Equality Florida Blog
Please switch over from Undo2 to the Equality Florida Blog.
That's where you will get Breaking New and features that matter to you.
http://eqfl.blogspot.com/
Make the switch and tell your friends.
Thanks
Nadine Smith
Equality Florida
Equality Florida Blog
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Miami Herald: New film ‘Outrage!’ doesn't 'out' Gov. Crist
New film ‘Outrage!’ doesn't 'out' Gov. CristSteve Rothaus' Gay South Florida
By BETH REINHARD, breinhard@MiamiHerald.com
Two things you should know about Outrage, a new documentary that skewers politicians who are gay in private but oppose gay rights in public.It's a worthwhile, provocative movie.It does not ''out'' Gov. Charlie Crist.The movie by Academy Award nominee Kirby Dick premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York last week and was shown Thursday at the Gay & Lesbian Film Festival in Miami Beach. It opens May 15 in South Florida.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Switch to the Equality Florida Blog
Equality Florida Blog
Please switch over to the Equality Florida Blog.
That's where you will get Breaking New and features that matter to you.
http://eqfl.blogspot.com/
Make the switch and tell your friends.
Thanks
Please switch over to the Equality Florida Blog.
That's where you will get Breaking New and features that matter to you.
http://eqfl.blogspot.com/
Make the switch and tell your friends.
Thanks
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Friday, April 10, 2009
We are Switching to the Equality Florida Blog
Equality Florida Blog
Please switch over to the Equality Florida Blog.
That's where you will get Breaking New and features that matter to you.
http://eqfl.blogspot.com/
Make the switch and tell your friends.
Thanks
Nadine
Please switch over to the Equality Florida Blog.
That's where you will get Breaking New and features that matter to you.
http://eqfl.blogspot.com/
Make the switch and tell your friends.
Thanks
Nadine
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Thursday, April 9, 2009
YouTube - Response to the Lies told in "NOM - Gathering Storm" ad
The National Organization for Marriage recently released a new fear mongering (if not over-blown and dramatic) ad against same sex marriage full of lies and propaganda. This is one clever fellow's response.YouTube - Response to the Lies told in "NOM - Gathering Storm" ad
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
BREAKING NEWS: Gainesville Voters Reject Charter Amendment 1, Uphold LGBT Protections
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Gainesville Voters Take A Stand Against Discrimination
It's still unofficial, but right now with 82% of precincts reporting about 61% has voted down City Charter Amendment 1. Here's the election returns.
For over a year, supporters of Charter Amendment 1 have waged a fear-based campaign that blatantly lied to voters about the intent and impact of Charter Amendment 1 and specifically targeted transgender people with harmful discrimination. The sweeping language of the ballot initiative, which was written by a far right conservative group in Michigan, would have prohibited the City of Gainesville from providing nondiscrimination protections beyond the minimal protections set forth in the Florida Civil Rights Act.
For over a year, supporters of Charter Amendment 1 have waged a fear-based campaign that blatantly lied to voters about the intent and impact of Charter Amendment 1 and specifically targeted transgender people with harmful discrimination. The sweeping language of the ballot initiative, which was written by a far right conservative group in Michigan, would have prohibited the City of Gainesville from providing nondiscrimination protections beyond the minimal protections set forth in the Florida Civil Rights Act.
Again. It's still unofficial, but I feel confident in saying the ugly tactics to dehumanize transgender people have failed. Today the City of Gainesville has once again proven itself as a beacon of progress.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Breaking News: Ryan Skipper's Killer Found Guilty
Ryan Skipper's Killer Found Guilty
http://tinyurl.com/skippertrial
Today, Joseph Bearden, one of the two accused killers of Ryan Skipper, was found guilty of second-degree murder and robbery.
On March 15, 2007, Ryan Skipper was stabbed 19 times and left to die on a dirt road in Polk County, Florida. His death is a bloody reminder of the anti-gay hatred faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in our state.
