April-May 2010 E-Newsletter

This is a copy of our April-May 2010 E-Newsletter.  In addition to updates on events, functions, and action alerts, our monthly e-newsletter is delivered via e-mail to more than 20,000 supporters, friends, and activists.  To sign up to receive e-updates from Equality Pennsylvania click HERE (or copy and paste the following link into your web browser: http://eqfed.org/center4civilrights/join.html?r=U7se5ndaQEB3E).

 

In this Issue:

1.  Welcome, Ted! Our new Executive Director, Ted Martin set to begin June 1

2.  Anti-bullying bill to be introduced shortly! How can you get involved?

3.  TAKE ACTION: Support comprehensive sexual-education reform in Pennsylvania!

4.  We're looking for law students and lawyers who'd like to help promote equality and conduct legal research

5.  CALENDAR: Upcoming events, conferences, and opportunities to get involved!

            May 21: Mazzoni Center's 30th Anniversary Gala in Atlantic City with Diana Ross

            May 22: Harrisburg and Central PA friendraiser to support EqualityPA

            June 3-5: Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference

            June 5: Philadelphia Latino Pride (volunteer with us!)

            June 6-13: Pittsburgh Pride (volunteer with us!)

            June 12: 2010 Philadelphia Dyke March

            June 13: Philadelphia Pride Day (volunteer with us!)

            June 19: Lancaster Pride (volunteer with us!)

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Ted Martin set to begin work as Executive Director on June 1: Please join us in welcoming our new Executive Director, Ted Martin to the EqualityPA family! Ted hails from Camp Hill, just outside of Harrisburg where he lives with his husband.

     Ted comes to EqualityPA after an extensive career in politics and non-profit management, working for nearly a decade in the US House of Representatives, to a stint as an executive director running Harrisubrg's architectural preservation organization, to his current role as Executive Director of Economic Development Marketing with the Department of Community and Economic Development. He also serves as president of the board of The LGBT Community Center Coalition of Central PA and has been deeply involved in the central Pennsylvania LGBT community throughout his career.

     Ted will work primarily out of our Harrisburg office, though will work office hours in our Philadelphia office, as well. We look forward to continuing to work toward full equality for all Pennsylvanians under his leadership.  Welcome, Ted!

     To view the press release about Ted's arrival, click HERE.

  

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Three Democratic PA State Representatives unveil comprehensive anti-bullying legislation: In Harrisburg on May 10, State Reps. Rick Taylor and Tim Briggs, both Democrats of Montgomery County, joined by Rep. Bryan Lentz, Democrat of Delaware County, unveiled legislation they will introduce in coming weeks to strengthen bullying policies in Pennsylvania's public schools.

     Taylor and Briggs’ legislation would amend Pennsylvania's school code by expanding the language on bullying policy to apply it to incidences of harassment, intimidation and cyberbullying. In addition, the legislation would delineate to school administrators what actions they must take to provide notice and opportunities to report incidents, remedies for victims and harassment and bullying prevention training.

     EqualityPA along with more than 40 other members of the Value All Families Coalition (VAFC) have voiced support for this bill and will actively work to pass it through the PA House of Representatives.  Contact Mason at mlane@equalitypa.org to find out how you can get involved.

    To view the full story about the bill, as reported on the EqualityPA Blog, click HERE.

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TAKE ACTION: Support comprehensive sexual-education reform in Pennsylvania: For too long, Pennsylvania’s LGBT youth have been shut out of sex education courses in many of the commonwealth’s public schools.

     Equality Pennsylvania is proud to be a member of a coalition that’s working to change that.  Pennsylvanians for Responsible Sex Education, or PARSE, has been working for more than a year to get House Bill 1163, the Healthy Youth Act, passed through the state legislature.

     Now is the time to take action on this essential legislation.  Contact your State Representative now and tell him or her that you support the Healthy Youth Act!

     Click HERE to access the Action Alert and send a letter to your State Representative.

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Attention law students and attorneys: We're looking for law students and attorneys to donate a few hours to conduct legal research for a project we're working on this Summer.  If you think you may be interested, please contact Mason by e-mail at mlane@equalitypa.org or by phone (215) 731-1447 x18. 

    

     We can offer pro bono hours for law students seeking to fulfill pro bono requirements.

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EqualityPA CALENDAR (items in red are coming up THIS WEEKEND!):  

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  May 21: Mazzoni Center's 30th Anniversary Gala in AC with Diana Ross!

              WHEN: Friday May 21

                  WHERE: Caesars Atlantic City
                                2100 Pacific Avenue
                                Atlantic City NJ, 08401

                  WHAT: Our firends at the Mazzoni Center invite you to spend the night with Diana Ross at the Shore! Celebrate three decades of outstanding service to the LGBT Community at Mazzoni's 30th anniversary gala in Atlantic City, on Friday, May 21, 2010.

