« Go back a post || Return to G-A-Y homepage || Haul tail to next post »
07/30/2009
'The dog ate my homo-work'
"But we have to be pragmatic"
"There are more important issues"
"Rep. Kucinich ripped a nasty one, and we can't go back into the House chambers until the air clears out"
We've all heard the excuses for why even our supportive lawmakers have failed to fully act on the LGBT community's behalf. HRC is tired of the pretext:
Human Rights Campaign Calls on the LGBT Community and Allies to Participate in National, Grassroots Push to Lobby Congress Face-to-Face
“No Excuses” demands equality through in-district visits
WASHINGTON, DC – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today launched a national, grassroots campaign called “No Excuses” to demand action from Congress on key issues of equality. Designed to take advantage of the Congressional summer recess when members are in their local offices and meeting with constituents, “No Excuses” will mobilize HRC's 750,000 members and their allies to meet directly with lawmakers and push for federal legislative change. Members and supporters can be involved by visiting: http://noexcuses.hrc.org.
“While we salute and acknowledge the heroic members of Congress who have worked tirelessly on our behalf, far too many have dragged their feet on basic matters of fairness and equality that have lingered too long and hurt too many LGBT people and their families,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Yes, there are many challenges facing this Congress and this President. But LGBT people often face additional hardship protecting their families, their loved ones and their jobs, and too few in Congress are willing to champion these issues of basic fairness. Now, more than ever, members of the LGBT community need to make their voices heard face-to-face and in the districts where they live.”
Using innovative online tools, one-on-one trainings and staff and volunteer follow-through, HRC members will press lawmakers to end discrimination in the military, treat all legally married couples equally, pass immigration reform that recognizes and honors LGBT families, outlaw workplace discrimination for LGBT employees, and treat all federal employees' compensation equally.
The interactive “No Excuses” website allows supporters to download a meeting toolkit, schedule a meeting, and report back on how it went. To take action visit: http://noexcuses.hrc.org.
The in-district meetings will focus on the following key legislative priorities in the 111th Congress:
--Repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which denies legally married lesbian and gay couples more than 1,000 federal protections;
--Prohibit workplace discrimination for the LGBT community by passing an inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA);
--Repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell to ensure that service members who contribute to our nation's security are no longer summarily discharged for who they are;
--Pass immigration reform that recognizes permanent same-sex couples and ends the painful separation of families;
--Provide health benefits equally to the nearly 3 million federal government employees, including same-sex domestic partners.
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
Your thoughts
I think it's funny that HRC is demanding "no excuses" when they chose to delete transgendered people from the hate crime bill. Honestly, way to be hypocritical. (and seriously, ask one of those street people about it, they are either ignorant or they pull out the EXACT same thing 'we have to be pragmatic' 'it just wasn't the time')
Posted by: chelsea | Jul 30, 2009 2:07:41 PM
Thank you, Chelsea. HRC has been loudest drum for the 'wait a little longer' crowd for way too long to claim ownership of this one. They're trying to jump on a movement that's already got considerable momentum, and knowing HRC, it's so they can squeeze more money out of the LGBT community to throw their parties and spa weekends.
Seriously, HRC. You had a chance to lead the community and you blew it. Several times. Go back to getaway weekends and stay out of our way.
Posted by: Matt Algren | Jul 30, 2009 2:33:43 PM
Their grassroots lobbying program also looks an awful lot like the grassroots lobbying effort associated with the National Equality March (training and all).
Posted by: Sandy | Jul 30, 2009 2:58:09 PM
comments powered by Disqus
