Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents

While We Are Talking Equality ...

Sue — Tue, 10 May 2011 22:20:15 -0400

Other good stuff happened ...

In New York, openly gay State Assemblyman Danny O'Donnell has announced the introduction of a marriage equality bill. He announced it by Twitter. You can follow him @DanielJODonnell

How can you not follow this guy? It would be like denying yourself a breath of fresh air. I just nearly gassed myself with weed killer in a death match with poison ivy so the fresh air analogy is the best you are gonna get from me right now.

So New York is a battleground. More than 1,000 folks turned out for a lobby day on Monday and the Governor supports the legislation. There's always a but ... however, today we are just going to bask in the good news.

Next, we have word from The New York Times

After 33 years of debate, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has voted to change its constitution and allow openly gay people in same-sex relationships to be ordained as ministers, elders and deacons.

Good Legislative Stuff Happens in PA, too

Sue — Fri, 06 May 2011 14:37:30 -0400

It is hard to keep up with the good stuff, but I'm sure you want to know about it ....

Anti-Discrimination

HB 300 sponsored by Representative Dan Frankel

SB 910 sponsored by Senator Lawrence Farnese

These bills will expand the Human Relations Act to include sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes.

Hate Crimes

HB 1372 sponsored by Representative Josh Shapiro

SB 586 sponsored by Senator Jim Ferlo

These bills will expand hate crime definitions and protections based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.

Anti-Bullying

SB 191 sponsored by Senator LeAnne Washington

Sexual Education

HB 416 sponsored by Representative Chelsa Wagner

Civil Unions

HB 708 sponsored by Rep Mark Cohen

Marriage Equality

SB 461 sponsored by Senator Daylin Leach

Blog for Equality Pgh 2011 - Tuesday May 10, 2011

Sue — Wed, 04 May 2011 21:06:14 -0400

(scroll down for links to the 2011 Blog for Equality participating blogs)

When it comes to LGBTQ equality blogswarms in Pgh, we've had good company back in 2008 and 2010.

I'm sad that we need to rally the troops once again to stand up against yet another attempt to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution in order to "protect marriage." Sigh. But I'm happy the troops are there to be rallied.

Here's how it works

- Your post should be up before or on Tuesday, May 10, 2011

- Any blogger can participate.

- Write a blog post on any angle of the issue that you like (or don't like). Length is not important.

- Contact me (email, twitter, facebook) with a link so we can track participation.

- Spread the word to other bloggers who might want to chime in.

In my recent half dozen posts, you'll find more details including the 5 Western PA legislators serving on the relevant committee alongside the legislation's sponsor and committee chair, Daryl Metcalfe - R, Cranberry. Let me know if you need more details.

- This is the Equality Pennsylvania petition to which you may want to direct your readers.

- This is the link to the actual bill should you find that helpful.

That's it! Once your post is up, please use your social media tools to spread the word. I can attest that these "swarms" are read over and over and over again throughout the year. Together we can send a message to Pennsylvania that the lives of LGBTQ persons are not political fodder.

Thanks to Maria at 2 Political Junkies for logo design.

FWIW, there are four separate pieces of legislation that are LGBTQ+ on hate crimes, civil unions, marriage equality and civil rights protections. I am looking forward to sprinkling some of that goodness into the conversation.

***************************************************************************************

2011 Participants **New contributors for 2011

Einstein's Desk ** Blog for Equality Day

Angels of Sodom ** Blog for Equality '11

2 Political Junkies - Dayvoe Blog for Equality Day

2 Political Junkies - Maria Signs of Spring in PA

The Pittsburgh Comet Trib is Succinct, Eloquent on Topic of Liberty

Burgh Baby ** An Equal Opportunity to Suck Face

topherhoff ** Blog for Equality Day 2011 - Pittsburgh

intense chaos ** Blog for Equality

Thomas C. Waters ** LGBT Equality in PA: Far from a reality

Examiner.com (A.J. Mayowski)** Equality and the Killer

Six Kitties (Ledcat) Blog for Equality Day 2011

A Spork in the Drawer The Thing Is, They're Losing and They Know It

After the Bridge Blog for Equality Day

PGH is a City Blog for Equality Redux

Three Rivers Anthology ** Blog for Equality Day

Amadi Talks Blog for Equality Pittsburgh 2011: Here We Go Again

Ms. Mon's Salon A Reminder That We Are All Created Equal

Deal Snob Pittsburgh Blog for Equality Day May 10, 2011 (Blog for Fairness)

The Radical Middle In Honor of Blog For Equality Day

Here's What I Have To Say ** Blog for Marriage Equality Day

The Narrative in the Blog sent in this submission a little late, but very welcomed! Blog for Equality Day 2011

Diane Gramley and the AFA of PA weigh in on "marriage amendment"

Sue — Wed, 04 May 2011 11:23:23 -0400

They have a fancy new website which makes it easier for me to find the press releases since they keep kicking me off their email lists ...

On HB 1434

“Representative Metcalfe understands the need to do more than simply protect the word ‘marriage.’ A strong two-part amendment is what is needed to preserve the institution of marriage. In 2004 Oregon passed an amendment that simply defined marriage as between one man and one woman and four years later marriage-like benefits were extended to homosexual couples. Their amendment only preserved the word, not the institution of marriage,” stated Diane Gramley, President of the AFA of PA.

The word "marriage" is the issue. Marriage a legal term used to describe a civil institution. I want access to that institution. I don't give a hoot about the religious constructs of marriage. But there's no way to parse the word and people who think we can magically come up with a solution which satisfies everyone are thinking desperately. No one is coming to take over the church ceremonies. Relax and save your hysteria for the natural gas companies where it is well deserved.