Just days ago, a prosecution witness revealed that shortly after the killing, Joseph Bearden, the defendants, said, "He felt he was doing the world a favor by getting rid of one more faggot."
The 19 stab wounds that Ryan Skipper suffered are what the FBI calls 'overkill'. That's when the violence in an assault is beyond what would be necessary for a robbery and more than would even be required to take someone's life. Overkill is a key indicator of a hate crime.
During his closing statement, State Attorney Castillo said the brutality of Ryan's murder indicated, "hatred, contempt and utter disregard for another human being because he was gay."
Hate crimes are directed at groups of people. They are intended to make an entire community afraid simply because of who they are.
But hate crimes are only effective as a two-step dance: first the offender sends fear into people's hearts with a heinous act of violence. Then leaders around them act like nothing more happened than a car theft gone wrong. No action. No public acknowledgment of what has happened. No commitment to ensuring this never happens again. Their silence is as terrifying as the violence itself.
Click here to take action.
http://tinyurl.com/trialverdict
Tell Gov Crist and Attorney General McCollum that they must refuse to be the second-step in the cycle of anti-gay hate violence. Tell them to speak out, to turn the tide and declare that gay and transgender people are valued members of our society and that hate violence will not be tolerated against any group.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Equality Florida in the News: Crist in Fix Over Supreme Appointment
"Meanwhile, the prominent gay rights group Equality Florida sounded its own warning to its members: "The ultra right-wing American Family Association has begun to rally around Judge Alan Lawson ... flooding the governor's office with calls, faxes, and e-mails. We cannot let the American Family Association decide the make-up of the Florida Supreme Court!"
Crist In A Fix Over State Court Post
By WILLIAM MARCH wmarch@tampatrib.com
The Tampa Tribune
In the next week or so, Gov. Charlie Crist faces one of the toughest political decisions of his tenure as governor: A Supreme Court appointment that pits conservatives in his own party against a minority community Crist is courting.
Religious conservatives and the National Rifle Association are backing Judge C. Alan Lawson of the 5th District Court of Appeal, calling him the most qualified of the four candidates presented to Crist.
On the other hand, some liberal groups and black activists - including state NAACP President Adora Obi Nweze, whom Crist recently named as his minority affairs adviser - are ardently backing Seminole County-based Circuit Judge James E.C. Perry.
If Perry is chosen, he would be the second black justice on the seven-member state Supreme Court.
Both sides have lobbied Crist, and he has strong political reasons for not wanting to alienate either side.
Crist has proclaimed his intent to make racially diverse judicial appointments, and he wants black and minority support if he runs for the U.S. Senate next year.
At the same time, his relations with the conservative base of the Republican Party are badly strained, partly because of his backing of President Barack Obama's stimulus plan. An appointment conservatives don't like would only worsen that.
University of South Florida political scientist Darryl Paulson summed up Crist's dilemma: "Given his background, you would expect him to appoint an African-American," Paulson said. "Part of his success has been reaching out to African-Americans.
"But given the political situation, you might expect him to use the appointment to heal the wounds with the conservatives."
Crist has named three Supreme Court justices, two of them highly conservative: former Congressman Charles Canady of Lakeland and former appellate Judge Ricky Polston of Graceville.
Given Crist's overall moderate politics, Paulson said, those appointments appeared designed to placate the political right.
Crist chose his third appointee, Circuit Judge Jorge Labarga, after demanding that the nominating committees that choose nominees provide him more racially diverse choices.
Labarga, a Cuban emigre and former public defender, was originally appointed to the bench by then-Gov. Lawton Chiles, a Democrat. In choosing Labarga, Crist passed over former Jeb Bush administration official Frank Jimenez, which disappointed some conservatives.
'Diversity Is Very Important'
The next appointment could be Crist's last chance for a black appointee: No more justices are nearing retirement age.
