Delaware is 21st state to pass lesbian-gay bias law

Dover, Delaware–State lawmakers sent a sexual orientation nondiscrimination bill to the governor on June 25, passing it through both houses of the legislature in only an hour.

The House passed the measure at 8:30 pm, shortly after the Senate passed an identical bill. In previous legislative sessions, the Senate killed the bill.

Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, one of the bill’s champions, said that Gov. Jack Markell had expressed support for the measure

When Markell signs it, Delaware will become the 21st state with such a law. But, unlike seven similar state laws passed since 2002, Delaware’s does not include gender identity.

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Grassley: Think long-term in gay marriage fight

JOHNSTON, Iowa – U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley said conservatives opposed to the Iowa Supreme Court’s gay marriage ruling should focus on long-term planning.

Grassley acknowledged he’s taking a lower profile on the issue than some Republicans, but he said that’s because a bipartisan approach is needed.

Speaking Thursday night during a taping of the public television program “Iowa Press,” Grassley argued gay marriage opponents should look toward the next election and future legislative sessions.

“It ought to be thoroughly planned,” said Grassley. “I don’t think it should be planned for just this year or next year, because this Legislature is about over. I think you ought to plan what you are going to do for the next election, for the next Legislature.”

Democratic leaders in the Legislature have opposed beginning the process of amending the Iowa Constitution to overrule the state Supreme Court’s April 3 decision. Two consecutive General Assemblies must approve a proposed constitutional amendment before it could be put to voters.

Grassley said social conservatives should begin building the political base needed to deal with the court’s decision.

“If there’s going to be any action taken contrary to the Supreme Court’s decision, then it should be to seek as broad a consensus as possible,” he said.

The four-term Republican senator said gay marriage opponents should realize the issue doesn’t break along partisan lines.
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Iowa’s GOP Lawmakers Take Aim at Gay Marriage

Opponents of the Iowa Supreme Court ruling last week allowing same-sex marriages said Friday that they would step up pressure on state lawmakers to block the marriages through a constitutional amendment and predicted political fallout for Democratic state leaders, including Gov. Chet Culver, if they did not join the opposition.

“This isn’t over, not even for this year,” said Bryan English, a spokesman for the Iowa Family Policy Center, which encouraged hundreds of opponents of same-sex marriages to meet and pray outside the State Capitol in Des Moines this week, and plans a similar rally next week. “Everyday folks who get up and go to work were shocked at what happened here, and it’s really gotten people activated.”

Since the court ruled unanimously on April 3 that an Iowa law banning the marriages was unconstitutional, opponents have been searching for a way to begin the process of amending the state’s Constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman.

Because, under Iowa law, that process would take two legislative sessions, however, even opponents acknowledge that nothing now seems likely to prevent Iowa from beginning to allow such marriages on April 27 after the ruling becomes final.

Still, inside the Capitol on Thursday, where supporters and opponents of same-sex marriage packed the gallery, Republican representatives twice tried to bring up a constitutional amendment on marriage. Democrats, who control both chambers, cited violations of House procedures in blocking the efforts.

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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.”