Gay Republican Fred Karger Fights for Participation in Iowa GOP Event

How big is the tent in the Republican Party? That's a question that GOPers in Iowa will have to answer, as they get set to host an event in March 2011 for potential presidential hopefuls. If organizers of the event are to be believed, you can expect to see Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty, Haley Barbour, and a host of other politicians rumored to be running for president. But at the moment, you won't se...

Change.org • Jan 13, 2011

New Hampshire GOP Decides Against Gay Marriage Repeal ... For Now

Rather than focusing their energies on reopening the gay marriage case, Bettencourt and his House Republican peers, who have a 3-1 lead over Democrats, say they would be better served combating grave economic problems, such as the state's 5.4% unemployment rate and estimated $600-800 million budget deficit....

Change.org • Jan 13, 2011

Gov. Linda Lingle Fails Hawaii's Gays and Lesbians

Gov. Lingle concluded her press conference with a call for voters to decide on this issue. Yet I can't think of anything less in line with the values of America than putting the civil rights of one group up for a vote. She added that "hopefully over the course of time," citizens would see her decision in a positive light, and reflective of the values of Hawaii. On the contrary, over the course of...

Change.org • Jul 6, 2010

Harvey Milk Finally Gets His Day

Harvey Milk, the legendary LGBT activist and San Francisco Supervisor who was assassinated in 1978, has finally been given official recognition by the state of California with his own day. The bill to establish May 22 -- Harvey's birthday -- as Harvey Milk Day was signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last night, capping off a whirlwind year in which Milk Day was originally vetoed by the Terminator...

Change.org • Oct 12, 2009

Obama's Big Gay Speech

Failing to mention Maine royally stinks, especially after the debacle of Prop 8 last year where anti-gay activists all too easily used Obama to champion "traditional marriage."...

Change.org • Oct 11, 2009

Overwhelming Support for Repealing the Defense of Marriage Act

Efforts are underway in Congress to introduce a bill calling for a repeal of DOMA, with Rep. Jerry Nadler from New York taking the lead. Going hand-in-hand with the proposed legislation is an initiative from the Human Rights Campaign -- RepealDOMANow.org -- that hopes to mobilize tens of thousands of letters from folks urging their Congressional Reps to overturn DOMA. You can take action here to...

Change.org • Sep 11, 2009

Gay Marriage Seems to be Helping Straight Marriage

Well, five years after Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage, not only has none of these doomsday predictions come true, but Massachusetts ranks as the state with the lowest divorce rate in the entire country. Now there's a talking point: gay marriage reduces divorce. And the evidence is there to back it up....

Change.org • Aug 26, 2009

The Fierce Urgency of Maine

For our side, there are important steps we need to take now to win this campaign. First, early money matters. If you can give $5.00, $10.00, $20.00, $50.00, or whatever to help preserve marriage equality, please consider doing so now (via Act Blue). Second, talk to your friends (or friends of friends) who live in Maine. Third, consider traveling up to Maine for what marriage equality organizer...

Change.org • Aug 17, 2009

Maine's Senators Stay Quiet on Marriage Ballot Initiative

Looking for two high profile politicians to come out against efforts in Maine to take away marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples? If you are, don't go looking to Senators Olympia Snowe or Susan Collins. So far both have decided to stay silent, while conservative activists in Maine ramp up their efforts to strip civil marriage rights away from same-sex couples. Senator Susan Collins even w...

Change.org • Aug 8, 2009

A Concerted Effort to Sue the U.S. Government Over the Defense of Marriage Act

Now, activists are hoping to jump on the momentum started by Coakley and urge other state Attorney Generals to follow a similar path. That's the motivation at least behind the Web site Defend the Law (defendthelaw.org), which announced a concentrated action alert this week to urge Connecticut's Attorney General, Richard Blumenthal, to challenge the U.S. government over DOMA. Last year, Connectic...

Change.org • Aug 5, 2009

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand: Marriage Equality is the Equal Rights Battle of Our Generation

As you'll see, Sen. Gillibrand - who originally represented in Congress a fairly conservative district - has staked out one of the most progressive positions possible on the subject of marriage equality. It's the equal rights struggle of our generation, according to the Senator....

Change.org • Aug 1, 2009

Despite what Church Says, Many Catholics Support Same-Sex Marriage

The bishops have campaigned long, loudly and clearly against same-sex marriage but the Catholic Church also offers a pervasive message of social justice, an umbrella many liberal Catholics stand under when they argue for marriage equality or life issues such as abortion, contraception and end-of-life decisions....