Setting aside the other LGBT legislation, I just shake my head that so many issues will go unaddressed while elected officials rally around this. I'm sure it will be the toast of Cranberry Township tomorrow night when Metcalfe, the Pennsylvania Family Institute and rightwing darling Lila Rose will be gathering for the PFI Annual Dinner. I wish I had ability to infiltrate. With a Flip Cam.

sdf

More on Marriage Amendment

Sue — Wed, 04 May 2011 10:49:32 -0400

UPDATE: I didn't dig deep enough when I originally posted. Western PA Reps Krieger and Mustio also cosponsor this legislation. My apologies.

**********************************************************************

Metcalfe's plan to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution begins in the State Government Committee of which he is the Majority Chair. As Chair, he has the power to bring the amendment to a committee vote. It would be best to squelch that and you can help by contacting the other members of the committee.

The message is very clear. There are many more important issues than this and we need our elected officials to focus their time and energy on them -- the economy, transportation, taxes, health care, the environment, etc.

Note that there are several Southwestern PA committe members. It is not too early to galvanize your networks to make the calls and make it personal -- people in our neighborhoods need jobs, healthcare, focus on energy issues, education, etc. The links will take you to the reps contact page - phone, email, webforms, etc. Just a few clicks if you live in Moon or Penn Township and you can help put this divisive issue aside to focus on your family priorities.

Republicans

Seth Grove - York County

Jim Cox - Berks County

Matt Gabler - Clearfield and Elks Counties

Linda Schlegel Culver - Northumberland and Snyder Counties

George Dunbar - Westmoreland County (Jeannette, North Huntington, Penn Twp, Irwin, North Irwin, Penn)

Eli Evankovich - Armstrong and Westmoreland Counties (New Kensington, Penn Township, Murrysville, Upper Burrell, Lower Burrell, Allegheny Township, Arnold, Export, Bethel Township, Cadogan Township, Parks Township, and Gilpin Township)

Glen Grell - Cumberland County

Marcia Hahn - Northampton County

Rob Kauffman - Cumberland and Franklin Counties

Jerry Knowles - Berks and Schuykill Counties

Timothy Krieger - Westmoreland County (Greensburg, Hempfield Twp, Delmont Borough, Hunker Borough, New Stanton Borough, Salem Township, South Greensburg Borough, Southwest Greensburg Borough. Unity Twp, Youngwood Borough) **COSPONSOR**

T. Mark Mustio - Allegheny County (Aleppo Twp, Ben Avon Heights, Collier Twp, Edgeworth, Findlay Twp, Haysville, Kilbuck Twp, Moon Twp, North Fayette Twp, Ohio Twp, Osborne, Robinson Twp, Sewickley, Sewickley Heights, Sewickley Hills) **COSPONSOR**

Brad Roae - Crawford County

Jerry Stern - Blair County

Democrats

Babette Josephs (Minority Chair) - Philadelphia County

Tony Payton, Jr. - Philadelphia County

Steve Samuelson - Lehigh and Northhampton Counties

Greg Vitali - Delaware County

Tim Briggs - Montgomery County

Eugene DePasquale - Montgomery County

Florindo FaBrizio - Erie County

Kenyatta Johnson - Philadelphia County

Eddie Day Pashinski - Lucerne County

Steven Santarsierio - Bucks County

Metcalfe introduces "Marriage Protection" constitutional amendment

Sue — Wed, 04 May 2011 09:40:49 -0400

From the Trib ...

Metcalfe, R-Cranberry, who chairs the House State Government Committee, on Monday announced he is sponsoring a constitutional amendment to define marriage. It would need to be approved in two successive sessions of the Legislature and would then be submitted for approval or rejection by the state's voters. The earliest that could happen would be 2013.

The constitution, if changed, would read: "Marriage is the legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife and no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized."

The bill's chances are improved in a Republican-controlled legislature, but it is still a contentious issue many lawmakers would rather avoid. As committee chairman, Metcalfe can at least guarantee a committee vote.

It is a bit challenging to come up with someonething new about this one other than quiet disgust. John Morgan at The Pennsylvania Progressive plans to out closeted legislators who cast any affirmative vote on this one.

While we can hope this illustrates the distance between Metcalfe and the "rest" of the Republicans, I suspect this will not go quietly into the good night. Democrats have voted for this in previous terms so we can take nothing for granted.

Please take a moment to sign the petition up at Equality Pennsylvania's site.

Update on pro-equality legislation in Pennsylvania

Sue — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 12:29:15 -0500

State Representive Cohen has introduced a measure that would expand existing law to recognize civil unions. HB708 has several familiar cosponsors, including Dan Frankel, Jake Wheatley, Chelsa Wagner, Dom Costa, Paul Costa, Mark Gergely. 41 sponsors in total. This legislation has been referred to the Judiciary Committee as of February 12, 2011. Several cosponsors sit in the Judiciary Committee.

State Senator Daylin Leach introduced a similarly timed bill to extend marriage to same sex couples. SB 461 was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on February 9, 2011. More on why Senator is ardent on this issue.

In addition, State Representative Josh Shapiro is poised to introduce legislation which would amend the Hate Crimes statute to include sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

Also, Representative Dan Frankel from right here in Pittsburgh plans to reintroduce legislation that expands protected class to include sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. This would provide protectsion in housing, public accomadation and in the workplace.

Interesting situation to have 4 critical pieces of legislation in a state controlled by Republicans. I'm sure there's a strategy. I'll keep you informed on any momentum these pick up as well as the potential reintroduction of marriage discrimination legislation to put a DOMA referendum before the voters.

