After several efforts to add my Louisiana Senators and Representative as cosponsors to the Uniting American Families Act, I amazingly received an email reply. Oddly enough, it was Senator David Vitter's office that replied:
Thank you for contacting me in support of the Uniting American Families Act. I appreciate hearing from you on this issue.
As you may know, the Uniting Families Act would apply the same standards to same-sex couples that our laws apply to opposite-sex couples where one member is seeking to bring a permanent partner into the country. I believe the definition in this legislation is vague in many aspects and could create serious and divisive legal issues. I also fear this bill would further complicate our already flawed immigration system.
While we may not agree on this legislation, I will keep your views in mind as I work to improve our security and reform our immigration system. Once again, thank you for contacting me to share your thoughts on this issue. Please feel free to contact me in the future about other issues important to you.
Sincerely,
Senator David Vitter
United States Senator
I never actually expected them to co-sponsor the UAFA, but WTF, it is always good to contact your Congressional representatives. Vitter's (staff) reply only proves that the right is running out of excuses in denying equality. What part of "same standards to same-sex couples that our laws apply to opposite-sex couples" do they not understand? Apparently"same standards" is too vague.
Does any one here have any suggestions on how I should reply to Senator Vitter's email?
Robinson has worked to secure the success of various NBJC projects including the annual Black Church Summit and Religious Affairs Advisory Committee, plus pursued major gains in NBJC Social Networking, Field Operations, Political Programs and Fundraising & Development.His tenure ends in June. I worked with Alexander when I covered the first National Black Church Summit, and serving on a panel with him (and Mandy Carter) at t at the 2008 Equality NC conference, "Building People of Color LGBT Visibility.""Robinson has contributed significantly to the development of the community over the last five years," said NBJC Board President Kylar Broadus. The NBJC Board of Directors and staff wish Mr. Robinson all the best in his new ventures.
Dr. Sylvia Rhue, Director of Religious Affairs and Constituency Development has been appointed Interim Executive Director and will take the reigns effective June 1, 2009. Previously, she was employed as the California Freedom to Marry Coalition Manager, the Director of Equal Partners in Faith, and she worked with the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Rights. She also worked at the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center as the Assistant Director of Counseling, and then as the Policy and Public Affairs Advocate. A native Californian, she graduated from UCLA with a Masters Degree in Social Work and received a Doctorate in Human Sexuality from the Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in San Francisco. She is the first African American to receive this degree. Dr. Rhue is the co-producer of the award-winning film "All God's Children" and she is an expert on the "ex-gay" movement, which she calls "the cult of the annihilation of the authentic self." Dr. Rhue is a noted public speaker, a documentarian, a religious scholar and a writer.BTW, Sylvia wrote an incredible piece that ran here on the Blend last December, Opposite Sex Sodomites: A Response to Dr. Firpo Carr," that turned the gay-hating, scripture-quoting Carr's deranged screed, "God Pays Gays With AIDS?" on its head. It's definitely worth the click for a priceless flashback."We look forward to continuing this important, groundbreaking work with Dr. Rhue," said Broadus. A nationwide search will be conducted for a permanent replacement.
Here is the teaser for the story that ran tonight on the local WRAL news. You can hear what myself & husband said & thought about marriage equality & the progress being made in North Carolina as well as a straight couple that opposes equality (apparently they actually had a really hard time finding such a couple willing to speak about their conviction on air)
More Details about this & the recent & upcoming Prop 8 Protests in NC after the jump.
Gay marriage debate not simple
Posted: 10 minutes ago
Updated: 5 minutes ago
Raleigh, N.C. — The Gellar-Goads were neighbors at North Carolina State University when they met in 2003. The two hit it off, started dating, and as their relationship got serious, they began talking about tying the knot.
In 2007, the two were engaged over tiramisu at their favorite restaurant – they never finished dessert, they were so happy. In March, they married.
The rest can be read here (including video, slide shows, & longer versions of the interview that weren't aried):
http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/5229045/
--------------
Thats the text version of the story they just aired. All credit for it goes to Amanda Lamb & WRAL. I think Amanda Lamb who interviewed us did a terrific job putting the story together, and hopefully it'll help progress the dialogue in NC about equality especially with things like the bullying bill & the sex ed bills being in the air right now. I also liked that the piece pointed out NC is the only state in the south without a marriage equality constitutional ban, I think that is something we North Carolinians should be very proud of.
And as promised here are a few pics from the prop 8 protests in NC. It was a last minute thing so we didn't get many people or pics, but a friend in Greensboro told me he was inspired to host his own protest this weekend after I did mine. Here are the details for his event:
http://www.new.facebook.com/event.php?eid=83529848151
| Date: | Saturday, June 6, 2009 |
| Time: | 1:00pm - 5:00pm |
| Location: | Greensboro's Governmental Plaza (In front of the cop/kid statue) |
| Street: | Washington Street |
| City/Town: | Greensboro, NC |
I thought in front of a court house was an appropriately symbolic place to hold the protest.
(I'm on the far right, & that is my husband in the middle)
All in all I hope I'm helping to contribute positively to the discussion of marriage equality in NC, and I was a very proud father when my cat got in on the TV action!
On the eve of the 40th Anniversary of Stonewall, come join us in celebrating the achievements of the LGBT equality movement:
I'll Toast to That Thursday, June 25th, 2009 6:00pm Charles Froelick Gallery 817 SW 2nd Avenue $40 beforehand, $50 at the door (tickets available here)
Attire: pizazzulous
A special thank you to our sponsors: Organic Nation Spirits Devil's Food Catering Raptor Ridge
Music by: DJ Scotty D
Ticket price qualifies for the Oregon Political Tax Credit which means you can get every penny of your ticket price back at tax time! Click here for more information on the Oregon Political Tax Credit. Questions? Call 503/222.6151
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