Take Action for Equality

In 1996, Bob Barr wrote the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). When the bill became law, the federal government and all federal agencies were prohibited from extending any federal marriage-based benefits, privileges and rights to same-sex couples.

Thirteen years later, Bob Barr came to admit that he made a mistake with DOMA.

Ask President Obama and Congress to overturn DOMA. »

Right now, same-sex couples are denied tax, pension, visitation, inheritance and legal standing rights granted to opposite-sex couples. Overturning DOMA would end these discriminatory practices and mitigate the damage caused by anti-gay ballot measures.

If the author of DOMA says he made a mistake, shouldn't Congress at least take a second look and consider repealing DOMA? Please act today to bring hope to LGBT couples and ask for DOMA's repeal. »

Take action link: http://www.care2.com/go/z/e/AFnDo/zJdj/YwmS

Help Secure Marriage Equality in the Northeast!

 Please email and/ or phone legislators in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Rhode Island TODAY! Urge them to vote YES for marriage equality. Separate email addresses with commas in order to send a message out to multiple legislators.

Maine House

http://www.maine.gov/legis/house/e_mail.htm

Maine Senate

http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate/senators/email/maillst.htm

http://www4.egov.nh.gov/governor/goveforms/comments.asp



New Hampshire House

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/house/members/housemembersemail.aspx

New Hampshire Senate

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/senate/senatemembers.asp



New York Senate

http://www.senate.state.ny.us/Senatorbio.nsf/Public_MemberEmail?openform

New York Assembly

http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?sh=email



Rhode Island Senate

http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/Email/SenEmailListDistrict.asp

Rhode Island House

http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/Email/RepEmailListDistrict.asp 

Protect Marriage Equality - Answer the Lies

From Equality for All - Facebook Group:

The National Organization for Marriage, an anti-LGBT rights group opposed to marriage equality, has launched a nationwide campaign featuring misleading and false claims related to the religious implications of same-sex marriage legislation. The group has created anti-marriage equality radio ads and hopes to raise money to begin airing television ads. Described as the “Religious Liberty Ad Campaign,” the ads falsely and outlandishly warns that “religious groups may be denied the use of parks and other public facilities, unless they endorse gay marriage.”

One of the advertisements features an individual who says, “I’m a California doctor who must choose between my faith and my job.” Here is the misleading and irresponsible ad:



This same group is currently targeting key members of the Iowa House of Representatives – activating its members nationwide – encouraging them to introduce legislation to put a constitutional amendment banning marriage by same-sex couples on the ballot to be voted on by Iowans.

We are asking you to contact these same individuals and counter these messages. As health professionals, you can counter the distorted facts and misinformation with evidence firmly rooted in science.

You can include the following message:

I am writing to urge you to oppose HJR 6, also know as the Iowa Marriage Amendment.

This measure seeks to place a constitutional amendment that would seek to restrict marriage rights for same-sex couples. I believe in public policy driven by science, not ideology. As a health professional, I can tell you that the science is unambiguous in this regard -- denial of marriage rights to gay men and lesbians can negatively impact their health as well as the well-being of their children.

I encourage you to review the scientific research on this matter. You can go to www.glma.org/marriageequality to download a report, Same-Sex Marriage and Health, which includes detailed citations to published research on the issue.

Sincerely,

Please send this information to the following members of the Iowa House of Representatives:

Quirk, Brian (D) - Assistant Minority Leader

Bukta, Polly (D) - Speaker Pro Tempore of the House

Murphy, Patrick (D) - Speaker of the House

Abdul-Samad, Ako (D) - House Assistant Majority Leader

McCarthy, Kevin (D) - House Majority Leader

Mascher, Mary (D) - Minority Whip

Gayman, Elesha (D) - House Assistant Majority Leader

Whitaker, John (D) - House Assistant Majority Leader

Reasoner, Michael (D) - House Assistant Majority Leader

Take Marriage Equality Action in IA & VT

From Stonewall Democrats:

Dear Pro-Equality Citizen,

We need your help - just for a moment.

You already know that last week the Iowa Supreme Court extended the freedom to marry to all Iowans. And just last week, the Vermont legislature voted overwhelmingly to do the same thing.

