtually all women with insurance through the exchange who find themselves in the unwanted and unexpected position of needing to terminate a pregnancy will not have coverage for the procedure. Abortion coverage will not be outlawed in this country. It will simply be tiered, reserved for those rich enough to afford insurance themselves or lucky enough to receive from their employers."
The amendment is expected to pass with relative ease. Republicans will join with anti-choice Democrats to push it over the finish line. Once the amendment passes, the bill is cleared for a vote, and all parties expect that vote to succeed. Today looks likely to end with a historic, and important, vote. A vote that is a first step towards helping more than 30 million people secure health-care coverage, and making sure hundreds of millions are better protected from the vagaries of the insurance industry. But Stupak's amendment is a bitter start. It is, however, not the end. Even if it muscles into the House bill, it will also have to pass in the Senate, and then survive conference, before it becomes law.
My note: Even the most ardent, supposed "feminist" politicians have stated they are willing to vote to allow this amendment to stand, as long as they can pass the reform today.
This is PATHETIC. And we have a Democratic majority in both the House and Senate who can't seem to buck up and get a spine, so I dunno folks. What do YOU think is the best way to deal with this grassroots style?
"Because of the limits placed on the exchanges, most of the participants will have some form of premium credit or affordable subsidy. That means most will be ineligible for abortion coverage. The idea that people are going to go out and purchase separate "abortion plans" is both cruel and laughable. If this amendment passes, it will mean that virtually all women with insurance through the exchange who find themselves in the unwanted and unexpected position of needing to terminate a pregnancy will not have coverage for the procedure. Abortion coverage will not be outlawed in this country. It will simply be tiered, reserved for those rich enough to afford insurance themselves or lucky enough to receive from their employers."
The amendment is expected to pass with relative ease. Republicans will join with anti-choice Democrats to push it over the finish line. Once the amendment passes, the bill is cleared for a vote, and all parties expect that vote to succeed. Today looks likely to end with a historic, and important, vote. A vote that is a first step towards helping more than 30 million people secure health-care coverage, and making sure hundreds of millions are better protected from the vagaries of the insurance industry. But Stupak's amendment is a bitter start. It is, however, not the end. Even if it muscles into the House bill, it will also have to pass in the Senate, and then survive conference, before it becomes law.
My note: Even the most ardent, supposed "feminist" politicians have stated they are willing to vote to allow this amendment to stand, as long as they can pass the reform today.
This is PATHETIC. And we have a Democratic majority in both the House and Senate who can't seem to buck up and get a spine, so I dunno folks. What do YOU think is the best way to deal with this grassroots style?
Edited to add: Congress is in fact OPEN today (Saturday) and people CAN call their Reps NOW! I just called Speaker Pelosi's office in DC and they had people answering the phones. People on the west coast should have a bit more time to phone their local offices, as well, SO PICK UP THE PHONE AND MAKE IT HAPPEN, FOLKS!!! This is SERIOUS!
The Capitol Switchboard is RINGING BUSY, so go here to find the contact info for your reps: http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/mcap
Don't know who your rep is??? Go here to locate them by zip code (top left corner): http://www.house.gov/
Hello Friends,
Please forward widely!
This morning around 1am, Members of the US Congress House of
Representatives agreed to allow an Up or Down Vote TODAY to create
what would essentially become a "de facto ban" on abortion services
for private as well as potential public insurers. This is outrageous
and NEEDS TO BE STOPPED!
Where do your reps stand?
Check here: http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2
Make sure to contact your Representative in the House and Senate via
email and follow up on Monday morning with a phone call!!!
Go here: http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/iss
News from The NY Times:
http://prescriptions.blogs.nytimes.c
From The Hill (DC):
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/6
In Pro-Choice Solidarity!
The Capitol Switchboard is RINGING BUSY, so go here to find the contact info for your reps: http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/mcap
Don't know who your rep is??? Go here to locate them by zip code (top left corner): http://www.house.gov/
Hello Friends,
Please forward widely!
This morning around 1am, Members of the US Congress House of
Representatives agreed to allow an Up or Down Vote TODAY to create
what would essentially become a "de facto ban" on abortion services
for private as well as potential public insurers. This is outrageous
and NEEDS TO BE STOPPED!
Where do your reps stand?
Check here: http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2
Make sure to contact your Representative in the House and Senate via
email and follow up on Monday morning with a phone call!!!
Go here: http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/iss
News from The NY Times:
http://prescriptions.blogs.nytimes.c
From The Hill (DC):
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/6
In Pro-Choice Solidarity!
- Mood: anxious
Pls. x-post!
Hi Friends,
On November 5, the US Senate held the first hearings on a fully
transgender inclusive ENDA Bill –
http://help.senate.gov/Hearings/2009_11
Please call your Senators and encourage them to vote YES on the
Transgender Inclusive ENDA Bill – S. 1584, in the United States
Senate.
Where do your Senators stand?
See here: http://www.actonprinciples.org/enda-sen
To find out who your Senators are, as well as ascertain their contact
information please see this link:
http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/genera
Thanks!
Hi Friends,
On November 5, the US Senate held the first hearings on a fully
transgender inclusive ENDA Bill –
http://help.senate.gov/Hearings/2009_11
Please call your Senators and encourage them to vote YES on the
Transgender Inclusive ENDA Bill – S. 1584, in the United States
Senate.
Where do your Senators stand?
See here: http://www.actonprinciples.org/enda-sen
To find out who your Senators are, as well as ascertain their contact
information please see this link:
http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/genera
Thanks!
