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Rory Reid address the Southern Nevada Stonewall Democrats

jenna — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:37:27 -0500

"I am here to recruit you."

Those words spoken by Clark County Commission Rory Reid were familiar to the crowd of one hundred, packed into the Gay and Lesbian Center of Las Vegas for the Stonewall Democratic Club of Southern Nevada meeting. A cynic would accuse the Nevada gubernatorial candidate of egregious pandering. But for anyone following Rory's campaign, they'd know he has used the late Harvey Milk's words for months; in front of crowds of varying sexuality, race, age, education and social status, in all corners of the state of Nevada. He does this not to pander, or to be provocative. As Rory said during Stonewall Dems' meeting, he understands that like Harvey, and more recently President Obama, he can't just win this election, he must build a movement.

Nevada's current governor, Jim Gibbons (who is running for reelection against Rory), made his Republican pontifications over small government and low taxes a reality. In doing so, he's nearly choked the life out of the state. We are experiencing a deep depression and instead of making bold decisions to increase revenue for the state, he's cut vital services, state employees salaries (not his own of course) and even tried to eliminate the Nevada Equal Rights Commission (NERC), the agency that oversees the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. It’s the only agency in the state that resolves LGBTQ-related discrimination, and the only agency that enforces, SB207, a bill to end discrimination against transgendered persons in Nevada. This is not the first time Governor Gibbons has tried to trample on LGBTQ rights, he also vetoed SB 286, the bill allowing Domestic Partnerships in NV; a veto that was, thankfully, overridden.

Which brings me back to Rory. While he admits he does not know every detail to SB207, he strongly supports the rights of transgendered persons and feels they should have the same rights and legal avenues as everyone else if they are discriminated against. And he was appalled at the governor’s attack on NERC. Stonewall members reacted strongly to his suggestion that a study be conducted before Clark County employees are given Domestic Partnership rights. Rory insisted that he is willing to meet with and talk to anyone to provide him with more insight and understanding on the subject. His bottom line: as governor of Nevada, everyone is welcome, everyone is equal, and he will work hard to make it that way, but he needs our help.

Equality Democrats like Rory Reid need us. He needs us not to just vote for him, but to engage him, our peers, our neighbors and our friends. Rory Reid has a plan to pull this state out of this depression. Stonewall Democrats of Southern Nevada have been attending and hosting dozens of events each month, working to keep our majorities in all houses in all levels of government, but most importantly, to remove anti-LGBTQ bigot, Jim Gibbons from the governor’s mansion in Carson City.

We have come closer than ever before to repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, making marriage legal for everyone and getting rid of the abhorrent Defense of Marriage Act. Our hard work can not be undone by our own midterm election apathy. Rory is here to recruit you, and so am I. Please help me, and the Stonewall Democrats of Southern Nevada elect Rory Reid the next governor of Nevada www.RoryReid.com

By Laura Martin

Communications Directior

Stonewall Democratic Club of Southern Nevada

http://sdcsn.blogspot.com/

Stonewall Democrats Respond to MD Attorney General's Opinion on Marriage Recognition

jenna — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:03:35 -0500

Washington, DC - National Stonewall Democrats and Stonewall Democrats of Central Maryland applaud the opinion released by Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler that states that same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions can be honored in the state of Maryland. Mr. Gansler's opinion means Maryland joins New York State in providing the basis for honoring marriages between same-sex couples even though such marriages are not performed in either state. Five states -- Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire -- as well as the District of Columbia and several other countries grant same-sex couples the same rights and responsibilities of marriage given to heterosexual couples.

Statement from Michael C. Mitchell, Executive Director, National Stonewall Democrats:

"We applaud Attorney General Gansler for issuing this historic opinion. While there can be no doubt that public policy -- in Maryland, and around the country -- is trending toward increasing legal protections for same-sex couples, we need brave elected officials to spur that progress along.

