Make sure you watch The Ellen DeGeneres show on Friday, October 9th.
Judy Shepard will be dropping by to chat with Ellen about her NY Times best-selling book, The Meaning of Matthew: My Son's Murder in Laramie, and a World Transformed.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
A Message fromEli Pariser, MoveOn.org
In a chilling echo of California's Proposition 8, marriage equality is under attack again right now.
In my home state of Maine, the people behind Prop 8 are trying to overturn our new same-sex marriage law with a ballot initiative. They're running the same deceptive TV ads they used to scare voters in California. We can't afford another Prop 8.
If Maine turns back this attack, it will be a historic victory with national repercussions—the first time voters approved a gay marriage law at the polls. A defeat will set back the cause of civil rights for all Americans, including many of my friends and neighbors.
I'm donating to Maine's "No on 1" campaign to defend marriage equality in our country. Can you join me by contributing $20 today? Click here to donate via ActBlue:
The polls in Maine are too close to call. Voting by mail just started, and early voting begins next week.
To keep up with the other side's onslaught of misleading ads, the No on 1 campaign needs to raise $164,000 more by next week. Maine is a small state, so your donation will go a long way—but if they don't make their fundraising goals, they may not have the resources to counter the lies.
I believe we can win this campaign with some help from the rest of the country. Click here to contribute to the most important marriage equality fight of the year:
Thank you for all you do.
–Eli, Noah, Ilya, Kat, and the rest of the team
Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.
"One Year Ago – A Day of Smiles - A Day of Tears – A Day of Action" on Wednesday, November 4 at 5:00pm.
Ken invited you to "One Year Ago – A Day of Smiles - A Day of Tears – A Day of Action" on Wednesday, November 4 at 5:00pm.
Ken says, "We need to send a message that the same-sex marriage issue is not dead. Next week the message will be placed on the doorsteps of the President. On November 4th, make your voice heard here in Sacramento. Please spread the word and invite your friends. ".
Event: One Year Ago – A Day of Smiles - A Day of Tears – A Day of Action
What: Rally
Start Time: Wednesday, November 4 at 5:00pm
End Time: Wednesday, November 4 at 7:00pm
Where: California State Capitol Building
To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=300761960346&mid=137937aG2c4faed8G2c01d0aG7
Thanks,
The Facebook Team
Ken says, "We need to send a message that the same-sex marriage issue is not dead. Next week the message will be placed on the doorsteps of the President. On November 4th, make your voice heard here in Sacramento. Please spread the word and invite your friends. ".
Event: One Year Ago – A Day of Smiles - A Day of Tears – A Day of Action
What: Rally
Start Time: Wednesday, November 4 at 5:00pm
End Time: Wednesday, November 4 at 7:00pm
Where: California State Capitol Building
To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=300761960346&mid=137937aG2c4faed8G2c01d0aG7
Thanks,
The Facebook Team
A double morning Buzz
Good Billions After Bad "As the Bush administration waned, the Treasury shoveled more than a quarter of a trillion dollars in tarp funds into the financial system—without restrictions, accountability, or even common sense. The authors reveal how much of it ended up in the wrong hands, doing the opposite of what was needed."
Be an Agent of Change for the Truth. Shut FOX Down. Sign Up to Get the Message Out: "Turn Off FOX." Take Personal Action.
Be an Agent of Change for the Truth. Shut FOX Down. Sign Up to Get the Message Out: "Turn Off FOX." Take Personal Action.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Hate Crimes Bill On Verge Of Passage
Barney Frank defends attaching hate crimes act to defense bill (10/06/2009)
This from JMG:
Last night the House of Representatives voted down a GOP motion to strip the hate crimes act from the defense authorization bill to which it's attached. The vote was 234-178, virtually exactly along party lines. Tomorrow the House will see a final conference vote on the bill, after which the Senate will see a conference vote before the bill lands on Obama's desk. That may not happen until next week, but there appears to be a chance that President Obama may have something very nice in his pocket when he appears at the HRC dinner on Saturday. Below, Barney Frank defends attaching the hate crimes act to the DOD authorization.