If you haven't seen it, you really need to see the video of Ray Boltz's song "Don't Tell Me Who To Love" under the cut.
Today, it feels especially appropriate to keep Ray's beautifully-sung words, and the undying hope they represent always in our minds & in our hearts:
Now there always will be hatred and voices that condemn.
Oh, but I believe that true love is gonna make it in the end.
( As California goes, so goes...Maine )
Today, it feels especially appropriate to keep Ray's beautifully-sung words, and the undying hope they represent always in our minds & in our hearts:
Oh, but I believe that true love is gonna make it in the end.
( As California goes, so goes...Maine )
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scot
Transsexual Jesus sparks protests
About 300 protesters held a candlelit protest outside a Glasgow theatre over the staging of a play which portrays Jesus as a transsexual.
The protest was held outside the Tron Theatre, where Jesus Queen of Heaven, in which Christ is a man who wants to become a woman, is being staged.
It is part of the Glasgay! arts festival, a celebration of Scotland's gay, bi-sexual and transsexual culture.
Festival organisers said it had not intended to incite or offend anyone.
Jesus Queen of Heaven is on at the Tron in Glasgow until Saturday
The Christian protesters gathered outside the theatre ahead of the opening night of the production on Tuesday.
Jesus Queen of Heaven, which runs until Saturday, is written and performed by transsexual playwright Jo Clifford.
The demonstrators sang hymns and waved placards.
One read: "Jesus, King of Kings, Not Queen of Heaven."
Another said: "God: My Son Is Not A Pervert."
Festival organisers described the banners as "fairly provocative" and said they could be viewed as inciting homophobia.
Glasgay! producer Steven Thomson said: "Jesus Queen of Heaven is a literary work of fiction exploring the artists own personal journey of faith as a transgendered person.
"Glasgay! supports the right to freedom of expression and offers audiences a diverse view of LGBT life.
"This work is not intended to incite or offend anyone of any belief system, however, we respect your right to disagree with that opinion.
He added: "We welcome genuinely interested audience members who wish to understand the artistic intention behind this work."
Glasgay! is described as "Scotland's annual celebration of queer culture" and is funded by the Scottish Arts Council, Event Scotland, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau and Glasgow City Council.
Transsexual Jesus sparks protests
About 300 protesters held a candlelit protest outside a Glasgow theatre over the staging of a play which portrays Jesus as a transsexual.
The protest was held outside the Tron Theatre, where Jesus Queen of Heaven, in which Christ is a man who wants to become a woman, is being staged.
It is part of the Glasgay! arts festival, a celebration of Scotland's gay, bi-sexual and transsexual culture.
Festival organisers said it had not intended to incite or offend anyone.
Jesus Queen of Heaven is on at the Tron in Glasgow until Saturday
The Christian protesters gathered outside the theatre ahead of the opening night of the production on Tuesday.
Jesus Queen of Heaven, which runs until Saturday, is written and performed by transsexual playwright Jo Clifford.
The demonstrators sang hymns and waved placards.
One read: "Jesus, King of Kings, Not Queen of Heaven."
Another said: "God: My Son Is Not A Pervert."
Festival organisers described the banners as "fairly provocative" and said they could be viewed as inciting homophobia.
Glasgay! producer Steven Thomson said: "Jesus Queen of Heaven is a literary work of fiction exploring the artists own personal journey of faith as a transgendered person.
"Glasgay! supports the right to freedom of expression and offers audiences a diverse view of LGBT life.
"This work is not intended to incite or offend anyone of any belief system, however, we respect your right to disagree with that opinion.
He added: "We welcome genuinely interested audience members who wish to understand the artistic intention behind this work."
Glasgay! is described as "Scotland's annual celebration of queer culture" and is funded by the Scottish Arts Council, Event Scotland, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau and Glasgow City Council.
- Location:Boston, MA, United States
- Mood: sad
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queeractivism- Queer Activism
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bifilms : [UK]: bisexual actor Alan Cumming receives award for service [+0] - misterc : "Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule." [+5]
- cheezmonke : Photo Shoot in Kingston, NJ [+0]
- pandapajamas : US: World AIDS Day related events - 11/24 in Philly and 12/1 in DC [+0]
- pandapajamas : US: Call White House + Senate Regarding Abortion Language + Obama Appointees! [+2]
- pandapajamas : US: PLS FWD! Support Effort to Create National Office for LGBT Health! [+0]
- misterc : Priceless: Gay Rights Activists Take Over Christian Right Hate-Fest in DC [+2]
- pandapajamas : US: ENDA Vote Postponed in House Over Trans Related Language [+0]
- pandapajamas : US: Help for Gay Caregivers Who Look After Elderly [+0]
- pandapajamas : US: Send Coat Hangers to Pro-Choice Dems Who Voted For Stupak [+0]
- ftmichael : UK: Police arrest man in murder probe [+0]
- misterc : Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. [+0]
- pandapajamas : US: Petition to Senator Reid in Opposition to Stupak Amendment [+0]
- pandapajamas : US: MI: Rep. Stupak is holding townhall in Escanaba! Give him h3ll! [+0]
- ftmichael : Australia: Legal ceremonies for same-sex couples [+0]
- pandapajamas : US: How Bad is The Stupak Anti-Abortion Amendment in Congress? [+0]
- pandapajamas : US Congress May Create "de facto Ban on Abortion" via Health Care Reform! [+0]
- pandapajamas : US: First Trans-Inclusive Senate ENDA Hearings w/ Video + Full Text [+0]
- misterc : Don't Tell Me Who To Love [+0]
- ftmichael : UK, Scotland: Transsexual Jesus sparks protests [+0]