Trib Letter to the Editor Prognosticates Intro of Pro-Gay PA Legislation

Sue — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 19:37:45 -0500

John DeBartola from the Keystone Alliance/Gaylife Newsletter wrote to the Trib earlier this month. He forecasts introduction of 4 pieces of pro-LGBTQ legislation: marriage, civil unions, hate crimed and non-discrimination legislation.

Both [Senator] Leach and [Rep.] Cohen have agreed to submit their respective bills for marriage equality and civil unions on Feb 7. Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Squirrel Hill, and Rep. Josh Shapiro, D-Montgomery County, might also have their respective bills (nondiscrimination and hate crimes) in place.

I think this aggressive stance is commendable. We all anticipate a Metcalfe sponsored anti-marriage equality bill to be introduced and suck up a lot of resources. Keeping our allies and our agenda high profile reminds us all that we do not have to capitulate to the forces of homophobia and simply beat back these foes.

I was unable to attend the Progressive Summit and learn more, but I anticipate updates emerging from other sources soon.

Another PG Letter to the Editor for Marriage Equality

Sue — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 11:40:24 -0500

The PG Community Forum is beginning to grow on me. Today, we find another pro-equality letter to the editor from Attorney Bruce Wilder of Downtown.

Short, sweet and to the point and with an affirming message for same sex parenting.

On the issue of "majorities," please note that anti-miscegenation laws were struck down by the courts at a time where neither public opinion nor legislation would have ever accomplished that goal.

The comments reflect the usual stupidity and brilliant support.

OK, I have to ask. Lots of kind grow up with Mom and Grandma, or Dad and Aunt Ruth or even Grandma and Grandpa as their primary caretakers. Setting aside the circumstances that lead these children into non-traditional families, folks rarely imply that being raised by a mother and grandmother irrevocably damage a child because of the "what do I call these two women" perspective. Yet, the myriad of homophobic slams about "which gay man is the mother" with regard to Elton John seems to actually carry weight. Does anyone ask what the children of twice divorced Madonna, mother to three children with three different fathers, call her and/or their fathers? Of course not, because its more interesting to focus on her dating life. But no one cares. Does Lola call her Mom, Mum, Mommy, Madre, Madonna, Hey You, etc? I have no idea and I've never seen it mentioned. I'd venture to say any confusion the children experience has more to do with the paparazzi and coping with any fallout from divorce, just like most children. Elton John is not a mother. He is a parent.

sdf

More on Metcalfe

Sue — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 08:35:35 -0500

I dialogued with Sue Frietsche of the Women's Law Project about the Metcalfe memo on "Marriage Amendment" 2011. Her take on it is cause for serious thought ...

It's more radical than alternative versions because of the provision prohibiting

recognition of any "identical or substantially equivalent" legal union.  So what

is a substantially equivalent legal union?  Would it prohibit domestic partnership

benefits, second-parent adoptions, joint checking accounts, reciprocal powers of

attorney, or what?  Because it's a proposed constitutional amendment, it speaks

in broad generalities, not the specifics of a statute or regulation.  This version

failed last time because no one had any idea how it would affect all kinds of

Pennsylvanians: would it harm heterosexual unmarried couples who had some

equivalent legal structures in place to protect their interests short of marriage?

This is going to require a serious education component to shake folks out of their complacency about adoptions and POA's. I'm sure most people would be stunned to learn that an amendment that seems to be about "gay marriage" could impact the Power of Attorney documents for unmarried heterosexual couples. Advocates have to find a way to connect with people who aren't at the table but have a vested interest in these issues.

That message has to resonate as loudly as Senator "Gays Are Allowed to Exist" Eichelberger's infamous comments from last session.

There are slews of LGBTQ adoptive parents and every couple has a second parent adoption. That's hundreds of Allegheny County voters to be mobilized. I'm not 100% sure of the nuances of second parent adoption for heterosexual couples, but the POA issue could be devastating. People spend thousands getting those documents prepared along with other domestic partnership paperwork. What about people traveling through Pennsylvania? What if a LGBTQ couple with a child are involved in a car accident and the primary adoptive parent passes away? Would the Commonwealth be able to deem the second parent adoption null and void under the federal DOMA statute?

I guess the point is, as Sue points out, that we just don't know.

We do know that there are a lot of things to be addressed, things even Dems and Repubs can agree upon so it might be better to vest energy in those topics.

We also know that time is on our side. We have to fend off this amendment (year after year after year), but equality is on the horizon.

Equality Advocates PA Response to Metcalfe Memo

Sue — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 15:10:36 -0500

From Equality PA --

Friends: Let the crazy begin. Hopefully, this won't ruin anyone's holidays but it appears from the attached memo that the battle will begin early in 2011. What I am providing is a copy of a memo from one of our chief opponents, Rep. Darryl Metcalfe, calling on his legislative colleagues to sign on as co-sponsors of his soon-to-be-introduced constitutional amendment on marriage. Of course, most of us knew this was coming. However, we didn't think he would end-up as the chair of the committee that oversees this legislation though. Yes, as an added bonus he will be taking over the Committee on State Government come early January. A turn of events that will make the next few months an adventure to say the least.

Rest assured that EQPA is preparing for this battle, and that we will need all your help. Advice, manpower, donations, helping to plan strategy, all of these items will be necessary as we work together to protect our community. The good news is that we have allies and the vast majority of voters have clearly stated time and again that people were elected to deal with the economy NOT social issues. We intend to remind everyone who will listen on that point. However, we know that we do not control the agenda.

