Senate Hearing On The Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act Scheduled

Originally posted at Lez Get Real. Thanks Paula!

S. 1102, The Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act, sponsored by Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT), and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) has been scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Dec. 16th, to consider amendments to the bill before voting to pass it on to the Senate floor for full debate. Lieberman is Chairman of that committee.

The Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act (DPBO) would provide the same family benefits to lesbian and gay federal civilian employees as are already provided to employees with different-sex spouses. To receive benefits, employees would have to submit an affidavit of eligibility for benefits with the Office of Personnel Management, certifying that the employee and domestic partner meet necessary criteria, as provided in the Act.

Last month the House Oversight and Government Relations Committee voted 23-12 to send its version of the DPBO Act, H.R. 2517, sponsored by Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) to the House floor for a vote.

In a ceremony at the White House in June, President Obama voiced his support for the measure.

Fifty-nine percent of Fortune 500 companies currently provide domestic partner benefits to their employees. In addition, 22 states, the District of Columbia, and over 150 local governments make benefits available to public employees and their same-sex partners. DPBO would bring employment practices in the federal government in line with those local governments and companies.

Who Are Those Darn Same-Sex Couples, Anyway?

Unfortunately, every time we go to the ballot over marriage equality, we lose (except for Arizona, but then they turned around and "corrected" that in no time flat). The theory goes that it's easy for voters to vote against us because they don't know us - we're a faceless group, and voting against our rights has no consequences for them.

But we are here. We exist. We live. We work. We commute. We pick up our kids from school. We go grocery shopping and cook. We go to church or synagogue. We go to the movies. We go to school. But where exactly do we do this? And who exactly are those "couples"?

Culling information from the Williams Institute study, Same-Sex Spouses and Unmarried Partners in the American Community Survey, 2008, the Economist has created a map of the country indicating where exactly same-sex couples live. (Notice that this represents couples, not singles.)


"Those states where gay marriage is legal or where same-sex partnerships are recognised have a higher proportion of same-sex couples than the national average of 4.7," says the Economist. 'The District of Columbia is home to most gay households with over 14 for every 1,000."

Embedded below is the Williams Institute's full survey. A few interesting points:

• One in four same-sex couples designated each other as spouses (roughly 150,000 couples); those who did not differed from those who did (those who did were more likely female or more likely raising children)
  
• Same-sex couples were identified in every state, more in states with some form of legal recognition for these couples.
• Same-sex and different-sex spouses shared many characteristics, such as education, income, and home ownership, but differ on child rearing and employment
  

Same-Sex Couples and Unmarried Partners in the American Community Survey

Obama Administration Defies Judge's Orders on Federal Benefits; Update on Federal LGBT Rights Bills

In late November, a judge ordered Obama's administration to enroll a lesbian federal employee's partner into their health benefits program. With 30 days to comply sprinting by, it appears they won't act on the order.

The administration already has a long history of defending anti-LGBT laws it says are discriminatory but must protect because their "job description" tells them so. However, openly gay Director of the Office of Personnel Management John Berry, who ironically is going along with the administration and told Blue Cross/Blue Shield to not extend the benefits to his fellow gay citizen, says he nor Obama have the authority to follow the judge's order. Huh? He spoke at the International Gay and Lesbian Leadership Conference Saturday.



I guess they're simply hoping that Rep. Tammy Baldwin's Domestic Partnership Benefits & Obligation Act succeeds so that they won't have to take responsibility for anything. That's a rather cowardly strategy in my opinion. And I would bet that the legislation won't pass by the time the 30 days are up. So what is the administration going to say then?

Actually, unless a miracle happens (calling Mr. Chip), I know it won't pass by then. Baldwin recently said that the bill will be voted on in early 2010. Though that's great news, it's not so great news for the administration who's defying a judge's orders.

But here's some actual good news. Openly gay Reps. Baldwin and Jared Polis, "said they are also confident that the House will include in the annual military spending bill next year a provision to repeal the law that bans gays from serving in the U.S. military. All the measures face a harder time in the Senate following the death of longtime ally Sen. Edward Kennedy, but Baldwin and Polis said they remained optimistic Senate leaders would."

“I’m hopeful we will see those three pieces of legislation make it all the way, or damn close,” said Baldwin, referring to the Domestic Partnership Benefits, DADT and ENDA.

Office of Personnel Management director John Berry, the Obama administration’s highest ranking gay appointee, told the conference that the president strongly supports the trio of gay rights measures.

Including transgender workers as part of the legislation to ban job discrimination and lifting the “don’t ask, don’t tell” ban on gay service members may especially meet opposition in Congress, Berry said. But he said that with a Democrat in the White House and Democratic majorities controlling the House and the Senate, victories were “within our grasp.”

I hope they're right. There's been a lot of anger recently about ENDA stalling in congress.

Everyone keeps saying, "Wait for 2010." Though I applaud Baldwin and Polis, their Democratic colleagues better come through on their promises, because with the Don't Ask Don't Give campaign growing momentum, and the recent betrayal in the New York state senate by the Democrats there, they better be doing everything they can to get these pieces of legislation through, or they just may find LGBT citizens supporting their primary opponents.

Oh wait, the LGBT already have begun doing just that in New York. This "bloodbath" is at the state level for now. Don't think it won't go federal.

D.C. Officials Seek Faulty Compromise With Catholic Charities Over Marriage Equality

The Washington Post reports that some of the D.C. Council members and Del. Eleanor Homes Norton are looking for a compromise with the Archdiocese of Washington to find a way to avoid ending the Catholic Charities in the District while at the same time have legal same-sex marriage. Archbishop Wuerl threatened to close the public services if marriage equality was legalized in the capital.

