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NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE HAILS HISTORIC CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT DECISION SUPPORTING THE FREEDOM TO MARRY
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"This is an extraordinary victory for Californians and all Americans who hold fairness and opportunity as fundamental American values. Today, once again, California is leading the way in affirming the inherent dignity of all people. Today, in our hearts, we are all Californians."
- Rea Carey, Acting Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
WASHINGTON, May 15 - The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force hails today's historic decision by the California Supreme Court that the California Constitution requires ending the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage. The Task Force filed an amicus brief with the high court supporting full marriage rights for same-sex couples.
Statement by Rea Carey, Acting Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
"This is an extraordinary victory for Californians and all Americans who hold fairness and opportunity as fundamental American values. Thank you California for standing up for safety, respect and dignity for our families. In 1948, California became the first state to strike down anti-miscegenation laws and in 1999 it was the first to establish statewide domestic partnerships. Today, once again, California is leading the way in affirming the inherent dignity of all people. Today, in our hearts, we are all Californians.
"The high court's decision comes down to this simple yet profound principle: All Californians should be treated equally under the law.
"We thank the plaintiffs for their tremendous courage and our colleagues at the National Center for Lesbian Rights and their cooperating counsel for outstanding legal advocacy on behalf of our community. We also applaud the years of work undertaken by our state partner, Equality California, and all of the organizations involved in the Let California Ring coalition, which played a pivotal role in creating a climate in California that made today's historic decision possible."
Background
Today's decision overturns a ruling by the California Court of Appeals, which had reversed a trial court's decision that the California Constitution forbids the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage. California first established statewide domestic partnerships in 1999 and greatly expanded them in 2005 to include broad family recognition. In 2005 and 2007, the California Legislature passed measures that would have ended the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage, but Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed the legislation both times, saying the California Supreme Court should resolve the constitutional questions presented by California's discriminatory marriage laws. With today's decision, California joins Massachusetts in extending full marriage rights to same-sex couples. Five additional states (Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon and Vermont) provide broad family recognition to same-sex couples through civil unions or domestic partnerships.
Our commitment to California
The Task Force Foundation and Task Force Action Fund have heavily invested in efforts to attain marriage rights in California. The Action Fund is currently working with the Equality for All campaign against a proposed state constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex couples from marrying in California. In addition, the Action Fund has:
Organized the Equality Calls project in 2006, which recruited hundreds of volunteers across the state to call thousands of members of LGBT groups and progressive allies and educate them about the importance of the freedom to marry.
Contributed $170,000 total since 2005 to support Equality for All in its efforts to prepare to defeat an anti-same-sex marriage constitutional amendment.
The Task Force Foundation has:
Held two Power Summits in California, one in 2005 and one in 2007, which trained more than 170 leaders and volunteers in the fundamentals of fundraising, volunteer recruitment and speaking persuasively to promote the freedom to marry in California.
Worked closely with Equality California to assist in assembling an impressive coalition of over 45 national, statewide and local organizations to support a statewide public education campaign promoting the freedom to marry known as Let California Ring.
Implemented a Southern California House Party strategy to build support for marriage rights.
Dedicated its four full-time organizers based in the Task Force's California office to take a key role with field efforts around the state since 2006.
Contributed nearly $30,000 in cash to support statewide public education efforts.
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[5/15/08]
STRUT FOR EQUALITY AT BRO FUNDRAISER
"STRUT" CELEBRATES FASHION FOR A CAUSE > Full Story. [5/14/08]
CALIFORNIA STATE TREASURER BILL LOCKYER OPPOSES CONSTITUTIONAL BAN ON MARRIAGE FOR SAME SEX COUPLES
California State Treasurer Bill Lockyer Opposes Constitutional Ban on Marriage for Same Sex Couples
Sacramento- California State Treasurer and former Attorney General Bill Lockyer today announced his opposition to a constitutional amendment that would ban marriage for same sex couples. Signatures for the amendment were submitted for a validity check on April 24th.