Sincerely,

Ted Martin

Executive Director

Equality Pennsylvania

sdf

IMHO, Pennsylvania is going to have to grapple with the grassroots v Gay, Inc issues pretty damn quickly to muster the forces on this one. I clearly do not support this legislation, but neither do I support a gay agenda driven by insider monied gay men and I don't think I should have to choose. Prepare for an ugly, ugly spring as the community wrestles with the meaning of all that went into the repeal of DADT and the fallout for LGBT organizing. While we must rally, we must also have our eyes wide open that our own best interests may lay in our grassroots work, not just the work of Gay, Inc.

Metcalfe Back with PA Marriage Amendment

Sue — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 14:59:32 -0500

Like roaches crawling out of the woodwork, social conservative Republicans are back to defend marriage against the ever-looming threat of homosexuality. See this memo from PA Representative (and would be Lt. Governor) Darryl Metcalfe whose neck of crazy-town includes Western PA. Seriously, this is a problem

Looks like we'll have another Blog for Equality Pittsburgh this year. Sigh. I had hoped our destruction of the military would be a distraction, but there's no stopping the vigilant defenders of sactity and all that ...

sdf

Stuff I Missed

Sue — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 20:50:29 -0400

Rob Rogers has a great cartoon on the recent pro-marriage equality court ruling.

Not up to date on the California ruling? The Trib reprints a nice piece from the Washington Post on the ruling. This could end up at the Supreme Court level, but for now its nice to enjoy a victory. The Trib also agrees with the ruling, at least their editorial board does.

Elsewhere, the National Organization for Marriage has been holding rallies (ahem -- 25 people attending) to support their cause againt marriage equality. Counter protests drawing dozens and sometimes hundreds of pro-equality advocates have been popping up at every site. NOM has responded by labeling the counterprotestors as violent.

NOM is coming to Harrisburg and Equality PA is not planning to counter protest and urging Pennsylvania advocates to avoid that tactic as well.

The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) kicked off their "One Man, One Woman" tour on July 14th. At each stop where there have been counter protests or attendance by pro-equality supporters, they have disrespected or mocked them and attempted to provoke them into screaming or yelling. Their goal in doing this is to make our side look foolish and hostile. We have also seen that they like to play a numbers game where if we have even a few less attendees than at their event, they will claim that the momentum is moving in their direction. We know from the recent polling numbers and the pathetic turnout their rallies have been recording, that this simply isn't the case.

We are working hard to advance equality and will continue to do so long after they leave town. While we may be upset by their rhetoric, we can't get caught up in retaliation when we need to remain focused on what needs to get done to win! Putting our energy into showing up at their event does not help to move us forward. What will help to advance equality in Pennsylvania is if we use them coming to town as an excuse to mobilize local activists and build our network.

So after NOM finishes their ranting and heads to the next town, we will be out there getting it done! We are holding a terrific event in Harrisburg on August 12, the night before they arrive, around a special showing of the movie "Stonewall Uprising" with a panel on youth activism afterward. We encourage everyone who can, to attend.

Click here for more information!

Not only is this a great movie, but this public conversation will increase our network and identify new volunteers and supporters. Please do what you can...attend, make a donation or just plain follow our activities. But please, ignore NOM when they come to town and don't interact. Attention is exactly what they want, and why should honest people who hold equality close to their hearts be tricked into supporting their sad little charade.

Again, Pam's House Blend for some analysis. What are your thoughts? I personally understand their decision to stay focused on the issues near and dear and, frankly, possible to achieve ... HB 300, for example. Still, Pennsylvania is decidedly lacking in activism. So many shun that identity in favor of the more palatable term advocate. I'm a huge fan of advocacy, but as I've said repeatedly ... we are missing this critical link.

Enough for now.

sdf

Argentina first Latin American nation to approve marriage equality

Sue — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 09:18:18 -0400

Hurrah for Argentina.

BUENOS AIRES -- Argentina's Senate narrowly approved a law early on Thursday authorizing same-sex marriages, making Argentina the first country in Latin America to allow gay couples to wed.

<snip>

But in a region where the separation of church and state is not always so clear, the law demonstrated a rare but increasing willingness by some Latin American nations to confront the church on fundamental issues, like Chile's legalization of divorce and Brazil's public distribution of contraceptives in recent years.

"There is no question that the law is unusual for a country that is not as secular as Western European democracies," said Javier Corrales, a political science professor at Amherst College. "There's a clear conflict with the church. Very seldom do we see presidents willing to fight the church so strongly on this particular issue in Latin America," even in countries led by left-leaning governments.

Argentina's new law will give gay people the same marital rights as heterosexuals, including adoption and inheritance rights, and reflects the broadening legal recognition of same-sex relationships across Latin America.

Look how far the Catholic school boys in Buenos Aires have come!

sdf

Court ruling on federal DOMA

Sue — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 08:13:49 -0400

Interesting news from Boston.

In an enormous victory for same-sex marriage, a federal judge in Boston today (Thursday, July 8) ruled, in two separate cases, that a critical part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional.

In one challenge brought by the state of Massachusetts, Judge Joseph Tauro ruled that Congress violated the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution when it passed DOMA and took from the states decisions concerning which couples can be considered married. In the other, Gill v. Office of Personnel Management, he ruled DOMA violates the equal protection principles embodied in the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment.
In Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. Health and Human Services, Tauro considered whether the federal law's definition of marriage -- one man and one woman -- violates state sovereignty by treating some couples with Massachusetts' marriage licenses differently than others. In Gill v. Office of Personnel Management, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), a gay legal group, asked Tauro to consider whether DOMA violates the right of eight same-sex couples to equal protection of the law. Both cases were argued, separately, in May, and the decision released today is a relatively quick turnaround, given that some judges take almost a year to decide cases.