     See the one and only Diana Ross live in concert at Caesars Atlantic City - and enjoy an exclusive champagne toast with Diana after the show! The concert starts at 9 p.m. Friday, followed by the champagne toast with Diana. The after party kicks off at 10 p.m. in the oceanfront Diamond Lounge, with open bar and hors d’oeuvres. Stay over and enjoy a festive Saturday brunch with live entertainment at 10 a.m. in the Diamond Lounge.

                 

                   Click here for more information and to purchase tickets!  Or call 215.563.0652, ext. 222 or 275.

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  May 22: Harrisburg and Central PA friendraiser to support EqualityPA

                  WHEN: Saturday May 22, 7:00-9:00pm

                  WHERE: The Mantis Collective Gallery

                                    1306 N. 3^rd Street

                                    Harrisburg, PA 17102

                  WHAT: Fundraiser/Friendraiser to support EqualityPA hosted by board members Synged Briddell, Chris Gatesman, Lauren Barr, and our new Executive Director, Ted Martin. Light refreshments and wine will be served. Hosts are asked to donate $100 and attendees are asked to donate $30.  Other suggested contribution levels are $50, $100, $250, and $500. To RSVP, e-mail Ted at theo65@aol.com.

                 

                  Click here to view the flyer!

                  Click here to view the event and RSVP on Facebook!

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  June 3-5: Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference

                 WHEN: Thursday June 3 to Saturday June 5

                 WHERE: Pennsylvania Convention Center

                 WHAT: The Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference (PTHC) was founded in 2002 by a group of transgender activists, allies, and service providers. Now in its ninth year, PTHC proudly offers a space for transgender people and our allies, families, and providers to come together to re-envision what health means for transgender people.

                    

                 Click here for more information and a complete schedule of events.

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  June 5: Philadelphia Latino Pride

                 WHEN: Saturday June 5, 2:00pm

                 WHERE: Between 5th and Jefferson Streets

                 WHAT: Live performances, music, giveaways and much more abound between 5th and Jefferson Streets in North Philadelphia at the 3rd Annual Latino Pride Festival.  The festival is dedicated to the memory of Latino community leader Sr. Joaquin Rivera.

     **EqualityPA is looking for volunteers in the Philadelphia area to help us table at the Latino Pride Festival on Saturday, June 5.  If interested, contact Mason at mlane@equalitypa.org or call (215) 731-1447 x18.** 

• 
  
  June 4-13: Pittsburgh Pride Week

                 WHEN: Friday June 4 to Sunday June 13

                 WHERE: Variable, click here for schedule of events.

                 WHAT: Pride is a celebration of diversity in the Pittsburgh region, a celebration of who we are, where we have been and, most importantly, where we are going. This year you’ll find many fantastic events starting with the kick-off rally featuring activist Cleve Jones, to the Pub Crawl, to Pride in the Street featuring R&B superstar Deborah Cox, and culminating with the Pride March and day-long family friendly PrideFest.

     **EqualityPA is looking for volunteers in the Pittsburgh area to help us table at PrideFest on Sunday, June 13.  If interested, contact Mason at mlane@equalitypa.org or call (215) 731-1447 x18.**

                

                 Click here for more information!

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  June 12: 2010 Philly Dyke March

                 WHEN: Saturday June 12, 3:00pm

                 WHERE: Kahn Park (11th and Pine Streets)

                 WHAT: From the PDM facebook event site: "The Philly Dyke March is not a parade. It's a march, a protest, a movement. It’s a statement that as ‘dykes’ we must organize ourselves to fight for our visibility, our rights, and against the injustices we face in our society. The Dyke March is also a celebration of who we are, who we love, and the diversity amongst our community. We welcome Dykes of all races, sizes, ages, abilities, socio-economic statuses, gender presentations, and sexualities. And if you love women but aren’t too comfortable with the term ‘Dyke’, we welcome you too! We also welcome our allies to join us in the park or cheer for us along the parade route!"

                

                 Click here for more information!

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  June 13: Philadelphia Pride Day

                 WHEN: Sunday June 13

                 WHERE: Click here for the parade route and more information

                 WHAT: From PhillyPride.org: "The first official Pride Parade was organized in an impromptu fashion at the end of the 1980s and was intended to coincide with rally planned by the Lesbian and Gay Task Force at Love Park. It was so successful that community members met and started an organization (Lesbian & Gay Pride of the Delaware Valley, Inc.) whose goal was to produce a parade and festival at Penn's Landing each year to continue the community outreach and visibility that was achieved with that one rally. That organization evolved into what we know today as Philly Pride Presents. And that first rally grew into the largest celebration of LGBT pride in the region, now attracting over 25,000 people each year."

     **EqualityPA is looking for volunteers in the Philadelphia area to help us table at PrideDay on Sunday, June 13.  If interested, contact Mason at mlane@equalitypa.org or call (215) 731-1447 x18.**

               

                  Click here for more information!