"That Maryland now showcases the basis for granting equal rights and responsibilities to same-sex couples married in other jurisdictions was made possible by the election of a fair-minded Democrat, Doug Gansler, to the office of Attorney General. Elections have consequences, and Doug Gansler's election means that Maryland can now be counted among the handful of states where same-sex couples can feel safer and more secure with legal recognition of their partnerships. We look forward to standing with our local affiliate, the Central Maryland Stonewall Democrats, as they work to elect additional public officials who support equal rights for same-sex couples."

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Stonewall Democrats respond to Senate committee hearing on "DADT"

jenna — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:12:20 -0500

Washington, DC - National Stonewall Democrats responded to the Senate Armed Services Commitee's hearing on the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, whichbars gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the military.

Statement from Michael C. Mitchell, Executive Director, National Stonewall Democrats:

“This afternoon, our nation’s top Defense officials, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen told the Senate Armed Services Committee that they believed the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy barred patriotic Americans from service and should be overturned.

“We were heartened by the testimony of Secretary Gates and Chairman Mullen, as well as the strong statements in support of repeal by Democratic committee members and Chairman Carl Levin, but were concerned by the protracted timeline that all seemed to support. Both Secretary Gates and Chairman Mullen pointed out specific issues of implementation that need to be addressed, and a well planned implementation is critical. But Congress cannot wait to act on this issue while good soldiers are thrown out of the military – many in mission critical positions that are very difficult to replace – simply because of their sexual orientation. Congress must exercise its capacity for leadership, a quality that Secretary Gates repeatedly called for today.

“When the two top Defense officials stand with three-quarters of the American public in favor of overturning this discriminatory policy, Republican Committee members like Senators John McCain, Jeff Sessions and Saxby Chambliss are shown to be woefully out of touch in their defense of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ with unsubstantiated claims about effectiveness.

“Effective for whom? Certainly not for the gay men and lesbians who serve their country bravely in constant fear of discovery and discharge. Certainly not for the gay men and lesbians who risk, and in some cases give, their lives for this country. And certainly not for our taxpayers, who have wasted hundreds of millions of dollars implementing a discriminatory policy over the past sixteen years.

“Our service members are smart and committed, and we should not insult them by assuming an inability to adjust to change. We call on the leaders of our military to develop an implementation plan for repeal with all due haste, and for Congress to pass a repeal bill without delay.

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Media Contact:

Jenna Lowenstein

973-769-4538

jlowenstein@stonewalldemocrats.org

National Stonewall Democrats responds to Obama’s first State of the Union, call for action on DADT and ENDA

jenna — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:17:45 -0500

Washington, DC - Tonight, National Stonewall Democrats commend President Barack Obama for calling for the end of the policy known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which bans gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military. We are concerned that President Obama did not address workplace discrimination during his first State of the Union address to Congress.

During his address, President Obama pledged that this year, he would “work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are,” saying “it’s the right thing to do.” Despite the speech’s focus on the economy and job creation, President Obama did not address workplace discrimination or the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the bill aimed at expanding workplace protections to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Said Michael Mitchell, Executive Director of National Stonewall Democrats, “The President’s promise to work to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is encouraging, and his inclusion of the issue in his first State of the Union draws much needed attention to this egregious and discriminatory policy. But it’s time for concrete action. We applaud the President’s promise and now call on Congress to do what three-quarters of Americans support: an end to discrimination in the military.”

Mitchell also commented on the President’s exclusion of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act: “We are disappointed that another proposed law with broad support, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, was not mentioned by the President and call on Congress and this Administration to pass ENDA this year. The President said he cannot make change alone, and we agree. But we need his strong, focused leadership to shepherd these two critical bills to his desk.”

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With more than 120 local chapters, National Stonewall Democrats is the nation’s organization of LGBT and allied Democrats. Stonewall Democrats works to elect pro-equality Democrats to public office, and hold them accountable to advance the policies important to pro-equality Americans.

Press Contact:

Jenna Lowenstein

Director of Communications

(973) 769-4538

jlowenstein@stonewalldemocrats.org

Nondiscrimination legislation passed in Akron, OH with help of local Stonewall affiliates

mjohnson@stonewalldemocrats.org — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:33:01 -0500

The Stonewall Democrats of Summit County have worked with Akron City administration for two years and been in regular contact with Summit County administration in the effort to pass nondiscrimination legislation and in 2009, they made concrete progress for their community.

Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic and Summit County Executive Russ Pry concurrently sponsored non-discrimination ordinances in their respective councils. The City of Akron ordinance now protects the LGBT community in the areas of harassment and housing, and prohibits discrimination from vendors who have contracts with the city, with notable exceptions for religious organizations and those who contract for services for minors. The County of Summit updated their employment classes of protection to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Also, the 8,000 different vendors of the county are prohibited to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Both ordinances were signed into law on November 30, 2009. Previously, both Mayor Plusquellic and Executive Pry issued executive orders protecting city and county employees from discrimination.

SDSC leadership worked with both The City of Akron and The County of Summit to get this non-discrimination legislation passed. Members of SDSC were there to answer and advise members of both the city and county councils, along with representatives from the city and county on any questions they had including the issue of gender identity. The Stonewall Democrats of Summit County organized lobbying efforts to educate city and council members who were not in support of this legislation. SDSC facilitated conversations between citizens of the LGBT community with their respective city and county council members in order to make the councils more familiar with discrimination.

The Stonewall Democrats of Summit County was formed in March 2007 and continues to educate elected officials, candidates, Democrats and the community at-large on LGBT issues.

Stonewall Democrats Disappointed Marriage Equality in New Jersey Fell Short

jenna — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:31:48 -0500

Washington, DC – Today, National Stonewall Democrats and the New Jersey Stonewall Democrats are disappointed that the marriage equality bill fell short in the New Jersey State Senate. With Republican Chris Christie due to take office shortly, today’s effort was a last attempt to secure equal rights and responsibilities for same-gender couples in New Jersey, before a legislative win becomes impossible.

Statement from Barbra Casbar-Siperstein, President, New Jersey Stonewall Democrats

“Despite the leadership of bill sponsors Democratic Senator Loretta Weinberg and Democratic Senator Raymond Lesniak and the hard work of grassroots activists including the members of the New Jersey Stonewall Democrats, the bill failed with 14 yes votes and 20 no votes.

“Today’s vote just prolongs the inequality felt by same-gender couples across New Jersey, and underscores a stark truth: as the LGBT community continues to fight for our equal rights, we need to pay attention to who we are electing to office. The importance of electing pro-equality Democrats has never been clearer.”

Statement from Michael Mitchell, Executive Director, National Stonewall Democrats:

“When avowed anti-equality Republican Chris Christie was elected Governor of New Jersey last November, he pledged to veto any marriage equality bill that hit his desk. We knew at that moment that the fight to secure marriage equality in New Jersey was threatened, and unfortunately, today, that threat became a reality.

“Today’s vote, like the earlier vote in the New York Senate, also reminds us we need to be diligent about fighting homophobia in our own party. If certain Democrats don’t stand for us, we must not stand for them.”

Press Contact:

Jenna Lowenstein

Director of Communications

National Stonewall Democrats

jlowenstein@stonewalldemocrats.org

202-625-1382

Annise Parker elected Mayor of Houston with help from Stonewall Democrats chapters

jenna — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 23:00:20 -0500

Washington, DC - National Stonewall Democrats congratulates Annise Parker on her historic and decisive victory in today's run-off election for Mayor of Houston, Texas tonight. Houston is now the largest American city governed by an openly LGBT person. Stonewall Democrats chapters in Texas and members across the country worked the phones in the weeks leading up to the election to elect pro-equality Democrat Annise Parker to office.

Statement from Michael Mitchell, Executive Director, National Stonewall Democrats PAC:

"When National Stonewall Democrats PAC endorsed Annise Parker, I said that the choice for pro-equality voters in Houston was an easy one. Annise was the most qualified candidate in the race and had years of dedicated service to the fine people of Houston under her belt. Her election today makes Houston the largest city in the country to be governed by an out LGBT person -- and is another reminder to people across America that being authentic with one's constituents is a winning strategy.

