See there's no need for Hate Crimes legislation.  It doesn't matter that the murderers said they pretended to be gay and admitted Matthew's sexual orientation was their motive.  It doesn't matter that he was beaten and strung out on a fence for 18 hours.  Virginia Foxx says the hate crime aspect ain't so because it was a robbery gone bad. 

Ahem.

No wonder Arlen abandoned the hatefest ship.  Now I'm really glad because defeating the wingnut Pat Toomey becomes even more important in light of this idiocy.

PS:  The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act by the United States House of Representatives.  The legislation passed the House of Representatives with a 249 to 175 vote.  231 Democrats voted in favor of the legislation with 17 voting against.  18 Republicans voted for the legislation with 158 voting against.

h/t Media Matters

There's so much LGBTQ analysis of this news that my head is spinning.  People are celebrating, people are leery, people don't know what's going to happen. 

Specter switched parties.  If Al Franken is seated, it gives the Democrats a filibuster proof majority (60).  Good stuff can happen.  Good stuff for LGBTQ persons might happen. 

Specter isn't going to necessarily be a champion of LGBTQ legislation.  Here's his record per the HRC.  He rates a 67 on the HRC Congressional Scorecard.  In 2004, his rating was 50. His vote played a part in getting the Federal Marriage Amendment to the floor.  His stance on the Employee Free Choice Act is deplorable (he's opposed and reiterated that yesterday in his announcement).

So it is a mixed bag at best.  Still, those of us in this region of Pennsylvania aren't unfamiliar with the need to work with socially conservative Democrats to advance the gay agenda.  Specter's helps with the balance of power, but it signifies a need to redouble the LGBTQ influence in the Democrat party.  I think this is going to be a real challenge for the Steel City Stonewall Democrats and the Liberty City Stonewall Democrats -- keeping open channels with the mainstream party, but holding true to full equality. 

I attended a Democratic event this weekend, sponsored by the Vice-President of Steel City.  Those in attendance were Patrick Dowd, Kevin McCarthy, Hugh McGough, Joe Williams and Barbara Ernsberger.  Check out the Steel City slate of endorsed Democrats. 

The story that struck me the most?  Joe Williams' story about his meeting for the ACDC endorsement.  Rather than question him on issues or his record, they asked him how to improve relations with the African-American community.  Clearly racism is alive and well in the ACDC, even if it is embedded in a cloak of concern about diversity. 

Joe Williams has been at every Steel City event I've attended in recent memory.  He has earned our support.

The other story is the tale of Barbara Ernsberger who is running for the Commonwealth Court.  She's an attorney that has taken on multiple corporations in court.  She had to seek the endorsement before a group of lawyers she's opposed in court.  I may be naive, but that seems highly unfair.  I'm sure it is part of the local Democratic Machine, but it seems there should be some modicum of impartiality.  Anyone who challenges Wal-Mart has a lot of cred in my opinion. 

So what happens after the primary when the ACDC puts pressure on Steel City to fall in line with the party endorsement?  True, Luke did announce the impending formation of the LGBT Advisory Council.  Does that warrant an endorsement?  IMHO, it depends on the composition of the council.  I know of one incredibly qualified and respected by County leaders person who was not invited.  So I guess I'll just wait and see if its business as usual in terms of Mayoral advisors or a real change we can believe in.  Steel City may feel otherwise, but I'm curious how much power the membership has over the endorsement for the General Election. 

Getting back to Specter, I think the debate over meaning for the LGBTQ community reflects the general debate in the Democrat Party here in SW Pennsylvania.  The answer is always going to be personal contact with real, live LGBTQ persons and families.  Understanding our issues in the context of our lives is critical to achieve action.  This news simply adds another person to that list. 

What is the Hate Crimes Resolution?  Click here for a summary.

From Equal Rights Washington ( h/t Pam's House Blend) comes this explanation

The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 1913) expands the coverage of existing hate crime laws to include not only victims of crime based on race, color, religion, and national origin, but also bias-motivated crimes based on the victim's actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability. H.R. 1913 also provides for federal involvement in prosecuting hate crimes in states where current law or local actions are inadequate.

Hate crimes cut across all of our communities and the LLEHCPA (H.R. 1913) is needed to ensure that all people have the right to be safe and free from physical harm and intimidation. Call your representative toll-free at 866-346-4611, Monday-Wednesday, April 27-April 29, and urge support of H.R. 1913 to fight hate crimes and provide safety and security for all people.

The White House statement.

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary
__________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         April 28, 2009

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT ON H.R. 1913, THE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT HATE CRIMES
PREVENTION ACT OF 2009

This week, the House of Representatives is expected to consider H.R. 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009.  I urge members on both sides of the aisle to act on this important civil rights issue by passing this legislation to protect all of our citizens from violent acts of intolerance – legislation that will enhance civil rights protections, while also protecting our freedom of speech and association.  I also urge the Senate to work with my Administration to finalize this bill and to take swift action.

This just in ....

From: Dardanell, Megan [mailto:Megan.Dardanell@alleghenycounty.us]
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 3:57 PM
To: Sue Kerr
Cc: Executive
Subject: On behalf of Dan Onorato - Ordinance 4201-08

 

April 27, 2009

 

Ms. Kerr:

 

Thank you for contacting our office. County Executive asked that I respond on his behalf. I sincerely apologize for my delayed response.

 

The County Executive believes that we must always stand united in our belief that discrimination is wrong because it damages us as a society. In Allegheny County, we must not tolerate discrimination on the basis of gender, race, mental or physical disability, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, educational status – or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Together, we will continue to improve the quality of life for our residents.

 

The County Executive is strongly supportive of passing inclusive non-discrimination legislation here in Allegheny County, as well as at the state level. He encourages our elected officials to do so without delay. All citizens, including members of the LGBT community, need to know that they are fully protected in employment, housing and public accommodations everywhere in the Commonwealth in order to make Allegheny County and Pennsylvania stronger and more economically competitive.

 

Thank you again for sharing your thoughts regarding this important issue.

 

Sincerely,

 

Megan Dardanell

Office of the County Executive

All jesting aside, this is a very important moment.  The support of the Chief Executive is critical to the success of the County and State legislation.  He is clearly a leader and clearly has the ear of many Democrats whose support is wavering. 

It has been a big week.  The Mayor's office went public on the LGBT Advisory Council and now this.  While we should enjoy these steps forward, let us keep in mind that we should continue to press our advantage and address other critical issues.  It is important the County extend domestic partner benefits to their employees, especially with any future merger talks in progress.  We've already allowed employees of the City's 911 Response Center to lose these benefits; we cannot allow that to happen again.  We must also continue to push for the appointment of openly LGBTQ individuals to boards, authorities and commissions as well as the hiring of openly LGBTQ staffers in their offices.  There are miles to go before we sleep, so to speak.

Still, I admit I am pleasantly surprised and grateful to the folks I know have been working on this matter in other ways.  Good show. 

Received an update from the folks at Steel City Stonewall with information on where your energy can be most helpful with regard to passing HB 300 through the State House.  What they really need are people in the highlighted districts to set up actual meetings with your legislators to essentially put a human face on the LGBTQ community.  They will even send someone with you as a back up in case you need support. 

If you want to set up a meeting, go to www.steel-city.org for more information and contacts.  And, hey, if you can't fit a meeting into your schedule it will still help if you make a phone call. 

I apologize for the awkward formatting.

Some of these zip codes are divided between districts, so head over to doublecheck at  http://tinyurl.com/palegislator 

Allegheny County