Besides Perry and Lawson, the other two nominees for the appointment are Circuit Judge Debra S. Nelson of Sanford and Orlando lawyer Daniel J. Gerber, known for defending chemical manufacturers against allegations of toxic exposure.
Perry is a registered Democrat but is a Jeb Bush appointee, as are Lawson and Nelson.
Crist will interview all four today and may name his appointee this week.
Asked Tuesday how important it is to him that one of his appointees be black, Crist said, "The overriding concern is always that you have people that are honest, that are ethical, that are intelligent, that are compassionate ... and have humility. But obviously diversity is very important to me and that's why I sent some of those nominees back, so I'll be looking at that very closely."
Betting in political circles centers on Lawson and Perry but choosing either likely would anger supporters of the other. Each side argues for its candidate partly by pointing to its political enemies' support of the other candidate.
Read More
--
By WILLIAM MARCH wmarch@tampatrib.com
The Tampa Tribune
In the next week or so, Gov. Charlie Crist faces one of the toughest political decisions of his tenure as governor: A Supreme Court appointment that pits conservatives in his own party against a minority community Crist is courting.
Religious conservatives and the National Rifle Association are backing Judge C. Alan Lawson of the 5th District Court of Appeal, calling him the most qualified of the four candidates presented to Crist.
On the other hand, some liberal groups and black activists - including state NAACP President Adora Obi Nweze, whom Crist recently named as his minority affairs adviser - are ardently backing Seminole County-based Circuit Judge James E.C. Perry.
If Perry is chosen, he would be the second black justice on the seven-member state Supreme Court.
Both sides have lobbied Crist, and he has strong political reasons for not wanting to alienate either side.
Crist has proclaimed his intent to make racially diverse judicial appointments, and he wants black and minority support if he runs for the U.S. Senate next year.
At the same time, his relations with the conservative base of the Republican Party are badly strained, partly because of his backing of President Barack Obama's stimulus plan. An appointment conservatives don't like would only worsen that.
University of South Florida political scientist Darryl Paulson summed up Crist's dilemma: "Given his background, you would expect him to appoint an African-American," Paulson said. "Part of his success has been reaching out to African-Americans.
"But given the political situation, you might expect him to use the appointment to heal the wounds with the conservatives."
Crist has named three Supreme Court justices, two of them highly conservative: former Congressman Charles Canady of Lakeland and former appellate Judge Ricky Polston of Graceville.
Given Crist's overall moderate politics, Paulson said, those appointments appeared designed to placate the political right.
Crist chose his third appointee, Circuit Judge Jorge Labarga, after demanding that the nominating committees that choose nominees provide him more racially diverse choices.
Labarga, a Cuban emigre and former public defender, was originally appointed to the bench by then-Gov. Lawton Chiles, a Democrat. In choosing Labarga, Crist passed over former Jeb Bush administration official Frank Jimenez, which disappointed some conservatives.
'Diversity Is Very Important'
The next appointment could be Crist's last chance for a black appointee: No more justices are nearing retirement age.
Besides Perry and Lawson, the other two nominees for the appointment are Circuit Judge Debra S. Nelson of Sanford and Orlando lawyer Daniel J. Gerber, known for defending chemical manufacturers against allegations of toxic exposure.
Perry is a registered Democrat but is a Jeb Bush appointee, as are Lawson and Nelson.
Crist will interview all four today and may name his appointee this week.
Asked Tuesday how important it is to him that one of his appointees be black, Crist said, "The overriding concern is always that you have people that are honest, that are ethical, that are intelligent, that are compassionate ... and have humility. But obviously diversity is very important to me and that's why I sent some of those nominees back, so I'll be looking at that very closely."
Betting in political circles centers on Lawson and Perry but choosing either likely would anger supporters of the other. Each side argues for its candidate partly by pointing to its political enemies' support of the other candidate.
