Tag Archives: Gay community

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URGENT: Marriage equality at stake in NH


 
Change.org
Act now: Stop the NH legislature from abolishing marriage equality.
Sign the Petition

While the country is distracted by the New Hampshire primary, New Hampshire’s state legislature is swiftly moving to abolish gay marriage. They could vote on the issue as soon as this Thursday.

Craig Stowell is a New Hampshire native who recently testified at the New Hampshire State House to ask the legislature not to pass HB 437, the bill that would abolish marriage equality. But Craig isn’t gay — in fact, he’s a straight married Marine, and a conservative Republican.

Craig knows firsthand how damaging it can be when the government says it’s okay to treat the LGBT community like second-class citizens. Craig’s brother Calvin was horribly bullied as a kid because he’s gay. “There were nights that I worried I may wake up and he wouldn’t be there any longer; crushed by the misery he was forced to endure,” Craig says.

So Craig started a petition on Change.org asking the New Hampshire legislature to reject HB 437. The vote could come in a matter of days. Please click here to sign Craig’s petition right now — your signature will be delivered to the New Hampshire legislature immediately.

Since New Hampshire legalized marriage equality in 2009, more than 1,800 loving same-sex couples have been married. Polls show that a large majority of New Hampshire residents support that right — 62%, according to a recent poll from the University of New Hampshire.

“When my wife Berta and I were married, Calvin was right there by my side as my best man,” Craig says. “I want the opportunity to be his best man when he finds the person he wants to marry. With your help, I know we can ensure that freedom will still be there when he does.”

New Hampshire legislators may think they can sneak in HB 437 during the ruckus surrounding the New Hampshire primary, but they need to know that their actions are being watched and that people in New Hampshire and around the country won’t stand for this vicious step backward.

Time is short — click here right now to sign Craig’s petition demanding that the New Hampshire legislature reject HB 437, the bill that would abolish marriage equality.

Thanks for being a change-maker,

– Eden and the Change.org team
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Space Needle: Raise the Pride flag! … Change.org

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In 2010, the organization that runs the Space Needle made history during Gay Pride month when they raised the Pride flag for the first time.

But late last week, a Space Needle executive announced they will not raise the flag again this year.

And now Seattle residents are spreading this surprising news to their friends, family, and neighbors.

Josh Castle, a lifelong Seattle resident, was inspired to start a petition on Change.org when he found out. In just a few days, nearly 5,000 Seattle residents have signed it. Click here to add your name to Josh’s petition — and tell Space Needle CEO Ron Sevart to raise the Pride flag this year — just like last year.

The Space Needle is a private corporation which has a strong and positive friendship with the LGBT community, so their decision not to raise the flag again is odd, to say the least. For example, last year, Space Needle CEO Ron Sevart told Seattle Gay News:

“It’s a big deal for some of our team members. Such a big deal that when we told some of them, it was very emotional. We’re as diverse inside the Space Needle as what is outside the Space Needle. The Pride event takes place on the Seattle Center campus. I think that being able to look up at the Space Needle and see that flag up there — I think it’s going to be a very proud moment for a lot of people.”

Stuart Wilber has been in a relationship with his partner Jon for 34 years. As Stuart told Joe Mirabella, Change.org’s Organizing Manager on LGBT Rights:

“I signed and have been promoting the petition because seeing the flag flying over the Space Needle last year was an affirmation of the inclusiveness I have felt since we moved to Seattle 17 years ago. It was a symbol of respect on top of the most iconic symbol of Seattle. If you see a photo of the Eiffel Tower you think Paris; the Space Needle, Seattle; I finally felt I was home.”

Stuart is right. Please sign Josh Castle’s petition encouraging Space Needle executives to fly the Pride flag this year:

http://www.change.org/petitions/space-needle-please-raise-the-pride-flag-for-seattle-pride-weekend

Thanks for taking action.