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  June 19: Lancaster Pride Festival

                 WHEN: Saturday June 19

                 WHERE: Buchanan Park (Behind F&M College)

                 WHAT: This outdoor festival features an array of local talented entertainment, varied vendor offerings from arts and crafts to pride regalia, and a full menu of food offerings. The Lancaster Pride Festival celebrates the lives of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans-gendered, Inter-sexed and Questioning folks as well as their Allies.

     **EqualityPA is looking for volunteers in the Lancaster area to help us table at the Lancaster Pride Festival on Saturday, June 19.  If interested, contact Mason at mlane@equalitypa.org or call (215) 731-1447 x18.**

                

                  Click here for more information!

              

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Equality Pennsylvania's mission is to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals in Pennsylvania through coalition-building, advocacy, education and policy reform.

 

Harrisburg and Central PA friendraiser for EqualityPA

Honesty is the best policy, right?

So is it right to fire someone for living their lives honestly and openly

as a member of the LGBT Community?

Of course it isn’t, but in Pennsylvania it is perfectly legal to do just that.

If this fact astonishes and offends you like it does us, then

join us in supporting the only statewide organization fighting

to change that injustice.

Syngred Briddell, Chris Gatesman,

Ted Martin and Lauren Barr

Cordially invite you to support

Founded in 1996 as the Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights, Equality Pennsylvania (Equality PA) has a long and rich history as the only organization in the Commonwealth advocating exclusively for the rights of LGBT Pennsylvanians!

Saturday, May 22, 2010

7:00 pm-9:00 pm

Light Refreshment and Wine

The Mantis Collective Gallery

1306 N. 3rd Street

Harrisburg, PA 17102

Hosts $100

Attendees $30

Suggested contributions: $50 $100 $250 $500

RSVP to Ted Martin at Theo65@aol.com

Contributions are payable to: EqualityAdvocatesPennsylvania 

If you cannot attend but would like to make a contribution to support EqualityPA, you may mail a check payable to: “EqualityAdvocatesPennsylvania” to:

221 N. Front St., 3rd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101

OR

1211 Chestnut Street, Suite 605 Philadelphia, PA 19107

Taylor, Briggs seek to strengthen bullying prevention policies in Pa. schools

State Reps. Rick Taylor and Tim Briggs, both D-Montgomery, joined by Bryan Lentz, D-Delaware, unveiled legislation they are introducing to strengthen bullying policies in Pennsylvania's public schools during a news conference at Radnor Middle School.


"No child should feel so hopeless that they would take their own life as a result of bullying, especially on a school's watch, Taylor said."This trend is becoming too predominant in Pennsylvania schools. The racially-motivated attacks on Asian-American students at South Philadelphia High School received national attention," Taylor said. "It is the intent of this legislation to empower students and teachers by providing them with the appropriate tools to address and control bullying and its dangerous ramifications."

Taylor and Briggs’ legislation would amend Pennsylvania's school code by expanding the language on bullying policy to apply it to incidences of harassment, intimidation and cyberbullying. In addition, the legislation would delineate to school administrators what actions they must take to provide notice and opportunities to report incidents, remedies for victims and harassment and bullying prevention training.

John Halligan, whose son Ryan committed suicide as a result of being bullied, was at the school giving a presentation to students about the dangers of bullying. Halligan has made it his life's mission to educate students, parents, and teachers throughout the nation about bullying, and is visiting several schools in Pennsylvania.

"I am very impressed with this effort to improve the bullying prevention law in Pennsylvania," said Halligan. "State laws are a necessary component of combating the issue, but unless schools follow through to see them carried out, then the words of those laws are only worth the paper they are printed on."

"Every child in Pennsylvania has the right to learn in an environment free from bullying and harassment and where they feel safe," Briggs said. "Bullying causes major stress for its victims and can have far-reaching effects on their emotional health, well-being and educational success. We need to proactively address this issue in Pennsylvania schools before we hear stories like those in the news more frequently."

The legislation also would require the Department of Education to routinely review bullying policies and report its findings to the General Assembly. It also would make schools' access to state grants through the Safe Schools program contingent upon approval of their bullying policies and compliance with reporting procedures.

"It’s often said that kids can say the meanest things, and because of public outrage about victims like Ryan Halligan, we are hoping to receive strong support and quick movement on this legislation," Lentz said. "Sadly, bullies do not realize the long-term ramifications their actions have on their victims, and they often are also suffering from emotional problems themselves. Children on the receiving end of that abuse are usually too embarrassed, scared or lack the self-esteem to stand up for themselves and tell an adult. We cannot let children turn into a silent punching bag."

Taylor and Briggs are seeking co-sponsors on the legislation, which they plan to formally introduce in coming weeks.

Join us in Scranton, PA!

Please join us for an OUTRAGEOUS night of friendraising!

Tomorrow Evening!

Friday, May 14th

5-9 pm

Wine/Beer, Cheese, Music, and Fun!

(Monetary donations will be welcomed!)