Anti-equality activists are now slamming Democrats in both states for their positions. Take a moment to hold our Democrats accountable and help them stand their ground. Click the following link to a) help thank Iowa Democrats for standing for equality following the court ruling and b) urge the 11 Vermont Democrats who voted against the marriage bill to support the Democratic Majority's motion to override the veto of Republican Governor Jim Douglas.

- Click here to pledge to take action -

Once you make your pledge, you will receive information on how to contact the appropriate officials in Iowa and Vermont. We can keep the freedom to marry in Iowa and enact it in Vermont. However, we need your help. This is an urgent plea, but we firmly believe that by holding these Democrats accountable we can secure victory.

Jon Hoadley
Executive Director

P.S. Remember to pledge to take action at: stonewalldemocrats.org/iowavermont

Misleading NYT ad on Prop 8 - fight back!

from the Human Rights Campaign

I opened The New York Times last Friday to find a full-page ad that is the ultimate demonstration of what our community is going to face moving forward.

The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty purchased the ad to blame supporters of equality for "violence and intimidation" directed towards the Mormon Church and its members in the aftermath of Prop. 8's passage. We all know these claims are, at the very least, exaggerations, and at worst, outright falsehoods.

We're going to see this as we work toward marriage equality and fight to enact federal hate crimes legislation: the other side can only win by telling lies about us.

It's time for us to stand up for the truth. Join members of the HRC Religion Council in forcefully responding to this despicable ad.

HRC has gathered the voices of clergy members from all faiths to respond to the false suggestion that there is an organized attempt to foment mob intimidation and violence toward the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in response to their support for Prop. 8.

When did the LDS Church become the victim?

This is the same church that conducted a national broadcast to every temple, calling on members to organize and write checks to the Prop. 8 campaign. The same church whose members donated more than half of the $40 million behind Prop. 8, even though California Mormons represent just 2 percent of the state's population. The same church that continues to spend exorbitant sums to mislead the public and attempt to transform its image. Yes, it's the same church.

Anti-LGBT groups have spread mistruths to defeat us and it's what they are going to keep doing. And I think we've all had enough of it.

Send your message to The New York Times – we'll also forward a copy to the Becket Fund to make sure they know we're fighting back against their lies.

We need look no further than the key victories we achieved during the elections to know that when we band together, we can win.

Dump DoMA

from People for the American Way

Part of President-elect Obama's ambitious pro-equality platform is that he supports the repeal of DOMA (the Defense of Marriage Act). But already, the anti-gay Right has launched a campaign to "protect DOMA."

At this moment of change, which we've fought so hard to reach, it's time for the federal government to stop punishing loving same-sex couples. It's time to repeal DOMA.

Please take action right now to make sure Congress sends President-elect the legislation to sign.

While states across the country have different laws regarding marriage equality and civil unions, and far too many states currently have bans on same-sex marriage, repealing DOMA would be a huge step in the direction of equality.

• It would be a repudiation of the forces of hate and division who have long pushed to enshrine discrimination further in federal law.


• It would mean federal recognition of all marriages in states like Massachusetts and Connecticut which have full marriage equality for same-sex couples.


• Repealing DOMA would stop the government from selectively withholding the 1,300 or so legal protections that only legal civil marriage affords.


• It would remove a discriminatory blemish from federal law, sending a powerful moral message.

People For the American Way's campaign to Dump DOMA is a comprehensive effort to get repeal legislation on the President-elect Obama's desk for signature. This is a long-tem strategy that we know will be an uphill battle -- but, we must start now. Anti-equality groups are already pushing to keep DOMA in place, and we anticipate challenges with some red-state Democrats and the need to "flip" some representatives and senators who voted to pass DOMA in 1996. But we've seen just what effective national organizing can do in this last election cycle, and we're hopeful that this major step for LGBT equality can be part of the big change for our country in the next few years.

Sign the petition to Senate Majority Leader Reid and Speaker Pelosi now. We want to gather as many signatures as we can to deliver to congressional leadership to begin this battle when the 111th Congress convenes. We need to build up bi-partisan support to repeal DOMA and create an atmosphere of change on this issue in the halls of Congress.

Help get the ball rolling with your signature right now and then please ask your friends to sign it.Forward this e-mail or simply send them to DumpDOMA.com.

