Prop 8 is a huge fight that we have going on when it comes to equal rights for members of the LGBTQ community. When JTI began, we called for everyone around the nation (and the world) to unite as one voice for equal rights. We explained that Proposition 8 is much more than California’s problem. If Prop 8 is not repealed, it sets a precedent that the majority can vote on the rights of the minority. As argued on Thursday, it states that people who are NOT affected by a lack of rights, can choose to keep those rights from a suspect class. This is appalling. California is a HUGE battleground right now which we will all continue to be a part of. Beyond California, there are many many issues at stake that we all need to support and take actions on.
- Only 13 states have laws protecting LGBTQ citizens from employment discrimination based on sexual or gender identity.
- There are 7 more states that protect LGB citizens, but do not protect Transgendered citizens from employment discrimination. Soon we will all come together to support a federal ENDA law that secures equal protections in the work space.
- Throughout the country, families are at risk of deportation because we can not legally sponsor our partner to become a citizen of the US. The Uniting American Families Act has been reintroduced to Congress, and we encourage you to call your representative and ask that they support this act and support our families!
- In the state of Washington (my current home) a Domestic Partnership Expansion Bill has been introduced and will hit the Senate and House this week. This bill will give Washington LGBTQ citizens protections under the law at a state-wide level that are equal to the state-wide protections of marriage. Those who oppose same-sex civil protections are stating that this law (which again uses the semantics of Domestic Partnership) is seeking to redefine the word marriage, even though we are not. They are taking action and we need to respond by educating our representatives on the realities of this bill and how it will help us.
- In the state of Hawaii, another battle surges as our LGBTQ brothers and sisters fight for Civil Unions. The opposition has come out in full force and Hawaii needs you! If you are from Hawaii or know someone who is, please contact your representative (or ask your friend to) and ask that they support HB444.
- HB2234 is going to the House floor for a vote in Illinois. This same-sex civil union bill does not grant all of the state-wide rights of marriage, but it does grant some very important protections. Please take action by contacting your representative (if in Illinois) and asking that they support this bill.
- Here’s a great state by state breakdown on LGBTQ adoption rights. Clearly we have work to do. With an average of 500,000 children needing families every year, only 50,000 get adopted. In a country where so many go without family, why do we have to fight to provide safety, shelter, and parental care?
- Despite the evolutions in the field of science, we still live in a country where gay and bisexual men cannot donate blood. This ban on blood donations began with the AIDS crisis and a fear that blood donations would be tainted with the disease. According to the CDC, the incidence of AIDS is lowering in gay and bisexual men and raising in the heterosexual community. Yet this ban does not extend to members of the heterosexual community. A JTI member and amazing organizer for many great grassroots groups has worked hard on this front with her program called the Right to Save. She is calling for national actions on May 16th 2009 to send a message to the FDA that this policy is discriminatory.
- These are just a FEW of the many battles brewing in this EQUAL RIGHTS MOVEMENT. Add more in the comments and let’s organize together to work toward winning these battles and our equal protections under the law.
Add A Comment