tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8254277273019037612024-03-14T12:52:43.034-04:00THE GAY PRIMARY SOURCE"It is in the constant exercise of freedom of expression that we maintain it in the face of those who would restrict it."homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.comBlogger367125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825427727301903761.post-17226991872549497872022-10-05T15:30:00.003-04:002022-10-05T15:30:26.970-04:00Slovenia Legalises Same-Sex Marriage<p><b><br />"</b> ''Slovenia has finally joined the countries in Europe and the world that have already made the status of heterosexual and same-sex couples equal'', said State Secretary Simon Maljevac after the National Assembly confirmed the amended Family Code following decisions made by Slovenia’s Constitutional Court.<br /><br />In compliance with two decisions by the Constitutional Court, the confirmed amendments ensure there will be no more discrimination between heterosexual and same-sex couples in the definition of marriage. The same arrangement is being introduced for partners who are not married and live in extra-marital relationships. With the amended definition of marriage and the regulation of extra-marital relationships for heterosexual and same-sex partners, partners in these relationships are equal in all legal consequences determined by the Family Code, and in legal consequences in other legal domains. Legally recognised relationships in extra-marital and marital relationships and families are not only important for the exercise of rights and duties in the field of family law, but also affect numerous rights and duties of individuals in other legal fields, including laws governing succession, damages, penalties, work, taxes and social security. The regulation of this field is therefore crucial for ensuring the equal treatment of partners in heterosexual and same-sex relationships.<br /><br />The adopted amendments to the Family Code in compliance with the decisions by the Constitutional Court are a consolation in the history of systematic violations of human rights, and we at the ministry are firmly convinced that the recognition of the rights of same-sex partners means a move in the direction of a more just and tolerant society. <b>"</b><br /><br /><b>Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, October 5, 2022.</b><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gov.si/en/news/2022-10-05-amendments-to-the-family-code-confirmed/" target="_blank"><b><i> Click here to see original statement </i></b></a></p><p><b><i> </i></b></p><p><b><i> </i></b><br /></p>homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825427727301903761.post-39085244719665756672022-04-02T20:48:00.003-04:002022-04-02T20:52:12.573-04:00US Dept. of Justice Tells States: No Discrimination!<p>Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs, Thursday, March 31, 2022</p>
<h1 class="western"><span style="font-size: small;">Justice Department
Reinforces Federal Nondiscrimination Obligations in Letter to State
Officials Regarding Transgender Youth</span></h1>
<p>The Justice Department announced today that it issued a letter to
all state attorneys general reminding them of federal constitutional
and statutory provisions that protect transgender youth against
discrimination, including when those youth seek gender-affirming
care.</p>
<p>“The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that all
children are able to live free from discrimination, abuse and
harassment,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the
Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Today’s letter
reaffirms state and local officials’ obligation to ensure that
their laws and policies do not undermine or harm the health and
safety of children, regardless of a child’s gender identity.” </p>
<p>The letter advises states that laws and policies that prevent
individuals from receiving gender-affirming medical care may infringe
on federal constitutional protections under the Equal Protection
Clause and Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The letter
also discusses federal statutes that impose nondiscrimination
obligations, including Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, Title
IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Omnibus Crime Control and
Safe Streets Act of 1968, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. </p>
<p>The letter was issued on the International Transgender Day of
Visibility in recognition of the contributions and accomplishments of
transgender and gender non-conforming people, as well as their
continued struggle to live free from violence and discrimination.</p>
<p>A copy of today’s letter can be found <a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/press-release/file/1489066/download">here</a>.
Additional information about the Civil Rights Division’s work to
uphold and protect the civil and constitutional rights of LGBTQI+
individuals is available online at
<a href="https://www.justice.gov/crt/lgbtqi-working-group" target="_blank">https://www.justice.gov/crt/lgbtqi-working-group</a>.
