Thursday, March 12, 2009

Equality Arizona News and Radio Update

Top Story- Don’t Ask Don’t Tell on National Watch List

You heard it here first. Equality Arizona Radio discussed the problems surrounding “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” as we celebrated our LGBT veterans and their incredible service they performed in silence for our country. (original airdate 11/08/08) Members of the LGBT community have always served in our military and
under General George Washington.

According to Alan Steinman, Rear Admiral, who retired after 25 years of service in the Coast Guard, "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" is simply not working. It forces LGBT service men and women to remain silent and invisible.


A spokesperson for Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif.), said the lawmaker intends to introduce legislation in the House that would repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and replace it with a non-discrimination policy within the next couple of weeks. Optimistic legislators think something could done this year to move forward the repeal.

To learn more: "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" on Equality Arizona Radio , Story From the Washington Blade


Political Update- Hate Crimes Legislation

It’s horrible to live in fear. Fear of walking home at night. Fear of whether someone's waiting outside if you take the garbage out at night; or fear of not hiding who you are well enough from the world. People shouldn’t have to live in fear of hate crimes.

Federally introduced legislation, and potentially the first LGBT issue to be heard in the 111th Congress, is The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (LLEHCPA)/Matthew Shepard Act. This would give Department of Justice the power to investigate and prosecute bias-motivated violence.

Here in Arizona, the Amancio Corrales Act was introduced on February 3, 2009. This would close a loophole in existing hate crimes statute in Arizona, granting law enforcement the tools they need to prosecute violent offenders who deliberately target their victims because of their gender identity or expression.

To learn more: Amancio Corrales Act, Research about Hate Crimes, Matthew Shepard Act:


Issue Update- Marriage

Attorneys Urge California Supreme Court to Invalidate Prop 8

Attorneys for same-sex couples, civil rights organizations and the state Attorney General’s office appeared before the California Supreme Court to urge the court to strike down Proposition 8. At issue in the case is whether the initiative process can be used to take away a fundamental right only for one group of Californians based on a trait – in this case sexual orientation – that has no relevance to the group’s ability to participate in or contribute to society. Because the case has serious implications for the constitutional rights of all Californians, it has generated unprecedented support from many national and state civil rights groups as well as California legislators, local governments, bar associations, business interests, labor unions, and religious groups.

The California Supreme Court must issue its decisions within 90 days of oral argument.

To learn more: Equality California Update


News from the Equality Arizona Education Institute- Stand together at pride festivals around the State

Welcome Marilee!

We are thrilled to welcome Marilee Cornelius as our new Volunteer Coordinator. She has already launched the first edition of our Volunteer News! If you missed it and would like to sign up to receive the newsletter or participate in any of our volunteer opportunities listed below, email Marilee@equalityarizona.org. We need YOUR help to make things happen.

Phoenix Pride: Saturday & Sunday, April 18 & 19 2009 | Stand together.

We are looking for volunteers to march with our elected officials and lead the parade. Are you a newly registered domestic partnership in Phoenix? Would your whole employee or school group like to march with the politicians? Bring your signs; wear your logo shirts, it is most important that we march together. In this legislative climate it is more important than ever we show support for politicians working for the LGBT community.

We also need help in our information booth, as well as our beverage booths. This year we are adding coffee to the list. We need your help to make this happen!

Statewide Prides:

There are pride festivals around the state. Be active where you are! Join our new statewide Pride Outreach Team, or volunteer to support Equality Arizona at a pride festival in your area.

Email marilee@equalityarizona.org to participate.


This week on Equality Arizona Radio- Public Allies Arizona

Equality Arizona is the ONLY LGBT organization in the country to have a placement through the Americorp Public Allies Program. Listen up as Emmy award winning host Donna Rossi is joined by Michelle Lyons-Mayer and Andrea Glen of Public Allies Arizona. Hear personal stories from alumnae Celia Williams, and Equality Arizona’s placement, Milo Neild.

Click here to Listen up!


Opinion

You spoke, we listened.

You asked for more online information and resources and Equality Arizona responded with the launch of the Arizona Education & Resource Project. We were happy to receive this review of the Arizona Education & Resource Project from Steve.

“As a consistent GLBT news blogger almost a year now, I've tried to keep our community informed on as much of the latest news, events and action alerts as possible. And I've learned that putting together a good, sound and accurate article requires considerable time and effort in researching what I'm writing about. One of the most frustrating aspects of that research is simply finding reliable, accurate background information amid the almost infinite maze of internet links.

That's why I'm so excited about your new offering! I can see that this kind of invaluable resource is going to help cut down the time I normally have to spend in research and allow more time to be devoted to the actual blog posting itself. I can't tell you how pleased I am.”

If you haven’t seen for yourself,
click here to visit AERP:


Calendar items

Saturday, March 14, 2009, Sedona‘s Annual St. Paddy’s Day Parade.

Wednesday, March 18th 2009, Phoenix showing of For the Bible Tells me So Central United Methodist Church, click here to RSVP.

Thursday, March 19, 2009, 7:30 PM Lecture by Robert Reich, "Will Our Children Live as Well" at Evelyn Smith Music Theatre, ASU School of Music, Tempe Campus. Lecture is free and open to the public.

Friday, March 20, 2009, 7 PM Film and discussion. Sponsored by PFAG Phoenix. Hosted by Oasis Film Group at Scottsdale Congregational Church, 4425 North Granite Reef Road, Scottsdale. $5.00 Donation is requested but not required.

Sunday March 22, 2009 Prescott showing of For the Bible Tells Me So. Click here to RSVP.

Saturday, March 28, 2009 March for Equality, Casa Grande City Hall, 510 E. Florence Blvd. Casa Grande, AZ.

Friday April 3, 2009, Phoenix Showing of For the Bible Tells Me So at Faith Lutheran Church. Click here to RSVP.


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