Read More
--
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Divorced from Reality
Editorial
Palm Beach Post
Having helped to make sure that marriage in this state is off-limits to gays and lesbians, the Florida Family Policy Council wants to set marriage standards for everybody else in Florida.New GOP chairman: "No, no, no" to civil unions
 | New GOP chairman: "No, no, no" to civil unions Despite some well-publicized calls for a more inclusive GOP, newly installed Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele rejected the possibility of any kind of legally recognized civil union for gays and lesbians. Appearing on Mike Gallagher's radio show, Steele responded to a question on civil unions by saying, "No, no no. What would we do that for? What are you, crazy?" ThinkProgress.org (2/23) |
Monday, February 23, 2009
Dustin Black's powerful and poignant Oscar acceptance speech
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Sean Penn Wins Oscar for "Milk" Acceptance Speech
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Sunday, February 22, 2009
Oscar Winner Gives Shout Out to LGBT Youth
"Oh my God, this was not an easy film to make. I have to thank all the
real life people who shared their stories with me... When I was 13
years old my beautiful mother and father moved me from a conservative
Mormon home in San Antonio, Texas to California and I heard the story
of Harvey Milk. And it gave me hope, hope to live my life, gave me the
hope to live my life openly as who I am. And maybe even I can fall in
love and get married. I want to thank my Mom who always loved me for
who I am even when there was pressure not to. If Harvey had been alive
today, I think he'd want me to say to all the gay and lesbian kids out
there that have been told that they are less than by their churches,
their government or their families that they are beautiful, wonderful
creatures of value and no matter what anyone tells you, God does love
you and that very soon I promise you, you will have equal rights,
federally, across this great nation of ours"
real life people who shared their stories with me... When I was 13
years old my beautiful mother and father moved me from a conservative
Mormon home in San Antonio, Texas to California and I heard the story
of Harvey Milk. And it gave me hope, hope to live my life, gave me the
hope to live my life openly as who I am. And maybe even I can fall in
love and get married. I want to thank my Mom who always loved me for
who I am even when there was pressure not to. If Harvey had been alive
today, I think he'd want me to say to all the gay and lesbian kids out
there that have been told that they are less than by their churches,
their government or their families that they are beautiful, wonderful
creatures of value and no matter what anyone tells you, God does love
you and that very soon I promise you, you will have equal rights,
federally, across this great nation of ours"
Dustin Lance Black wins for MILK
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Batwoman: 30 Years Postmortem and Better than Ever
by Lisa Moody
Batwoman's back! Although I remember her as Batgirl, she is resurrected from her 1979 grave as Batwoman and she's smokin'! And, she's a lesbian! Now, before my fellow lesbians get their boxers in a wad over the fact that she's a lipstick lesbian, take a deep breath and repeat after me...We have a superhero! OK, one created precisely for the male-dominated comic audience to drool over and fantasize about, but who cares? Batwoman's a hottie that everyone can enjoy.
We now have a superhero role model to proclaim loudly that women, and lesbians in particular, can be strong, smart, agile and athletic, and do great things for the community, the nation, and the planet. And they can be sexy and curvaceous. You'll note she's a real woman—a solid five feet, ten inches who is ample and round. She's not a flimsy, heroin-chic skinny. This girl's got girth.
The creators are saying that her gayness will simply be a fact of life. From what I've read, her sexual orientation won't be exploited or made into a mockery or, excuse the obvious, a cartoon character. Her lesbianism simply is. This is a huge step forward and I believe a sign of the current times. In my day…did I really say that? In my day, lesbian role models were…um…they were…well, where were they? They didn't exist. And when movies finally featured openly lesbian characters, they were their lesbianism instead of just being people. Plus, they were usually dysfunctional, totally screwed up dyke-drama queens, or they were straight women who were portrayed as confused and experimenting and "went back to" their men with an overriding undercurrent of apology.
In my day…God help me again…we marched in Washington DC, we asked but didn't tell, we were voted-against in attaining equal rights to straight people…oh, that still is my day. We had to stand out in order to try to fit in, if that makes sense. From what I've witnessed recently in younger lesbians (20-somethings), they aren't so much their lesbianism. It is one aspect of who they are, but it doesn't singularly define them. I like that.
