A new study concludes that LGBT workers continue to frequently report discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
The Williams Institute of UCLA Law School, analyzing studies over the past 40 years, concluded that LGBT employees continue to report discrimination, especially those who are out in their workplaces.
According to the study, the 2008 General Social Survey reported that 42 percent of lesbian, gay and bisexual employees had experienced employer discrimination at some point in their careers; 27 percent had experienced it within the five years before the survey.
Rates of discrimination against transgender workers are even higher.
“The devastating results of this discrimination are confirmed by the high rates of poverty and unemployment documented by surveys of the transgender community,” said Williams Institute Executive Director Brad Sears.
In related news, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics today released a survey of employee benefits in the United States. Only 33 percent of state and local government workers and 29 percent of private sector workers have access to health care benefits for same-sex couples.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Via JMG: ILLINOIS: Mega-Church Dumps "Ex-Gays" At Exodus International
The Illinois-based mega-church Willow Creek says it is cutting its ties with Exodus International, the infamous group of "ex-gay" liars who promote reparative therapy.
Susan DeLay, director of media relations at the mega-church, says Willow Creek ending its relationship with Exodus does not mean it is any less welcoming to people with same-sex attraction, as "Willow Creek has a whole host of ministries for people dealing with these issues. All we've changed," she continues, "is how we've gone about inviting them into the church, which is the primary issue here." Jeff Buchanan, executive vice president of Exodus International, says his group is disappointed with Willow Creek's decision. "To date, we're still not very clear on the reason why. Our church association is meant to be a referral network of churches that are willing to receive those who are dealing with unwanted same-sex attractions and they're looking for ministry and for help, and that's the sole purpose of their association with us," Buchanan explains. "So, we are still left with questions and a little bit perplexed as to why they have chosen to pull out."
Via JMG: Crazy Eyes: Being Gay Means Being Enslaved To Homosexuality
Via JMG: The Definition Of "Christian"
"As this is a cultural war, our definition of being a Christian does not necessarily constitute that you are required to have a personal relationship with God or Jesus. Being a Christian can mean many things; That you believe in and want to protect Europe's Christian cultural heritage. The European cultural heritage, our norms (moral codes and social structures included), our traditions and our modern political systems are based on Christianity – Protestantism, Catholicism, Orthodox Christianity and the legacy of the European enlightenment (reason is the primary source and legitimacy for authority). It is not required that you have a personal relationship with God or Jesus in order to fight for our Christian cultural heritage and the European way." - Norwegian terrorist Andrew Breivik, in an excerpt from his manifesto now being cited by the American right as "proof" that Breivik is not a "real Christian."Via JMG: CALIFORNIA: Haters To Begin Petition Drive To Overturn Gay History Bill
Anti-gay forces in California have been granted permission to begin gathering the petition signatures to place a repeal of the LGBT history bill on the June 2012 ballot. Via Karen Ocamb:
SB 48 is a natural extension of Harvey Milk Day, requiring public schools to stop discriminating against LGBT people by rendering the LGBT minority invisible in public education. The bill requires schools to start teaching about LGBT history and contributions starting Jan. 1, 2012. Inclusion in California textbooks has been deferred until 2015 because of the economy. If CRI’s “coalition” gathers 504,000 valid signatures by mid-October and does qualify – the initiative would be placed on the June 2012 ballot. That’s the date for the Primary in California and CRI’s Republican base accounts for 30% of registered voters in California. Theoretically, that means the initiative would have to pass with heavy support from Independents and Democrats.
Via AmericaBlogGay: In California, homophobes want ballot measure to repeal FAIR Education Act
It's always something with the haters.
From Rex Wockner: Californians may be voting on gay matters again.
This time the target is the law Gov. Jerry Brown signed July 14 that requires public schools to teach about LGBT people's contributions to the state and nation.
Anti-gay activists have submitted the paperwork to launch a voter repeal referendum and have hit the Web with StopSB48.com. Its slogan: "Stop SB 48. It costs too much. It goes too far."
Their next task will be to collect signatures from 504,760 registered California voters before mid-October.
What would these people do if they didn't have the gays to obsess over?
Karen Ocamb has more on the haters behind this latest effort:
The Capitol Resource Institute launched an online campaign to repeal the California FAIR Education Act using a slick new email message and a new campaign website called StopSB48. The campaign also updated the CRI main website, which had not posted anything new since 2010. Their “Action Alert” page is still blank with only the date March 12, 2009.
But their new campaign website has the look of money – such as bought stock photos of generic happy white and black families – and there’s someone keeping an eye on the media. In a Capitol Alert story last Friday, July 22 about CRI filing papers to launch a referendum, the end of the story says: “Updated at 2:30 p.m. to add comments by Karen England and Brad Dacus, and to indicate that the referendum drive is being conducted by a coalition of groups.” That’s Karen England of CRI and Brad Dacus of the right-wing Pacific Justice Institute. But unfortunately, Capitol Alert didn’t ask for the names of the other coalition members, which the website identifies as a “coalition of pro-family organizations, parents, students, teachers and more.”
Via AmericaBlogGay: ABA bestows highest honor on Olson and Boies
ia press release from the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER), we learn that David Boies and Ted Olson will be receiving a prestigious award from American Bar Association:
Awarded for distinguished service by a lawyer or lawyers to the cause of American jurisprudence, the ABA Medal is given only in years when the ABA Board of Governors determines a nominee has provided exceptional and distinguished service to the law and the legal profession.
Among previous recipients of the ABA Medal are legendary justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, including Oliver Wendell Holmes, Felix Frankfurter, Thurgood Marshall, William J. Brennan Jr., Sandra Day O’Connor and Anthony Kennedy.
The award will be bestowed upon Boies and Olson during the meeting of the ABA House of Delegates at the Association’s annual meeting on August 8th, 2011.
Well deserved. Hopefully, this sends a powerful message about the ongoing fight for equality in our legal system.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Via JMG: From Disney's Wedding Blog
On Disney's wedding blog today, a lovely recounting of a same-sex romance. Aaand here come calls for a boycott!(Tipped by JMG reader Eric)
Via JMG: Just Married
Buzzfeed has a fantastic collection of gay couples photographed moments after being married yesterday.Sunday, July 24, 2011
Via JMG: Volunteer Flower Girls
Joe writes:This Village Voice photo by Steven Thrasher made my grinchy heart grow two sizes: "That's Steve Landis and Julie Irwin, who brought their 4-year-old twins Emily and Sophie to Brooklyn Borough Hall this morning to be flower girls for whoever might need them. They don't even know anyone getting married today! Aw."
reposted from Joe
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