The Obama platform on LGBT rights is laid out on his Change.gov transition web site. While unfortunately falling short on full marriage equality, it shows a commitment to many of the values People For the American Way has been advocating for years and continues to fight for: protections against employment discrimination, the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in federal hate crimes laws and allowing gays and lesbians to serve equally and openly in the military by eliminating "don't ask, don't tell." But perhaps the most aggressive part of the platform is Obama's support for repealing DOMA and ending federal discrimination against same-sex couples.

Now we need to gin up the grassroots pressure on House and Senate leaders to let them know it's time for the U.S. government to stop punishing families.

Please be among the first to get on board. We need your support now if the campaign is going to be successful.

Light Up the Night for Equality - Dec. 20

On December 20th, we ask that you join us again for a nation-wide demonstration that will make an impact on the private sector.

Peaceful candlelight vigils will be held at commercial centers in cities across the country in remembrance of the rights that once were for 18,000 marriages, and in honor of the rights that one day will be again - for EVERYONE.

Find out what’s happening in your city.

WE NEED ORGANIZERS!

Interested in putting together a Light Up the Night event or Food Drive in your town?

Add your contact info to our form and add info about the event to your city’s page.

Next Steps: Fighting Prop 8

from Human Rights Campaign

Marriage Equality Fight Continues

The California Supreme Court announced that it would take up the lawsuit to overturn California's discriminatory Prop. 8. While we are awaiting the outcome of that lawsuit, HRC is addressing the root causes of the Election Day loss by making the case for equality with people of all faiths and backgrounds. That work includes:

• Participating in a broad gathering of faith leaders in LA next week to formulate a plan moving forward.


• Encouraging our California members to help organize or and participate in townhall meetings across the state in the coming months. Contact meeting organizers near you »


• Organizing LGBT people of faith to come out in their religious communities. Find out how you can participate »


• Getting our message out to living rooms across America with HRC President Joe Solmonese's appearance on "Dr. Phil" tomorrow. Get details on the show »


• Building on our Election Day successes, which have opened up new doors for marriage equality in key states, especially the Northeast.

Fight for Marriage Equality

The passage of discriminatory initiatives in California, Arizona and Florida has ignited the passion of thousands. You and thousands of others have already pledged to keep your anger and passion alive. Now ask everyone you know to join you in working for justice until equality is the law of the land.

take action »

Project Postcard

From: Civil Rights Front

President-elect Barack Obama has made a lot of promises to the LGBTQ community. We have to make sure he follows through. What better way to do it than to send him a friendly little reminder? Here's what you do...

BUY A POSTCARD - It would be great if it had the name of your city or state on it, but feel free to get creative. Make your own, use one that you have around the house, or grab a free one at your local restaurant. Heck, why not get a bunch of different ones? The more, the better.

ADDRESS IT - A handwritten card is always best, but feel free to print out labels if you're going to send multiple cards. Here's the address...

President-elect Barack Obama
Presidential Transition Office
Kluczynski Federal Building
230 S. Dearborn St., 38th Floor
Chicago, IL 60604

WRITE A MESSAGE - I recommend that we all write the same thing, so that our message can't get any clearer. Our post cards should read...

Dear President-elect Obama,

Please ask Congress to repeal D.O.M.A.! All Americans should have the right to marry. Thank you in advance for advocating for the civil rights of your LGBT citizens.

SIGN YOUR NAME - There is nothing more powerful than that.

BUY POSTAGE AND DROP YOUR POSTCARD(S) IN THE MAIL - Wasn't that easy?

NOW, REPEAT - Send one a week. Or better yet, one a day. Have a postcard party and have all your friends do it too. Email these instructions to your loved ones so they can join in the fun. Think of the statement that thousands and thousands of postcards from around the country will make.

Let's send as many postcards as we can before Thanksgiving!

Tell Mormon Church President-Prophet to stop funding Prop 8

From Courage Campaign:

Fight back against the lies and protect the fundamental rights of Californians

Leaders of the campaign to outlaw same-sex marriage in California made an offer to businesses that have given money to the state's largest gay-rights group: 'Give us money or we'll publicly identify you as opponents of traditional unions.'" -- Lisa Leff, Associated Press, October 23

This is extortion!

