Hooray!

Hate Crimes Bill Heads To House Vote

Legislation that would add crimes based on sexuality to the federal hate crime law passed out of the House Judiciary Committee late Wednesday night and now heads to the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote.

Hooray!

Now for some good news...

Clergy From All 50 States Call For Passage Of Gay Hate & Workplace Bills

Clergy from across the country gathered on Capitol Hill Tuesday to call for passage of the Matthew Shepard Act and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

JJ has entered the building!

My my my, gone for a week and so much has happened I am overwhelmed with things post and comment on!

Our esteemed legislature was very busy last week!

First, the Domestic Partnership bill passed:

Washington Legislature passes domestic partner bill

The bill passed easily on a 63-35 House vote despite condemnations from conservatives who said the bill was an affront to community values and religious freedom.

Then the Healthy Youth Act was passed:
Healthy Youth Act Approved

After four hours of debate, the Washington House of Representatives voted 63-34 Wednesday to require sexual education in public schools to be medically accurate. The vote sends the bill to Gov. Christine Gregoire for her signature.

Both of these items initiated a violent response from Joe Fuiten, self proclaimed leader of all Washington wingnuts. He is calling all Christians to pray for plague, famine, earthquakes etc. etc. to be called down upon Washington to demonstrate Gods displeasure with the passage of these two bills.

So far no earthquakes or famine have happened, I guess that means that God supports this legislation.

Hoooray!

Patrick orders 26 gay marriages recorded

Gov. Deval Patrick has ordered officials to record the marriages of 26 out-of-state gay couples whose unions were blocked by his Republican predecessor from being registered in the state's vital records.

Hooray!

Bill Would Include Gays Under Hate Crimes Law

Of course the wingnuts are all over this with their collectively wadded panties.

Support the cause!

Sign the HRC Petition.

Hooray!

There has not been much to hooray about lately so this is timely!

Indianapolis public schools move to add sexual orientation to anti-discrimination policies

Scooter takes a fall

But for whom I wonder?

Libby guilty on 4 of 5 counts

Libby was convicted of:

• obstruction of justice when he intentionally deceived a grand jury investigating the outing of CIA operative Valerie Plame;
• making a false statement by intentionally lying to FBI agents about a conversation with NBC newsman Tim Russert;
• perjury when he lied in court about his conversation with Russert;
• a second count of perjury when he lied in court about conversations with other reporters.
  

Jurors cleared him of a second count of making a false statement relating to a conversation he had with Matt Cooper of Time magazine.

Libby, 56, faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison and a fine of $1 million. A hearing on a presentencing report is scheduled for June 5.

Is there anyone out there who does not believe that Scooter was working at the behest of the Vice President?

Hooray!

Court upholds dress code in T-shirt case

Domestic partnership bill passes Senate

HOOORAY!

Wash. Senate Passes Domestic Partnership Measure

The measure passed on a 28-19 vote, with two lawmakers excused. It now heads to the House. Gov. Chris Gregoire is expected to sign the measure if it gets to her desk.

The bill would create a domestic partnership registry with the state, and would provide enhanced rights for same-sex couples, including hospital visitation, the ability to authorize autopsies and organ donations, and inheritance rights when there is no will.

To be registered, couples would have to share a home, not be married or in a domestic relationship with someone else, and be at least 18.

Goin to the chapel and we're gonna git domestic partnered... Well we are getting closer!

Once the bill is signed by the Governor I will post instructions on how to get registered for benefits. Its a far cry from full marriage but we are well on our way. This bill will make such a huge difference in our ability to care for our loved ones.

Hooray!

Bill To Repeal 'DADT' To Be Introduced Next Week In Congress

Hooray!

NJ Supreme Court: Schools Must Protect Gay Students

Hooray!

Gay couples get licenses in New Jersey

Hooray!

Gay Couples Nationwide Demonstrate For Marriage Rights

Hooray!

Washington Domestic Partner Bill Moving Forward

Hooray!

Gay teens coming out earlier to peers and family

Hooray!

Jerusalem registers its first gay couple

Hooray!

Dutch Gym to Introduce 'Naked Sunday'

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - Self-conscious about what you wear while working out? A Dutch gym plans to introduce "Naked Sunday" for people who like to huff and puff in the buff.

Hooray!

Lesbians Register Mexico's 1st Gay Union

Hooray!

Gay Bully bill passes Iowa Senate

Hooray!

Film On Dying Lesbian Cop's Battle For Domestic Partner Rights Wins Sundance Prize

This is a tragedy played out in real life. I am glad that Laurel Hester will be memorialized in such a fashion. Her life is a tribute to the struggles of our community.