"Throughout its history, California has been a state rich in tolerance and diversity. Those qualities are what make us strong," said Lockyer. "This initiative would weaken California by writing discrimination into our constitution. It's anti-civil rights, anti-family and anti-family values. That's why I will stand with the Equality for All campaign and work to defeat the measure."
"We are pleased that Treasurer Lockyer is against this dangerous initiative. His opposition, along with the tens of thousands of commitments from voters across California, illustrates that the freedom to marry is a fundamental right like other basic human rights, such as free speech, the right to vote and the pursuit of happiness," said Geoff Kors, Executive Director of Equality California and member of the Equality For All Executive Committee.
"This initiative boils down to an issue of basic civil rights. Gay and lesbian couples aren't different. They want the same things we all want," said Lockyer. "They want the legal right to live in loving and committed relationships, and to share the joy and challenges of those relationships. They should have the right to pursue that happiness. This initiative is an attempt by a few to permanently shut the door on that fundamental right for many Californians."
Prior to his election as State Treasurer in 2006, Lockyer served two, four-year terms as California Attorney General. Before that, he was a legislator for 25 years, culminating his Capitol career with stints as Senate Judiciary Committee chairman and Senate President pro Tempore.
Treasurer Lockyer joins Governor Schwarzenegger, who added his voice of opposition to the proposed constitutional amendment on April 10th, saying, "Well, first of all, I think it would never happen in California because I think that California people are much further along on that issue, and number two, I will always be there to fight against that."
The initiative requires 694,000 valid signatures to qualify for the ballot. If passed, the amendment would amend the state constitution to "provide that only marriage between one man and one woman (be) valid or recognized in California."
The Equality for All campaign is a large and diverse coalition of civil rights, faith, choice, labor and community of color organizations working to stop and defeat any ballot measure that would deny gay and lesbian couples the right to marry in California. For more information and to volunteer for the campaign, please visit www.equalityforall.com
Founded in 1998, Equality California celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2008, commemorating a decade of building a state of equality in California. EQCA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots-based, statewide advocacy organization whose mission is to achieve equality and civil rights of all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Californians. www.eqca.org > Full Story. [5/13/08]
LGBT PRIDE TO BE CELEBRATED IN WEST HOLLYWOOD JUNE 6 - 8
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA (May 2008) – The 2008 Los Angeles LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transgender) Pride Festival will take place in West Hollywood, CA on June 6 – 8, 2008. The 38th annual parade and festival, which happens along Santa Monica Boulevard and throughout West Hollywood Park, celebrates the culmination of its three-year theme, "Our Agenda: Love. Equality. PRIDE." LA Pride's 2008 message is about taking pride in who you are, your family, your community, and the world around you. During Pride weekend, locals and visitors can expect to enjoy a parade, vendor booths, food, exhibits, dance pavilions and live entertainment. > Full Story. [5/6/08]
YOUTH DEMAND SAFETY IN CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS
SACRAMENTO – Student leaders from across California gathered at the Capitol today, where they called for the end of harassment and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth. Youth advocates participated in an 11 a.m. press conference on the west steps of the Capitol with elected officials, decrying violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Earlier this year, Lawrence "Larry" King's life was violently cut short after he was shot in the head by a classmate in his Oxnard classroom. The junior high school shooting was allegedly motivated by Larry's gender expression and is being treated as a hate crime.
LGBT youth leaders and their allies, participating in Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2008, encouraged policy makers to better enforce existing laws that were designed to protect students like Larry. The leaders met with the office of Jack O'Connell, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, to discuss issues they face in school. At the press conference, they were joined by several legislative leaders, including Sen. Sheila Kuehl and Assemblymembers John Laird, Mark Leno, Mike Eng, Lloyd Levine and Julia Brownley. West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon and Sacramento County Board of Education Member Gretchen Bender also addressed the youth.
Queer Youth Advocacy Day is a three-day leadership and advocacy event for students. It is sponsored by the Gay-Straight Alliance Network, Equality California Institute, Transgender Law Center and BIENESTAR.