D.C. officials believe a way can be found for Catholic Charities to continue operating under their current contracts with the District while at the same time have their gay employees be treated equally as their straight counterparts if they were to get married.

"The rights of [gay] partners cannot be any different from similar situated couples, but with that said, if other jurisdictions have found a way to accommodate Catholic Charities, that would be very much be desired," said Norton, who wants to avoid Congressional intervention.

While Norton has been doing her best to avoid Congress from intervening (and we really don't want that - lately, it doesn't appear many in Congress has a spine to stand up to the Catholic Church - Stupack Amendment anyone?), marriage equality champions Council members David Catania and Phil Mendelson have written directly to the Archbishop of Washington. I obtained a copy of the letter and will post below.

D.C. Council Members Letter to Archbishop

Susan Gibbs, spokesperson for the Catholic Church, told the Washington Post that the church was pleased to see the council members "finally responding" to their concerns, but that it may not be enough to alleviate the Church's fears of having to end their contracts and shut down public services.

I myself would be sad if the Church felt the need to close these services because they do in fact help many homeless and poor people get by day-to-day. However, I am not satisfied with the proposal given by council members because the solution they offer has to do with domestic partnerships and not necessarily with marriage (though I applaud the effort). And in this case particularly, you will be yet again relegating same-sex couples to a lesser status, but you would also have to do this to employed straight couples. Not very good.

On top of this, the fact that's really itching at the back of my brain is that the Catholic Church has declared full on war with marriage equality throughout the nation.

Back in August I reported on the Church's plan to put aside $2 million to fight marriage equality nationwide, even letting several parishes in Maine close rather than to give up this fight.

Yet this same Church cries foul when they're held to the same standards as any other business receiving public funds. They say they shouldn't be forced to follow discrimination laws because of their beliefs, and if they choose not to receive public funds anymore so they can continue to discriminate, then they'll be forced to close because they won't have enough money to function.

I say, Why not dip into the marriage war chest? Function as a private institution. Instead of using the $2 million to fight fellow citizens' rights, why not use it to do the good work you're already doing and let people live their lives as they see fit?

I'd have more respect for the Church if they did this than if they acknowledged my relationship in a compromised form. Don't want to acknowledge a gay employees' marriage? Don't hire gay employees! As a religious institution, they're exempt (in many circumstances) and able to do so.

As long as they're not receiving government funds.

Ah, but there's the rub. It's about the money.

Gibbs, the church spokesperson, seems to agree with me about the domestic partnership angle of the council members' proposal. She said that Archbishop Wuerl was reviewing the council members' letter, but church staffers wonder how the council can equate domestic partnership in San Francisco with same-sex marriage. See, even the church knows the two categories are not equal. She noted that the District has a domestic partnership law but that the Church is not covered by it.

And the dance continues.

Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act Advances in House Committee

From a press release:

Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin lauded an historic vote in a House committee that moves the nation a step closer to equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans.

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee today passed the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act (H.R. 2517), authored by Congresswoman Baldwin (D-WI). Under the legislation, same-sex domestic partners of federal employees living together in a committed relationship would be eligible for health benefits, long-term care, Family and Medical Leave, and federal retirement benefits, among others. The domestic partners of federal employees would also be subject to the same responsibilities that apply to the spouses of federal employees, such as anti-nepotism rules and financial disclosure requirements.

“Today’s actions mark another significant step in our march toward LGBT equality,” said Congresswoman Baldwin, Co-Chair of the House LGBT Equality Caucus. “Our movement is gaining momentum around the country and Congress is following the will of the people. Today is a day to celebrate yet another milestone and recognize anew that ‘the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.’”

The bill now moves to the full House for consideration. In a ceremony at the White House in June, President Obama voiced his strong support for the measure.

MUST SEE VIDEO: Colbert Skewers Catholic Church on Marriage Equality and Funeral . . . Rights

Remember how the Catholic Church decided to throw the poor and homeless under the bus in an attempt to stop marriage equality from happening in D.C.? And how Rhode Island's Catholic Governor vetoed a bill that would allow domestic partners to make funeral arrangements for each other?

Well, Catholic-raised Colbert has a few choice . . . words on the matter.

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LGBT History Is Made With Washington Voters Approving Referendum 71

UPDATE: Washington's Secretary of State blog says Referendum 71 goes into effect 12-3-09, essentially calling a victory.

Washington state voters have ushered in a new moment in LGBT history by approving the state's new "everything but marriage" domestic partnership law.

With 69% of the expected vote counted Thursday, Referendum 71 lead 52% to 48%, roughly the numbers of the votes in Maine, but there, residents voted against marriage equality. This is great news for LGBT rights after that crushing blow.

"This moment in history is simply unprecedented," says Joe Mirabella on Seattle PI. Joe worked tirelessly with many bloggers, including Lurleen at Pam's House Blend, as part of the netroots team for the Approve Referendum 71 campaign.

"Referendum 71 was only the 6th referendum in Washington history to ever be approved by Washington voters. It is far easier to reject a referendum than approve one. In only 6 weeks we changed the conversation from the decline to sign campaign, to one of approve," Joe continued. "We faced an off year election, when older more conservative voters have a far better voting record. An LGBT referendum has never been approved by voters anywhere in the United States, that is until November 3 when fair minded voters from throughout the state said, "yes we want equality for all Washington families."

National gay-rights groups concur, saying the passage of Referendum 71 marks the first time a state's voters have approved a gay equality measure at the ballot box.