Outrageous & Anthology Books

515 Center Street

Scranton, PA

18503

(570)341-1443

outrageousonline@gmail.com

Equality Pennsylvania remains the preeminent LGBT advocacy organization for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and works collaboratively to establish a comprehensive network of individuals and organizations united in securing equal civil rights for the LGBT community.

Founded 15 years ago as the Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights and later growing into Equality Advocates Pennsylvania, Equality Pennsylvania is the only organization in the Commonwealth advocating in Harrisburg and across the state exclusively for the rights of LGBT Pennsylvanians.

Hosted by Board Members:  Joyce Avila, Jeff Brauer, and Paul Nardone

We've just named TED MARTIN our new Executive Director

Harrisburg – Equality Pennsylvania (EqualityPA), the only organization advocating exclusively for the rights of the Commonwealth’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) citizens, today announced the appointment of Ted Martin as its new Executive Director. Martin, who lives with his husband in Camp Hill outside of Harrisburg, will begin the position on June 1, 2010.

“After an extensive national search that lasted several months, the Search Committee and Board of Directors chose Ted because his talents were exceptional and uncommon, his commitment to equality profound and his passion for the work infectious,” explained Board president, Brian Sims of Philadelphia. “And while we know that as an organization we have much to do to ensure that EqualityPA more fully becomes a representative of our entire statewide constituency, the Board has full confidence that Ted is the perfect person to help us meet that challenge.”

Martin comes to the position after an extensive career in politics and non-profit management. From nearly ten years with the US House of Representatives, to a stint as an executive director running Harrisburg’s architectural preservation organization, Historic Harrisburg Association, to his current role with the Department of Community and Economic Development as the Executive Director of Economic Development Marketing, his career has been marked by building successful organizations from the ground up.

He has also been deeply involved with the Central Pa LGBT community where he has led the LGBT business association and the board of the LGBT youth group, Common Roads. He currently serves as president of the board of The LGBT Community Center Coalition of Central PA. In early 2009, Martin successfully presided over the merger of Common Roads and the Community Center Coalition.

“I can’t think of a more incredible opportunity for me to serve than this,” Martin said. “It really is an honor. I have a great Board of Directors full of committed and smart people, terrific staff and wonderful volunteers and I feel very lucky that the skills needed to make this a success have been sharpened by what I have done in the past.” In fact, Sims pointed to this very fact as one major reason why Martin’s candidacy was successful. “It really wasn’t lost on us that in his working life, Ted has been a successful communicator, administrator, advocate and coalition-builder. These are all going to be vitally necessary strengths Ted is going to have to call on as we move the organization forward,” Sims remarked.

Martin also recognizes the unique challenges he and the organization face. “I know that in the coming months this job is going to involve equal amounts of listening and talking. I intend to get out into the state to hear what the members of the LGBT Community want and expect of EqualityPA, and I am hopeful that this will only be the beginning of an ongoing conversation. That, in and of itself, is a huge task,” he explained, “but this conversation will be central to our long term goal of making the Commonwealth’s LGBT community a real force in politics and policymaking.”

Martin will be based in EqualityPA’s Harrisburg Office, with office hours in their Philadelphia location. The organization is currently in discussions to open an additional office in the Commonwealth.

Founded in 1996 as the Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights, the mission of EqualityPA is to achieve equality for LGBT Pennsylvanians through legislative and policy changes, education and outreach. It is estimated that EqualityPA’s various activities have reached over 25,000 people throughout the Commonwealth.

VICTORY! Discriminatory Marriage Bill Tabled in Senate Committee!

This Tuesday the Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee cast an historic vote to keep discrimination out of the State Constitution. In a bipartisan 8-6 vote, the committee voted to "table" the bill.  Though through procedure the bill may be brought up again this session, the discriminatory and divisive bill is effectively dead.

The bill, sponsored by Senator John Eichelberger Jr. (R-30), would have amended the constitution to read, “Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid and recognized as a marriage in this commonwealth.”

The vote before a “packed hearing room” crossed political and regional boundaries as three Republicans joined five Democrats in a vote to table the bill. According to the Judiciary Committee Chairman Stewart Greenleaf--who voted against the motion to table--the bill was a “referendum on gay marriage” and “the measure would not be brought up again this session.”

While this marks the third time in four years that the issue of same-sex marriage has been taken up in the legislature it is the first time that proponents of equality won on a straight up-down vote. This also marks the first time that Sens. Mary Jo White (R-21) and Lisa Boscola (D-18) voted against a bill that would have led to a Constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

Though a state law passed in 1996 currently prevents same-sex marriages, those in favor of the resolution had expressed concern that a lawsuit might be able to overturn the law unless a ban was written into the constitution. Equality Pennsylvania’s Mason Lane said that there was “no legal case waiting to challenge the state law.” 

The only current avenue of achieving marriage equality in Pennsylvania would be Senator Daylin Leach’s SB 935, which currently has only a single co-sponsor. 

We’ll continue to keep you posted on news of marriage equality in Pennsylvania.