Not long ago, I was part of a panel discussion following a Clip film festival movie and I had the audacity to say I look forward to the day when we don't need gay films, meaning, when we are simply an accepted part of society. So accepted, that we are integrated as part of the whole. I used the example of Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner in The Bodyguard. Long after I saw the movie, it hit me that they had an interracial relationship and never once in the entire movie were either of their races mentioned. It simply was, and as a viewer, we accepted that without question. That's what I strive for in our filmmaking future. When I said this at the Clip discussion, I heard lots of gasps. I think I actually got booed, although that may have been in my imagination. But the audience was older—like, my age—and we fought hard for our recognition and perhaps we're not ready to let go of our standout position, unlike our successors.
So the resurrected Batwoman may be our bridge, from "my day" to tomorrow. A superhero that sets a high standard for all humans. Who happens to be gay. I can see the future much closer than I ever imagined. The next Black President will simply be the next President. The next lesbian superhero will simply be a superhero. In the meantime, we'll claim Batwoman just as she is: One of our own.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Missing Link
Gay and Transgender Issues in the Workplace
It Takes One to Know One
By Brian McNaught
In my youth, if someone called you a "homo" or a "moron," the reply was usually, "It takes one to know one," meaning "You'd have to be a homo to recognize another homo." It was an inane comment but it usually shut them up more effectively than "So is your mother."
Today, that same phrase – "It takes one to know one" - has a completely different and much richer meaning for me.
Alan Goldstein was the Jewish boy who lived behind me growing up in Flint, Michigan. He was my best friend for many years. It was through the time I spent with Alan and his family that I initially learned about Jewish celebrations such as Hanukkah, and also about the sting of anti-Semitism which I saw in Alan's face when another Christian eight-year-old in the neighborhood called him a "kike." …
(To finish reading this offering, please go to http://www.glbtatwork.blog.com.)
Nadine Smith
Executive Director
Equality Florida
PO Box 13184,
St. Petersburg FL 33733
Ph: 813-870-3735
Fax: 727-499-6925
Visit www.eqfl.org and become a member today!
!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Women say mall cops arrested them for kissing
Women say S.A. mall cops arrested them for kissing
Feb. 3, 2009
SAN ANTONIO - Jessica Garcia intends to prove in court that security officers at Rolling Oaks Mall unfairly targeted her and her girlfriend when they were arrested in December on trespassing and other charges.
Garcia said the officers - a Bexar County sheriff's deputy and an employee from a private security company - began harassing them Dec. 26 because her girlfriend gave her a kiss on the cheek while sitting inside the mall on a bench.
Mall officials said the women, both 22, were acting inappropriately and were told to leave because they were not complying with the shopping center's code of conduct.
Danielle Pardue, the mall's marketing director, denies the women's claims of discrimination and said security officers would evict anyone found kissing in the mall, regardless of sexual orientation.
"If our security officer feels that is disruptive to our shoppers and our business, then they have that authority to make that determination," she said. "It's their responsibility to make sure our shopping place is an enjoyable shopping place for everyone to be."
Pardue also stressed that contrary to what the women claim, they weren't arrested because they were kissing, but because they re-entered the mall after being told to leave.
But Garcia feels otherwise.
She was scheduled to appear in court today, but her lawyer had to postpone the date for later this month.
Garcia said the officers intentionally harassed the couple, accusing them of kissing and having "swapped spit."
Garcia said the officers - a Bexar County sheriff's deputy and an employee from a private security company - began harassing them Dec. 26 because her girlfriend gave her a kiss on the cheek while sitting inside the mall on a bench.
Mall officials said the women, both 22, were acting inappropriately and were told to leave because they were not complying with the shopping center's code of conduct.
Danielle Pardue, the mall's marketing director, denies the women's claims of discrimination and said security officers would evict anyone found kissing in the mall, regardless of sexual orientation.