"This victory promotes fairness, supports families, and is good for Washington state and the country. This victory sends the message that no family should be left vulnerable and without basic protections because of someone else's prejudices," said Rea Carey, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

"This is a wonderful victory for all those who value fairness and equality," said Josh Friedes, Approve Referendum 71 campaign manager. "Washingtonians have defended fairness and taken a strong stand for all families. We would not be celebrating this victory if it were not for Washingtonians' commitment to civil rights, our amazing campaign staff, our volunteers, our community and allies, and the support of organizations like the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. The Task Force spent time with us on the ground to train our campaign field team and contributed financially to help us ensure this victory."

Lurleen remarked on the voter map posted to the left, pointing out how much has changed in Washington in such a short amount of time.

"The last time Washington voters had the opportunity to ratify a pro-equality law at the polls was in 1997. Initiative to the People 677 proposed an employment non-discrimination law," Lurleen said. "The ballot title read Shall discrimination based on sexual orientation be prohibited in employment, employment agency, and union membership practices, without requiring employee partner benefits or preferential treatment?

"The measure was rejected 59.7% to 40.3%," she continues. "Contrary to the current image of the Puget Sound area of Washington as progressive, not one single county - not even Seattle's home of King County - voted to approve I-677. Contrast that with the current election where the electorate as a whole approved R-71 and majorities in 10 of Washington's 39 counties have approved R-71. But the truly stunning statistic is that the rate of ballot measure approval increased between 1997 and 2009 in all but one county."

This should make anti-LGBT forces quake in their boots. After their victory in Maine, they have continually declared that the tide is in fact not turning against them but in fact moving with them. Sounds like they spoke a little too soon.

THANK YOU, WASHINGTON! YOUR SUPPORT WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY!

Wisconsin's Supreme Court Hears Case Challenging State's Marriage Equalty Ban

William McConkey is my hero.

As I reported earlier, he is fighting on behalf of his lesbian daugther Wisconsin's same-sex marriage ban enacted by voters at a referendum in 2006. He claims that the question on the ballot was unconstitutional because it in fact asked two questions, thus making it impossible to determine the will of Wisconsin voters.

The referendum stated, “Shall section 13 of article XIII of the constitution be created to provide that only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state and that a legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized in this state?”

The state's Supreme Court heard the case Tuesday. (Watch the proceedings here)



In other Wisconsin news, the Supreme Court threw out the case by anti-LGBT group Wisconsin Family Action challenging the new domestic partnership law. They claim that it's too close to marriage which violates the same-sex marriage ban. Making matters worse, Wisconsin's attorney general had refused to defend the law.

The court gave no reason for the rejection of the case, signaling to Wisconsin Family Action that they must refile in lower courts and go through proper court procedure. So the fight isn't over.

Washington State Close to Passing Inclusive Domestic Partnerships Bill

UPDATE: Reject 71 campaign is hiding from the media and have said of the new domestic partnership law, "We've got to get rid of the cobra before it gets out of the cage."

In Washington state voters decided whether or not to Approve or Reject Referendum 71, which would be an approval or rejection of the state's "everything but marriage" domestic partnership law. For the first time, the state did an all mail-in vote and any ballots post marked with yesterday's date will be counted. So they're still trickling in.

Right now, the tally is 51.03% for approval to 48.98% for rejection.

The Approve Referendum 71 issued the following statement:

Voters affirming domestic partnerships for gay and lesbian families

For Immediate Release - Nov. 3, 2009

Washington may be first state in nation to support domestic partnership by popular vote

SEATTLE - Washington voters today appear to be approving Referendum 71, upholding a state law that provides important legal protections for gays and lesbians and seniors in registered domestic partnerships.

Nearly all of the state's voters now vote by mail and ballots only need to be postmarked by Election Day, not counted by Election Day, so many ballots won't actually be counted until Wednesday or Thursday. In King County, where 'Approve' is winning by a two-to-one margin, fewer than half the ballots have been counted, and the campaign estimates that the ballots that remain to be counted in King County will account for over 30 percent of the votes remaining to be counted statewide.

"Based on the results we saw tonight, we will be making history in moving forward toward full equality for gay and lesbian Washingtonians and their families," said Anne Levinson, Chair of the Approve 71 campaign. "Voters across the state listened to the personal stories of gay and lesbian families, and the challenges they face, and, based on the returns so far, they are sending a resounding message - we want to see all families treated equally under the law."

"We believe the end result of this election will be a win not just for the couples and families, but for all Washingtonians who believe in values of fairness and equality," Levinson continued. "It was profoundly wrong for some to try to eliminate the rights of others."

"We are all harmed when any of us is treated differently under the law. We hope this puts an end to the divisive and mean spirited attacks by extremist groups against gay and lesbian Washingtonians and that we can all work together on the real problems confronting all families - gay and non-gay alike."

The Approve 71 campaign was supported by a broad statewide coalition and received more than 500 endorsements, including faith-based groups and organizations representing communities of color, seniors, education, health care and public safety; clergy of many denominations; labor; large employers such as Microsoft, Google, Starbucks, Boeing; small businesses; civic groups, organizations that care for families, immigrant populations and children, who all took a stand in support of their friends, neighbors and co-workers.

"This was one of the shortest statewide ballot campaigns in Washington. We had only weeks between certification and the first ballots going out. If these trends continue, this will be only the sixth referendum approved in the history of our state," said Josh Friedes, Approve 71 Campaign Manager. "To have these kinds of numbers in an off-year election where those who vote tend to be older and more conservative is a real testament to the broad support for Washington's gay and lesbian families."

