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| Gay Politics Report |
| November 13, 2009 |
Lawmakers are ready to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
Democratic leaders have indicated that they will repeal the Clinton-era "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in next year's defense-authorization bill -- legislation that has long been considered a likely vehicle for reversing the discriminatory policy. The decision could make the divisive social issue an agenda for voters and candidates during the 2010 midterm elections. The Hill (11/11)
Rights advocates win Mormon support in Salt Lake battle
Gay-rights advocates scored a stunning victory, convincing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to back Salt Lake City laws that would prevent discrimination against gays or transgender people in housing and employment. The church had previously expressed support for gay rights related to hospitalization, medical care, employment and probate, but this is the first time the church backed actual legislation. Google/The Associated Press (11/12)
Fort Worth council backs new protections for transgender people
The City Council in Fort Worth, Texas, voted Tuesday to expand nondiscrimination protections to transgender people. The council is also examining proposals to provide domestic-partner benefits and expanding the city health plan to cover gender-reassignment procedures. Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Texas) (11/11)
New Jersey marriage-equality advocates race against time
Gay-rights advocates will be pressing New Jersey legislators to act on a same-sex marriage bill before Gov. Jon Corzine leaves office in early 2010. Corzine lost his re-election bid this month to Chris Christie, who has vowed to veto any same-sex marriage legislation. The Montclair Times (N.J.) (11/12)
Other News
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Salt Lake success could go statewide
Success in gaining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' support for gay-rights legislation decreases the chances the state Legislature will seek to overturn the city ordinance and opens the way for change across Utah, the Salt Lake Tribune editorial board writes. The Legislature is considering a reform package that would enforce nondiscrimination protections statewide. The Salt Lake Tribune (Utah) (11/12)
Does the inclusion of pro-LGBT language in pending health reform legislation make you more likely to support it?
| I'm already a supporter. |
74.90%
|
| This makes it more likely that I'll support it. |
18.79%
|
| I still don't support it. |
4.66%
|
| Not sure. |
1.65%
|
|
Advertisement |
Connecticut celebrates first anniversary of marriage equality
One year into the enactment of marriage equality, 2,291 nuptials have been celebrated in Connecticut. State Sen. Andrew J. McDonald, whose Judiciary Committee worked on the state's marriage-equality law, said, "The most remarkable aspect about the anniversary is how little has changed in the lives of ordinary citizens in Connecticut." Connecticut Post (Fairfield County-Bridgeport) (11/13)
No international convention for LGBT rights
Though nations such as Uganda still impose harsh penalties for public expressions of homosexuality, people in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities around the world slowly are making gains. Only a handful of nations -- the U.S. not among them -- guarantee full equality and protection under the law for LGBT persons. No international human-rights convention exists that provides for the sexual rights and equality of the LGBT community, a fact that prevents more progressive nations from bringing pressure to bear on the African and Islamic states where homophobia is enshrined as law. GlobalPost.com (11/11)
Church threatens to end work in D.C. over marriage equality
The Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., has threatened to suspend its charity services for the District of Columbia if the city's government legalizes gay marriage. Although the church would not be required to perform same-sex weddings under legislation being considered by the City Council, it would have to follow laws prohibiting discrimination against gays and would be required to extend benefits to same-sex partners. The Washington Post (11/12)
School must reverse prom-cancellation decision
An Alabama school has been ordered by the school district to reverse a decision to cancel its prom over a request by a female student to bring her girlfriend as a date after the American Civil Liberties Union intervened in the case. Advocate.com (11/11)
1st openly gay Presbyterian minister is ordained
The First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, Calif., ordained the denomination's first openly gay minister, Lisa Larges, by a vote of 156-138 -- a decision that follows nearly 15 years of debate. San Francisco Chronicle (11/11)
Who's Hiring Industry Job Listings
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--Michael Otterson, director of public affairs for the Mormon church, as quoted by The Associated Press on Google |
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There are going to be gay advocates who don't think we've gone nearly far enough, and people very conservative who think we've gone too far."