Ruby-Sachs: Justice Department Will Pursue LGBT Discrimination Claims

The head of the Department of the announced today that he is making the pursuit of claims by Americans a for his office. Specifically, Tom Perez said,

“We must fight for and basic for our who so frequently are …

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President Obama to Bestow Presidential Medal of Freedom on Harvey Milk

California Urges Governor to Sign Day Bill into Law

– Today announced that he will honor assassinated leader with the Presidential Medal of , the nation’s highest civilian honor recognizing significant contributions to the nation and the world. The will also honor Senator and legend , an open and longtime for the rights of the , , , and () community, with the Medal of on August 12.
understands that ’s reaches far beyond , and that his story is an to everyone who believes in and ,” said Geoff Kors, California () . “ risked everything to change the course of history and to secure many of the and protections we enjoy today. In light of receiving this incredible honor, we to sign the bill into law as a to ’s to end against the , , and community.”

Last year, sponsored the first bill in the country to officially honor , the nation’s first openly man elected to major political office, but the Governor vetoed it. Senator (D-) introduced the Day bill, sponsored by , again this year. The would require the governor to annually proclaim May 22 as Day, designating it as a “day of special significance,” to recognize ’s work to secure equal protections.

California () is the largest statewide , , , -rights in California. In the past , has strategically moved California from a state with extremely for individuals to a state with some of the most comprehensive civil-rights protections in the nation. has passed over of and continues to advance through legislative , public and . www.eqca.org

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Human Rights Campaign Calls on the LGBT Community and Allies to Participate in National, Grassroots Push to Lobby Congress Face-to-Face

The Campaign, the nation’s largest , , and () , today launched a national, campaign called “No Excuses” to demand action from on key issues of . Designed to take advantage of the congressional , when are in their local offices and meeting with , “No Excuses” will mobilize ’s 750,000 and their to meet directly with and push for federal . and supporters can get involved by visiting: http://noexcuses.hrc.org.

“While we salute and acknowledge the heroic of who have worked tirelessly on our behalf, far too many have dragged their feet on basic matters of and that have lingered too long and hurt too many and their families,” said Campaign . “Yes, there are many facing this and this . But often additional hardship protecting their families, their loved ones and their , and too few in are willing to these issues of basic . Now, more than ever, of the community need to make their heard -to- and in the districts where they live.”

Using innovative , one-on-one trainings and staff and follow-through, will press to end in the military, treat all legally married equally, pass reform that recognizes and honors families, workplace for employees, and treat all ’ compensation equally.

The interactive “No Excuses” website allows supporters to download a meeting toolkit, schedule a meeting and report back on how it went. To take action, visit: http://noexcuses.hrc.org.

The in-district meetings will on the following key legislative in the 111th :

–Repeal the Defense of (), which denies legally married and more than 1,000 ;

–Prohibit workplace for the community by passing an inclusive Non- (ENDA);

–Repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” to ensure that service who contribute to our nation’s security are no longer summarily discharged for who they are;

–Pass reform that recognizes permanent same- and ends the painful separation of families;

–And provide benefits equally to the nearly 3 million employees, including same- .

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Human Rights Campaign PAC, Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund Endorse Anthony Woods For U.S. Congress

The Campaign , the nation’s largest , , and , and the &; Fund, which works to grow the number of openly elected officials across the U.S., announced today the of Anthony Woods for U.S. . Woods, who is in the September 1 Special Election for California’s 10th , earned the after serving two tours in in the U.S. . He was honorably discharged after challenging the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law.

“The Campaign is proud to endorse Anthony Woods, a of the war and steadfast for our community, to become the next U.S. from California’s 10th district,” said Campaign . “Anthony ’t just shown his support on issues of , he’s lived them — especially the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ Anthony’s support of will also be important as we work to repeal Proposition 8, which stripped rights away for California’s same- . There is that Anthony will be a for youth, and we applaud his to our country.”

“Anthony Woods is an exciting candidate with a tremendous record of . He’s also an . Anthony has assembled a solid that understands what it will take to win this extremely competitive race. We need more leaders like Anthony Woods in the U.S. , so we are proud to endorse him,” said , of the &; Fund. “His will be an not only for the of California’s 10th , but for the millions of Americans for whom the of remains unfulfilled.”

“I am honored and proud to earn the support of Campaign and the &; Fund,” said Anthony Woods, candidate for California’s 10th . “They’re working to make sure America lives up to its of under the law, which is something I’ll fight for in .”

Anthony Woods was born and raised in Fairfield, California. He is a graduate of and earned his degree from the Kennedy School of Government at University. In addition to his years of service in the , Woods has worked on economic policy issues in both the public and private sectors. To learn more visit: www.AnthonyWoodsForCongress.com.