"If our security officer feels that is disruptive to our shoppers and our business, then they have that authority to make that determination," she said. "It's their responsibility to make sure our shopping place is an enjoyable shopping place for everyone to be."
Pardue also stressed that contrary to what the women claim, they weren't arrested because they were kissing, but because they re-entered the mall after being told to leave.
But Garcia feels otherwise.
She was scheduled to appear in court today, but her lawyer had to postpone the date for later this month.
Garcia said the officers intentionally harassed the couple, accusing them of kissing and having "swapped spit."
Monday, January 12, 2009
Voting for the freedom to marry does not hurt politicians, new study confirms
A new study by Freedom to Marry released today shows that voting for the freedom to marry and against anti-gay/anti-marriage measures does not cost politicians reelection: http://www.freedomtomarry.org/press_center/new_study_shows_pro-marriage_legislators_win.php
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The Best Interests of the Child: New York Times Editorial
January 6, 2009
W.H., an infant, was reportedly removed from her parents by Arkansas's Department of Human Services after she was taken to a hospital with injuries that strongly suggested abuse. Fortunately for W.H., her grandmother, a registered nurse, was eager to take her in. But there was a hitch. Her grandmother lives with another woman, and a ballot initiative recently passed in Arkansas makes it illegal for gay and unmarried heterosexual couples to adopt or become foster parents. Arkansas courts should strike down this offensive new law.
Arkansas has a long tradition of allowing child welfare professionals to decide who should become a foster or adoptive parent. Anti-gay forces, however, have campaigned to disqualify gay people. In 2006, the Arkansas Supreme Court struck down a regulation barring gay people from becoming foster parents.
Last year anti-gay activists promoted Act 1, a ballot referendum that broadened the ban to include unmarried heterosexual couples. In November, it passed with about 57 percent of the vote. The A.C.L.U. of Arkansas is challenging the new law, on behalf of a group of would-be parents and children, contending that it discriminates against gay and unmarried straight couples and that it makes it impossible to place children in the best homes.
The new law is undeniably discriminatory. Under Arkansas law, people convicted of major crimes, including contributing to the delinquency of a minor, remain eligible to adopt children or become foster parents. Single people who have no partner — or who have a large number of casual sex partners — are also eligible. Anyone who is in a committed relationship, gay or straight, but is not married is automatically barred.
The new law also interferes with the Department of Human Services' ability to do its job of making individualized assessments of prospective parents and placing children in the homes that are best able to meet their needs. As the W.H. case suggests, an unmarried couple could be the most qualified parents. And because of the shortage of foster parents, the ban is very likely to make children wait substantially longer for a loving home.
Arkansas's new law was a victory for the forces of bigotry and a major setback for the guiding principle of the law in adoption and foster care: the best interests of the child.
Smith to discuss ‘What’s Next For Equal Rights After Amendment 2?’
http://www.island-reporter.com/breaking_news/articles.asp?articleID=5551
Smith to discuss 'What's Next For Equal Rights After Amendment 2?'
The Democratic Club of the Islands is featuring Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality America, to speak to all interested islanders on Thursday, January 15 at 7 p.m. at the Sanibel Public Library, 770 Dunlop Road.
Previously, Smith was director of The Human Rights Task Force of Florida. She joined the organization in 1993 after serving as one of four national co-chairs on the 1993 march on Washington, D.C. and taking part in the historic, first-ever meeting between LGBT leaders and a sitting U.S. President (Bill Clinton) in the White House.
Smith has led advocacy efforts in Florida at the state level at a time of unprecedented attacks on the gay and lesbian community, serving as Equality Florida's lead lobbyist, heading efforts to stop discriminatory legislation and ballot measures and to overturn Florida's ban on adoption by gay and lesbian parents.
