4/7/09

Vermont Overrides Same-Sex Marriage Bill Veto



Breaking News: Vermont Overrides Same-Sex Marriage Bill Veto

April 7, 2009 - Vermont's legislature has voted to override Gov. Douglas' veto of the state's marriage equality bill. Vermont will become the fourth state to legalize marriage for same-sex couples.

AP Vermont legalizes gay marriage with veto override

Burlington Free Press Vermont legalizes gay marriage

Chicago Tribune Vermont becomes 4th state to legalize gay marriage after lawmakers override governor's veto

4/6/09

ACLU of TEXAS : stop voter suppression

Source ACLU TEXAS

You can act this week to stop voter suppression - a move by the Texas Legislature to turn away voters from the polls with a bill they call Voter ID.To hear our legislators talk, truckloads of people are showing up at the voting booths impersonating real voters.

Oh how I wish it were true that the urge to vote had really swept over our state with such enthusiasm.The House will take up this ridiculous legislation Tuesday. House backers are trying to portray their bill as kinder and gentler than the one the Senate passed in March but however you look at it, Voter ID is a stunt to intimidate would-be, legitimate voters. Voter ID would require photo identification when casting a ballot. Under current law, your voter registration card is enough.The Texas House Elections Committee will meet Tuesday - the second of two days of hearings - to hear public testimony on this divisive Voter ID bill.


I am asking you to be at that hearing to express your opposition with your presence. If you have a story to tell about voter ID, please email me.Supporters of Voter ID say the bill would prevent voter fraud. But as I have often said, show me proof that voter fraud is a problem in Texas. The Texas Attorney General's own lengthy, and costly investigation in recent years has yielded only about a dozen possible instances of voter fraud - all associated with absentee ballots - and no convictions.For these reasons, I ask you to stand with us on Tuesday and oppose the bill that seeks to silence the loudest voice we have, our vote.

Stand with uson Voter ID
What: House Elections Committee public hearing

When: Tuesday, April 7 at 1 p.m.

Where: John H. Reagan Building, Room 120105 W. 15th Street in Austin

Terri Burke


Executive Director


ACLU of Texas


EQMD : Last Chance to Speak for Transgender Protections


Urge Your Senator to Support Transgender Anti-Discrimination Legislation

URGENT ACTION *MARYLAND HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS* URGENT ACTION

Legislators on the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee continue to stall a vote on SB 566. Twice legislators have found excuses to hold the bill over. Tuesday the bill will come up again in committee. Tell your state Senator to do everything in his or her power to support a full Senate floor vote on this basic human rights legislation. Click here to take action.

4/4/09

Demand HATE CRIMES Legislation NOW!

We've just gotten word from our legislative action team that a comprehensive hate crimes bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives. This very same bill has been before Congress many times before, but here's what's different: this time, we have a chance of seeing it become law. Your representatives need to hear from you right now.
This is our chance to secure federal protections for the LGBT community from vicious attacks and hate. But there's no guarantee we'll win without your action today.
Our opponents also know that we have the votes to get this bill passed and with the Obama administration poised to see it through, they'll be fighting with everything they've got to make sure we lose.
We cannot let that happen. By taking action today, you can help make sure the LGBT community is protected and has the resources to seek justice when victimized by hate crimes. Please, take action now, then urge everyone you know to get in touch with their representatives. Now is our moment and we need your voice.

Caothloic wirlwind drawing christians closser?

The President is Honored by the flagship of cathoholism by being invited to speak as the fetured speaker at Notre Dames Commencement Ceremony.

The Catholic Church reacts with outrage!

Unheard of? Unhearlded? Yes and Yes.

This is the first time that the Catholic Church has objected to the President of the United States being on one of it's Campuses.

This is the first time the presidents skin is black. This is the first time that a president's agenda was contray to the offical Vatican's theocracy.

This is the first time that the Vatican in modren times has so ademently and unialaterly opposed human rights, human life, and human diginity in order to justify its unbending theology. My oppinon and not those of any group I attend or represent, as a writer I have the freedom to express them.

I am publishing views that are diametrly opposed to mine for fairness and freedom of thought.

The thoughts of Michael J. Bayly author of 'Wild Reed' http://thewildreed.blogspot.com/2009/03/what-notre-dame-controversy-is-really.html