The Campaign is America’s largest working to achieve , , and . By inspiring and engaging all Americans, strives to end against and realize a nation that achieves fundamental and for all.

The &; Fund is the only national dedicated to increasing the number of openly elected officials at all levels of government in the U.S.

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Another front for fairness

AT A HEARING at the last week, supporters of a bill to ban on the basis of and outlined the myriad barriers that confront - those who are born male but live as females, or vice versa. Unlike those whose or sexual expose them to , might not be able to avoid the issue when applying for , apartments, or loans. The may become evident from a check on a number or a search of credit reports.

aren’t looking for . The goal of the , introduced by Representative , is to give residents of space to live without or . The bill responds sensibly to a real problem, and deserves to pass.

don’t make the lightly; many, though not all, undergo gender-reassignment surgery. The case of Dana Zircher, profiled recently by the ’s Bella English, underscores the difficulty of the process, even when individuals have and employers. Zircher, a and a parent, has undergone a , surgery, and 350 hours of .

Instead of addressing the of actual ’s lives, though, are trying to undermine Sciortino’s by calling it a “Bathroom Bill.’’ The difference between a and a man who wants to infiltrate a ladies’ room is perfectly obvious, at least to anyone who is not deliberately obfuscating the issue. The difference would surely be obvious to and judges. Thirteen other states, including , , and , and of cities, including and Cambridge, already forbid against - and are as safe as ever.

See Another front for fairness

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Minister defends decision not to fund gay arts festival

— Industry says his government had to consider “regional ” when doling out to big tourism - and that’s why a arts festival in Montreal didn’t make the cut.

The of Montreal’s Divers-Cite festival, which features and performers from around the world, said they were shocked to find out this week that their application for funding under the new program had been rejected.

They had been told by they had all the for their $155,000 - a fact not disputed by the government.

Director had initially scoffed at suggestions that ideology might be at play in handing out , but now says she suspects were involved.

After some complained last month that Toronto’s Week had received $400,000, junior responsibility for the file.

But Clement said Wednesday there had been an “avalanche” of applications under the $100-million Marquee Tourism Program and had to be made.

See Minister defends decision not to fund gay arts festival

The Canadian Press

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Human Rights Campaign Statement on Death of San Diego Area Sailor

The Campaign, the nation’s largest , , and () , released a statement today in the death of August , 29, at in , CA. According to reports, the and Marine Corps confirmed that a sailor’s body was found on the base at about 3 a.m. . A military confirmed that there was evidence of in the killing and that the case is a . It is also understood a “person of interest” is in custody at but has not been charged with a crime. Local report the victim may have been targeted because of his .

“Our thoughts are with the family at this time as work to learn what happened in the early morning hours this past Tuesday,” said Campaign . “The Campaign has confirmed has been in touch with officials at the base and is tracking the investigation. We know that every day of the , , and community are targeted for simply being who they are. Furthermore, our or soldiers with the burden of not serving openly and honestly based on the of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ As we monitor the investigation, our community must continue to raise awareness on a law that we know hurts and while putting at .”

The Campaign is America’s largest working to achieve , , and . By inspiring and engaging all Americans, strives to end against and realize a nation that achieves fundamental and for all.

See Human Rights Campaign Statement on Death of San Diego Area Sailor

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Obama urges lesbian, gay patience overturning ‘unjust laws’

Remarks by at the Month Reception, June 29, 2009

THE PRESIDENT: Hello, everybody. Hello, hello, hello. (.) Hey! Good to see you. (.) I’m waiting for FLOTUS here. FLOTUS always more than .

MRS. : No, you move too slow. (.)

THE : It is great to see everybody here today and they’re just — I’ve got a of in the room, but there are some I want to especially acknowledge. First of all, somebody who helped ensure that we are in the , Steve Hildebrand. Please give Steve a big round of . (.) Where’s Steve? He’s around here somewhere. (.)

The new chair of the Export-Import Bank, . (.) Where’s Fred? There’s Fred. Good to see you, Fred. Our Director of the Institute of Sciences at DOE, . Where’s John? (.) A couple of special — Bishop Gene Robinson. Where’s Gene? (.) Hey, Gene. Michael Guest is here. (.) Jim is here. (.) Oregon is here. (.) All of you are here. ( and .) Welcome to your . (.) So.

MEMBER: (Inaudible.) (.)

THE : Somebody asked from the Bedroom here. (.) You knew I was from Chicago too. (.)

It’s good to see so many and familiar , and I deeply appreciate the support I’ve received from so many of you. Michelle appreciates it and I want you to know that you have our support as well. (.) And you have my thanks for the work you do every day in pursuit of

on behalf of the millions of in this country who work hard and care about their communities — and who are , , , or . (.)

