Tag Archives: Human Rights Campaign

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Marriage on the line: 24 hours left to fight hate


Thanks to right-wing groups like the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), 2011 brings as much trepidation as hope. Just see the map below.

JUST 24 HOURS LEFT: The National Organization for Marriage thinks it speaks for straight America.

Show America that’s a lie.

Deadline TOMORROW. Defend marriage equality – join HRC now.

Same-sex marriage bans are in the works in no fewer than five states. In New Hampshire, where NOM shelled out $1 million in 2010, a more right-wing legislature is already preparing for major hearings on the repeal of marriage equality. In Iowa, NOM helped unseat three judges who ruled in favor of equal marriage – and now they’re going after the other four.

But it’s not all bad. In New York and Maryland, we could finally win full marriage rights for ALL loving couples. There are only 24 hours left in our campaign that can help us make it a reality.

These challenges – and our critical federal work – demand urgent resources. Carmen, thousands have stepped up to help. And after sailing past our original goal of 2,011 new members, we’ve upped our goal to 3,000 members by TOMORROW. That’s only 4 more from Washington. And we simply can’t do it without straight supporters like you.

Stand up for marriage and make sure NOM doesn’t control the debate. Stand with HRC – join by tomorrow.

Only two weeks ago, HRC staffers pressured NOM into releasing their most recent tax returns – and it turns out 75 percent of NOM’s entire multi-million dollar budget came from just five wealthy donors.

We’re different. 85 percent of our funding comes from individual donors, not from foundations or grants. And the more straight allies like you that join our cause, the more people will understand that this is an issue of basic fairness, not special rights. That grassroots power will be critical in 2011, and this map shows why:

In states marked in light blue, we have a chance to advance equality – marriage in New York and Maryland, and civil unions in Hawaii, Delaware, and Colorado. Plus we are gearing up to help Washington and Oregon achieve marriage equality in 2012.

Dark blue states show the front lines of the equality fight. In Florida we’re trying to stop rabid activists from reinstating a ban on same-sex parents adopting children. In West Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Minnesota, we face the very real prospect of NOM-backed campaigns to pass constitutional bans on same-sex marriage.

We’re working hand-in-hand with local partners across the country. We’re putting staff on the ground in some states, while in others we’re providing financial support and training – or exposing lies with the help of our “NOM Watchers.” In many states, we’ll do all of the above.

These states have one thing in common: your support, right now, can mean the difference between triumph and failure.

Stand with us. Fight for the future. Become an HRC member now.

This is one of the most critical civil rights issues of our time. Decisions by the U.S. House and Senate and by every single state will have a very real impact on everyday lives. Together, we can ensure those decisions are positive.

For all you do, and all that you will do, thank you. You’re the reason I know we will succeed.

Onward,

Joe Solmonese

President

P.S. If you’ve already put a check in the mail or given to HRC through some other means, thank you. If you’ve yet to contribute, though, please consider making a gift now. Your gift is critical to maintaining our fight against hate and bigotry in all its forms.

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The next Prop. 8


Human Rights Campaign


Calling all straight allies: Marriage equality is at stake in states across America.

Plus, watch our video to learn how we’re working together for equality.

As a thank you, we’ll send you this handy USB car charger for your mobile phone or iPod.

Prop. 8 ended marriage equality in California and shocked a nation. I’m writing because New Hampshire could be next.

Right-wing lawmakers have taken over the New Hampshire legislature – and they’re already working on four distinct bills to take the right to marry away from loving, same-sex couples.

And that’s not all. Hateful groups are trying to ban same-sex marriage in Indiana, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Iowa, and West Virginia.

Equality is under attack: along with the anti-LGBT wave in the U.S. Congress, 20 state governments are now under the control of conservative legislatures and governors – twice as many as are under more pro-equality leadership.

We have staff on the ground around the country and plans to deploy even more. We’re bolstering state groups, even as we fight against hostile federal bills and amendments. But to make it work, we need 2,011 new members like you – that works out to just 17 more from Washington – to join HRC in the next week. Once you do, we’ll stop sending reminders and get back to the work of securing equality.

You already know what we’re defending against in our nation’s capital. A U.S. House led by right-wingers. A whopping 53 more anti-equality representatives and five more anti-equality senators in Congress.

But the front line in the battle for marriage equality is in the states. Conservatives now hold more state legislative seats than they have since 1928. Hateful groups like the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) are pushing their agenda in more states than ever before. But there are also some important new opportunities. Your support, right now, could tip the balance.