Complaints about discriminatory practices may be reported to the
Civil Rights Division through its internet reporting portal at
<a href="https://civilrights.justice.gov/">https://civilrights.justice.gov</a>. <br /></p><p><i><a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-reinforces-federal-nondiscrimination-obligations-letter-state-officials" target="_blank"> Click here to see original press release</a></i></p><p><i><a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/press-release/file/1489066/download" target="_blank"> Click here to see original DOJ letter</a></i></p><p> </p><p> <br /></p>
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homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825427727301903761.post-2282857662302470852022-03-28T12:12:00.000-04:002022-03-28T12:12:08.041-04:00Austin TX Schools Fight Back Against State-Sanctioned Hate<p> </p><p><b>"</b> Austin ISD Pride Week— March 21-26—is an annual celebration of our LGBTQIA+ students, staff and families. During the week, campuses are provided with activities that support the value of the LGBTQIA+ community.</p><p>Superintendent Stephanie S. Elizalde has released the following statement ahead of Austin ISD Pride Week.</p><p>Pride Month happens in June when we’re on summer break. Here at Austin ISD, we celebrate Pride during every school year so our LGBTQIA+ students know how much they are valued and loved. This year, it’s important to me personally that they know they are respected and safe, too, and lest anyone have any doubt, that absolutely goes for our trans kids. We are ALL Austin ISD. We embrace diversity.</p><p>La Semana del Orgullo del Austin ISD (del 21 al 26 de marzo) es una celebración anual de nuestros estudiantes, personal y familias LGBTQIA+.</p><p>Durante la semana, las escuelas tienen actividades que apoyan el valor de la comunidad LGBTQIA+.
La superintendente Stephanie S. Elizalde ha publicado la siguiente declaración en vísperas de la Semana del Orgullo del Austin ISD.</p><p>El Mes del Orgullo ocurre en junio cuando estamos en las vacaciones de verano. Aquí en el Austin ISD, celebramos el Orgullo durante cada ciclo escolar para que nuestros estudiantes LGBTQIA+ sepan cuánto son valorados y amados. Este año, es importante para mí personalmente que sepan que son respetados y están seguros también, y para que no quede ninguna duda, esto definitivamente se aplica para nuestros niños transgénero. TODOS somos Austin ISD. Aceptamos la diversidad. <b>"</b><br /></p><p><b>Austin Independent School District Superintendent Stephanie S. Elizalde, March 24, 2022.</b></p><p><b> <i><a href="https://www.austinisd.org/announcements/2022/03/24/message-from-superintendent-stephanie-s-elizalde" target="_blank">Click here to see original</a></i></b></p><p> </p><p>
</p>homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825427727301903761.post-18741789979255693042021-11-21T13:13:00.000-05:002021-11-21T13:13:15.569-05:00Pres. Biden Marks Transgender Day of Remembrance<br /><b>"</b> This year, at least 46 transgender individuals in this country—and hundreds more around the world—were killed in horrifying acts of
violence. Each of these lives was precious. Each of them deserved freedom, justice, and joy. Today, on Transgender Day of Remembrance, we mourn those we lost in the deadliest year on record for transgender Americans, as well as the countless other transgender people—disproportionately Black and brown transgender women and girls—who face brutal violence, discrimination, and harassment.<br /><br />In spite of our progress strengthening civil rights for LGBTQI+ Americans, too many transgender people still live in fear and face
systemic barriers to freedom and equality. To ensure that our government protects the civil rights of transgender Americans, I charged my team with coordinating across the federal government to address the epidemic of violence and advance equality for transgender people. I continue to call on state leaders and lawmakers to combat the disturbing proliferation of discriminatory state legislation targeting transgender people, especially transgender children. As I have said before, these bills are nothing more than bullying disguised as legislation, they are un-American, and they endanger the safety and well-being of our children. I also continue to urge the Senate to swiftly pass the Equality Act so that all people are able to live free from fear and
discrimination.<br /><br />Transgender people are some of the bravest Americans I know. But no person should have to be brave just to live in safety and dignity. Today, we remember. Tomorrow—and every day—we must continue to act. <b>"</b><br /><br />President Joe Biden, November 20, 2021.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/11/20/statement-by-president-biden-on-transgender-day-of-remembrance/" target="_blank">
Click here for original statement</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/11/20/biden-harris-administration-memorializes-transgender-day-of-remembrance/" target="_blank">
Click here for plan for action</a><br /><br /><br />homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825427727301903761.post-62643559293807501052021-06-06T00:27:00.002-04:002021-06-06T00:27:16.912-04:00Pres. Biden Marks 40th Anniversary of First Report of AIDS Patients<p><br /><b>"</b> Forty years ago today, five young men in Los Angeles were
confirmed as the first known patients stricken with an illness that
the world would later come to know as AIDS. In the decades since,
more than 700,000 Americans and 32.7 million people worldwide have
been lost to AIDS-related illnesses – a heartbreaking human toll
that has disproportionately devastated LGBTQ+ communities,
communities of color, and underserved and marginalized people around
the world.
</p><p>On the 40th year of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, we remember the lives
that were cut short by this terrible disease – including so many
whose pain went unacknowledged for far too long. We also celebrate
the resilience and dignity of the over 38 million people worldwide,
including approximately 1.2 million Americans, living with HIV.</p>
<p>Thanks to the tireless dedication of activists, scientific
researchers, and medical professionals, we have made tremendous
progress to advance HIV research, prevention, treatment, and care.
