Via Gay Poltics Report: U.S. can’t treat married same-sex couples differently, judge rules

• U.S. can’t treat married same-sex couples differently, judge rules
   
• A key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional, a federal district court judge in Connecticut ruled this week. Judge Vanessa L. Bryant said DOMA's definition of marriage, which bars numerous federal benefits for married same-sex couples, is impermissible under the Constitution's Fifth Amendment right to equal protection. Her ruling is expected to be appealed, though a number of other federal district and appellate courts have reached a similar conclusion. The Boston Globe/The Associated Press (tiered subscription model) (7/31), BuzzFeed (7/31)     

Via Gay Politics Report: U.S. to consider same-sex marriages in deportation cases

• U.S. to consider same-sex marriages in deportation cases
   
• The Department of Homeland Security this week said it will take into account the marriages of binational same-sex couples when deciding whether to pursue deportation of a foreign national. The announcement was sought by House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and more than 80 other members of Congress who urged the Obama administration to stop deporting the gay and lesbian spouses of U.S. citizens while the courts grapple with the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act. BuzzFeed (8/2)     

Via Anti-Theists. Pro Active Atheists. Opposing Religion.'s photo

Anti-Theists. Pro Active Atheists. Opposing Religion.'s photo.

"As I've said before numerous times Gay Civil Rights is very similar to African American Civil Rights of the 50s and 60s. Many of the arguments made about LGBT People are the same arguments the KKK made regarding African Americans. They said they were "Unclean" they said they were "Stupid" they said they were 'Disease Ridden", and they said that they would try to make your children just like them. Those are the same lies being told today by Anti-Gay Groups like the American Family Council. I say this has to stop. For nearly 60 years these lies have been going on. Let's stop the hate and start the Love."

Racism, sexism, gay hate and woefully inadequate child protection are all covered with opposing religious harm.

Anti-Theists. Pro Active Atheists. Opposing Religion.

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma August 3, 2012

Everyday Bodhisattva

The bodhisattva aspiration is an everyday matter—everyday both in the sense of needing to be renewed as each day passes, and in the sense of applying to simple tasks, to ordinary actions motivated by a longing to reduce the difficulty and increase the happiness of those with whom we share our lives.

- Manjusura, "An Everyday Aspiration"

Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection through August 5th, 2012
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Via JMG: House Democrats Pressure White House Over LGBT Immigration Rights

Yesterday House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and a coalition of 81 House Democrats issued a call for the Obama administration to make it official policy that the foreign partners of LGBT Americans will not be deported. Chris Geidner reports:

Pelosi — along with Reps. Jerrold Nadler and Mike Honda, the lead sponsors of two bills aimed at addressing LGBT inequalities in the immigration system, and 81 other Democrats — called on Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to "issue a written field guidance or a memorandum to explicitly state the policy of your August 18, 2011 announcement which would direct DHS personnel to consider LGBT family ties as a positive factor for the exercise of prosecutorial discretion."

The House members — including out gay Reps. Barney Frank, Jared Polis and David Cicilline — go on to say that "[a] written policy is the best way to ensure that the decision by President Obama and DHS to recognize LGBT family ties for immigration purposes will be implemented so that families will remain together."

Calling the letter "a true show of congressional force," Immigration Equality spokesman Steve Ralls told BuzzFeed, "It is a simple action, but also one that will have a real impact on real people and families. We hope Secretary Napolitano will heed the advice of those who signed the letter, and take this important step toward protecting some of the most vulnerable individuals within the immigration system from deportation."

Labels: DOMA, immigration, Immigration Equality, Nancy Pelosi, Obama administration, U.S. House

Reposted from Joe

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma August 2, 2012

Deep Listening, Deep Loving

Our training begins with learning first to listen to ourselves until we know our deepest aspirations, shortcomings, sufferings, and joys. Next, we must learn to listen deeply to our partner and family. Right speech prompts us to ask our loved ones: 'What could I do to make you happier?' and then to listen to the reply without judging or reacting. Right speech prompts us to say, 'Thank you for being here for me. Your presence enriches my life. Please tell me how I can love you better.'

- Sister True Virtue, "The Fourth Precept: Right Speech"

Read the entire article in the Tricycle Wisdom Collection through August 4th, 2012
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