This from JMG:
Last night the House of Representatives voted down a GOP motion to strip the hate crimes act from the defense authorization bill to which it's attached. The vote was 234-178, virtually exactly along party lines. Tomorrow the House will see a final conference vote on the bill, after which the Senate will see a conference vote before the bill lands on Obama's desk. That may not happen until next week, but there appears to be a chance that President Obama may have something very nice in his pocket when he appears at the HRC dinner on Saturday. Below, Barney Frank defends attaching the hate crimes act to the DOD authorization.
Obama's Big Gay Speech
If I were advising President Barack Obama, I would tell him to pay as much attention to the ornery jeers from protesters outside the Human Rights Campaign's October 10th Washington dinner as the cheers coming from inside the ornate ballroom.
Quote of the Day
"Or consider the Bahá’ís who assert as a central tenet of their religion the interanimating harmony of religion and science comparing them to the two wings of a bird, each essential if the bird is to take to the air the Bahá’ís explicitly reject as any religious teachings that are at odds with the scientific revelation of God's truth. Surely the Bahá’ís have something here; science ought to be regarded as the close friend of true theology, for it is enormously helpful in ridding of superstition."
- Mark Johnston
Alert! Protect marriages of same-sex couples in California
Dear supporter,
The same people who passed Prop. 8 are now flooding the Governor with calls about Equality California's legislation authored by Senator Mark Leno that will recognize the marriages of same-sex couples performed in other states and countries.
They claim we are trying to circumvent the law, undercut the Constitution and disregard the will of the people.
Once again, they are lying in an attempt to deny us equality.
Help counter their lies and set the record straight. Call the Governor today and express your support for SB 54, the Marriage Recognition and Family Protection Act (Leno, D-San Francisco).
Capitol Office (automated line)
Phone: 916-445-2841
Fresno Office
Phone: 559-477-1804
Los Angeles Office
Phone: 213-897-0322
Riverside Office
Phone: 951-680-6860
San Diego Office
Phone: 619-525-4641
San Francisco Office
Phone: 415-703-2218
The Marriage Recognition and Family Protection Act would ensure that California recognizes marriages performed out of state in a way that is completely consistent with state law and the Supreme Court ruling upholding Prop. 8. But, that hasn't stopped the extreme right-wing hate mongers from trying to strip away the rights the Court ruled we were entitled to and deserve.
Please, call the Governor right now to express your support for SB 54 so legally married couples who were married out of state will have their marriages recognized in California. Also, if you haven't yet, email the Governor using our Action Center.
http://www.eqca.org/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?c=kuLRJ9MRKrH&b=4025663&aid=12583
The bill can be signed or vetoed at any moment. There is no time to waste.
Thank you,
Geoff Kors
Executive Director
Equality California
The same people who passed Prop. 8 are now flooding the Governor with calls about Equality California's legislation authored by Senator Mark Leno that will recognize the marriages of same-sex couples performed in other states and countries.
They claim we are trying to circumvent the law, undercut the Constitution and disregard the will of the people.
Once again, they are lying in an attempt to deny us equality.
Help counter their lies and set the record straight. Call the Governor today and express your support for SB 54, the Marriage Recognition and Family Protection Act (Leno, D-San Francisco).
Capitol Office (automated line)
Phone: 916-445-2841
Fresno Office
Phone: 559-477-1804
Los Angeles Office
Phone: 213-897-0322
Riverside Office
Phone: 951-680-6860
San Diego Office
Phone: 619-525-4641
San Francisco Office
Phone: 415-703-2218
The Marriage Recognition and Family Protection Act would ensure that California recognizes marriages performed out of state in a way that is completely consistent with state law and the Supreme Court ruling upholding Prop. 8. But, that hasn't stopped the extreme right-wing hate mongers from trying to strip away the rights the Court ruled we were entitled to and deserve.