Friedes and Levinson both noted that because of Referendum 71 - which Protect Marriage Washington, the Family Policy Institute, the National Organization for Marriage and others fought to force on the ballot -Washingtonians now have a greater understanding of the challenges faced by gay and lesbian families and the legal protections they lacked.

"Were it not for the referendum, the law would have just quietly gone into effect in July. By forcing the referendum, those groups have likely done quite a lot to advance the cause of full equality for lesbian and gay families in Washington state," Levinson said.

Countdown to Equality: 1 Day Left to Help Win 3 Critical LGBT Rights Campaigns!

Washington State:

Who we are: Approve Referendum 71 is the campaign to preserve domestic partnerships in Washington State. By voting to approve, voters retain the domestic partnership laws that were passed during this year's legislative session, including using sick leave to care for a partner, adoption rights, insurance rights, and more.

What we need: We need phone bankers to get our supporters out to vote. Washington is an all mail-in ballot state, and we need to ensure our supporters put their ballots in the mail. Also, youth turnout is a critical component of our campaign, and youth turnout historically drops in off-year elections. So we need a lot of help to turn them out.

How you do it: Sign up here to make remote calls for Approve 71. We'll then contact you for a training, and you can make GOTV calls.

Washington Voters: Check here to be sure your ballot is properly counted.

Maine:

Who we are: The No On 1/Protect Maine Equality campaign is working to protect Maine's recently-passed law legalizing marriage equality for same-sex couples. Our opponents have put the issue on the ballot for Nov 3, 2009. Because of Maine's early voting election laws, people are already voting at the polls, so we need help immediately to turn out our side at the polls.

What we need: We need you to devote a few hours to Call for Equality. Call for Equality is a virtual phonebank set up so that you can call Maine voters wherever you are. Much of Maine is rural, where canvassing isn't effective, so we need to reach these voters- along with other supporters- by phone. All you need is a phone and internet connection. No experience required! We'll provide the training, and all you need is a a few hours to help get a win in Maine.

How you do it: Click here to sign up for a training and your shift. There are lots of times available for your convenience.

Kalamazoo, MI:

Who We Are: The Yes on Ordinance 1856 / One Kalamazoo campaign is working in Michigan to support the City Commission of Kalamazoo's twice approved ordinance for housing, employment, and public accommodation protections for gay and transgender residents. Opponents forced a public referendum on the ordinance so dedicated local volunteers, led by former Stonewall Democrats Executive Director Jon Hoadley, are working to ensure voters say YES to fairness and equality and keep Ordinance 1856.

Why The Urgency: In the final weeks, the opposition has gone all out with aggressive disinformation and misleading red herrings to try to defeat the ordinance. This includes signs that say "No to Discrimination" (even though voting No actually supports continued discrimination of GLBT residents), transphobic door hangers and fliers, and now radio ads that falsely suggest that criminal behavior will become legal when this simply isn't true. The Yes on Ordinance 1856 supporters are better organized but many voters who want to vote for gay and transgender people are getting confused by the opposition.

How To Help:

1) Help the One Kalamazoo campaign raise a final $10,000 specifically dedicated to fight back against the lies on the local TV and radio airwaves and fully fund the campaign's final field and GOTV efforts.

Give here: http://www.actblue.com/page/3-2-1-countdown

2) If you live nearby and can physically volunteer in Kalamazoo sign up here. If you know anyone that lives in Kalamazoo, use the One Kalamazoo campaign's online canvass tool to remind those voters that they need to vote on November 3rd and vote YES on Ordinance 1856 to support equality for gay and transgender people.

Contact voters: http://www.onekalamazoo.com/tellfriends2

Approve Referendum 71 FINAL Weekend Actions

Crossposted with Lurleen at Pam's House Blend.

There are only a few days left to vote APPROVE on Referendum 71. If you haven't already, please mark your ballot "approved" on R-71 and mail it in now (but no later than November 3rd). Don't procrastinate! In 2008 over 8,000 ballots in King County alone were not counted because they were postmarked too late! The Approve 71 campaign manager says

This race is still too close for comfort. As we've said from the beginning, this election will be decided by voter turnout. Money is pouring in from out of state to fund our opponents, and they are investing heavily in radio ads. We know the best way to counteract the outrageous lies our opponents are telling is with direct conversations with voters.

You can help us win by phone banking any night of the week between now and the election, canvassing at our Trick or Vote event, and waving signs at intersections to raise visibility for the Approve 71 campaign. It is essential that we each do all we can to get out the vote. Our state-of-the-art system is set up to only call voters who have not voted yet.

To register to phone bank in Seattle, RSVP here

To register for Trick or Vote, RSVP here

For a schedule of sign waving events you can register for, click here

Here is a link to a schedule of phone banks, canvassing and Approve 71 sign waving events going on in the Seattle area.

Thank you for all you have done to help ensure gay and lesbian families are treated equally under state law.

P.S. If you have not already joined our Facebook group, join us! Our fan base is growing by more than 100 people per hour! Join us!

