Maine's Governor John Baldacci who previously was against Same Sex Marriage, spoke with Rachel Maddow yesterday about Maine's Question 1. This ballot measure seeks to take away rights to same sex couples in Maine. Last spring Maine's Legislature passed a bill that granted Marriage rights to Same Sex Couples and Governor Baldacci signed the bill into law. Groups against same sex marriage then started collecting signatures to have a measure on the ballot to repeal that Law. Please watch this video of a very brave and honest politician who understands the constitution and it's role in protecting rights for ALL citizens.
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|| Maine Governor Baldacci on Question 1 ||
|| Hard Graft: iPhone pouch ||
I love this little Hard Graft phone pouch. The material has a rustic yet elegant feel and the leather money pouch sewn on the side makes this carrying case an all in one. What more do you need. While the prices are based on the Euro, the company ships worldwide. Gotta get me one of these. Also the photography on these products is gorgeous.
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|| Judy Shepard's Thoughts ||
President Obama signed the Hate Crimes Bill into law today. And while the bill does not automatically stop hate crimes, it does provide protection for victims of hate crimes by allowing the federal government to charge an individual for a hate crime when a state has no such law. I recently finished the book "The Meaning of Matthew" by Judy Shepard.
If you have not read it, or you think that a hate crimes bill is useless, then I suggest that you read this book. Actually, it is imperative that you read this book. I never really understood myself why hate crimes legislation was important until I read the story of a mother who lost her son in brutal violence only to, in the height of despair, turn her mourning into action for a community that she had previously only had limited contact with. When this crime happened to Matthew Shepard I was 18 years old and sadly I must have been so engrossed in my own life that I do not remember seeing the story on any of the news. I first heard of his story from my college choir teacher a few years later. This teacher taught choir at the University of Wyoming when Matthew was a student there. Never the less Matthew's story is OUR story, because it could have been any one of us tied to that fence that night. Judy Shepard has become one of my heroes, and today I celebrate with her and the LGTB community in a small victory. It may not be full equality...yet. But today we have won a small battle and I thank Judy and many many others for taking on the battle.
Here are Judy's thoughts on today's historic events and how our work has only just begun...
"When Dennis and I started calling 10 years ago for federal action to prevent and properly prosecute hate crimes against gay, lesbian and transgendered Americans, we never imagined it would take this long," said Judy Shepard, Matthew's mother and the president of the Matthew Shepard Foundation Board of Directors.
"The legislation went through so many versions and so many votes that we had to constantly keep our hopes in check to keep from getting discouraged," she continued. "But with President Obama's support and the continually growing bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate lining up behind the bill this year, it became clear that 2009 was the year it would finally happen."
The legislation allows federal authorities to pursue charges in violent crimes motivated by the victim's actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability, in cases where local authorities cannot or will not secure appropriate convictions. It also opens up federal aid to local law enforcement for training, prevention and investigation.
"We are incredibly grateful to Congress and the president for taking this step forward on behalf of hate crime victims and their families, especially given the continuing attacks on people simply for living their lives openly and honestly," Shepard added. "But each of us can and must do much more to ensure true equality for all Americans."
The Matthew Shepard Foundation's work for an inclusive society continues after passage of this landmark legislation. In addition to advocating for workplace and housing equality, equal rights for same-sex couples, and an end to the ban on gay and lesbian military service, the Foundation continues to reach out to schools and corporations nationwide to encourage respect for human dignity and differences.
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|| Coincidence? Maybe... ||
So today lots of news outlets were reporting that Govenor Schwarzenegger sent out the letter i have posted below along with a bill he vetoed to the California Legislature. The letter which outlines why the Govenor vetoed the bill also containes a very frank message if you read the letters vertically down the left side. Whether, the Governor did this purposfully or not, (he is saying this was an accident) I am just pointing out that I am sure future letters will be combed over to make sure no such offensive phrases are contained within...
|| Another Hate Crimes Post ||
I feel this is a big deal. And So I wanted to post a few more videos that discussed the Hate Crimes Legislation that is heading to President Obama for signing. The first is from Judy Shepard.
The second is from Anderson Cooper 360. And features Dan Savage. It was Dan the broke the story of my exhibit at BYU and I am always interested in what he has to say. Anyway, just thought these videos were worth a watch.
|| Matthew Shepard Act heads to Obama ||
Congress passed the Matthew Shepard Act today and the bill will now go to the desk of President Obama, who has already pledged to sign the bill into law. Eleven years after young Matthew Shepard was tied to a fence and beaten to death the bill that bares his name is finally going to be made into law. Congratulations Judy Shepard! Thank you for making your life work the betterment of the LGTB community. http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/10/22/hate.crimes/index.html
We were at a book signing and meet and greet with Judy Shepard just a few weeks ago in Salt Lake City. Here is a video of that event from Booktv. Judy Shepard is a great ally and advocate for the LGTB community. In her speech she implored each of us to share our stories. I have thought how we could do that. Today I want to extend that invitation to all of my readers by inviting all of you, to send me your story. Send me why it is important to you that the LGTB community receive equal rights, how you feel about the Matthew Shepard Act, your coming out story. I will post them here. You decide if you are anonymous or not. Let's add our voices to the many that came before us and share our story. In the last year we have seen a lot of advances in the gay community, but we need to keep the momentum going. Read More »»
|| A Suprising Supporter of Equality ||
Philip Spooner is a lifetime Republican, World War II veteran and, to everyone's surprise, a gay marriage supporter. Watch this American War vet and True American support equality for all American Citizens--according to Spooner, there's nothing more American than fighting for equality.
|| CAUTION...Don't wear this ||
So today while trying to decide what to be for Halloween I came across this wonderful costume. All I have to say is don't EVER let your over weight friends go as a BEER KEG. It is wrong and it offends my eyes.
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