March 2010 E-Newsletter

This is a copy of our March 2010 E-Newsletter.  In addition to updates on events, functions, and action alerts, our monthly e-newsletter is delivered via e-mail to more than 20,000 supporters, friends, and activists.  To sign up to receive e-updates from Equality Pennsylvania click HERE (or copy and paste the following link into your web browser: http://eqfed.org/center4civilrights/join.html?r=U7se5ndaQEB3E).

 

In this Issue:

1.  PA Superior Court delivers WIN to LGBT Pennsylvanians!

2.  Update on Managing Director Jake Kaskey

3.  We're opening a Harrisburg office next month! Support our partner organization who made this possible!

4.  We'll be in Harrisburg this weekend for the TransCentralPA Second Annual Keystone Conference, will YOU be there?

5.  TAKE ACTION - Help pass LGBT-inclusive Hate Crimes legislation

6.  Dialing for Equality:  March phone-banks

7.  Attend our workshop at Drexel University on March 30!

  

 

PA Superior Court grants custody rights to LGBT parents in Pennsylvania:  On February 25, in a 7-1 decision, the PA Superior Court issued an opinion that overturned 25 years of precedent in which homsexual relationships were deemed to have an "adverse effect on [a] child" in custody cases.  The decision by the state Superior Court reflects the progression of child custody laws in Pennsylvania, as attitudes and sentiments toward LGBT issues begins to become more favorable.   

For a link to an article about the decision in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette click HERE. 

  

Jake Kaskey on medical leave, nationwide search for permanent Executive Director well underway:  As many of you are already aware, Managing Director Jake Kaskey was hospitalized for several weeks in late January and early February.  Thankfully, he is now at home with friends and family recovering, but the process will take some time.  We wish him a full and speedy recovery and cannot wait to see him back to working the halls of the State Capitol for full equality!

A nation-wide search for a full-time, permanent Executive Director is underway and a state-wide search committee has already begun reviewing applications.  We hope to have the position filled soon.

Click HERE to view the job posting and position description.

We're opening a Harrisburg office thanks to The LGBT Community Center Coalition of Central PA:  Please consider supporting our friends at our partner organization, The LGBT Community Center Coalition of Central PA.  With their help and support, we will be opening a Harrisburg office next month. 

Are you looking to do some good?  If so, then here’s your chance. 

Equality PA is committed to helping all of Pennsylvania's LGBT organizations thrive and grow, so we are proud to showcase our partner organization in Central PA, The LGBT Community Center Coalition.  Dedicated to finding common ground for ALL the LGBT Citizens who live and work throughout the eight midstate counties the Center represents, their mission is grass-roots driven and equality-powered and it relies heavily on the generosity of the public.  They are producing terrific programming for adults and youth on a shoestring budget and have become a leading advocate for LGBT rights and visibility in an area that doesn’t always welcome dialogue on gay issues.  Their dedication to our cause makes it easy for Equality PA to encourage you to make a donation, and they can be sent to: 

The LGBT Community Center Coalition of Central PA

221 North Front Street 

Harrisburg, PA 17101

OR visit www.centralpalgbtcenter.org to make an online donation

For more information: (717) 920-9534

We'll be attending the Second Annual Keystone Conference, "A Celebration of Gender Diversity" hosted by TransCentralPA the weekend of March 12:  We will be participating in a workshop at the Keystone Conference on legal advocacy relating to name change and other identity documentation issues facing Pennsylvania's transgender community.  Attendees of the conference will find three full days of varied and meaningful workshops and seminars and three nights of social functions, the finale being Saturday night’s gala dinner and dance in the Sheraton’s resplendent ballroom.

For more information about the conference click HERE.

  

TAKE ACTION - Help Pass LGBT-Inclusive Hate Crimes Legislation:  Thanks to you, late last year, House Bill 745, an LGBT-inclusive Hate Crimes bill passed the PA House Judiciary Committee with massive bipartisan support in an 18-8 vote. We expect the entire Pennsylvania House of Representatives to vote on this legislation in the near future, so now is the time to ask your representatives to vote for this important bill. HB 745 would amend the Title 18 Ethnic Intimidations Act to define crimes against individuals based on “actual or perceived ancestry, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity” as ethnic intimidation, or hate crimes.

To access the Action Alert and send a letter to your representative, click HERE.

Dialing for Equality: come to our March phone-banks on Tuesday, March 16 and Wednesday, March 24:  Already sent a letter to your Representative?  Want to further advocate for equality?

Then join us on Tuesday, March 16 and Wednesday, March 24 in calling our supporters across the Commonwealth and asking them to contact their legislators. Phone-Banking is very fun, very easy, and is a great way to get involved in the fight for full equality for LGBT Pennsylvanians.  We'll be meeting from 6:00-8:00pm in our Philadelphia office at 1211 Chestnut Street, Suite 605.  For more information, or to RSVP e-mail Mason (mlane@equalitypa.org) or click HERE.