"I'm proud that Annise's historic win comes, in part, thanks to the work of the Houston Area Stonewall Democrats, Stonewall Democrats of Dallas, Dallas Stonewall Young Democrats, the Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio and Stonewall Democrats across the country who opened their wallets and spent time phonebanking. Elections are won with the hard work of knocking on doors, picking up the phone and talking with neighbors about the common good. In a campaign that turned ugly in the days leading up to today, the politics of possibility prevailed over the politics of fear.

"The strength of the Stonewall Democrats is that we're a chapter-based organization of committed party activists who work hard to elect pro-equality Democrats. The unique benefit of our network is that we're able to connect eager and experienced volunteers from New York and Oklahoma, DC and California, to a race in need of volunteers in Houston, Texas.

"Look forward to us doing much more of this kind of work in the year to come."

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With more than 120 local chapters, National Stonewall Democrats is the nation's organization of LGBT and allied Democrats. Stonewall Democrats works to elect pro-equality Democrats to public office, and hold them accountable to advance the policies important to pro-equality Americans.

LGBT Americans Outraged At Delay In Basic Job Rights

jenna — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:03:21 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC - In light of continuing delays in the House of Representatives, we must state clearly and unequivocally: Passing basic job protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people must happen now. At a time when our government is deeply focused on the critical issue of employment, it is inexcusable to delay action on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). Each and every job lost to prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender identity needlessly compounds the unemployment challenges facing our nation. We call on Congress for the immediate passage of ENDA.

For decades now, we have called upon Congress to pass legislation to address the basic right of LGBT people to work free from discrimination at our jobs, and now Congress tells us we must wait another year. In 29 states, it remains legal to fire people based on sexual orientation and in 38 states, discrimination based on gender identity remains legal. In failing to take swift action to pass ENDA, our government allows unfettered bigotry to go unchecked, leading to the loss of jobs, fear in the workplace, economic instability, and personal hardship, while allowing employers to lose competent experienced workers. ENDA is urgently needed by our communities.

The majority of Americans consistently state their support for employment protections and voters have affirmed similar state and local measures. There is absolutely no reason for Congress to continue to delay this non-controversial bill or drop LGBT issues to the bottom of their agenda. We will not be denied basic rights any longer. Nothing is more important than protecting peoples’ jobs so ENDA must pass now. Further delays are absolutely unacceptable.

Matthew Coles & James Esseks, Co-Directors, American Civil Liberties Union LGBT Project

Terry Stone, Executive Director, CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers

Toni Broaddus, Executive Director, Equality Federation

Jennifer Chrisler, Executive Director, Family Equality Council

Lee Swislow, Executive Director, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders

Jarrett Tomás Barrios, President, Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation

Joe Solmonese, President, Human Rights Campaign

Rachel T. Niven, Executive Director, Immigration Equality

Earl Fowlkes, President/CEO, International Federation of Black Prides, Inc.

Kevin Cathcart, Executive Director, Lambda Legal

Christian Berle, Director of the Log Cabin Republicans National Office

Sharon J. Lettman, Executive Director/CEO, National Black Justice Coalition

Kate Kendell, Executive Director, National Center for Lesbian Rights

Mara Keisling, Executive Director, National Center for Transgender Equality

Rebecca Fox, Executive Director, National Coalition for LGBT Health

Rea Carey, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund

Michael Mitchell, Executive Director, National Stonewall Democrats

Gregory Varnum, Executive Director, National Youth Advocacy Coalition

Selisse Berry, Founding Executive Director, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates

Jody Huckaby, Executive Director, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) National

Jo Kenny, Interim Director, Pride at Work AFL-CIO

Masen Davis, Executive Director, Transgender Law Center

Additional organizations may be added.

PRESS CONTACT:

Jenna Lowenstein

Director of Communications

202-625-1382

jlowenstein@stonewalldemocrats.org

NY Democrats lead, and lose, fight for marriage equality

jenna — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:55:51 -0500

Washington, DC - Today, despite the best efforts of the the New York State Assembly, Democratic Governor David Paterson, and 24 Democratic Senators, the New York State Senate denied marriage equality 24-38.