Folks, be sure to print out and fill your pockets with plenty of palm cards to give to people. This is a great reminder for people when they get home and start wondering, "now what was that all about, and how can I get more information?" Make sure your signs are clearly marked "Approve Referendum 71" besides whatever other messages you wish to write. Bellevue sponsored by Bellevue PFLAG Saturday, October 31 1 pm - 3 pm At NE 8th and 112th. That big intersection at 405 and NE 8th Street. Bring signs with simple statements that drivers can read...Approve Ref 71, Protect All Washington Families, or personal messages. Keep them simple and positive. Even stop by for 30 minutes but be involved...Dress for cold/rain but bring your smiles and be ready to wave!!! Seattle - RSVP here Friday, October 30 7:00 am - 8:00 am 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Join us at the Madison I-5 overpass between Downtown and Capitol Hill to show our support for APPROVING referendum 71 to the morning commuters. Millions of Washingtonians drive onto the I-5 weekly and this is our chance to make sure they vote to APPROVE referendum 71. We will be waving signs and showing our support. Seattle - RSVP here Monday, November 2 Tuesday, November 3 7:00 am - 8:00 am Join us at the Madison I-5 overpass between Downtown and Capitol Hill to show our support for APPROVING referendum 71 to the morning commuters. Millions of Washingtonians drive onto the I-5 weekly and this is our chance to make sure they vote to APPROVE referendum 71. We will be waving signs and showing our support. Tacoma Saturday, October 31 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Kelly McDonald: Where: Corner of South 38th & South Steele, Tacoma (Costco & Borders) There is one more weekend before the election. We need YOU this Saturday. The opposition has incredible numbers, and Tacomans must see both sides represented. If you have an hour or two to give this Saturday, please stop by. Bring signs and wear green! Important details: 1) Parking is an issue. It's best to find street parking by the Toyota dealership or in the residential area behind Costco. 2) Enhance our visibility by wearing green 3) Bring signs with you 4) Are you staying a while? Bring a water bottle and a snack (there goes the mom in me!) :) 5) If you cannot make it, invite someone to come on your behalf! The Rejects WILL be there, per communication made to area businesses from their side. Though tempting, it is NOT effective to engage with them. They will try. We are there to be visible to the public in a peaceful, positive, affirming way. Looking forward to seeing you there, en masse, and so excited at the amazing effect of Facebook word of mouth! Kelly Tacoma Tuesday, November 3rd 6 am - 9 am 4 pm - 6 pm Kelly McDonald: Election Day is the final opportunity to generate visibility! We need YOU to sign wave at the Jackson Avenue overpass over Highway 16. Woodinville sponsored by Bellevue PFLAG Saturday, October 31st 10 am - 11:30 am Corner of NE 175th Street and 131st Ave NE right past the railroad underpass in downtown Woodinville (near McLendon's) Parking is nearby on side streets and there is a small park trail on 131st Ave NE. Bring signs with simple statements that drivers can read...Approve Ref 71, Protect All Washington Families, or personal messages. Keep them simple and positive. Even stop by for 30 minutes but be involved...Dress for cold/rain but bring your smiles and be ready to wave!!!

VIDEO: Approve Referendum 71 Debates Knights of Columbus

On Sunday PBS KCTS 9 in Washington state broadcast a debate on Referendum 71 which is asking residents to Approve or Reject the new "everything but marriage" domestic partnership law.

Chair of Washington Families Standing Together Anne Levinson debates Bob Struble form Knights of Columbus

Court Victory for Approve Referendum 71; Google Endorses Campaign

Opponents of the new "everything but marriage" domestic partnership law in Washington state went to court to fight the donor limit law that restricted funding for their Reject Referendum 71 campaign. They requested an emergency lift on the law.

They didn't get the response they wanted. The Seattle Times reports:

A federal judge has denied emergency requests from a group called Washington Family PAC, which wanted to suspend a ban on large campaign contributions and a requirement to identify donors.

The brand-new political action committee said that the laws were blocking its ability to collect last-minute political contributions in the week before Washington's general election.

A full hearing on the case has not been set.

In other Referendum 71 news, Google has decided to speak up in favor of the Approve 71 campaign which seeks to APPROVE the new domestic partnership law. They sent a letter to the editor of Seattle PI voicing their support.

To the Editor:

Google has a reputation for actively participating in policy debates surrounding information access, technology and energy. However, we do not generally take positions on social, legal or political issues that arise beyond our normal, day-to-day business. With that said, there are issues that are so important and so clear cut that we feel compelled to lend our voice. Supporting Referendum 71 is one of those issues.

To be clear, we respect the strongly-held beliefs that people have on both sides of this argument. Nevertheless, we see this debate as one that comes down to equality, plain and simple. If we believe in equal protection under the law we must, in our view, support a man or woman's right to enjoy the legal benefits of domestic partnerships -- no matter who they love.

For the residents of Washington who want for themselves or their children the right to engage in domestic partnerships, we urge the voters of this state to APPROVE Referendum 71.

Brian Bershad - Engineering and Site Director, Google Seattle

Scott Silver - Engineering and Site Director, Google Kirkland

Get involved! Go to Approve Referendum 71 and protect LGBT rights!

New Poll Shows Approve Referendum 71 Pulling Ahead

UPDATE 6:00pm PST: An even newer poll just released by SurveyUSA of 561 likely and actual voters showed indicate that 50% would approve Referendum 71 and 43% would reject with 7% still undecided.

A new poll of 500 likely voters from Approve Referendum 71, the campaign that is asking Washington state residents to approve the new "everything but marriage" domestic partnership law, shows they hold a slight lead with 53% and opponents losing support at 36%.

The Approve 71 campaign celebrated the news but cautioned against complacency. Anne Levinson, chairwoman of the campaign, said in a press release, "This is both good--and cautionary--news. These results show that when voters understand what the domestic partnership law is--and the many families who will be harmed if it is repealed--they will vote to approve it.

