Senate gives nod to gay-inclusive hate crimes bill
The U.S. Senate voted 63-28 to attach gay-inclusive federal hate crimes legislation to the 2010 defense authorization bill. Sen. Edward Kennedy, D.-Mass., who first proposed amending U.S. hate crimes law to cover sexual orientation, issued a statement saying that the proposal would “[close] the flagrant loopholes that for too long have prevented effective prosecution of these shocking crimes that terrorize entire groups of communities across America.” Google/The Associated Press
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Original source : http://gay_blog.blogspot.com/2009/07/senate-gives-…
Bill would give benefits to same-sex partners of federal workers
(Washington) Legislation has been introduced in the the House and Senate to provide benefits for same-sex domestic partners of federal civilian employees on the same basis as spousal benefits.
The Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act is sponsored by Reps. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) in the House and …
Tags: Act, Domestic Partners, Domestic Partnership Benefits, Federal Civilian Employees, Federal Legislation, Ileana Ros Lehtinen, Same Sex, Senate, Sex Partners, Sex Workers, Tammy Baldwin, Washington LegislationAmendment would include LGBT students in Federal bully law
(Washington) Legislation that would amend federal anti-bullying law to include sexual orientation and gender identity has been re-introduced in Congress.
The Safe Schools Improvement Act was filed in the House by Reps Linda Sanchez (D-CA), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY).
It would amend the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities …
Tags: Bully, Carolyn Mccarthy, Congress, Drug Free Schools, Federal Legislation, Gender Identity, Ileana Ros Lehtinen, Improvement Act, Lgbt Students, Linda Sanchez, Safe And Drug Free Schools, Safe Schools, Sexual Orientation, Washington LegislationGay marriage debate puts Lynch in hot seat
Dear Gov. John Lynch: On Wednesday the Senate passed a bill allowing gay couples the right to a civil marriage. The vote came after a lengthy process including the testimony of dozens of New Hampshire residents supporting the right to marry just as heterosexual couples have that right. The Senate received the bill only after the same process took place in the House. In addition to all those testifying, hundreds of letters, e-mails and calls were received by House and Senate members urging them to vote for this equal rights issue. Polls show a majority of New Hampshire residents support gay marriage. Your initial reaction upon hearing of this bill’s passage was to state through your spokesperson that there is no difference between civil unions and gay marriage until the federal government changes its laws about gay marriage. If there were no difference, why would thousands of people support gay marriage? I believe your statement is similar to saying that you’d see no difference between living with your wife Susan and marrying her. Imagine if you weren’t allowed that choice. You had the privilege of marrying her and acted on it. It had nothing to do with federal legislation. Many people are asking you to have the courage to sign this bill. I don’t believe an act of courage is needed. You have a 70 percent approval rating, the majority of people in New Hampshire support gay marriage, and the bill’s careful crafting and amending ensures that no religion or religious person has to perform a gay marriage. It is more an act of humility that is now required of you: the recognition that you don’t know better than the majority of your constituents what is in the best interests of gay and straight New Hampshirites. We lived for two years with your predecessor who with arrogance and pride ignored the interests of those he served and did what he wanted in major decisions affecting this state. Please continue to bring back the dignity of the office of governor and sign this bill which may not reflect your personal opinion but does reflect the majority of those you serve. Thanks for your consideration and support of equal rights. (Carol Moore lives in Concord.)
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Original source : http://gay_blog.blogspot.com/2009/05/gay-marriage-…