Statement from Michael Mitchell, Executive Director, National Stonewall Democrats:

"In New York, among the bluest of blue states, not one Republican Senator could muster the courage or integrity to vote to expand the protections of marriage to same-gender couples, an expansion supported by a majority of New Yorkers -- a move that would have also brought millions of dollars into state coffers and New York's struggling economy.

"For pro-equality voters in New York, and those around the country, the choice between the parties could not be clearer. New York Democrats led this fight for marriage equality, stood in the Senate chamber and gave moving statements in support of their positions, while New York Republicans could not even be bothered to justify their votes to continue the discriminatory status quo.

"Today's vote also demonstrates that we must be critical in examining those in our own ranks. We cannot allow the Democratic Party to harbor intolerance or hatred of any kind. On a day marked by disappointment, at least now we know which Democrats need to be held accountable on primary day next year."

Contact:
Jenna Lowenstein
Director of Communications
National Stonewall Democrats
202-625-1382
jlowenstein@stonewalldemocrats.org

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Annise Parker endorsed by Houston Chronicle, Stonewall Democrats PAC

jenna — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:36:55 -0500

Endorsement by the Houston Chronicle:

Citing her experience as a "prudent fiscal manager," her "high ethical standards and decorum," and her more specific plans for Houston's future, The Houston Chronicle endorsed Annise Parker for mayor on Sunday.

You can read the Chronicle's full endorsement by clicking here.

Endorsement by National Stonewall Democrats PAC:

Annise Parker was also endorsed last week by the National Stonewall Democrats Political Action Committee, an organization that is part of the Stonewall Democrats family of organizations.

National Stonewall Democrats PAC released the following statement explaining their endorsement:

NATIONAL STONEWALL DEMOCRATS PAC ENDORSES ANNISE PARKER FOR HOUSTON MAYOR

Director Michael Mitchell says the "choice is easy" for pro-equality voters

WASHINGTON, D.C. - National Stonewall Democrats PAC, the political action committee for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and allied Democrats, today announced its endorsement of Annise Parker for Mayor of Houston.

"When pro-equality Houston voters go to the polls on December 12th, their choice is easy," said Michael Mitchell, Executive Director of National Stonewall Democrats PAC. "Annise Parker is an exceptionally qualified and committed public servant, who has a unique and personal understanding of the concerns of the LGBT community. As a businesswoman, a city Councilwoman, and city Controller, Annise Parker has shown a lifelong commitment to the people of Houston, and she will be an extraordinary mayor."

After spending two decades in business, Parker made a successful run for Houston City Council in 1997. She served for six years as an at-large member of the city council, then was elected City Controller in 2003. She has filled that position, the second highest in Houston's government, for six years. Her effective implementation of cost-saving measures and focus on quality of life issues while in office earned her the support of the Houston Chronicle, the city's primary newspaper.

In addition to her extensive professional experience, Parker is a committed volunteer, serving on the board of the Holocaust Museum of Houston and Girls, Inc., and as an advisory board member of the Houston Zoo. She has the support of diverse local and national constituency groups, including the Houston Police Officers Union and the local Stonewall chapters, Houston Area Stonewall Democrats and Houston Stonewall Young Democrats.

"Annise Parker has come under hateful and coordinated attacks from conservative clergy and activists who think her identity should disqualify her from serving Houston as Mayor," said Stephen Handwerk, co-chair of the National Stonewall Democrats PAC. "They know that Annise's record of achievement is resonating with Houston voters, and they're doing what they can to stop her - this is desperation, pure and simple."

When elected in the December run-off, Parker will be mayor of the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest city in the United States. Houston will be the largest city represented by an openly LGBT mayor. A lifelong resident of the city she serves so passionately, Parker lives with her life partner, Kathy Hubbard and their two children.

Press Contact:

Jenna Lowenstein

(202) 625-1382

jlowenstein (at) stonewalldemocrats.org