Learn about the current state of LGBT rights in the U.S. and Pennsylvania at Drexel University on March 30:  Representatives from EqualityPA will be conducting a workshop at Drexel University with members of the Foundation of Undergraduates for Sexual Equality (FUSE), Drexel's undergraduate LGBT organization.  The workshop will focus on the current state of LGBT rights both at the federal and state levels.  In addition to an overview of the current political landscape, participants will also discuss and explore different ways to catalyze change both on a national scale and back home in their communities.  Keep an eye out for further updates as the time and location are still TBA.

Equality Pennsylvania's mission is to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals in Pennsylvania through coalition-building, advocacy, education and policy reform.

2010 - Much to do!

With 2010 already in full swing here at EQPA, we have much to do.  In just a few weeks a full House floor vote is expected on HB745, an LGBT-inclusive Hate Crimes bill introduced by PA Rep. Josh Shapiro (D - 153).  The bill passed out of the House Judiciary Committee in November of '09 with massive bipartisan support by an 18-8 vote.  If this bill is to pass the full House, however, legislators need to hear from YOU!  Click HERE to go to EQPA's Take Action page and send an email to your legislator asking him or her to SUPPORT  HB745.

Even though President Obama signed the Matthew Shepard & James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act at the federal level, a state-level bill is now needed to FULLY protect LGBT Pennsylvanians. With your continued activism and support we can allay the fears of many LGBT Pennsylvanians, a group that is disproportionately represented among hate crimes' victims.

We've been calling through legislators whipping votes and making sure we have the support to pass the bill.  This is a battle we can and will win with YOUR support!  Click HERE to contact your State Representative and ask them to VOTE FOR HB745.

The Week in Review

New Jersey Gay Marriage Bill
Last night the New Jersey state Sentate Judiciary Committee voted 7 to 6 to hand down a bill to the full Senate that would legalize gay marriage in NJ. The legislation was scheduled to head to the full Senate today, Thursday, December 10th, but has been delayed due to fear that the bill does not have enough votes. According to gay365.com, "Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts has not committed to posting the bill." Let's just hope that we can get enough Senate votes to pass it before time runs out in January.

Annise Parker the first Openly Gay Mayor of Houston, TX?
Annise Parker has been facing a lot of opposition from anti-LGBT forces in her race to become Mayor of Houston. Yet polls show she has a slight lead over her opponent and this weekend could become Houston, TX's first openly gay mayor. Parker and her life partner, Kathy Hubbard, have been together for almost 20 years and have two children. (Click here for more information about the opposition she's been facing.)

Comprehensive Sex Education in Pennsylvania?
A new bill in the Pennsylvania legislature would flip the 'opt-out' for sex education. The current policy "allows parents an opt-out if, for religious or other reasons, they'd prefer their kids don't get comprehensive education" (examiner.com). This comprehensive education includes information on birth control and pregnancy prevention as well as how to prevent sexually transmitted infections. "The new bill, sponsored by Represenatative Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Luzerne, would require public schools to notify parents if the sex-ed curriculum teaches only abstinence when it comes to preventing pregnancy and the spread of disease" (examiner.com).

This bill is something we should all push for. Current abstinence-only education overlooks and ignores those in the LGBT community and puts all young persons at a disadvantage. According to examiner.com, "abstinence-only education programs have been proven to have no effect at all on the sexual activity of teenagers who participate in them." This means that while teenagers are still having sex, they are uninformed on how to protect themselves from disease and pregnancy.
 

Another Loss for Marriage Equality

Yesterday, quite unfortunately, the New York State Senate voted down a bill that would have ended marriage discrimination in their state. Both the ACLU and the HRC expressed their disappointment in the state senate's failure to legalize same-sex marriages, the vote being 38 to 24 against.

This is a disappointment not only for New Yorkers and for the equal marriage rights movement in general, but also specifically for those in New Jersey who had been hoping that similar legislation would come up in the state congress. According to 365gay.com, "It’s going to help cement defeat for gay marriage in New Jersey, and  [could] get a whole bunch of politicians in New Hampshire who voted for gay marriage this year pretty nervous when they come up for election.”

The fact is that as all these equal marriage movements are defeated, it gets harder and harder for others states to have success. The passing of issue 1 in Maine and now the defeat of equal marriage in New York are creating painful disappointment in the LGBT community.

But there is hope. According to NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman, "this is only a temporary setback in our campaign to protect all New York families. The majority of New Yorkers support fair marriage laws that protect lesbian and gay families, and the day will come when we achieve that goal."

If there is hope in New York, than there is hope in New Jersey, and there is hope across the country. There will come a day when the goal of equality for the LGBT community is achieved. But we must hold on and keep strong until that day comes.

Sources: 
ACLU Website:  "NYCLU: Senate's Failure to Pass Marriage is Disappointing..."
365gay.com: Gay-marriage opponents welcome NY bill’s defeat

HRC Website: New York Senate Rejects Marriage Bill for Same-Sex Couples

Washington D.C. Council Votes to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage!