Please, call the Governor right now to express your support for SB 54 so legally married couples who were married out of state will have their marriages recognized in California. Also, if you haven't yet, email the Governor using our Action Center.
http://www.eqca.org/siteap
The bill can be signed or vetoed at any moment. There is no time to waste.
Thank you,
Geoff Kors
Executive Director
Equality California
Monday, October 5, 2009
Breaking: President to speak at HRC Annual Dinner held during the National Equality March weekend
This great news courtesy of PHB
Group Rescues Gay Men Targeted In Iraq
Audio for this story from Talk of the Nation will be available at approx. 6:00 p.m. ET
Read Matt McAllester's article, "The Hunted"
October 5, 2009
Reports of death squads and torture of gay men in Iraq have been on the rise. In an article for New York Magazine, Matthew McAllester describes the wave of attacks against gays in Iraq, and how a few New Yorkers have built an underground railroad to rescue them.
From the Office of Congresswoman Matsui
From: Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui
Sent: Monday, October 05, 2009 7:53 AM
To: Orey, Daniel C
Subject: From the Office of Congresswoman Matsui
October 5, 2009
Dear Daniel:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. I appreciate hearing your thoughts on this important civil rights issue.
As you know, the Respect for Marriage Act, H.R. 3567, repeals the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) to ensure that valid same-sex marriages are respected under federal law. Specifically, H.R. 3567 repeals Section 2 of DOMA to restore the ability of the states to determine whether to recognize a marriage for purposes of their law. Additionally, the legislation affords legally married same-sex couples the benefits of marriage under federal law by repealing Section 3 of DOMA. I am an original co-sponsor of this important piece of legislation because now, more than ever, we must promote and encourage equality while also working to end discrimination.
The opportunity to marry and create a family is something sacred to every American, deserving of the utmost respect. As a member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, I have continuously supported efforts that seek to promote civil rights and encourage equality, and I will continue working with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to repeal DOMA. Please know that I will keep your thoughts in mind should this legislation reach the floor of the House for a vote.
Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me with your views on DOMA. To learn more about my work in Congress, or to sign up for periodic e-mail updates, please visit my website at www.house.gov/matsui.
Sincerely,
[http://www.matsui.house.gov/images/stories/signature.gif]
DORIS O. MATSUI
Member of Congress
Note: Please do not respond directly to this e-mail. To serve my constituents most effectively, I have dedicated a portion of my website to constituent e-mails. To write me, please visit http://matsui.house.gov/email.asp.
Sent: Monday, October 05, 2009 7:53 AM
To: Orey, Daniel C
Subject: From the Office of Congresswoman Matsui
October 5, 2009
Dear Daniel:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. I appreciate hearing your thoughts on this important civil rights issue.
As you know, the Respect for Marriage Act, H.R. 3567, repeals the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) to ensure that valid same-sex marriages are respected under federal law. Specifically, H.R. 3567 repeals Section 2 of DOMA to restore the ability of the states to determine whether to recognize a marriage for purposes of their law. Additionally, the legislation affords legally married same-sex couples the benefits of marriage under federal law by repealing Section 3 of DOMA. I am an original co-sponsor of this important piece of legislation because now, more than ever, we must promote and encourage equality while also working to end discrimination.
The opportunity to marry and create a family is something sacred to every American, deserving of the utmost respect. As a member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, I have continuously supported efforts that seek to promote civil rights and encourage equality, and I will continue working with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to repeal DOMA. Please know that I will keep your thoughts in mind should this legislation reach the floor of the House for a vote.
Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me with your views on DOMA. To learn more about my work in Congress, or to sign up for periodic e-mail updates, please visit my website at www.house.gov/matsui
Sincerely,
[http://www.matsui.house.gov/images/stories/signature.gif]
DORIS O. MATSUI
Member of Congress
Note: Please do not respond directly to this e-mail. To serve my constituents most effectively, I have dedicated a portion of my website to constituent e-mails. To write me, please visit http://matsui.house.gov/email.asp.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Wear a White Knot
5 Things You Can Say...
when someone asks you why you are wearing a White Knot
or when you have the opportunity to talk about Marriage Equality.
when someone asks you why you are wearing a White Knot
or when you have the opportunity to talk about Marriage Equality.
| 1 | I wear a White Knot because I support Marriage Equality. Everyone should have the right to tie the knot. |
| 2 | Marriage is about committed couples—all committed couples—who want to make a lifelong promise to take care of and be responsible for each other. This can only strengthen family and society. |
| 3 | Denying committed couples the security and legal protections of marriage hurts them; it’s wrong to make it harder for committed couples to take care of and be responsible for each other. |
| 4 | People can have different beliefs and still treat everyone fairly. That’s why our constitution exists to protect everyone equally, including minorities. |
| 5 | What if you were told that you couldn't marry the person you loved? What would that do to you? And what if you got married, and someone tried to take it away? |
Saturday, October 3, 2009
One Small email: To Our Love Rally Friends
From: Facebook page
Hello brothers and sisters this message is very brief and please excuse me for a quick interruption. We (People Against Clergy And Politicians Who Preach Hate!) will be having our another one of our "Love Rallies" tommorrow (Sunday, October 4th, 2009) at 10:00AM until 12:00PM by the Church whose minister openly prays for the death of our president, the suffering of his children and for the death penalty of all gay people-(genocide).
We know that most of you cannot physically attend but we feel it is no less important to ask you to please pray for our Love Rally to change the heart of this man from hate to love or to be there in spirit with us.
The address is at: 2707 W. Southern Ave. The major crossroads are: 48th Street and Southern.
One last thing: we will be on an Internet radio show called the Progressive Coalition broadcast out of Phoenix from 5:00PM until 6:00PM Pacific Standard Time. So, if you are in the Eastern United States that would be several hours earlier. We would really like to hear from you, the website it will be broadcast on is:
http://www.facebook.com/l/293b5;thejefffariasshow.com
We will have a toll free number: 1-800-385-1566
and the local number is: 602-275-4130.
Thank you, all very much for your love and spiritual support in our quest to take on Religious extremism and Political extremism hea with Love, Peace and Humanity so that one day, "America Can Be America Again".
Leonard Clark
founder of: People Against Clergy And Politicians Who Preach Hate!
--------------------
To reply to this message, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?inbox/readmessage.php&t=1257174906374&mid=1319c0eG2c4faed8G2b62a82G0
Hello brothers and sisters this message is very brief and please excuse me for a quick interruption. We (People Against Clergy And Politicians Who Preach Hate!) will be having our another one of our "Love Rallies" tommorrow (Sunday, October 4th, 2009) at 10:00AM until 12:00PM by the Church whose minister openly prays for the death of our president, the suffering of his children and for the death penalty of all gay people-(genocide).
We know that most of you cannot physically attend but we feel it is no less important to ask you to please pray for our Love Rally to change the heart of this man from hate to love or to be there in spirit with us.
The address is at: 2707 W. Southern Ave. The major crossroads are: 48th Street and Southern.
One last thing: we will be on an Internet radio show called the Progressive Coalition broadcast out of Phoenix from 5:00PM until 6:00PM Pacific Standard Time. So, if you are in the Eastern United States that would be several hours earlier. We would really like to hear from you, the website it will be broadcast on is:
http://www.facebook.com/l/293b5;thejefffariasshow.com
We will have a toll free number: 1-800-385-1566
and the local number is: 602-275-4130.
Thank you, all very much for your love and spiritual support in our quest to take on Religious extremism and Political extremism hea with Love, Peace and Humanity so that one day, "America Can Be America Again".
Leonard Clark
founder of: People Against Clergy And Politicians Who Preach Hate!
--------------------
To reply to this message, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?inbox/readmessage.php&t=1257174906374&mid=1319c0eG2c4faed8G2b62a82G0
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