Change.org • Jul 31, 2009

Meg Whitman's Elusive Positions on Marriage Equality

You would think that a former CEO renowned for her objectivity would be able to understand that concept. Funny what tying yourself to the Republican Party's more social conservative elements (including Romney) does for your sense of objectivity....

Change.org • Jul 27, 2009

Howard Dean: The Tide is Turning on Equal Marriage

I remember growing up, we used to say things about gay people; we didn't know anybody who was gay -- we didn't think we knew anybody who was gay. Once somebody says, 'I'm gay and I wish you wouldn't do that,' you don't talk like that anymore because they're a human being....

Change.org • May 30, 2009

More than 100 Cities Fight Back Against H8

Marriage equality may have been denied in California yesterday (although let's not forget that we do have 18,000 same-sex couples whose marriages will remain valid by the state), but the renewed energy and movement to push for equal rights has only just begun....

Change.org • May 27, 2009

New Wal-Mart CEO Backed Gay Adoption Ban

Among those who signed a petition to place a gay adoption and foster parenting ban on the Arkansas ballot last November was Mike Duke, Wal-Mart's new top man. Although the initiative makes it illegal for all unmarried, cohabiting couples - straight or gay - to adopt children, opponents argue that the real targets behind it were same-sex couples....

Change.org • May 4, 2009

Goodbye Wedge Issue in 2010?

As public acceptance of gay marriage has changed so drastically in our favor, Republicans who have used gay marriage as a tool for fear-mongering to get conservative voters to the polls and marginalize more centrist party members may not have that plank to rely on anymore....

Change.org • May 3, 2009

Same-Sex Marriage Could Have Major Economic Impact in D.C.

This month, the Williams Institute is out with a study on Washington, D.C., and what it would mean for the District's economic forecast if it were to legalize same-sex marriage. Hint: Boatloads of money. And the study comes on the heels of D.C.'s city council unanimously voting to recognize same-sex marriages from other states, and Mayor Adrian Fenty's pledge that same-sex marriage will happen i...

Change.org • Apr 11, 2009

Is the Iraqi Government Executing LGBT People?

The UK-based group Iraqi-LGBT is reporting that approximately 128 individuals have been arrested and sentenced to death for nothing more than being LGBT. And according to Iraqi-LGBT, executions are scheduled this week to start in "batches of 20." If true, this is shocking, and quite possibly one of the gravest consequences of the Bush administration's War in Iraq. Groups like Amnesty Internationa...

Change.org • Mar 31, 2009

Three Governors and Marriage Equality

So there it is...the story of three governors in the states that very well could be the next three states in the country to recognize marriage equality. One could be a potential ally (Maine's Baldacci), one is certainly an obstacle (Vermont's Douglas), and one is still unknown (New Hampshire's Lynch). But as these three individuals demonstrate, the Governor's office is a critical component in th...

Change.org • Mar 30, 2009

The Day of Decision on Prop 8

As a means of gearing up for the upcoming California State Supreme Court ruling on Proposition 8, a host of LGBT rights activists and organizations have launched "The Day of Decision," a nationwide call to organize demonstrations and rallies across the U.S. on the day that the Court announces its opinion over whether Prop 8 is valid or discriminatory. As the organizers call it, this day will eith...

Change.org • Mar 14, 2009

The 2010 U.S. Census is Going to Fail the LGBT Population

Citing DOMA, the U.S. government says that it would be illegal to count same-sex partners and identify them as gay and lesbian couples, since same-sex unions aren't recognized on a federal level. Moreover, for same-sex couples who have children, the injustice is even graver. Same-sex couples with kids won't even be listed as "families" on the 2010 U.S. census, and children will be listed as "bel...

Change.org • Mar 9, 2009

A Road Map for Empowering the LGBT Grassroots

The new report, in the words of MEUSA's Media Director Molly McKay, "adopts the Obama field campaign's mission statement as our own mission statement for the marriage equality movement going forward. It embodies what we missed the first time around in the No on 8 Campaign and creates a new vision where everyone is at the table and empowered and encouraged to participate in this civil rights momen...

Change.org • Mar 1, 2009

The Economics of Gay Marriage

The group, affiliated with UCLA, has submitted a report to the Portland (ME) Regional Chamber of Commerce which said that if Maine legalized same-sex marriage, it could expect to see up to $49 million in revenue....