  • In Maryland and New York, we stand a strong chance of winning real marriage equality and gender identity protections. We’re counting on the support of each and every HRC member to aid our local partners and to help pay for several experienced organizers in each state.
  • In Florida, right-wing hate groups are plotting to overturn a landmark court ruling that allows gays and lesbians to adopt children. We can’t let it happen – and we’re working with coalition partners to make sure those extremists don’t come anywhere close.
  • In New Hampshire, where your support was key to winning marriage equality in 2009, we’re fighting back against those who want to repeal that right and deny loving couples the freedom to marry. We’ve already committed money and staff, and we’re working with the New Hampshire Freedom to Marry Coalition to build a rock-solid campaign.
  • In Hawaii and Delaware, passing civil union legislation is a very real possibility. We’ll be investing in both states to bolster local groups’ efforts and tip the balance in favor of equality.
  • In Indiana, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, West Virginia or any state where NOM tries to pass a constitutional ban on equal marriage, we’ll be there, exposing their lies with the help of our local “NOM Watchers.”

Just as we did with the successful campaign to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” we’re always working with leaders in both parties to achieve progress on equal rights. But we won’t ever shy away from taking on new legislators who are beholden to the most conservative wing of the Republican Party – and straight, pro-equality Americans like you are a critical part of that effort.

LGBT and straight, young and old, of all backgrounds and beliefs, HRC members aren’t satisfied with just sitting back and watching what happens. They’re willing to step up and fuel this fight for equality.

In 2011, as state battles heat up and a hostile House of Representatives plays politics with our rights, we’re going to need more members, more strength, and more resolve. State legislatures are already in session; we need you now.

Congress. State capitols. Schools. Churches. Corporate headquarters. Wherever equality and acceptance are at stake, HRC is at work – and HRC members are leading the charge.

Thank you for everything,

Joe Solmonese
Joe Solmonese
President

P.S. I’m so grateful if you’ve already put a check in the mail or given to HRC through some other method. If you’ve yet to contribute, though, Your gift is critical to maintaining our fight against hate and bigotry in all its forms.

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Hateful leaders take over


Human Rights Campaign


It’s the first full day of the new Congress. Anti-equality leaders now control the U.S. House. Our next challenge begins.

You can power this fight in 2011.

Join

As a thank you, we’ll send you this handy USB car charger for your phone or iPod.

USB car charger

Remember all those anti-gay candidates who ran for office this year? As of yesterday, dozens of them are now members of Congress and the House of Representatives is under their control.

And starting now, the voices of people like you are more important than ever – because if right-wing leaders know how many Americans support equality, they’ll understand the political consequences of their hate.

To ensure they get the message, we’re launching a huge effort in Congress and across the country to stop discriminatory federal legislation and local anti-marriage efforts – through grassroots pressure, rapid-response media, and public education – and to make sure our kids don’t think it’s wrong or evil to be who they are, just because a bigoted member of Congress might say so.

To do it, we need 2,011 people like you to join HRC for 2011 in the next three weeks. That’s just 41 from Washington. Join today and we won’t send you any more notices for the remainder of our membership drive.

We closed last year with a “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal victory 17 years in the making. 2011 opens with a new, more conservative, more deeply anti-gay House leadership – helmed by right-wingers John Boehner and Eric Cantor. Together, they tried to stop us from repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” They’ve opposed legislation on hate crimes, employment non-discrimination, responsible HIV/AIDS policy, and relationship recognition. And they just became very powerful.

But we don’t intend to just play defense.

We can’t – and won’t – stop fighting to make sure all people get to marry the person they love, raise kids together, and have a family that’s protected by the same laws as everyone else. That’s why we’re working to repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act, fight for marriage equality in the states, and ensure the freedom to marry for ALL Americans, gay or straight. Help now »

We can’t stop working to reduce bullying in schools or in communities of faith. We can’t stop getting corporations to improve their policies for LGBT employees. And we can’t stop exposing hateful groups like the National Organization for Marriage (NOM). This week, we forced NOM to release its tax returns and found that 75 percent of its funding comes from just five big donors. You can help »

And we cannot give up fighting for a fully-inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act. In 29 states, you can still be fired for your sexual orientation. In 38 states, you can be fired for your gender identity. Fired – just for being who you are. That has to end. Help get there »

Political pundits may say it’s an uphill battle. But those same pundits said we couldn’t repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Winning new battles for equality will take all the creativity and tenacity we brought to bear in that effort. It will also take significant resources – especially given the massive funding right-wing groups have at their disposal.

That’s why we need you. Over 85 percent of our funding comes from people like you, NOT from foundations or grants – so stand with us in 2011 and make a real difference in the civil rights battle of our time.