Fascinating turn of events. First, a victory for State's rights which will please the rightwingers, but the topic isn't very palatable to them. Second, a victory for LGBT families who will now be able to access federal benefits previously denied to legally wed same sex couples. From the NYT.

"The Constitution isn't about political ideology," said Michael Boldin, the founder of the Tenth Amendment Center, a group based in Los Angeles. "It's about liberty, and limiting the government to certain divisive issues -- I applaud what I consider a very rare ruling from the judiciary."

Others, like Steve V. Moon, a software programmer and founder of States-rights.org, a group founded in Utah in 2008, said the judge's decision was both right and wrong.

"It's unconstitutional for the federal government to pass laws superseding state authority -- and the judge did affirm states' rights in this area," he said. "But I personally believe in the sanctity of marriage between a man and woman and support any state passing laws affirming the sanctity of marriage."

Mr. Moon said he feared that what might look like a states' rights victory could backfire. If judges in other states, drawing on Judge Tauro's reasoning, start throwing out marriage definition laws that were passed by residents or legislatures, "that could be detrimental to states' rights."
The Obama Administration is expected to appeal. Of course.

So the state to state battle continues ...

sdf

State Rep Dan Frankel commends Obama on hospital visitation

Sue — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:44:31 -0400

State Rep. Dan Frankel
D-Allegheny      www.pahouse.com/Frankel

Frankel applauds Obama's directive for equal hospital access

for same-sex partners, commends Pa. sponsors of non-discrimination bill

HARRISBURG, April 19 – State Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, applauded President Obama's recent directive to provide same-sex partners access to their loved ones in nearly all U.S. hospitals.

At Obama's direction, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will issue regulations binding on all hospitals that participate in Medicare or Medicaid. The new policy will give same-sex partners the same visitation rights that blood relatives enjoy.

Frankel said, "This is something for which I have long advocated at the state level and I commend President Obama for using his authority to provide this protection nationwide. One of the reasons I have long opposed tacking a discriminatory 'marriage amendment' onto the state or federal Constitution is that such an amendment could deny many Americans access to their loved ones at critical times in their lives.

"I am also pleased that the federal government appears to be moving forward on another way to guarantee equal treatment for LGBT Americans – the U.S. House is expected to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act in the near future. I commend Senators Specter and Casey for co-sponsoring the Senate version, and Congressman Doyle and the other seven Pennsylvania members who are co-sponsoring it in the U.S. House. The federal legislation is similar to House Bill 300, which I have introduced in Harrisburg."

Civil Union Legislation May Be Introduced in PA House

Sue — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 21:41:48 -0400

From the Philly Gay News ...

A Pennsylvania lawmaker is gathering legislative support for a bill that would make civil unions for same-sex couples a reality in the Keystone State.

The measure, the first of its kind in the Pennsylvania legislature, is being spearheaded by Pennsylvania Rep. Mark Cohen (D-202nd Dist.).

Cohen said he’s so far secured cosponsorships from 24 lawmakers and another 10 are considering signing on. He expects to officially introduce the bill by April 14.

Cohen said that while he supports full-marriage equality for same-sex couples, he believes the more logical approach would be to first have the state adopt a civil-union law.

Representative Cohen is also the primary sponsor of HB 1393, the Medical Marijuana Bill.

Interesting turn of events. Marriage amendment quashed. Marriage legislation alive in PA Senate. I wasn't anticipating this and, frankly, it worries me. While I certainly want progress on multiple equality issues, I worry that this dilutes resources we need to pass HB 300. Cohen is a cosponsor of that legislation as well.

Thoughts?

PA Lesbian Married Couple Denied Divorce in Pennsylvania

Sue — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 13:48:19 -0400

From Berks County comes word of a Pennsylvania lesbian couple stuck in legal limbo. They married in Massachusetts, but to obtain a Massachusetts divorce will need to reside there for one year. To get divorced in Pennsylvania, their marriage has to be legal in Pennsylvania which it is not. Thus, their divorce petition was turned down.

Berks County is in Southeastern Pennsylvania

This is certainly not the first report of a same sex couple caught in a legal limbo due to the patchwork quilt of marriage equality laws in the United States and they certainly aren't the only couple in Pennsylvania who face this dilemna. Faced with the dissolution of marriage, it is unreasonable to expect someone to move to Mass just to obtain a divorce.

Pennsylvania has just recently squelched attemps to amend the PA constitution to restrict marriage to one man, one woman. Another bill is sitting in the Senate which would legalize same sex marriage. That's not going to happen, but I'd certainly like to see elected leaders such as Pennsylvania Senator Daylin Leach tackle the thorny issue of the divorce. Forcing people to remain in legal limbo is not acceptable. It is bad enough to have your marriage semi-acknowledged when YOU acknowledge it. Being "sort of married" when you aren't with your spouse any longer is a real problem.

We need real solutions. Clearly, marriage equality is the ultimate solution which allows people to make their marital decisions without legal maneuvers and political power plays. But is there something else that can be done?   A Rhode Island court denied a petition for divorce even without the DOMA law Pennsylvania has in place. A New York court, however, granted a divorce because children were involved. This can be a very sticky wicket that requires thoughtful solutions as the full impact of second-class citizenship continues to fall out throughout the nation.

I say the solution in the short term is for us to work to elect allies who will show leadership on LGBTQ issues and tackle this sure to be growing legal problem for Pennsylvania families.

Blogging for Equality

Ledcat — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:48:20 -0400

A marriage amendment has sprung up again in Pennsylvania. Its any easy way to pander to the right-wing conservatives who seem to populate this state. As has been practiced throughout history, fear is always a great way for a politician to get points with the constituents. I have been reading a great book about the rise of Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan, two politicians who figured out how to use fear, and it's twin sister, ignorance, to win elections.

