Tag Archives: National Organization for Marriage

Taveras Applauds New Contract for Westin Providence Workers

Union employees overwhelmingly ratified a new, three-year contract that reverses layoffs and pay cuts, and provides job security to nearly 175 workers

http://cityof.providenceri.com/mayor/taveras-applauds-new-contract-for-westin

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Message from Mayor Taveras on Teacher Dismissal Notices

The School Department has issued dismissal notices to all public school teachers in Providence, in accordance with a State law requiring that teachers be notified about potential changes to their employment status by March 1.

http://cityof.providenceri.com/mayor/message-from-mayor-taveras-on-teacher-dismissal

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Gov of Rhode Island

02/25/2011

Rhode Island One of Nine States to Receive Competitive National Grant for Work Support Strategies

The Urban Institute has announced that Rhode Island is among nine states selected to receive a $250,000 planning grant as part of a five-year initiative with lead funding from the Ford Foundation. The purpose of this one-year grant is to enable planning for more effective, streamlined, and…

http://www.ri.gov/press/view/13278

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02/24/11

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee to Travel to Washington, D.C. for National Governors Association Winter Meeting

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee will travel to Washington, D.C. Saturday for the National Governors Association’s NGA Winter Meeting. The annual event, which is attended by Governors from the U.S. states, commonwealths, and territories, will take place Saturday, February 26 through Monday,… http://www.ri.gov/press/view/13273

02/24/2011

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Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Hosts Healthcare Discussion on Strategies to Improve RI Healthcare for Employers, Employees and Providers

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee today hosted a discussion at the State House focused on achieving an affordable, high-quality healthcare system in Rhode Island that benefits businesses and promotes economic development while helping all residents of the state. “Our goal is providing access to… http://www.ri.gov/press/view/13275

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Deadline TONIGHT: Fight for marriage in 2011

01/19/2011 Nativegrl77

We’re looking for just 403 more new HRC members to help start 2011 strong – and there are only hours left before our midnight deadline.

Your membership gift right now could decide whether we see new federal assaults on equality and new bans on same-sex couples marrying – or whether millions of couples will have their love recognized for the first time.

I hope you’ll read this email to find out how and then stand with us.

Help us reach our NEW goal of 3,000 new members before MIDNIGHT TONIGHT. Join HRC now – and add your voice to thousands of other straight supporters.

In the wake of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the far-right is furious – and re-energized.

Here’s what’s happening: In New Hampshire and Iowa, they’re focused on ending marriage equality. In West Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Minnesota, constitutional bans on same-sex marriage could be on the table. And just last week, the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) announced that it would spend $100,000 on ads opposing marriage equality in Rhode Island.

In Congress, a host of radical new representatives and senators are ready to follow through on their hateful, anti-LGBT campaign promises.

And we’ve learned from experience that right-wing groups like NOM will stop at nothing – and spare no expense – to block our very real chances of winning marriage equality in New York and Maryland and securing civil unions in Hawaii and Delaware. Meanwhile, we are gearing up to help Washington and Oregon achieve marriage equality in 2012.

Our movement must have the strength to overcome extremist lies, support pro-equality champions in Congress, invest in state campaigns, and expose radical hate groups.

After years of fighting for equality, I know I’m not the only one that feels the weight of this moment of opportunity – our opponents feel it, too. Their ads and literature are desperate. They sense the cultural shift. They’re afraid of our momentum.

But they still have a chance to do terrible damage. I believe you know what’s at stake. The only question now is: Will you help us fight?

ONLY HOURS LEFT before our midnight deadline. Become an HRC member now.

NOM can count on their tiny band of massive donors. Right-wing politicians can count on hateful activists with limitless energy. We rely on our members for 85 percent of our funding, not foundations or grants – and I know we can count on you.

Thank you for believing in equality, and being willing to fight for it.

Just hours to go,

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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Marriage on the line: 24 hours left to fight hate

01/18/2011 Nativegrl77

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

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The next Prop. 8

01/13/2011 Nativegrl77

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
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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Bullying judges

11/10/2010 Nativegrl77

Human Rights Campaign

Bullying judges?

NOM targeted three independent Iowa justices to send a message:

Follow our radical anti-gay agenda – or else.

Tell Chief Justice Roberts: Speak out for an independent judiciary.

The nation’s #1 anti-gay organization just struck a blow to our nation’s courts.

In 2009, every Iowa Supreme Court justice agreed that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry. This election season, the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) set its political bulls-eye on ousting three of those justices. On Election Day, all three lost.

It was a calculated warning shot aimed at judges nationwide, all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court: Either you cast aside centuries of judicial independence and rule according to our radical, anti-gay ideology – or we’ll come get you.

Add your name to our open letter calling on U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts to speak out for a judicial system free from bitter and biased political intimidation.

We may not always see eye to eye with Chief Justice Roberts, but we can all agree that judges should be independent. NOM’s actions were a blatant, ideological assault on our nation’s courts. Iowa’s judicial retention elections were created to prevent fraud, misconduct or malfeasance. They were never intended to allow one hate group and its fringe allies to dump $600,000 into a state over a single — and unanimous — decision they didn’t like.

But that’s exactly what happened. Last month, NOM’s president Brian Brown said: “If the people of Iowa… remove these judges, there will be reverberations throughout the country all the way to the United States Supreme Court.”

Wow. Is that an ultimatum? That’s how bullies operate.

It gets worse. Marriage equality is in jeopardy. As NOM’s Brown boasted post-election: “We now have the ability to roll back same-sex marriage in Iowa and New Hampshire and pass a constitutional amendment in Minnesota.”

It’s time to speak out, like HRC and the Courage Campaign are doing at NOMExposed.org. NOM cannot be allowed to dismantle our independent judiciary. Iowa can’t be a beginning. It must be an end. Tell Chief Justice John Roberts to stick up for the judiciary and decry this attack on our independent court system.

A fair and independent judiciary is important for all Americans, and crucial to protecting the rights of LGBT people. Learn about what HRC is doing to educate the next generation about our judicial system at www.hrc.org/equalityinthecourts.

NOM’s gone rogue. It’s slash-and-burn, no matter the consequences. Being anti-gay is one thing. Tearing down our justice system is something quite different.

Enough is enough.

Sincerely,

Joe Solmonese
President