Tell Your Senator and Representative to Pass "HR1913 Hate Crime Prevention Act"

Let Your Representatives Know You Care about Hate Crimes Legislation!

Take Action!

Representative John Conyers (D-MI) along with 42 original co-sponsors re-introduced the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act - H.R. 1913. It is a transgender inclusive bill identical to the hate crimes legislation passed by the House of Representatives in 2007.

The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act would add sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability to existing federal hate crimes laws. It would also strengthen enforcement of these laws by allowing the US Department of Justice to assist local authorities in the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes cases.

When introducing the bill, Representative Conyers stated that the legislation "provides a constructive and measured response to a problem that continues to plague our nation. These are crimes that shock and shame our national conscience. They should be subject to comprehensive federal law enforcement assistance and prosecution."

Email Your Representative Today!
We urge you to write your Representatives and encourage them to support this critical piece of legislation. Those who oppose this legislation are taking advantage of this time to reach out to their representatives - it is important that we are equally active, sharing our stories with our Congress members. Please email your Representative, and take this important step to help address the violence our LGBT loved ones face

District of Columbia Recognizes Gay Marriage

Big Gay News BIG NEWS!!! via Tweeter The District of Columbia Recognizes Gay Marriage
"The D.C. Council Tuesday overwhelmingly voted in favor of legislation recognizing same-sex marriages from other states as marriage in the District — a move lauded by lawmakers as a step toward legalizing gay marriage in the city. “This is the march towards human rights and equality,” said Council member David A. Catania, at-large independent. “It is not the march toward special rights…and that march is coming here.” …

Read the full story from the Washington Times

Tweeter

Senator Burr stalls Duckworth's nomination

Source AP Senator stalls Duckworth's nomination courtesy of Reverend Allyson Robinson via twitter who wishes to express her disappointment that Senator Richard Burr stalled Tammy Duckworth's nomination.

The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee didn't vote on the nomination Thursday because North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr asked that the panel hold off. Burr, the top Republican on the committee, wants Duckworth and the White House to answer some of his questions. Burr's spokesman, David Ward, would not say on Friday what the questions concerned.

"The committee chairman, Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, called it a "disappointing setback."

"Tammy Duckworth is a talented and qualified nominee who has already given so much for her country and the veterans she serves," Akaka said."

"Duckworth, a major in the Illinois National Guard, lost both her legs and partial use of one arm in a rocket-propelled grenade attack in 2004. She ran for Congress in 2006, but lost."

Senator stalls Duckworth's nomination

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

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.