"Yet, we also know that in an off-year election, older, more conservative voters turn out in greater numbers. While there is broad statewide support for treating all families equally, those who vote will determine the outcome of this election," Levinson continued. "This poll makes a very clear point: those who want to ensure that legal protections aren't taken away from gay and lesbian families absolutely have to vote."

Approve 71 campaign manager Josh Friedes noted that only a small percentage of voters have turned in their ballots so far.

"What our poll shows us is that if supportive voters cast their ballots, we will win. That's why getting fair-minded voters to cast their ballots on time is so important—we're seeing ballots from less urban parts of the state being sent in, while voters in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties are not yet mailing their ballots in large numbers,” said Friedes.

”We are also reaching out to younger voters—who often don’t vote in offyear elections—to mail in their ballots," added Friedes. "Younger voters could make a big difference since they tend to be more supportive, and many are not included in the poll because they are not considered likely voters.

"We need people to spend the five minutes to fill-out the ballot. And then we need them to actually put a stamp on the envelope—or two stamps if they live in Pierce County—and mail it.

"Basic legal protections for thousands of committed couples hinge on this simple act," concluded Friedes. "Our message is 'Vote now!'"

Help the Approve Referendum 71. Volunteer and help Get Out the Vote!

ONLY 7 DAYS LEFT UNTIL ELECTIONS! We Can Win in Maine and Washington, But Only With Your Help!

From the NO on 1/Protect Maine Equality campaign:

We've got one week to Election Day. And what is the Yes campaign doing? Throwing everything but the kitchen sink at marriage equality.

Change the subject. Divert voters. Mislead reporters. And never, never talk about fairness or equality for all loving couples and their families.

Won't you help us cut through these lies and distortions? Will you help us speak directly to Maine voters and get our supporters to the polls to vote NO on 1?

This election will come down to turnout. And we are counting on out-of-state volunteers -- people like you -- to make help us make the difference in an off-year election.

You can help us preserve marriage equality in Maine and stave off a crushing defeat.

If you have a phone and an internet connection, we need your help today. Please sign up now for a CALL FOR EQUALITY training/call shift today to make calls to Maine voters from home:

Sign-up for a 6:30pm EST training/call shift tonight by clicking here.

If you can't join us today, you can still call -- find another shift here.

Voters are voting NOW -- by email and at early voting locations. That means we need a "virtual phonebank" to lob in calls to Maine voters who will make the difference between victory and defeat on election night.

If you've never made phone calls to voters, it's easy. You'll almost always be talking with a Maine voter who supports marriage equality. We will personally train you over the phone before your shift, give you a script and all of the information you need to make these critical calls . . .

This election could come down to a handful of voters. And, often, an extra nudge from a supporter like you is what motivates someone to vote. Please click here to sign up and get started making calls from home today.

If you live here in California, find out how you can help by either joining up with Equality California or Vote For Equality.

In Washington state, they're down to the wire. They can win this election! The biggest challenge facing the Approve Referendum 71 campaign is getting their support base out and into the ballot booths.

Go here to find out where you can join up with a phone bank and urge supporters to make that vote! Polls show every vote will count. Make that difference!

VIDEO: Stephen Colbert Squares Off With Referendum 71

Stephen Colbert on last night's The Colbert Report takes on Washington state's Referendum 71.

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Colbert jokes that those who signed the petition to get Referendum 71 on the ballot belong to a minority of intolerance. He refers to the lawsuit that has reached the U.S. Supreme Court to keep those identities private.

"Folks we need to protect this persecuted minority," Colbert quips. "And the only way I can see to do that is for Washington residents to vote in favor of gay domestic partnerships, because then no one will care who signed this petition, and these people can stay in the closet that the gay people have abandoned."

Preach it.

Get involved at APPROVE REFERENDUM 71.

Californians - Help Maine and Washington State Protect Their Rights!

For those of us here in California, we know what it's like to have our rights taken away. The campaign to pass Proposition 8 demoralized us with lies and attack ads, and the passage and the aftermath destroyed us. We even witnessed a rise in hate crimes against us.

Though it galvanized us into creating a resurgence in the LGBT rights movement that hasn't been seen in years, the pain is enduring.

And now Washington state and Maine face similar ballot measures that intend to take existing LGBT rights away.

Californians - don't feel helpless. You can contribute to protecting those rights.

Vote For Equality and Equality California have set up phone banks to help these states defeat the opposition by getting supporters out to the ballots. (Read VFE's blog post about working in Maine!)

Maine Phone Banks - Sign Up Here!

Sunday, Oct. 25 (10am-2pm) @ The Village
Sunday, Nov. 1 (11am-3pm) @ The Village
Monday, Nov. 2 (10:30am-1:30pm) @ The Village
Monday, Nov. 2 (2:30pm-5:30pm) @ The Village

Election Day:
Tuesday, Nov. 3 (10:30am-1:30pm) @ The Village
Tuesday, Nov. 3 (2:30pm-5:30pm) @ The Village

Washington Phone Banks - Sign Up Here!

EQCA will send you details when you sign up. Also, check out Unite the Fight's calendar at the bottom of the blog for dates and times as well.

Ref. 71 RoundUp: Anti-LGBT Forces Want Special Rights; Audio of Opposition Robocall; Starbucks Speaks Up

Opposition Wants Special Rights To Fight LGBT Rights

The Daily News reports that the groups fighting Washington state's LGBT population from receiving the new "everything but marriage" domestic partnership rights, is suing the state to get out of campaign donation limitations.