And here we go again, because it's not like we don't have real pressing issues in Pennsylvania that affect married heterosexual couples such as health insurance, poverty, hunger, crime--the list goes on. Discrimination against lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender people is one of the last battles to be won in civil rights. It's still around because it wins elections and builds political careers -- see Metcalfe, Daryl --on the basis that if the LGBT community is permitted to marry it will destroy the fabric of the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

This is repeated along with the obligatory biblical references without any evidence that any LGBT person's relationship and marriage has destroyed anyone's heterosexual marriage. In fact, every marriage that has been destroyed--particularly those of said right-wing fear mongering politicians has been done in by infidelity via a heterosexual partner such as a soulmate in Argentina or the sterotypical hooker.

Other people have blogged eloquently today about our relationships and our families and that's important. But we in the LGBT community have to take a page from other civil rights movements and become politically involved even if it's no more than taking five minutes to vote. I have heard a lot of people in our community tell me that they are not political but, unfortunatley, that's just not an option. The politicans out there don't want to focus on the real, hard issues pressing this state. They want to focus on YOU and keep us from enjoying the same rights and benefits of society that they enjoy. So take some time and tell them we are human beings as worthy of rights as they (and their mistresses are).

Life Goes On: Blog for Equality 2010

Sue — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:00:00 -0400

I don't think there's much I can add on the "Marriage Protection" amendment that I haven't covered in the past 4+ years. You have the contact information. We need you to call today. Today is the day.

Sunday, I woke up at 7:30 AM, let out the dogs, put on the coffee and grabbed the newspaper. We got ready for our day in our very mundane ways ... showers, searches for matching socks, feedings of various pets, etc. We had breakfast.

We went to the grocery store. Nothing says weekend chore like Giant Eagle on a Sunday afternoon. We fuss over how to load the groceries and who gets to push the cart. We haggle over items that aren't on the list. We have a check-out routine and determine whose turn it is to get the fuelperks. We lug the groceries to the car and drive home.

Unload. I put things away while she clears space in the fridge. One of us runs the disposal while the other takes the trash outside. Someone tosses in a load of laundry. Litter boxes get scooped. Laundry is changed. The dog bedding is examined for contraband cat toys.

Dinner is started. We chat back and forth. The Siamese cat changes hands repeatedly to prevent disaster. More laundry. Final round of trash to the curb. Dinner. Dishes. More animal feedings.

Oh, we folded towels, too. And we read the newspaper and watched 60 Minutes.

Why can't we just have our domestic little life and not be demonized and dehumanized by the Pennsylvania Constitution? Is that really so much to ask?

I wonder how many fuelperks it would take to earn civil rights?

Pgh Blog for Equality 2010 - Tomorrow

Sue — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 10:06:50 -0400

Reminder to log in tomorrow to see what the blogosphere has to say about the PA "Marriage Amendment." I do not know how many blogs are participating, but I hope we can count on your support. Please consider updating your Facebook status or Twitter status and it would be great if you change your Facebook and/or Twitter profile pic to use our image on Monday.

Need some motivation? Darryl Metcalfe is running for Lt. Governor.

I'm still mulling over my post.

Here's the logo.

Enough is enough. Tell the PA Senate to put a stop to discrimination.

Sue — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:28:53 -0500

I don't often pull over in the middle of the work day to make a phone call, but today was an exception. When I received an email about a potential vote on the so-called "Marriage Protection" amendment, I dialed fellow blogger Maria Lupinacci of 2 Political Junkies and asked her to help me organize a blog swarm on the topic. Within minutes, she agreed and a few hours later, had a logo in my inbox. See earlier post for that!

We have a chance to "make some history" folks, according to the ACLU. Twice this amendment has come up in the Senate and both times it was defeated by procedural maneuvers. It has never been simply voted down.

This year, we have a chance to get that vote down once and for all so the Senate can focus on the business of governing this Commonwealth instead of monitoring my family like we are terrorists. Remember that 100+ day delay with last year's budget? Should we really waste a precious moment of the months leading up to budget negotiations on an issue that has already been legislatively addressed by the Pennsylvania DOMA?

Here's what you can do.

This is a list of the Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee. Maybe you recognize a name or two?

Who to call. Call the Harrisburg office (use your cell phone). Email messages are not going to work on this one.

Mary Jo White (717) 787-9684 Butler (part), Clarion, Erie (part), Forest, Venango and Warren (part) Counties

** Special note that Senator White has spoken against this amendment in the past. Please thank her for that and ask her to vote no. This is a vote that can make an impact **

Jane Earll (717) 787-8927 Erie (part) County

Jane Orie (717) 787-6538 Allegheny (part) and Butler (part) Counties

Our friends who always appreciate a thank you

Jay Costa (717) 787-7683 Allegheny County

Wayne Fontana (717) 787-5300 Allegheny County
This is quite important. Many of the folks in this committee use Facebook, Twitter and so forth. I have a list here. Use social media to spread the word to your friends, family and contacts. Update your FB status.

We have an unprecedented 5 day (including the weekend) window to make contact with these Senators. I know you know gay folks and allies up in Jane Orie's district. Don't write her off. Let her know you are paying attention. Never underestimate yourself.

Blog for Equality 2010 - Stop the Discrimination, Join the Blog Swarm

Sue — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:33:23 -0500

This is now a sticky post to remain at the top of the blog until Blog for Equality Day is Over. Read below for more current posts

***************************************************************************************

Back in 2008, 14 Pittsburgh blogs participated in our first Blog for Equality event to speak out against the attempt by the Pennsylvania Senate to amend our constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman, the so-called "Marriage Protection" Amendment. The "blog swarm" as it is sometimes described was successful, albeit not singlehandedly responsible for the failure of that legislation to make it out of committee.