Her experience in community organizing, social change and politics includes her service as campaign manager for Citizens for a Fair Tampa, a successful effort to prevent repeal of that city's human rights ordinance, and her own campaign in 1991 for Tampa City Council. An award-winning journalist, Smith has written syndicated columns for general audience publications.
Democratic Club of the Islands members are also urged to attend this meeting to hear exciting news about the restructuring of the club and to learn new opportunities for activism in the Obama era. Call Brian Anderson at 472-2206 for more information.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Hillsborough Library "Gay Pride" Policy Under Review
The Hillsborough County policy on "gay pride" displays in county buildings will be heard by the Policy and By Laws
Subcommittee/Hillsborough County Library Board on January 22, 2009 at
3 p.m. Any subcommittee meeting is of course open to the
public.Please note that the meeting will be at the Town 'N Country
Library.
POLICY & BYLAWS COMMITTEE--Thursday, January 22, 2009, 3:00 p.m., Town 'N Country Library
LIBRARY BOARD MEETING-Thursday, January 22, 2009, 4:00 p.m., Town 'N
CountryLibrary:
3 p.m. Any subcommittee meeting is of course open to the
public.Please note that the meeting will be at the Town 'N Country
Library.
POLICY & BYLAWS COMMITTEE--Thursday
LIBRARY BOARD MEETING-Thursday, January 22, 2009, 4:00 p.m., Town 'N
CountryLibrary:
The address for Town ´N Country Library is:
7606 Paula Drive, Suite 120
Tampa, Florida 33615-4116
Below is a link to the website that contains map and directions to
the library.
http://www.hcplc.org/hcplc/liblocales/tnc/
7606 Paula Drive, Suite 120
Tampa, Florida 33615-4116
Below is a link to the website that contains map and directions to
the library.
http://www.hcplc.
Bob Barr: No Defending the Defense of Marriage Act
From the Los Angeles Times Opinion No Defending the Defense of Marriage Act The author of the federal Defense of Marriage Act now thinks it's time for his law to get the boot -- but for political reasons, not in support of gays. By Bob Barr January 5, 2009 Excerpt 1 |
In 1996, as a freshman member of the House of Representatives, I wrote the Defense of Marriage Act, better known by its shorthand acronym, DOMA, than its legal title. The law has been a flash-point for those arguing for or against same-sex marriage ever since President Clinton signed it into law. Even President-elect Barack Obama has grappled with its language, meaning and impact. I can sympathize with the incoming commander in chief. And, after long and careful consideration, I have come to agree with him that the law should be repealed. The left now decries DOMA as the barrier to federal recognition and benefits for married gay couples. At the other end of the political spectrum, however, DOMA has been lambasted for subverting the political momentum for a U.S. constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. In truth, the language of the legislation -- like that of most federal laws -- was a compromise. DOMA was indeed designed to thwart the then-nascent move in a few state courts and legislatures to afford partial or full recognition to same-sex couples. The Hawaii court case Baehr vs. Lewin, still active while DOMA was being considered by Congress in mid-1996, provided the immediate impetus. |
In effect, DOMA's language reflects one-way federalism: It protects only those states that don't want to accept a same-sex marriage granted by another state. Moreover, the heterosexual definition of marriage for purposes of federal laws -- including, immigration, Social Security survivor rights and veteran's benefits -- has become a de facto club used to limit, if not thwart, the ability of a state to choose to recognize same-sex unions. Even more so now than in 1996, I believe we need to reduce federal power over the lives of the citizenry and over the prerogatives of the states. It truly is time to get the federal government out of the marriage business. In law and policy, such decisions should be left to the people themselves. In 2006, when then-Sen. Obama voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment, he said, "Decisions about marriage should be left to the states." He was right then; and as I have come to realize, he is right now in concluding that DOMA has to go. If one truly believes in federalism and the primacy of state government over the federal, DOMA is simply incompatible with those notions. Bob Barr represented the 7th District of Georgia in the House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003 and was the Libertarian Party's 2008 nominee for president. |
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