A Lynnwood-based organization that opposes the state's domestic partnership law and is working to defeat Referendum 71 has filed suit in U.S. District Court in Tacoma seeking to circumvent campaign contribution limits of $5,000 and to keep secret the names of those who make smaller donations.

State campaign finance laws require campaigns to disclose names and addresses of those who donate over $25 to a campaign. Campaigns must also include employer names and addresses as well as the occupations of donors contributing over $100. The laws limit to $5,000 contributions from businesses and individuals made within 21 days of the general election.

The attorney for the Family Policy Institute of Washington, which filed the lawsuit through its newly formed Family PAC late Wednesday, acknowledged that there are substantial contributions in the offing that the campaign wants to accept but can't because of the limits.

So just like many other anti-LGBT groups suing states because they don't like their laws (see here, here and here), the newly formed Family PAC wants a temporary restraining order to lift the $5,000 limit because they think they're worthy of it.

Another lawsuit surrounding Referendum 71 comes from the Reject 71 campaign itself. They have appealed all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court because they don't want to disclose the signatures that got the referendum on the ballot.

These groups who are trying to strip the LGBT population of existing rights claim victims of discrimination and fear boycotts and backlash. Something we have experienced for hundreds of years. And then they cry foul?

Hypocrisy.

Or, as Mike Tidmus says, "These sniveling cowards seem to think they’re entitled to special protections and special rights. Don’t they get that we live in a democracy and every statement we make, every position we take, every dollar we donate and every vote we cast has consequences...?

"Those of us who opposed Prop 8 took our knocks. We saw an increase in hate crimes directed against the LGBT community, we saw bashings, and we saw the leadership of the Yes on 8 campaign attempt to extort money from No on 8 donors whose names they found on public donor rolls."

Amen, Mike.


Opposition Robocall

This is the most recent robo call going out to Washington resident. See their ridiculous TV ads.




Karen Ocamb's Amazing Article, "URGENT! Gays could lose Domestic Partnerships in Washington state Nov 3."

Reporter Karen Ocamb at LGBT POV has done an amazing job of painting the bigger, national picture and the importance that Referendum 71 plays.

Here's an excerpt:

While the eyes of the LGBT nation are now focused on President Obama signing the federal hate crimes bill and on beating back the Religious Right Prop 8 sequel in Maine – same sex couples in Washington state are sweating bullets that in just over a week they might lose the simplest of family relationship protections – Domestic Partnerships.

At a Hollywood fundraiser for Maine Tuesday night thrown by Oscar-winning producer Bruce Cohen and political consultant Chad Griffin – the team behind the Ted Olson-David Boies federal challenge to Prop 8 – Cohen said the two challenges are important part of the national movement towards full equal rights:

“When [the federal challenge to Prop 8] makes it up to the highest court that it ends at – how many states have marriage is going to be a huge part of that victory. So it very much impacts all of us in the state of California and everyone concerned with Prop 8 what happens in Washington state [where an initiative to keep Domestic Partnerships is on the ballot] and in Maine on Nov 3 – and in the District of Columbia where we could have marriage recognized from all over the world – and in New York state where marriage may pass in the next couple of weeks.”

But it’s an off-year election and Washington is a largely vote-by-mail state where a lot of people might not understand that Approve Referendum 71 means a vote to keep a law already passed by the legislature . . .

Read the full article at LGBT POV.


Starbucks Endorses Approve Referendum 71 Campaign

SLOG blogger Dominic Holden broke the news:

Seattle-based caffeine cartel Starbucks gave its blessing this week to approve Referendum 71, thereby recognizing that gay couples deserve the same morning coffee rights as their groggy, heterosexual counterparts. In a statement, the company said that approving R-71 "ensures that basic benefits and important protections are not taken away from committed couples, so they are able to take care of each other, especially in times of crisis." Starbucks wants voters to approve the measure "because it is aligned with our business practices, providing domestic partner benefits, and one of our core values of treating people with respect and dignity.”

Though Starbucks has not donated to the campaign, an anonymous spokeswoman told Dominic that they told all their 3,000 Seattle employees at their headquarters and more at the 667 statewide stores. With Seattle being the most supportive of LGBT rights, this is a big boon.

"That is just as valuable as when an organization communicates its endorsement to members," Approve R-71 campaign manager Josh Friedes told Dominic. "We are just delighted to have their endorsement along with Microsoft, Boeing, Nike, and many other companies that employ large numbers of people in the Pacific Northwest."


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Get involved with the APPROVE REFERENDUM 71 campaign! Volunteer! Donate! Spread the word!

Homophobia Rampant in Latest E-mail From the Reject 71 Campaign

Originally posted by Joe Mirabella on Seattle PI.

I rarely use the word homophobic. I like to save it for those times when there is not a better adjective. In Protect Marriage Washington's case, homophobic is the best adjective to describe their latest e-mail to supporters urging them to reject referendum 71. The letter was written by Senator Val Stevens. She wrote:

Could this be the final battle?


Are the homosexuals finally going to take control of our culture and push their depraved lifestyle on our children and families?

Senator Stevens clearly does not understand the bill. We are simply trying to protect our families and children in times of crisis, like having the ability to take unpaid leave from work to care for a loved one without being fired. I'm not quite sure how that affects her family. Fortunately for us, she elaborated:

Passed last spring in the legislature, SB5688 would strip away the protections of traditional marriage that were ensured with the passage of DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) just a few short years ago.

Senator Stevens probably did not have a chance to read the bill. If she did, she would be happy to know SB5688 does not take anything away from anyone. It simply makes the existing law fair so that all families are treated equally under the law. She will not lose anything. I wonder what other fear tactics she had up her sleeve?