Still, you might like to revist what the 14 bloggers had to say in 2008.

Fast forward two years. The Senate is once again discussing this issue and we anticipate a vote in the Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, March 16, 2010. More details from the ACLU of PA:

The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on Senate Bill 707 next Tuesday, March 16, at 11:30am. As you know, SB 707 is the latest incarnation of a state constitutional amendment to ban same sex marriage.

Like many controversial, close votes, this could go either way.

It's not hyperbole to say that we have a chance to make history. We have never won an up-or-down vote on the marriage amendment. We've beaten this in the past by winning procedural maneuvers. But now we have that chance. Let's make the most of it.

So I am announcing Blog for Equality Pittsburgh 2010. I ask my comrade bloggers throughout the region (and the Commonwealth) to dedicate one post on Monday, March 15, 2010 to the topic of this amendment.

We have an official Blog for Equality Pittsburgh 2010 button for you to add to your post (h/t 2pj Maria)

html is:

<p><a href="http://www.pghlesbian.com/blog/_archives/2010/3/11/4477944.html"><img src=" http://www.pghlesbian.com/B4E2010.jpg" /></a><p>

If you'll send me a link, I'll update this page with a permanent archive of bloggers speaking out against embedding discrimination into our Constitution. The swarm is open to any and all bloggers so please spread the word. You don't have to be gay to disapprove of discrimination and you certainly don't have to have a politial blog to participate in a day of action. We have an unprecedented opportunity to vote NO on discrimination and allow the State Senate to move forward on the critical issues all of our families face.

More later on how you can help make sure this amendment is not voted out of committee.

*********************************************************************************

Participating blogs

Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents - Sue

Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents - Ledcat

2 Mums and a Boy

A Spork in the Drawer

Lucy & Ethel Have a Baby

Adam and Steve

2 Political Junkies - Maria

2 Political Junkies - David

Infinonymous

Jason Cable's GLBT Podcast and Blog

Froth Slosh B'Gosh

The Pennsylvania Progressive

Ms. Mon's Salon

No Longer the World's Slowest Blog

DealSnob

JaySays.com

Pgh Is a City

after the bridge

NGBlog

The Narrative in the Blog

Cognitive Dissonance in Pittsburgh and Beyond

Amadi Talks

The Angry Drunk Bureaucrat

The Dallas Voice is covering the vote.

Keystone Progress is on top of the issue.

Philly.com weighs in on the impending vote.

The Lehigh Valley Independent weighs in with their local angle.

Info from Change.Org on Gay Rights

And MyGov365.com which is still in beta is gathering feedback on the bill to pass along. I've been a beta tester and they were responsive enough to modify LGBT information already.

We have a shout out from Pam's House Blend via twitter ....

Local blogger Thomas Waters has been writing about this topic all month and has this post up with general information on the legislation.

On the other hand ... The National Organization for Marriage has a post up, too.

Washington DC Couple Love Story

Sue — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:22:19 -0500

From the Washington Post comes the touching love story of the first same sex couple to apply for a marriage license in DC. They wed today.

"This is for everyone who wants to get married," she says. She used to run a support group for black LGBT women and would end sessions by inviting everyone to submit questions for the group to talk about. One day she unfolded a slip of paper that read, "I feel like committing suicide, but I'm scared." To this day, whenever Young is out, she looks for the writer of that note. She has never seen her.

"I am doing this because I love my partner and we deserve to be married," Young says. "But I am also doing this because the first one is always the hardest."

Someone has to pave the way. She still may run into that woman, and if she does she wants to be able say, "Now, sweetheart. Now you can come through the door."

sdf

Call to Action on Marriage Equality

Sue — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:12:33 -0500

Now is the time, according to Thomas C. Waters, for you to have a significant impact on the attempt to move the "Marriage Protection" amendment out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Check out his blog for details.

Two quick side notes of interest.

Senator Barry Stout's seat is up for grabs as he retires. Stout voted to move the marriage amendment out of committee in 2008. One strong contender for the seat is House Rep Tim Solobay who was one of a very few Western PA Democrats to vote AGAINST a similar amendment in 2006 (the House did not vote on this issue in 2008). I have a list of his district so now is also a chance to identify and elect an ally to reclaim a Senate seat from those who believe we should add discrimination to the PA Constitution.

One of cosponsors of this bill is a Western PA Democrat, Senator Kasunic from the Fayette/Westmoreland/Washington county area. Now is a good time to follow the link to see if you have friends or family in that neck of the woods. Now is a good time to make those real time phone calls (as opposed to email) so he knows what his constituents think about him being front and center in promoting discrimination.

Sally Kalson - Good Families, Good Laws

Sue — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 12:41:35 -0500

Great piece from Sally on the need for good laws to help families of all types step up when crisis happens.

Despite all efforts to the contrary, the United States is still not a theocracy. Yet the growing acceptance of same-sex relationships -- from the move to end the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy to the provision of same-sex benefits in the workplace -- is sending social conservatives into overdrive.

One example: The fourth annual Southern Evangelical Seminary Veritas Lecture on April 1 will feature a presentation on "Marriage: Why It Can and Must Be Saved -- The Case Against Same-Sex Marriage," with speakers Maggie Gallagher and Robert George. Seminary students can look forward to hearing that the marriage tent will collapse if just anybody is allowed inside. If memory serves, restricted clubs used to have the same philosophy -- until their membership declined. Suddenly, all those "undesirables" started looking pretty good, as long as they could pay the freight.