It's time for people to fight back against the dishonest attacks of the pro-Proposition 8 campaign funded by the Mormon Church. On Tuesday, we will deliver a letter to President-Prophet Thomas Monson at the Los Angeles Mormon Temple, demanding that his church stop funding the blatant lies of the Proposition 8 campaign that seeks to codify religious, hateful, discriminatory anti-gay doctrine into state law.

ProtectMarriage, the organization leading the anti-marriage-equality campaign -- is now embroiled in a shocking new scandal involving a blackmail letter to California businesses that donated to Equality for All, the organization leading the "No on 8" campaign. Mark Jansson, opposition leader and self-described member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was one of four signers to this blackmail letter. This episode is yet another example of intimidation by the Mormon Church to pass Prop 8 and dictate public policy to Californians.

We need to stop the Mormon Church from pushing their marriage views on Californians through the ballot box and stop the extortion. Please sign our letter now to President-Prophet Thomas Monson demanding that his church cease funding the Mormon's un-American campaign

NO ON CALIFORNIA'S PROP 8!

From No on Prop 8:

If lies don't work, then maybe threats and blackmail will.

Yesterday, donors and supporters of Equality California began receiving threatening letters for their support of the statewide organizations efforts to protect LGBT youth and seniors from the "Yes on 8" campaign leadership.

These letters threatened to "expose" the donors listed on Equality California's website if they don't donate to the "Yes on 8" campaign and refrain from supporting LGBT equality in the future.

That's how low the other side is willing to go.

In any other circumstance I would characterize this despicable strategy as sad -- but we are in the fight of lives here in California.

So, will you stand with us? Will you make a donation to support equality?

Will you show that you won't be intimidated by their threats or lies?

Make a donation today to show the other side that we will not go back to the closet of inequality.

The letter, sent on their campaign letterhead, was signed by four members of the group's executive committee and suggests our donors withdraw their support for their own good. It demands an equivalent donation or else:

"Were you to elect not to donate comparably, it would be a clear indication that you are in opposition to traditional marriage. You would leave us no other reasonable assumption. The names of any companies...that choose not to donate...to ProtectMarriage.com...will be published.

...We will contact you shortly to discuss your contribution."

This outrageous attempt to raise money by using threats reveals their true agenda: permanently to harm the LGBT community, our organizations, our allies and our supporters.

Donate now and send a message to the other side -- We reject your effort to intimidate us, and we reject your shameful lies. We will fight to protect our freedom.

Fight for CA Equality, Wherever You Are!

Think of it this way, if bigots succeed in taking away thousands of legal marriages through the Nov. 4 vote, it puts a target on every legally married gay couple in the nation... and ensures that the rest of us will continue to be second-class citizens in America. This is not a California issue -- this directly involves ALL interested in justice for all under civil law.

From Mass Equality, but pay attention and help even if you are from outside of Massachusetts:

In just three weeks, voters in California will make a historic decision -- whether or not to take away gay marriage. And the polls are not looking good: if the vote were held today, we'd lose 47 percent to 42 percent.

I am asking you today to join me in helping our friends in California with your money and with your volunteer time.

Make no mistake: California is ground zero in the struggle for marriage equality. Losing this vote would be a monumental setback.

Why are we losing? Because the anti-gay right has raised $25.4 million - that's 10 million dollars more than our side. They are using this advantage to broadcast lies 24/7 up and down the state of California.

When I saw their newest ad, I was outraged. They point directly at Massachusetts, saying that schools will be forced to teach second-graders that "boys can marry boys." It's the worst kind of fear-mongering...and it works.

With less than a month before the election, our side must get on the air now to respond and swing votes back to our side.

When we were in the heart of our battles here, donors from California contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars. Now it is our turn. Give here, and our friends in California will know that it came from us in Massachusetts. I just stretched and gave more than I thought I ever would. Can you join me and do the same?

We also need your time.You can make a difference in California without leaving Massachusetts or even your own home. We can train you to make phone calls to California voters from home, using call sheets or computer enabled dialing programs. Even an hour or two can make a difference.

Why phonebank? Because voters are more influenced by personal, unique conversations than by any other form of voter contact. From your own home, you can have the conversations with California voters that will make the difference on November 4th. It's that simple.

For more information or to sign up to make calls from home to defeat Prop 8, contact Ryan Brown or call 617-878-2309.

Without help combating our opponents lies, California will lose. But together, we can make the difference. There's only three weeks left. Please take action today.