Good news out of the District of Columbia today as the D.C. Council voted 11-2 to pass a bill legalizing marriage for same-sex couples within the District!

The bill must still be voted on once more by the D.C. Council--which is schedule to take place in two weeks, December 15--before it can be sent to Mayor Adrian Fenty, who has pledged to sign it into law.  According to the District's legislative protocols, the U.S. Congress has a thirty day window to review the bill, but both chambers (House and Senate) and the President's signature are required to repeal any bill passed by the Council.  

If the bill passes as expected, it should go into effect as early as February or March, and Washington D.C. will join Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Iowa, and Massachusetts in allowing same-sex marriage.

5 Elections to Watch

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! Now it's time to get back to work.

Even though the majority of elections were decided on November 3, there are still five races important to the LGBT community headed to run-off elections.  The Victory Fund has endorsed five openly LGBT candidates still running for public office in Houston, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia:

Annise Parker:  Houston will become the largest U.S. city ever to elect an openly LGBT mayor if she wins this incredibly close runoff election.

Alex Wan:  Alex is well-positioned to become the first openly gay man and first Asian-American ever elected to office in Atlanta.

Simone Bell:  Simone will become the first openly lesbian Africa-American elected to a state legislature in the U.S. if she wins this race for the Georgia State House.

Sue Lovell:  Sue is an at-large member of the Houston City Council who's been open and honest about her sexual orientation for years, and because of that she's been a strong voice for equality in Houston city government.  She's running for her third and final two-year term. 

Lane Lewis:  Lane hopes to join Sue on the Houston City Council and add his expertise as former teacher, appointed official and civic activist.

One Year Out: 2010 PA Governor's Race

With less than 348 days until Pennsylvania voters go to the polls on Tuesday, November 2 to elect the next Governor, and just under 6 months before the Primary in May, EQPA has a brief update on the players in the 2010 PA Governor's race. (click each candidates' name to be directed to their campaign website. Incumbent party is listed first. Details courtesy of Politics1.com)

Democrats:

Chris Doherty - Mayor of Scranton
Joe Hoeffel - Montgomery County Commissioner, Former U.S. Congressman and '04 U.S. Senate Candidate
Tom Knox - Businessman and '07 Philadelphia Mayoral Candidate
Dan Onorato - Allegheny County Executive, former Pittsburgh City Councilman
Jack Wagner - State Auditor General, Former State Senator, Former Pittsburgh Council President

Republicans:

Tom Corbett - Attorney General, Former U.S. Attorney
Jim Gerlach - Congressman, Former State Senator and Representative
Robert Allen Mansfield - Businessman
Sam Rohrer - State Representative, Businessman

Independents:

Rich Gordon - Truck Driver, Former Businessman, and Retired Port Authority Worker

Early polling data can be found here and here.

Needless to say, the race is pretty crowded as of now. As Primary season heats up early next year, however, expect several weaker players to drop out. EQPA will try and give more in-depth analysis as the candidates' positions and views on issues important to the LGBT community become clearer.

A Vote on the Hate Crimes Bill!

Just this morning the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee voted to PASS HB745, to amend the Title 18 Ethnic Intimidations Act to define crimes against "actual or perceived ... sexual orientation, or gender identity" as ethnic intimidation, a.k.a. hate crimes!

The bill was passed with 18 yea votes, which is more than we had anticipated! (Compared to only 8 no votes.) The form letters that you folks signed surely helped the vote! Thanks to all those who signed letters and to all those volunteers that helped us get them addressed and sent out.

We are one step closer to having a Hate Crimes bill that protects victims of violence on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The next step is for the bill to be put before the whole House for a vote.

We'll continue to send out the form letters we have to encourage representatives to bring it to a vote and vote YES. If you would like to contact your house representative to encourage them to do so yourself, you can find your representative HERE by entering your address into the "look up your legislator" link on our website.

Poll Results Look Promising

Good news in nearby Massachusetts, polls are showing support for passing legislation to protect transgender people. According to the GLAD website: "A new poll shows that 76% of Massachusetts voters, including 81% of women, support passing a law prohibiting discrimination against transgender people in employment, housing, and public accommodations." This number was higher than anticipated and it's an important factor in getting a non-discrimination bill passed.

This is good news for Pennsylvanians too. Generally, the more states that pass non-discrimination bills the easier it will be to pass one in our own congress. Plus, the more studies that show people are for protecting the LGBT community from discrimination the more evidence we have on our side to help create policies that protect us all!

What the House Health Care Bill Means for LGBT Americans

This past weekend, the U.S. House of Representatives completed the first step to passing health care reform with the passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act by a vote of 220 to 215.

While the bill is controversial on a number of fronts, it does contain key provisions protecting LGBT citizens and families:

- Health Disparities
- Unequal Taxation of Domestic Partner Benefits
- Early Treatment for HIV under Medicaid
- Comprehensive Sex Education
- Non-discrimination

Click HERE for the Human Rights Campaign's breakdown of these provisions.