Change.org • Feb 11, 2009

Meg Whitman: Anti-LGBT, and Maybe California's Next Governor?

Whitman publicly came out in favor of Proposition 8, the statewide amendment that rescinded marriage rights for gay and lesbian Californians by revising the State Constitution. And before she worked the crowds for Sen. John McCain in 2008, Meg Whitman endorsed former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney for President, who threw everything (including the kitchen sink) into efforts to prevent Massach...

Change.org • Feb 9, 2009

A Ruth-Less Supreme Court Would be Bad for LGBT Rights

There have been three seminal rulings on LGBT rights from the U.S. Supreme Court during her tenure, and in all three, Ginsburg supported decisions that fostered LGBT rights....

Change.org • Feb 5, 2009

The Unconstitutionality of DOMA

The LA Observer reported today that the ruling by Judge Stephen Reinhardt says the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutionally denies benefits to gay federal employees' spouses....

Change.org • Feb 5, 2009

The Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Needs to Happen Now

The key statement there, at least to us, is that evidence shows that the presence of gays (and lesbians!) does not undermine unit cohesion in the armed services. Contrary to what you might read over at the Center for Military Readiness, that's just a simple fact - gays and lesbians do not harm unit cohesion, do not negatively impact unit recruitment or retention, and do not harm military morale....

Change.org • Jan 28, 2009

The Health Impact of Making Marriage Legal

ACOG's statement looks specifically at the impact on lesbian relationships, noting that "many lesbians experience barriers to health care, including concerns about confidentiality, discriminatory attitudes and treatment, limited access to health care and health insurance, and often an inadequate understanding of their own health risks. Adding to these obstacles, lesbians and their families are ne...

Change.org • Jan 28, 2009

Prop 8: Repeal in 2010, 2012 or later?

"I don't think anybody knows when is the best time to go back," Jacobs said. "My philosophy is having it go every time, and eventually we will win." Californians will be going to the polls in 2010 to elect a new Governor, so turnout will likely be high. There's also perhaps never been a more energized core of activists wanting to enact marriage equality. Just look at the people who poured into ...

Change.org • Jan 26, 2009

The Pragmatism of Rep. (Now Sen.) Kirsten Gillibrand on Same-Sex Marriage

Last night, Sen. Gillibrand spoke to the Empire State Pride Agenda, and they're reporting today that she now supports full marriage equality. That contradicts her statement below. Hmm...something smells fishy. We'll keep you posted....

Change.org • Jan 23, 2009

Montana and Florida to Take Up LGBT Rights Measures

Two more states are planning to address LGBT rights measures as their new legislative sessions prepare to start, focusing on expanding hate crimes and workplace anti-discrimination....

Change.org • Jan 18, 2009

Advancing LGBT Rights in Red State America

Aha! To paraphrase #44 again, "We coach little league in the blue states, and yes, we've got some gay friends in the red states." And this week there's news out in one red state (and one purple part of a blue state) with some good news for LGBT rights advocates....

Change.org • Jan 16, 2009

World, Hold On: Activist Network Launched for Global LGBT Youth

The LGBT Youth World List is a project of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Youth and Student Organisation and the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association. What do they promise? Well, the largest network of LGBT young people and activists, willing to share their thoughts on LGBT rights and campaigns. As Nanna Moe, a Communications Offic...

Change.org • Jan 16, 2009

Colorado Adds Its Voice to LGBT Rights This Week

Yesterday, two Colorado lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 88, which if passed would allow LGBT state employees to share their insurance and health benefits with their partners. "It's about equity and equality, and it's about competing in the marketplace as more and more employers offer it," said State Rep. Mark Ferrandino, one of the lawmakers introducing the bill. The money line: "It's about comp...

Change.org • Jan 15, 2009

When 7 Years Together and a Daughter Still Don't Make You a Family

How can a gym membership shed light on the ways in which same-gender couples are discriminated against by not having equal access to civil marriage? To find out, head to Rochester, Minnesota, where a Minnesota Court just ruled in favor of a health club in a lawsuit brought by a lesbian couple for being denied a family membership at the gym. The Rochester Athletic Club (RAC) denied a family membe...

Change.org • Jan 14, 2009

New Film Shows Importance of Marriage Equality and Same-Gender Partner Benefits

If there's any more real example of why it is urgent and necessary to recognize equal rights for same-sex couples, "For My Wife" is it. The new film is being released by Trick Dog Films, and captures the story of Charlene Strong, a Washington-state resident who lost her partner, Kate Fleming (a renowned audiobook narrator), in a tragic flooding incident in 2006. The story is a chilling example o...