There’s one thing that won’t change in 2011: We’ll still rely on you, and you’ll still make amazing things possible.

Let’s fight together,

Joe Solmonese
Joe Solmonese
President

P.S. If you’ve already put a check in the mail or given to HRC through some other method, please accept my deepest gratitude. If you haven’t yet contributed, I hope you’ll consider making a gift now. Your gift is critical to maintaining our fight against hate and bigotry in all its forms.

Join

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Sign up to be a NOM Watcher!


Human Rights Campaign

Don’t believe the lies:
NOM is not a respectful, tolerant group.

NOM Exposed

We’re reaching out to you directly because you already may be familiar with NOM Exposed, the project of the Human Rights Campaign and Courage Campaign dedicated to revealing the truth about the so-called National Organization of Marriage. Chances are you’ve read our posts on NOM’s leading role in the states, or caught our latest video trying to get NOM’s required federal tax returns.

You signed onto “NOM Doesn’t Speak for Me!” – a vehicle we’re using to let lawmakers and the media know how out-of-touch and radical NOM really is. But now, with marriage battles looming in 2011, and with NOM promising to wage war on LGBT families, we need your help.

We need eyes and ears on the ground, to make sure that we fully document the hostile, anti-gay environment NOM helps create. We must hold NOM and its followers accountable and alert both the media and voters to their radical ties and agenda.

This fringe group is gearing up to undo marriage equality in states where it is currently legal and to stop marriage in other states where it could become legal. These people won’t give up until marriage equality is banned nationwide.

That’s where you come in. Become a “NOM Watcher.” We’re looking for people from all walks of life to report on and help us challenge NOM activities in the states. Check out our new tracker map to see where NOM might be next. In the coming weeks, we’ll be providing specific steps you can take locally as a NOM Watcher.

Thanks for your engagement. We can all play a role in calling out homophobia and protecting our families.

Thanks,

Joe Solmonese
Joe Solmonese

P.S. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for daily updates and to see what NOM’s up to.

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Crunch time: Four weeks only


Human Rights Campaign


Help touch hearts, change minds, fight the right wing, and defend marriage equality.

Join

As a thank you, we’ll send you a handy USB car charger for your phone or iPod.

USB charger

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” may no longer be the law of the land, but the bigotry behind it is alive and well – in our schools, in our workplaces, and, perhaps most unfortunately, in the halls of Congress.

January will bring anti-gay leadership to the helm of the House of Representatives. The right-wing political machine – committed to destroying marriage equality everywhere – will be emboldened and aggressive.

We need your help to keep fighting back in 2011 and to protect our gains. The resources and political muscle we’ll need in 2011 can only come from HRC members. That’s why we’re launching a major campaign to get 2,011 supporters like you to become first-time HRC members this month – that’s just 62 from Washington.

85 percent of our funding comes from people like you – not from grants and foundations.

So it’s no exaggeration to say that people like you won the debate on DADT. But the battle over this law revealed some shocking truths about the kinds of people who will be our next leaders in Congress.

On the day of the vote, John McCain launched into a ridiculous tirade against “liberal bastions” who supported repeal and declared, “Today is a very sad day.” He was so angry that he stormed out of the Senate.

And after we won, Sen. Jon Kyl said that allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly would literally “cost lives.”

Rep. Louie Gohmert suggested during the House debate that repealing DADT would move us “toward the end of [our] existence as a great nation.”

Carmen – we’ve got only four weeks to prepare for the next twelve months of attacks from right-wing groups and lawmakers alike. Extremists are emboldened across the country – and now there will be even more of them in Washington. They’re likely to go after marriage equality in multiple states, to introduce new bans on adoption rights, and to fight tooth and nail to roll back the anti-discrimination laws we’ve already passed.

Your membership gift will serve as a clear response to the urgent threats we face. With your support, we’ll go right to work in Congress and around the country, defending our progress and fighting for marriage equality. We’ll be keeping our foot on the gas as we take on opponents of equality like the National Organization for Marriage. Our NOM Exposed campaign has upended the marriage debate by uncovering the dirty secrets of this radical anti-LGBT group.

We’ve got a lot of work to do and very little time to do it. We can make 2011 a year of even more progress for the LGBT rights movement. Carmen, we need 62 members from Washington in 2011. Be one of them.

Everything we’ve achieved and everything we will achieve is because of you.

On to 2011,

Joe Solmonese
Joe Solmonese
President

P.S. Please accept my deepest gratitude if you’ve already put a check in the mail or given to HRC by some other means. If you haven’t yet contributed, I hope you’ll consider making a gift now so that we can keep making progress toward a more equal nation.