"Queer Youth Advocacy Day empowers LGBT youth and straight allies to become engaged in the political process, sharing their powerful stories with legislators and school administrators about harassment and discrimination that is unfortunately still a daily problem in our schools," said GSA Network Executive Director Carolyn Laub. "Youth leaders from across California are simply asking our state's leaders to stand alongside them in the fight to create safer schools, so that what happened to Larry King in Oxnard doesn't ever happen again in California schools."
California law protects students in public schools against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In many schools, however, youth continue to report incidents of bullying, harassment and violence. In addition, state laws designed to prevent the harassment of all students, not only those who identify as LGBT, have long been under attack by anti-gay organizations and lawmakers.
"Young people today are coming out earlier than ever before, in high school and in junior high," said Equality California Institute Executive Director Geoff Kors. "As a result, students often face harassment, bullying and the threat of violence – simply because they choose to live their lives openly. This crisis of discrimination must come to an end before more young lives are lost."
"I am humbled and encouraged by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth leaders who are inspired to educate our state's policy makers about the need to implement safe schools laws," said Masen Davis, executive director of the Transgender Law Center. "Even with legal protections, too many students face violence and harassment based on their orientation and gender identity. We must take a lesson from our youth, and work tirelessly to ensure that laws and policies to protect our students are uniformly implemented throughout California."
"Our elected leaders, like our youth, must not forget that there is much work to be done around school safety," said BIENESTAR Executive Director Oscar De La O. "The death of Lawrence King is a reminder that we must continue our commitment to protect young people and revisit any laws that are not being properly engaged on a daily basis. Our work must continue until all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, have a safe and welcoming learning environment."
Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2008 received support from Gretchen Bender, vice president of the Sacramento County Board of Education, in addition to numerous other sponsors.
GSA Network is a nonprofit organization, governed by youth and adults, that empowers youth activists to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools through Gay-Straight Alliance clubs. There are currently more than 650 GSA clubs in California schools, including nearly 50% of the public high schools. www.gsanetwork.org
Equality California Institute's mission is to inform lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and the public at large about issues impacting the LGBT community and our allies, train activists to respond and work proactively for LGBT equality, and connect communities working for justice and civil rights for all. www.eqca.org
Transgender Law Center (TLC) is a civil rights organization advocating for
transgender communities. TLC provides free legal services to transgender
people throughout California and works with community members and partnering organizations on cutting-edge transgender rights policy initiatives. www.transgenderlawcenter.org
BIENESTAR is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of the Latino community and other underserved communities. BIENESTAR accomplishes this through community education, prevention, mobilization, advocacy and the provision of direct social services. www.bienestar.org > Full Story. [5/5/08]
CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT TO HEAR CASE OF LAMBDA LEGAL LESBIAN CLIENT DENIED INFERTILITY TREATMENT BY CHRISTIAN FUNDAMENTALIST DOCTOR
California Supreme Court to Hear Case of Lambda Legal Lesbian Client Denied Infertility Treatment by Christian Fundamentalist Doctors
(Los Angeles, May 1, 2008) --- The California Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Wednesday, May 28, 2008 in the case of an Oceanside lesbian whose doctors at North Coast Women's Care Medical Group denied her fertility treatments based on their religious beliefs.