Change.org • Jan 14, 2009

Vermont: The Time is Now for Same-Gender Marriage

Another New England state adds its voice today in support of same-gender marriage - at least in the form of an editorial from its second largest daily newspaper. The Rutland Herald in Vermont, taking a cue from yesterday's news that legislators in Maine are working to pass a same-sex marriage bill through their state legislature, issued an editorial today that said the "time is now" for Vermont t...

Change.org • Jan 14, 2009

Advocates for Same-Sex Marriage Petition Scottish Government

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Network (LGBT Network) of Scotland is petitioning the Scottish Government to do away with the govt's ban on same-sex marriage, and recognize full marriage equality for all Scottish citizens....

Change.org • Jan 13, 2009

Religious Leaders Urge California Court to Overturn Proposition 8

This Thursday, a group of religious organizations will file an amicus curiae brief with the court, urging that Proposition 8 be overruled and that gay and lesbian couples be returned the right to marry in California. The coalition of religious organizations, representing millions of members, will argue in their brief that Proposition 8 poses a severe threat to the guarantee of equal protection fo...

Change.org • Jan 13, 2009

Obama Once Backed Full Gay Marriage

Yup, he did. In a 1996 candidate survey, when Obama was running for the State Senate seat that launched his political career, here's what he had to say: I favor legalizing same-sex marriages, and would fight efforts to prohibit such marriages....

Change.org • Jan 13, 2009

Why Proposition 8 is Anti-Family

As it turns out, there's now clear evidence that Proposition 8 as a measure itself hurts families and children. Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA) has a new report out today, "Prop 8 Hurt My Family - Ask Me How," that depicts the painful and tragic stories of children and families who struggle against anti-LGBT rhetoric and policies. As Molly McKay, MEUSA's Communications Director, put it: "Marriage ...

Change.org • Jan 12, 2009

The Collective Wisdom of the LGBT Grassroots

Check out We Will Never Go Back, and watch for the two additional reports coming from MEUSA. Their next report will be released on January 12 and will look at stories of discrimination and harm that resulted from California's Prop 8 campaign, and mirror similar experiences of theour LGBTI community and straight allies who have faced similar ballot initiative campaigns throughout the states. A thir...

Change.org • Jan 7, 2009

ACLU Challenges Gay Adoption Ban in Arkansas

There are 29 plaintiffs in the case, including a grandmother raising a grandchild with her same-sex partner, and a lesbian couple raising two boys, one of whom is a special-needs child. There's at least one reason to be hopeful that this lawsuit might result in the ban being overturned - the lawsuit has been assigned to Pulaski County Circuit Judge Timothy Fox, who had initially overturned a stat...

Change.org • Jan 1, 2009

Is the Next GOP Nominee for President Trying to Ban Gay Adoption in His Home State?

Twenty-nine (29) spots on the State's Commission on Marriage and Family have been appointed by Gov. JIndal, and a number of them have gone to several high profile anti-gay individuals, including conservative leaders who have called for bans on gay adoption....

Change.org • Jan 1, 2009

The Office Pool: Gay Marriage in 2009

These five states are showing real grassroots movement and energy toward marriage equality, and may just emerge as the next states in the debate over same-sex marriage....

Change.org • Dec 29, 2008

LGBTQ Homeless Youth

The stats here are alarming, but there's definitely things we can do in order to help change this trend around....

Change.org • Dec 12, 2008

West Virginia Lesbian Parents May Lose Child to "Traditional" Family

The details of this story are heart-breaking, and show why opponents of gay adoption simply do not have the best interests of children in mind....

Change.org • Dec 11, 2008

On Homosexuality, the Vatican Sides with Sudan and Saudi Arabia

Today, a group of faith leaders from some of the leading LGBT organizations in the U.S. put out a statement condemning the Vatican for siding with countries like Sudan and Saudi Arabia, where LGBT people are punished with prison or death....

Change.org • Dec 10, 2008

The Condescending Comments from San Francisco's Archbishop on Proposition 8

So let me get this straight -- Bishop Niederauer REPEATEDLY tells his parishioners and Catholics throughout California that gay people are a threat to children. He works to get the Mormon Church involved in the efforts to campaign for Proposition 8. And he promises to provide cover to religious groups willing to condemn gay marriage. And the Bishop now wants to tone down the rhetoric? Hell no,...

Change.org • Dec 4, 2008