In Moscow, an Attempt to Wed Pushes Gay Rights

MOSCOW — They knew they had no chance. But there they were anyway at a marriage registration office in Moscow on Tuesday. Two young women, wearing tuxedos and clutching bouquets, trying to become the first same-sex couple in Russia to legally wed.

“We have love, we have happiness, we want to be together for our whole lives and we want to do this here in Russia,” said Irina Fedotova, who hoped to marry her longtime partner, Irina Shipitko.

In a country where the push for gay rights has materialized only recently — and in fits and starts often met with violence and arrests — their attempt to marry was a bold, if muted, political statement as much as it was an expression of love.

The unsurprising response from the official at the registration office was dry and unequivocal. “According to article 12 of the family codex, for a marriage to be sanctioned it is necessary to have the mutual and voluntary agreement of a man and a woman.”

Both women said they had expected their marriage application to be rejected and said they would appeal the decision.

Their attempt to marry was meant in part to draw attention to gay rights in Russia as thousands of Europeans flood Moscow for the Eurovision song contest.

Gay rights groups plan a demonstration in Moscow Saturday, the day of the Eurovision final. See In Moscow, an Attempt to Wed Pushes Gay Rights New York Times * Tags = gay men gay news lesbian news transgender bisexual

Published by

Original source : http://gay_blog.blogspot.com/2009/05/in-moscow-att…

Procter & Gamble bars trans discrimination

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble, the world’s largest consumer products maker, has amended its anti-discrimination policy to include gender identity and expression.

The policy was recently amended to read: “We at P&G recognize the power that comes from people of diverse backgrounds and experiences coming together around a common goal. Our policy forbids any discrimination, harassment or intimidation because of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability or other non-job-related personal characteristic. Employees are encouraged to bring questions or concerns in this area to their management. Strict disciplinary action for violations of this policy will be taken, including termination of employment.” See Procter & Gamble bars trans discrimination
Amends anti-discrimination policy to include gender identity and expression * Tags = gay men gay news lesbian news transgender bisexual

Published by

Original source : http://gay_blog.blogspot.com/2009/05/procter-gambl…

Pennsylvania gay rights bill tied up in committee

(Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) Legislation prohibiting discrimination on the bases of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in housing, employment, and public accommodations is sitting in a state House committee and shows few signs of movement.

There was hope last month that the bill would make it to the House floor for …

Education Secretary pledges safe schools for LGBT students

(Washington) Education Secretary Arne Duncan has told a gay student advocacy group that he intends to make schools safe for every student, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

Duncan made the pledge during a meeting with representatives of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network and a delegation of students …

Gay Protection Bill Introduced In Pennsylvania

Representative Dan Frankel introduced a gay protections bill in the Pennsylvania House yesterday, Frankel announced in a press release.

Frankel’s bill would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in the areas of housing, employment, and public accommodations by amending the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.

Frankel, a Democrat from Allegheny County, said he has already gathered 78 co-sponsors from both parties.

“This legislation is critical to thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Pennsylvanians who are trying to work and have a roof over their heads, and it enjoys substantial support from Pennsylvanians from every corner of the Commonwealth,” Jake Kaskey, policy and outreach coordinator for Equality Advocates Pennsylvania, said in a statement.

See Gay Protection Bill Introduced In Pennsylvania

On Top Magazine -

Published by

Original source : http://gay_blog.blogspot.com/2009/03/gay-protectio…

Human Relations Commission Urges Expanding PA Anti-Discrimination Law, Would Include Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or Expression in Pennsylvania Human Relations Act

HARRISBURG, Pa — Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission Chairperson Stephen A. Glassman announced today that the commission is strongly urging the legislature to pass House Bill 300, which was introduced Wednesday, and would amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act currently prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, disability and familial status.

“Ensuring that Pennsylvanians are free from discrimination is crucial, especially in difficult economic times,” Glassman said. “Discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and education is illegal in Pennsylvania, but lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are currently excluded from these protections.

“House Bill 300 will help guarantee full equality for everyone in this great commonwealth.”

HB 300 has bipartisan support from 79 sponsors in the House of Representatives. The commission has supported passage of similar bills introduced in past legislative sessions.

The bill defines sexual orientation as actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality or bisexuality. It defines gender identity or expression to mean actual or perceived gender identity, appearance, behavior, expression or physical characteristics whether or not associated with an individual’s assigned sex at birth.

“Our statistics show that discrimination complaints rise sharply when the economy is in decline,” Glassman said. “As economic stresses increase and people look for someone to blame for their difficulties, frequently the targets are those who are perceived as different because they are minorities. Passing this bill would serve as a timely illustration of our commitment to protecting Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens and ensuring equal opportunity for all.”

Published by

Original source : http://gay_blog.blogspot.com/2009/03/human-relatio…

LGBT civil rights bill filed in Pennsylvania

(Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) Legislation prohibiting discrimination on the bases of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in housing, employment, and public accommodations has been introduced in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

It would amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression” as protected classes. …

Equality California Remembers Lawrence King One Year after the Teen’s Shooting Death

SAN FRANCISCO – Equality California honors and remembers the life of Lawrence King, a gay junior high school student from Oxnard, CA, who was shot in the head one-year-ago by his classmate at E.O. Green Junior High School. The 15-year-old died of his injuries last February 13.

Brandon McInerney, King’s shooter, is being tried on first-degree murder and a hate crimes charge. According to reports from friends of Lawrence King, who self-identified as gay, King sometimes wore make-up and feminine jewelry and was the target of ridicule by some of his classmates.

Last year, EQCA sponsored AB 3015 (Brownley), the Foster Youth School Education Act, which was introduced to better protect LGBT foster youth like Larry from violence at school and was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger.

“As we remember the tragic, senseless killing of Lawrence King, we must continue to take the appropriate steps to ensure that no one else becomes a victim to homophobia in our schools,” said Geoff Kors, executive director for Equality California. “On the anniversary of this tragedy, we stand committed to defending safe schools laws that EQCA lobbied to enact to prevent any young person from being bullied, harassed or worse because of their sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.”

Equality California-sponsored legislation, the Student’s Civil Rights Act, SB 777 (Kuehl), which was implemented in 2008 and reinforces existing prohibitions of discrimination in publicly funded schools and activities, including discrimination based on religion, race, disability, gender and sexual orientation, has been challenged by a failed referendum and an ongoing federal lawsuit.

EQCA works to achieve equality and secure legal protections for LGBT people. To improve the lives of LGBT Californians, EQCA sponsors legislation and coordinates efforts to ensure its passage, lobbies legislators and other policy makers, builds coalitions, develops community strength and empowers individuals and other organizations to engage in the political process. www.eqca.org

Published by

Original source : http://gay_blog.blogspot.com/2009/02/equality-cali…

WhiteHouse.gov reflects commitment to LGBT rights

The updated WhiteHouse.gov Web site reflects the civil rights priorities of the administration of President Barack Obama, including a section on LGBT rights indicating support for the passage of an Employment Non-Discrimination Act that would “prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.” See Pam’s House Blend