The bill now moves to the Senate for debate and possibly a vote. Check back with EQPA for further updates and news as health care reform moves forward.

The Week in LGBT News

Happy Friday, everyone! This week brought much success to the LGBT trenches with over 50 LGBT candidates elected to public office across the country. Here in Pennsylvania, all six LGBT candidates up for election were elected to office.

Philadelphia's Common Pleas Court candidate Dan Anders, the first openly gay judge appointed by Governor Ed Rendell in 2007, was elected to the court for the first time last night. Also in Philadelphia, Municipal Court Judge candidate Dawn Segal won. And finally, Harrisburg City Councilman Dan Miller was elected Harrisburg City Controller, Sharyn Keiser was elected New Hope Councilmember, Karl Marking was elected to the Coatesville City Council, and Lori Schreiber was elected to the Abington Township Commission last night.

Click here for a complete listing of LGBT candidates and their election results across the country.

In national news, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions held hearings this week on the Federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would prohibit discrimination in employment on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. The committee posted the full text of their hearings.

Find your local Senator here, and tell them to SUPPORT the federal ENDA.

Also, Governor Patterson of New York has put gay marriage on the agenda for the Empire State's special legislative session.

While most commentators and pundits will be talking about the gay marriage setback in Maine in the days and weeks to come, we must never forget that marriage equality is not the ONLY problem facing LGBT Americans and Pennsylvanians. Employment discrimination, health care, schoolyard bullying, hate crimes, and equal protection in public accomodations are all areas in which LGBT Pennsylvanians have a vested interest.

Remember: the Maine legislature passed LGBT non-discrimination FOUR times before the voters let it stand. We'll be back in Maine, and we will win.

As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once wrote, "the arc of the moral universe is long, but it curves toward justice."

We need to continue our efforts to make sure that it does.

Voters Uphold Equality for LGBT Citizens As Openly-Gay Candidates Win Across the Country, Six Openly-Gay Candidates Win across Pennsylvania

*This is a Press Release. Further in-depth analysis including coverage of election contests of note across the country will be posted shortly*

Voters in Kalamazoo, Michigan and Washington State yesterday upheld legislation that provides equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people as dozens of openly-gay candidates were voted into elected office across the country. With voters, at times overwhelming, supporting pro-equality issues and candidates, local municipalities and states across the country continue their movement toward providing full equality for LGBT people.

“With last night's overwhelming victory in the heartland of America, and openly-gay candidates running and winning races from all parts of the country, it is undeniable that Americans every day grow more accepting and welcoming of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people no matter which part of the country you live in,” said Jake Kaskey, Policy and Programs Director for Equality Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania's leading LGBT advocacy organization. “Thousands of people voted for equality and fairness yesterday, and together continued to create stronger and more welcoming cities and states across America.”

Sixty-five percent of Kalamazoo voters approved Ordinance 1856 which bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The ordinance originally passed the city commission in late 2008 but was challenged by opponents with a petition drive.

Openly-gay candidates also found success at the polls, as 50 openly-gay candidates won their election last night, including six in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia's Common Pleas Court candidate Dan Anders, the first openly gay judge appointed by Governor Ed Rendell in 2007, was elected to the court for the first time last night. Also in Philadelphia, Municipal Court Judge candidate Dawn Segal won. Finally, Harrisburg City Councilman Dan Miller was elected Harrisburg City Controller, Sharyn Keiser was elected New Hope Councilmember, Karl Marking was elected to the Coatesville City Council, and Lori Schreiber was elected to the Abington Township Commission last night. Other historic elections for openly-gay candidates occurred in: Houston, Texas; Detroit, Michigan; St. Petersburg, Florida; Akron, Ohio; and Maplewood, Minnesota, among other places.

“Those who care about equality saw self-identified LGBT candidates and voters reaffirm their commitment to equal rights across the country and throughout Pennsylvania” Kaskey said. “It’s time the Pennsylvania legislature recognizes that basic protections for everyone, and equality for all people, is something our citizens demand from its government.”

Although ballots are still being counted, voters in Washington State will likely pass Referendum 71 which reaffirms the state's domestic partnership law passed earlier this year that expands the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of same-sex and senior domestic partners to be equivalent to those of married spouses. Voters are currently approving Referendum 71 by a 51.13 to 48.87% margin. Voters in Maine, however, reversed a law that provided marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples last night by a three-point margin.

As openly gay candidates found success with voters, the one Reading city councilmen who voted against prohibiting discrimination based upon sexual orientation or gender identity or expression earlier this year in Reading. Stephen Fuhs, the lone dissenting vote against expanding discrimination protections to LGBT people, lost his reelection campaign yesterday. Reading became the 16th municipality in Pennsylvania to protect LGBT citizens from discrimination with a 6-1 vote in September.