Do you realize what is going on here? Consider the following:


In 1970, (on the heels of a "free love" 60's radical culture) sodomy laws were repealed in Washington State, with government turning a blind eye to a behavior commonly considered perversion - and still the case with a majority of Americans.

First of all, the domestic partnership bill has nothing to do with 1960s style "free love". But since she brought it up, did you know that Sodomy was legally defined as any sexual activity that was not designed to create children. That means Protect Marriage Washington and Senator Stevens are trying to make nearly every Washington adult (gay or straight) feel ashamed.

As a reminder, if you approve referendum 71 and the domestic partnership bill, families will be able to share health insurance. Referendum 71 is not a time machine that will take us back to the 1960s.

If you thought that was crazy, just wait. It gets better...

Senator Stevens thinks about pedophilia:

Organizations, such as NAMBLA, (North American Man Boy Love Association) appeared on the horizon seeking to repeal "age of consent" laws (NAMBLA is still in business today)

Wow! Fortunately the domestic partnership bill is not about any of that. If you approve referendum 71 you will protect children by giving them a more secure home. For example, if a police officer is killed trying to save your life, his or her children will have access to death benefits vital to those families in their time of crisis.

Gladly, no reasonable person condones pedophilia. Clearly though, Senator Stevens spends a lot of time thinking about it. What else is Senator Stevens thinking about?

After 27 years of relentless pursuit, homosexuals finally received protected class status from the Washington State Legislature in 2006, making it illegal for you to refuse to rent them a house, or hire them on account of their homosexuality.

That's right. Senator Stevens and Protect Marriage Washington not only want to hurt Washington families seeking basic protections in times of crisis, they would like them to be homeless and jobless too. Fortunately, referendum 71 has nothing to do with either of those issues. Referendum 71 does allow seniors, 62 or older to care for each other without losing their social security income. But please, Senator Stevens, do go on. I'm not scared enough yet.

Canada already has laws making it illegal to speak against homosexuality on the streets. Bills exist presently in the U.S. Congress to do the same. In the last few weeks a Canadian church pastor was arrested for speaking against homosexuality.

Let me remind Senator Stevens that Canada is not the United States. In the United States we have something called the First Amendment. Since she has a little problem with law (and the truth), allow me to remind her the First Amendment protects free speech -- even the most homophobic, false, and ugly speech, like the speech of Senator Stevens and Protect Marriage Washington. Just so there is no doubt, approving referendum 71 will not effect free speech. If you approve referendum 71 you will allow a teacher who works 20 years teaching about the Constitution to share his or her hard earned pension with his or her loved one.

Washington residents are smarter than Senator Stevens and Protect Marriage Washington think. We can see through lies and homophobic speech. I hope we deliver a resounding answer to these fear tactics and absurdities by approving referendum 71 to keep the domestic partnership law. Vote early, ballots are due no later than November 3.

UTF: If you want to read Sen. Val Stevens full message, it can be found on the Reject Referendum 71 campaign website. Go there at your own risk.

New 'Approve Referendum 71' Ad - Help Keep It on the Air!

From Approve 71 campaign manager Josh Friedes:

Our second ad features Charlene Strong and reminds us of how vulnerable gay and lesbian families were before the legislature established the domestic partnership registry in 2007.

Voter outreach is even more urgent now that voters have received their ballots -- we need to remind them to vote and to vote APPROVE on Referendum 71.

Even a small contribution can make a big difference. A contribution of $24 buys one spot on cable news in Spokane. A $250 donation puts Approve Referendum 71's ad on primetime cable news. Donate $500 and the campaign can buy a spot on The Daily Show. Won't you consider donating enough for one ad?

We have hard-working volunteers calling voters every night. Our first ad has been on the air about a week, and now this latest ad.

But the race is close: 45% of voters are sure they'll vote "approve," 42% are sure they'll vote "reject," and 13% aren't sure.

Equality-friendly younger voters are a special challenge. We know they are less likely to vote in off-year elections. We also know that they move more often than older voters, and sometimes have to make a special effort just to get their ballots. Please help us increase our outreach with a donation to the Approve Referendum 71 campaign.

We need the resources to keep our ads on the air so people know how important it is to defend protections for gay and lesbian couples.

I spoke to one such couple, Karen Kerr and Penny Stone, who are volunteering for the campaign phone bank. The two firefighters told me how important Referendum 71's passage is for them.

"People don't know what it's like, to have to hire lawyers to make sure your family has basic protections and lawyers can't provide many of the protections we'll lose if we don't win this referendum fight," Karen said.

We're confident that if fair-minded voters understand the importance of Referendum 71, they will make sure to get those ballots out of the mail pile, mark approve, and send them in. Help us spread the word. Donate $71, $100, or $250 today!

Sincerely,

Josh Friedes
Campaign Manager
www.Approve71.org

PS: If you can't donate, please sign up to volunteer by clicking here!

And if you haven't already voted, please remember to vote TODAY!

Lurleen at Pam's House Blend was able to breakdown what airtime your donations can buy.

$24 - one spot on cable news Spokane
$71 - one spot on cable news
$250 - one spot on cable news prime-time
$500 - Daily Show, Colbert Report, Face the Nation or early morning news broadcast
$1000- Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Evening News broadcast
$2500 - Top Chef, Project Runway, Jay Leno, 20/20, 60 min
$5000 - CSI Miami, 2.5 Men, 30 Rock, Extreme Home Makeover

Remember to vote APPROVE on Referendum 71!