– Eden and the Change.org team

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Uganda Gay Death Penalty – We Won!! …Avaaz.org


Uganda‘s anti-gay law has failed! It looked sure to pass last week, but after 1.6 million petition signatures delivered to Parliament, tens of thousands of phone calls to our own governments, hundreds of media stories about our campaign and a massive global outcry, Ugandan politicians dropped the bill!

It was down to the wire – religious extremists tried to push the bill through on Wednesday, and then convened an unprecedented emergency session of Parliament on Friday. But each time, within hours, we reacted. A huge congratulations to everyone who signed, called, forwarded and donated to this campaign – with our help, thousands of innocent people in Uganda’s gay community do not wake up this morning facing execution for whom they chose to love.

Frank Mugisha, a courageous leader of the gay community in Uganda sent us this message:

“Brave Ugandan LGBT activists and millions of people around the world have stood together and faced down this horrendous anti-homosexuality bill.The support from the Avaaz global community has tipped the scales to prevent this Bill going forward. Global solidarity has made a huge difference.”

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs’ Office also wrote to Avaaz:

“Many thanks. As you know, thanks to a very large extent to the intensive lobbying and combined effort of you, other civil society representatives, EU and other governments, plus our delegation and embassies on the ground the Bill was not presented to the Parliament this morning.”

This fight is not over. The extremists behind this bill could try again within just 18 months. But this is the second time we’ve helped defeat this bill, and we’ll keep going until the hate-mongers give up.

Transforming the deeper causes of ignorance and hatred behind homophobia is an historic, long term struggle, one of the great causes of our generation. But Uganda has become a front line in that struggle, and a powerful symbol. The victory there echoes across many other places where hope is desperately needed, showing that kindness, love, tolerance and respect can defeat hatred and ignorance. Again, a huge thanks to all who made it happen.

With enormous gratitude and admiration for this amazing community,

Ricken, Emma, Iain, Alice, Giulia, Saloni and the whole Avaaz team.

Media highlights:

Anti-gay bill shelved:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13392723

Avaaz’s response to the outcome in the Guardian:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/13/uganda-anti-gay-bill-shelved

Ugandan President did not back bill because of “criticism of human rights groups”:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2011/05/13/international/i042638D37.DTL

Anti-gay bill delayed amid outcry:

http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Uganda-shelves-anti-gay-bill-20110513

Uganda’s “kill the gays” bill defeated:

http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE74C0HP20110513

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President Obama: Support marriage equality for all


Human Rights Campaign

Mr. President, it’s time for you to support marriage equality for all Americans

The President has said that his thinking on the issue is “evolving.”

Help get him over the finish line.

President Obama has done more for the nation’s LGBT community than any other president in history, from hate crimes protections to the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” to hospital visitation rules. This president has proven himself to be an advocate for the LGBT community.

He’s a fair and just man. That’s why we’re calling on him today to publicly and vocally support marriage equality for all Americans.

Earlier today, the Department of Justice filed a brief appealing two federal court rulings that found the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional. The Administration claims that it has a duty to defend the laws that are on the books. We simply do not agree. At the very least, the Justice Department can and should acknowledge that the law is unconstitutional.

All families deserve the recognition and respect of their government. It’s time for President Obama to state his support for full, equal marriage. And we want your help in telling him that it’s time.

Because of DOMA, gay and lesbian families with marriage licenses from Iowa, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, California, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia don’t get basic protections like Social Security, pension benefits, and family medical leave – benefits of marriage available to all other married couples. The law is discriminatory and unjust.

The President’s clear and unequivocal support for marriage equality will be a very powerful message that all Americans should be treated fairly and with respect and dignity. It will also send a direct message to LGBT Americans, young and old, that their nation values them.

President Obama has already stated his position on marriage is “evolving.” And he’s already seen the outpouring of support for his successful call to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Let’s help him get over the finish line.

Together, we can move this president to speak out for the right to marry freely. I hope you’ll take a moment to send your message today.

It’s time,

Joe Solmonese
Joe Solmonese
President