It seems to me that, as a nation, we should recognize and support the family units that pay the freight -- that pick up those jangling phones in the middle of the night and rush to the emergency room, sit at their ailing loved ones' bedsides, read to them, help with their dinner, take them home and watch over them.

We should not be haranguing them because of how they were formed or whom they include. We should be saying thank you for making us a more humane society, and the rest of us can only hope to do as well.

sdf

Hurrah for Marriage Equality in DC! #DC4M

Sue — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:41:45 -0500

It is exhilerating that we could drive a mere 4 hours and get married, even if it would not be recognized in Pennsylvania.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/02/AR2010030203351.html

Congratulation to our advocates, allies and resident of Washington, DC on a truly historic day.

ps: today is the first day that same sex couples can apply for marriage licenses.

Holiday Shopping Advice from the Correspondents

Sue — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 22:23:48 -0500

Just a little hint. If you are contemplating holiday purchases, two excellent local businesses that are owned by members of our community (and employ others) are worth your consideration.

A Pleasant Present is a great little gift store in Squirrel Hill. They sell a wide array of rainbow/pride merchandise and tons of other stuff. We buy all of our gift baskets there ... they can do a wide range of themes. Michael is a huge supporter of the community -- he sells tons of tickets, passes and so forth for nothing in return. He advertises in local newsletters and newspapers. He employs individuals from our community. If you are one of those people who says "I haven't been to A Pleasant Present in a long time," now is the time. Stop in to pick up some gay themed cards or order a great gift for some hard to please person in your life. The prices are very competitive and the service is excellent.

K.S. Kennedy florist is on the Northside and has been a great find for us. We go there for all floral needs and the prices are great. Kerry Kennedy has proven to be a great friend and concerned member of the community. He has all sorts of fun side stuff, like barbecue sauce.   You never know what you are going to find. Again, you'll be supporting a family owned business and Kerry sells organically grown roses. Who can beat that? If you are sending flowers to your mom or need a wreath, check out K.S. Kennedy.

(Then go to Hoi Polloi. I have to throw that in b/c someone at the Summit I attended asked me about the lesbian owned coffee house I'm always blogging about. So now I'm going to work it in even more often!)

3 down, 47 to go ... eh, maybe 46 and a half

Sue — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 09:36:12 -0400

By now, you've probably read that gay marriage is legal in Connecticut. Technically, the Supreme Court overturned a gay marriage ban. This has been in my inbox for several days as I've pondered what I could possibly add to the debate. I'm part of a national LGBT blogging email list and my inbox has probably 700 messages on this topic. From people who pretty much agree on the topic.

It is a big year for gay marriage. A tough year. California legalized it, but is facing the mother of all battles over a ballot initiative to de-gay the constitution. Arizona, the only state to successfully beat down such an amendment at the polls, is facing it once again. Florida also has it at the ballot box. Most of the monies are flowing into California on the conventional wisdom that defeating the proposition keeps marriage legal which is a step ahead of paving the way to legalize gay marriage. And some people really are stupid enough to vote against the Prop (the good vote) because Brad Pitt donated money (to the good side).

I had lunch with Tony Norman yesterday (name drop!) and he is of the opinion that the imminent election of Barack Obama will signify a culture shift of epic proportions in American society. Apparently, Tony opines, the homos will be along for the ride as we chatted about passing an inclusive ENDA and eliminating Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

What comes to mind when I think about the opportunity to marry Ledcat is purely financial and legal. I've never even entertained the romantic and symbolic aspects. I watch my parents age with very little of a safety net and wonder how our interdependence will play itself out without even that safety net (Social Security survivor benefits, etc). We are secure with health insurance right now, but one small change in our employment situation could negate that security. It is a little scary. But then again marriage didn't do my grandmother too good ... after grandpap died, she garned a $78 monthly pension and no health insurance. Plus, the realization that she had been merrily charging (and paying) for years solely on his credit so she had none. Scary.

Legalized gay marriage isn't on the radar for Pennsylvania and that's fine with me. We have enough attention on this issue as the fracture point for the entire Western Kingdom of the Episcopal Church. I'm sure I'll be following how the divorce settlement turns into an ugly example of why "marriage" isn't such a holy union in all cases.

Pam's House Blend does a wonderful summary is you are interested in what the national LGBT groups are saying about this court decision (and the wingnuts, too).

Deliberative poll on same-sex marriage

Sue — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:07:36 -0400

The Post-Gazette's "Next Page" featured a fascinating article on the implementation of deliberative polling around marriage issues.

My interpretation of this process is that it strives to create an informed voter, rather than create systemic changing dialogue grounded in consensus.

At the core of deliberative polling lies the belief that to develop an informed opinion citizens need two things: access to balanced information and the opportunity to engage in deliberation with a range of alternative views.

Sounds interesting. Proponents of gay-rights have long argued that when our opponents get to know us, they will experience our issues in a personal way that should overcome the us/them dichotomy.

Saturday's event is sort of an all-day education session. Participants have homework, they engage in small groups and they learn the facts about the history of marriage in our culture. I'm going to read that booklet myself. At the end of the day, participants will be polled for their individual views, not a collective decision. That polling data will be made public.

The poll is designed to have a policy impact, presumably by turning out informed voters (and informing their networks). I wonder about the choice of this issue. Neither Presidential candidate is in favor of gay marriage and the issue is fairly dormant in Pennsylvania. Equal protection would seem more fitting since it has legislative life. However, those pesky State House elections remind us of the importance of retaining as many progressive reps as possible. As progressive as Pennsylvania goes.

This strikes me more as an intellectual exercise on a hot button issue, but not necessarily a Pennsylvania issue.