Nepal Supreme Court Rules for Equal Rights

"Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-sexual and inter-sex people are... 'natural persons'... And they should be allowed to enjoy all the rights defined by national and international human rights law and instruments." Nepal Supreme Court, December 21, 2007

New Jersey Supreme Court Rules on Sexual Orientation Harassment

"HELD: The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination recognizes a cause of action against a school district for student-on- student affectional or sexual orientation harassment. A school district is liable for such harassment when the school district knew or should have known of the harassment but failed to take actions reasonably calculated to end the mistreatment and offensive conduct. The overarching goal of the LAD is to eradicate the “cancer of discrimination.” This Court has liberally construed the LAD to further the Legislature’s broad remedial objectives." New Jersey Supreme Court, February 21, 2007

Canadian Prime Minister On Canada's Fight Against AIDS and HIV

"I certainly don’t need to tell those in attendance that the global HIV/AIDS pandemic is one of the most heart-wrenching health crises the world has ever seen. HIV/AIDS is a killer that must be stopped. While the ultimate goal is to develop a cure, we must also work on preventative measures to halt the spread of this disease... and to contribute to the global effort to develop safe, effective, affordable, and globally accessible HIV vaccines. The benefits of the Canadian initiative will be numerous. There is no doubt the development of an effective HIV vaccine is one of the greatest scientific challenges of our time. But Canada is up to the task, because we’re a global leader. Through today’s initiative, Canada, in partnership with the Gates Foundation, will provide the resources necessary to help realize this worthy goal, thus sparing millions of people from the horrific reality of HIV/AIDS." Prime Minister Stephen Harper, February 20, 2007

First Openly Gay Episcopal Bishop

"Obviously a handful of our church leaders are still upset and would like to see the church never ordain and never baptize a gay or lesbian person... We need to refocus on more life-and-death issues like starvation, education, medical care." Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, November 2, 2007

"I will continue to labor for a church that is welcoming and inclusive of all in every aspect of its life, governance and ministry. In particular, this means that I will continue to champion the justice ministry toward full inclusion of gay and lesbian persons in our church, including their full access to all orders of ministry and the liturgical blessing of the church on the committed, life long relationships of gay and lesbian couples." Thomas C. Ely, Episcopal Bishop of Vermont, Nov. 3, 2007

NAACP Supports Equal Rights

"Gay and lesbian rights are not special rights in any way... It isn’t special to be free from discrimination - it is an ordinary, universal entitlement of citizenship...[like race, sexuality is not a preference and the Constitution] protects all against prejudices and discrimination based on immutable differences." Julian Bond, NAACP Board Chairman, Sept. 27, 2007

Irish President Supports Gay Youth

"A less discussed but nonetheless important issue worth raising is the issue of dealing with sexual identity. Although Ireland is making considerable progress in developing a culture of genuine equality, recognition and acceptance of gay men and women, there is still an undercurrent of both bias and hostility which young gay people must find deeply hurtful and inhibiting. For them, homosexuality is a discovery, not a decision and for many it is a discovery which is made against a backdrop where, within their immediate circle of family and friends as well as the wider society, they have long encountered anti-gay attitudes which will do little to help them deal openly and healthily with their own sexuality. So next time we shake our heads in both horror and despair when we hear of another suicide story, it is worth remembering that the answers do not lie exclusively with health care professionals or politicians. There are things we need to do and to be vigilant about as a community that cares about its citizens and especially its vulnerable young... we could and should decommission attitudes that encourage bullying of all sorts and in particular attitudes that are deeply hurtful to those who are homosexual." Irish President Mary McAleese at the International Association of Suicide Prevention Conference, August 31, 2007

New York State Assembly Passes Marriage Equality Bill

"The Assembly’s passage of this legislation represents both a personal and professional victory for me. Once the Marriage Equality bill passes in the Senate and is signed into law, I will be able to marry my partner of 26 years. Thousands of other couples like us will also be allowed not only to celebrate their legal commitment, but also to ensure that each partner, and their children, will be protected in the case of illness, death, or the difficult times from which no family is exempt. Marriage Equality is essential to the stability of New York’s lesbian and gay couples and their children." New York State Assembly Member Daniel J. O'Donnell, June 19, 2007

Governor of New Hampshire Signs Civil Unions Bill

"Dating back to the Abolitionist movement, we in New Hampshire have a long, proud history of taking the lead in opposing discrimination. Today, that tradition continues. Today, we are taking an important step against discrimination. Today, we are acting to protect New Hampshire families. I've listened and heard all the arguments. I do not believe this bill threatens marriage. I believe this is a matter of conscience and fairness. And my view is that, it's never too soon to act to prevent discrimination. People in committed relationships should not have to worry about visiting a loved one in a hospital, or whether their loved ones will inherit their estate, or the many other legal protections so many of us take for granted. How could any one of us look into the eyes of our neighbors, our friends, or our loved ones if we continued to deny them these basic legal protections? That is why I am pleased to be here today as we further the interest of fairness, dignity and the strengthening of families." Governor John Lynch Signs Law Establishing Civil Unions in New Hampshire, May 31, 2007

Governor of Oregon Signs Gay Rights Bills

"Today is truly a historic day for Oregon. This has been a long road traveled. It has taken patience. It has taken perseverance. It has taken our will to never give up on the dream of hope and opportunity for all Oregonians. And today, we can deliver that dream by ending legal discrimination once and for all against gays and lesbians in Oregon – and by extending protections and legal recognition for same-sex couples and their families... where we will succeed in affording all Oregonians the same rights and protections under the law... where we will formally recognize that diversity and equality of opportunity makes us all stronger – not weaker... where we have succeeded in upholding the values and principles of Oregon – that we are all created equal and that Oregon is a land of equal opportunity for all of our citizens... House Bill 2007 and Senate Bill 2 are two pieces of legislation that will literally transform our state from one of exclusion to one of complete inclusion." Governor Ted Kulongoski, May 9, 2007, signing bills to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and creating a new statute to provide same-sex couples with Domestic Partnerships.

Governor of Washington State Signs Domestic Partnership Bill

"This is a proud moment for me as Governor and an important step forward for our state. Too often, we hear stories of couples being denied basic rights at tragic moments in their lives. These are rights that all people in a committed relationship deserve. This new law will establish some of the rights and responsibilities that same-sex couples and many of our state’s families need." Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire Signs Domestic Partnership Bill Into Law, April 21, 2007.

New York City Council Speaker Marches in Dublin

"St. Patrick’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our Irish heritage. My participation in Dublin’s parade is also an opportunity to march openly as a member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender community, something we have not been able to do in New York City. I hope my participation in the Dublin march will send a message about the importance of inclusion and I hope – and believe – that someday soon Irish LGBT New Yorkers will proudly and openly march down Fifth Avenue on St. Patrick’s Day." New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, March 4, 2007