Now this , I don’t need to tell you, is incredibly difficult, although I think it’s important to consider the extraordinary progress that we have made. There are to overturn and unfair practices to stop. And though we’ve made progress, there are still , perhaps or even family and loved ones, who still hold fast to worn arguments and old ; who fail to see your families like their families; and who would deny you the rights that most Americans take for granted. And I know this is painful and I know it can be heartbreaking.

And yet all of you continue, leading by the force of the arguments you make but also by the power of the example that you set in your own lives — as and , as PTA and leaders in the community. And that’s important, and I’m glad that so many families could join us today. (.) For we know that progress depends not only on changing laws but also changing hearts. And that real, transformative change never begins in Washington (cellphone “quacks”). Whose duck is back there? (.)

MRS. : It’s a duck.

THE : There’s a duck quacking in there somewhere. (.) Where do you guys get these ring tones, by the way? (.) I’m just curious. (.)

Indeed, that’s the story of the movement for and — not just for those who are , but for all those in our history who’ve been denied the of ; who’ve been told that the full and opportunities of this country were closed to them. It’s the story of progress sought by those who started off with little influence or power; by who brought about change through quiet, personal acts of compassion and and sometimes defiance wherever and whenever they could.

That’s the story of a who’s here today, , who was fired — (.) Frank was fired from his as an astronomer for the simply because he was . And in 1965, he a outside the , which was at the time both an of but also an of extraordinary . And so we are proud of you, Frank, and we are grateful to you for your . (.)

It’s the story of the , which took place 40 years ago this week, when a group of — with few and fewer supporters — decided they’d had enough and refused to accept a policy of wanton . And who were at those are here today. Imagine the journey that they’ve traveled.

It’s the story of an that decimated a community — and the who came to support one another and save one another; and who continue to fight this ; and who demonstrated before the world that different kinds of families can show the same compassion and support in a time of need — that we all share the capacity to .

So this story, this , continues today — for even as we extraordinary as a nation, we cannot — and will not — put aside issues of basic . (.) We seek an America in which no one feels the pain of based on who you are or who you .

And I know that many in this room don’t believe that progress has come fast enough, and I understand that. It’s not for me to tell you to be patient, any more than it was for others to counsel patience to who were petitioning for a half-century ago.

But I say this: We have made progress and we will make more. And I want you to know that I expect and hope to be judged not by words, not by I’ve made, but by the that my administration keeps. And by the time you receive — (.) We’ve been in office now. I suspect that by the time this administration is over, I think you guys will have pretty good about the administration. (.)

Now while there is much more work to do, we can point to important changes we’ve already put in place since coming into office. I’ve signed a memorandum requiring all agencies to extend as many federal benefits as possible to families as law allows.

And these are benefits that will make a real difference for and , who are so often treated as if their families don’t exist. And I’d like to note that one of the key in helping us develop this policy is , our director of the , who is here today. And I want to thank . (.)

I’ve called on to repeal the so-called Defense of to help end — () — to help end against same- in this country. Now I want to add we have a duty to uphold existing law, but I believe we must do so in a way that does not exacerbate old divides. And fulfilling this duty in upholding the law in no way lessens my commitment to reversing this law. I’ve made that clear.

I’m also urging to pass the Benefits and Obligations , which will the full range of benefits, including healthcare, to and their children. (.) My administration is also working hard to pass an employee bill and hate-crimes bill, and we’re making progress on both fronts. (.) Judy and Dennis Shepard, as well as their son Logan, are here today. I with Judy in the in May — () — and I assured her and I assured all of you that we are going to pass an inclusive hate-crimes bill into law, a bill named for their son Matthew. (.)

In addition, my administration is committed to rescinding the discriminatory ban on entry to the based on status. (.) The just concluded a review of a to repeal this entry ban, which is a first and very big step toward ending this policy.

And we all know that / continues to be a public threat in many communities, including right here in the District of . And that’s why this past Saturday, on National Testing Day, I was proud once again to encourage all Americans to know their status and get tested the way Michelle and I know our status and got tested. (.)

And finally, I want to say a word about “don’t ask, don’t tell.” As I said before — I’ll say it again — I believe “don’t ask, don’t tell” doesn’t contribute to our . (.) In fact, I believe preventing patriotic Americans from serving their country weakens our . (.)

Now, my administration is already working with the and of the House and the on how we’ll go about ending this policy, which will require an of .

Someday, I’m confident, we’ll look back at this and ask why it generated such angst, but as , in a time of war, I do have a responsibility to see that this change is administered in a practical way and a way that takes over the long term. That’s why I’ve asked the secretary of Defense and the chairman of the Joint to develop a plan for how to thoroughly implement a repeal.

I know that every day that passes without a resolution is a deep to those who continue to be discharged under this policy — patriots who often possess critical and years of training and who’ve served this country well. But what I hope is that these cases underscore the urgency of reversing this policy not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it is essential for our .