Lambda Legal represents Guadalupe "Lupita" Benítez. In 1999, her doctor referred her to North Coast for fertility treatments. After eleven months of preparatory treatments, doctors finally admitted they would not inseminate her because she is a lesbian. The doctors claim a right not to comply with California's civil rights law because they are fundamentalist Christians and they object to treating a lesbian patient the same way they treat other patients. > Full Story. [5/1/08]
STRUT CELEBRATES FASHION FOR A CAUSE
STRUT CELEBRATES FASHION FOR A CAUSE > Full Story. [5/1/08]
GAY ORANGE COUNTY MAN WHOSE DOMESTIC PARTNER MISLED HIM BY NEVER REGISTERING PARTNERSHIP
(Santa Ana, Calif., April 29, 2008)-The California Court of Appeal heard oral arguments today in the appeal of an Orange County man who believed his domestic partnership was registered with the state, only to discover upon separation that his partner never mailed the form. > Full Story. [5/1/08]
YOUTH TO DEMAND SAFETY IN CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS
SACRAMENTO – Student advocates from across California will meet at the state Capitol next week to speak with legislators and the California Superintendent of Public Instruction about the harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students in California schools. The youth are participating in Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2008, a three-day youth leadership summit co-sponsored by the Gay-Straight Alliance Network, Equality California Institute, Transgender Law Center and BIENESTAR. > Full Story. [4/29/08]
MAY BREAKFAST TO FEATURE UCSD CHANCELLOR AND SDSU PRESIDENT
MAY LGBT COMMUNITY COALITION BREAKFAST TO FEATURE
UCSD CHANCELLOR MARYE ANNE FOX AND SDSU PRESIDENT STEPHEN L. WEBER
April 28, 2008 – SAN DIEGO – The May LGBT Community Coalition Breakfast will feature UCSD Chancellor Marye Anne Fox and SDSU President Stephen L. Weber, who will discuss the ways in which a diverse student body enriches the educational experience and the importance of diversity in determining the overall campus climate. The breakfast will take place on Friday, May 16 from 7:30-9 am at The Center, 3909 Centre St.
Marye Anne Fox is the Chancellor of the University of California at San Diego. One of the nation's most prominent physical organic chemists, she is the author of 350 research publications, five books and 29 contributed book chapters. She earned her bachelor's degree from Notre Dame College in Cleveland, her master's degree from Cleveland State University, and her doctorate from Dartmouth College. She joined the faculty at the University of Texas in 1976 and was the M. June and J. Virgil Waggoner Regents Professor in Chemistry and the Vice President for Research at Texas in 1998. She became the 12th Chancellor of North Carolina State as a distinguished university professor at that institution.
An elected member of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), Fox currently serves on the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, and has served on the NAS Committee on Science and Engineering Public Policy, and the National Research Council's Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable.
Stephen L. Weber is President of San Diego State University. He received his Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Notre Dame in 1969 and is the author of numerous articles on philosophy and higher education. Before coming to San Diego State University, he served as interim provost of the State University of New York (SUNY) and served seven years as president of the SUNY Oswego campus.
Weber is a member of the international advisory board for the Foundation for Children of the Californias, the advisory council of the San Diego Performing Arts League, the Community Advisory Board of Union Bank of California, and the Community Advisory Council for San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). He serves on the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I Board of Directors, the NCAA Executive Committee, and served on the Presidential Oversight Committee for the Bowl Championship Series. He is a member of the San Diego Rotary Club, an honorary director of the Japan Society of San Diego and Tijuana, and an honorary advisor to the Asia Desk of the San Diego World Trade Center.
The Community Coalition Breakfast takes place the third Friday of each month and is sponsored by the Gay and Lesbian Times, Wells Fargo, San Diego LGBT Pride and Peet's Coffee. Its mission is to bring together fair-minded individuals to network, educate and discuss the diverse issues of concern to LGBT and allied neighbors and citizens of San Diego. A full breakfast is available for a $10 donation; coffee and tea are complimentary. RSVPs are not required. ASL interpretation will be provided upon request, which must be sent to Caroline Dessert at cdessert@thecentersd.org at least seven working days before the event. > Full Story. [4/28/08]
25TH ANNIVERSARY IGLTA CONVENTION IN LAS VEGAS BREAKS RECORDS
25th Anniversary IGLTA
Convention Breaks Records > Full Story. [4/28/08]
GOVERNOR, SPEAKER PRESENT AWARDS AT BASIC RIGHTS LUNCHEON
BUSINESS LEADERS HONORED FOR
COMMITMENT TO NONDISCRIMINATION > Full Story. [4/24/08]
LGBT RIGHTS BILL CLEARS KEY COMMITTEE
Laird Measure, Sponsored by EQCA and NAACP, Ensures that State's Nondiscrimination Standards Protect all Groups > Full Story. [4/16/08]
PALM SPRINGS FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
PALM SPRINGS FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL > Full Story. [3/28/08]
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