North Carolina's Day of Action a Success

North Carolina's Day of Action of lobbying legislators at the state capitol to not pass an anti-gay amendment was a success.

Hosted by Equality North Carolina, more than 250 people showed up from all over the state, more than doubling prior lobbying days.

The amazing Pam Spaulding over at Pam's House Blend gave an in-depth, first-hand account of talking to both legislators against the anti-gay amendment and those for it. Especially moving is Pam's report on talking to a fellow, female African American representative who wasn't going to vote against the amendment.

Full of pictures and videos, check out the report at Pam's House Blend.

News video coverage.

New Hampshire House Passes Same-Sex Marriage Bill

From WMUR:

CONCORD, N.H. -- A proposal to allow same-sex marriage in New Hampshire has passed after it initially failed by one vote in the House on Thursday.

The House originally defeated the measure 183-182. But because the House didn't kill it entirely, lawmakers were able to take another vote.

After the first vote, seven lawmakers changed their minds under a motion to reconsider, and the bill passed 186-179.

The bill now goes on to the Senate.

New Hampshire currently allows civil unions but not full marriage for same-sex couples. Arguments on the bill ranged from religious to economic issues.

Massachusetts and Connecticut are the only states that allow same-sex marriage.

Vermont's Governor Explains Stance on Same-Sex Marriage Bill

As earlier reported on UTF, Vermont's Gov. Jim Douglas announced he would veto any bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in his state.

Yesterday he held a press conference, and this is what he said:



From WPTZ.com:



ACTION REMINDER

And don't forget, Vermont Freedom to Marry is also calling for action. There will be a protest at the state house this Friday at 8:45am EST. Check it out!

EVENT: Ask Pres. Obama Questions on WhiteHouse.gov Open Forum

UPDATE: Starting this morning, 8:30 PST. Basically, now.

Set up an account at www.whitehouse.gov/OpenForQuestions to submit a question to the president now. On Thursday morning, there will be a live streaming on whitehouse.gov of the president answering questions.

The first segment will be dedicated to the economy, but afterward, he will address other questions. Flood the forum with LGBT rights questions. Ask the president what he plans to do about DOMA and the rulings that its unconstitutional, on Don't Ask Don't Tell or on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

The White House is calling this an experiment. Let's make is a success.

New Hampshire House to Vote on Same-Sex Bill Today

As UTF earlier reported, the New Hampshire same-sex bill deadlocked in a state House subcommittee and as a result is moving to the floor for a vote. TODAY.

Both sides of the issue have reasons for not supporting the bill: proponents say it's not the right time, and opponents say it's morally wrong. Naturally.

Stay tuned for updates.

URGENT ACTION ALERT: Stop the Civil Unions Bill in Hawaii from Dying

UPDATE: Unfortunately, the bill died in the committee with a vote 18-6 to keep it from the floor for a vote, and as a result, is dead for the senate session.

FROM THE ADVOCATE.COM:

Lack of support from a key senator makes it unlikely that a civil unions bill will be revived in the Hawaii legislature today, according to the Honolulu Advertiser.

State Senator Brian Taniguchi, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary and Government Operations Committee, said he likely would not recall the bill from the committee, where it stalled in a 3-3 vote in February.

Although Taniguchi, a Democrat, earlier said he would recall the bill from his committee, recent appeals from the senate leadership reportedly have contributed to his about-face. He also expressed concern about the inability to garner the two-thirds votes needed in both chambers of the legislature to override a veto threat from Governor Linda Lingle, a Republican.

ACTION:
Contact Sen. Brian Taniguchi and tell them to support pulling the bill out of his committee!

Phone: 808-586-6460
Email: sentaniguchi@Capitol.hawaii.gov

EVENT: Remembering Martin Luther King March

On April 4th, a march in Los Angeles will be held on the 41st anniversary of Martin Luther King's assassination. Hosted, among others, by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Los Angeles, the organization founded by MLK, its focus will be on quality jobs, quality education and safe neighborhoods.

Contrary to popular belief, many in the African American community support the LGBT community and its fight for their civil rights. We need to show equal support for the African American community. A good showing from the LGBT community at this march will be a great step in continuing our alliances.

Here to Stay, an African American LGBTQ coalition, is organizing a marching contingent. You can reach them to get involved at heretostaycoalition@gmail.com or at their website www.heretostaycoalition.org.

For full information, review the flyer below and pass it on!

Flyer for April 4th SCLC March

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Martin Luther King SCLC