Now even as we take these steps, we must recognize that real progress depends not only on the laws we change but, as I said before, on the hearts we open. For if we’re honest with ourselves, we’ll acknowledge that there are good and decent in this country who don’t yet fully embrace their — not yet.

That’s why I’ve spoken about these issues not just in front of you, but in front of unlikely audiences — in front of African American church , in front of other audiences that have traditionally resisted these changes. And that’s what I’ll continue to do so. That’s how we’ll shift . That’s how we’ll honor the of leaders like Frank and many others who have refused to accept anything less than full and equal .

Now 40 years ago, in the of at a place called the Inn, a group of , including a few who are here today, as I said, defied an unjust policy and awakened a nascent movement.

It was the middle of the night. The police stormed the bar, which was known for being one of the few spots where it was safe to be in New York. Now raids like this were entirely ordinary. Because it was considered obscene and illegal to be , no establishments for and could get licenses to operate. The of these businesses, combined with the vulnerability of the community itself, meant places like , and the inside, were often the victims of and .

Now ordinarily, the would come and the customers would disperse. But on this night, something was different. There are many accounts of what happened, and much has been to history, but what we do know is this: didn’t leave. They stood their ground. And over the course of several nights they declared that they had seen enough in their time.

This was an against not just what they experienced that night, but what they had experienced their whole lives. And as with so many movements, it was also something more: It was at this defining moment that these folks who had been marginalized up to challenge not just how the world saw them, but also how they saw themselves.

As we’ve seen so many times in history, once that takes hold there is little that can stand in its way. (.) And the riots at gave way to , and gave way to a movement, and the movement gave way to a that continues to this day. It continues when a fights for her right to at the hospital bedside of a she loves. It continues when a is called a name for being different and says, “So what if I am?” It continues in your work and in your , in your fight to freely live your lives to the fullest.

In one year after the , a few hundred and and their supporters gathered at the Inn to a historic march for . But when they reached Central Park, the few hundred that began the march had swelled to 5,000. Something had changed, and it would never change back.

The is when these folks protested at 40 years ago no one could have imagined that you — or, for that matter, I () — would be standing here today. (.) So we are all witnesses to monumental changes in this country.

That should give us hope, but we cannot rest. We must continue to do our part to make progress — step by step, law by law, mind by changing mind. And I want you to know that in this task I will not only be your friend, I will continue to be an and a and a who fights with you and for you.

Thanks very much, everybody. bless you. (.) Thank you. It’s a little stuffed in here. We’re going to open — we opened up that door. We’re going to walk this way, and then we’re going to come around and we’ll see some of you over there, all right? (.) But out there. (.)

But thank you very much, all, for being here. Enjoy the . Thank you. (.) ###

See Obama urges lesbian, gay patience overturning ‘unjust laws’ (text)

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What You Can Do for Health Care Fairness

Take ’c health care fairness survey today. and those with and from care providers and , including being denied necessary treatments, services or coverage, or being forced to receive care from care providers who are poorly trained or even hostile. We need your help to make sure that all of our concerns are heard. As part of ’s care campaign, we are conducting a national (available in both English and Spanish) to document the unique care and needs of and living with . Information from this will be used to educate elected officials and other decisionmakers about the specific problems care reform must . Make your for care .

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Unanimous California Supreme Court Rejects Attempt to Limit Discrimination Claims by People with Disabilities

‘The Court’s decision furthers the Unruh ’s purpose to eradicate arbitrary and invidious from California’s .’
(, June 11, 2009) — Today the California unanimously ruled that California’s Unruh does not impose for with disabilities, including living with who seek for .
Statement from Tara , at and a principal author of the friend-of-the court brief submitted urging today’s legal result in Munson v. Del Taco:
“The Court rightly rejected efforts to misread the Unruh to impose which would have harmed all disabled who in , including those living with .

“Real, reliable change for with disabilities has been painfully slow in coming but the high court’s decision today greater in California. The Court’s decision furthers the Unruh ’s purpose to eradicate arbitrary and invidious from California’s .
“Though this case does not directly involve living with , the application of this decision will be helpful to all who , which includes many living with .”
Background on Munson v. Del Taco:
Kenneth Munson, a , filed suit against Del Taco, Inc. alleging violations of the federal and California’s Unruh . Munson’s suit is based on claims arising from visits he made to one Del Taco restaurant, where he encountered to his use of the parking and .
Background on Unruh :
California’s Unruh requires that — businesses such as , rental housing, and ’ offices — are open to everyone, without arbitrary based on (including ), (including ), , marital status, race or several other personal characteristics. Similarly, the federal (ADA) forbids denying disabled equal access to public places. In 1992, California revised the Unruh to better protect disabled from by saying that a who proves an ADA violation has also proven a state law violation.

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