And after years of neglect, discrimination, fear-mongering, and
limited action by government officials and the public, America has
grown to become a leading force in the fight to end the HIV crisis.
Through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief – and as
the largest donor to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and
Malaria – the U.S. has invested more than $85 billion since 2002 to
support HIV programs around the world, including $250 million
provided in my American Rescue Plan to address the impacts of
COVID-19 on our progress in the fight against HIV. All told, these
efforts are estimated to have saved more than 20 million lives
globally. To help accelerate and strengthen our efforts to end the
HIV epidemic in the United States, I have requested $670 million from
Congress, an increase of $267 million over previous levels, to
aggressively reduce new HIV cases by increasing access to treatment,
expanding the use of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and ensuring
equitable access to services free from stigma and discrimination.</p>
<p>Despite the progress we’ve made, our work is not yet finished.
In honor of all those we have lost and all those living with the
virus – and the selfless caregivers, advocates, and loved ones who
have helped carry the burden of this crisis – we must rededicate
ourselves to reducing HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths. We must
continue empowering researchers, scientists, and health care
providers to ensure equitable access to prevention, care, and
treatment in every community – particularly for communities of
color and the LGBTQ+ community. And we must provide moral leadership
to eradicate the stigma and discrimination still faced by those
living with HIV, rededicating ourselves to continuing the vital work
of ending this epidemic once and for all. <b>"</b></p><p><b>President Joe Biden, June 5, 2021</b></p><p><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/06/05/statement-by-president-joe-biden-recognizing-the-40th-year-of-the-hiv-aids-epidemic/" target="_blank"><i><b> Click here to see original </b></i></a><i><b> </b></i></p><p><i><b> </b></i></p><p><i><b> </b></i><br /></p>
homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825427727301903761.post-21717496880108441952021-05-22T16:17:00.002-04:002021-05-22T16:17:26.168-04:00Ambassadors Support Polish LGBTI Community<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>"</b> Open letter of the Ambassadors of
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Montenegro, The Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway,
Portugal, San Marino, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Ukraine, United Kingdom, Venezuela, as well as the General
Representative of the Government of Flanders, the CEO of
Wallonie-Bruxelles International, the Head of the European Parliament
Liaison Office in Poland, the Representatives in Poland of the
European Commission and of the UNHCR, the Director of The OSCE Office
for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the Chief of Mission of
the International Organization for Migration and the Secretary
General of the Community of Democracies, and, as members of the
troika of coordinating embassies: Belgium, Denmark and the United
States. </p>
<p>This year, the letter has been coordinated by the Embassy of the
Kingdom of Denmark in Poland. </p>
<p>On the occasion of the International Day against Homophobia,
Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), we express our support for the
efforts to raise public awareness of issues affecting the lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community and other
communities in Poland facing similar challenges. </p>
<p>To this end, we acknowledge the efforts of the organisers of the
equality parade and marchesin Białystok, Bydgoszcz, Częstochowa,
Gdynia, Gniezno, Gorzów Wielkopolski, Kalisz, Katowice, Kielce,
Konin, Koszalin, Kraków, Lublin, Łódź, Olsztyn, Opole, Piła,
Płock, Poznań, Radomsko, Rzeszów, Szczecin, Toruń, Trójmiasto,
Warsaw, Włocławek, Wrocław and Zielona Góra. </p>
<p>We affirm the inherent dignity of each individual asexpressed in
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.</p>
<p>Respect for these fundamental rights, which are also enshrined in
OSCE commitments and the obligations and standards of the Council of
Europe and the European Union as communities of rights and values,
obliges governments to protect all citizens from violence and
discrimination and to ensure they enjoy equal opportunities. </p>
<p>To this end, and in particular to shield communities in need of
protection from verbal and physical abuse and hate speech, we need to
jointly work on an environment of non-discrimination, tolerance and
mutual acceptance. </p>
<p>This includes in particular sectors such as education, health,
social affairs, citizenship, public service and public documents.</p>
<p>We pay tribute to the hard work of LGBTI and other communities in
Poland and around the world, as well as the work of all those who
seek to ensure human rights for LGBTI and other persons belonging to
communities facing similar challenges, and to end discrimination in
particular on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. </p>
<p>Human rights are universal and everyone, including LGBTI persons
-are entitled to their full enjoyment. </p>
<p>This is something that everyone should support. <b>"</b></p><p><b>Letter marking International Day Against Homophobia, May 17, 2021.</b></p><p><b> <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/poland/sites/default/files/docs/news/letter_lgbti_2021.pdf" target="_blank"> <i>Click here to see the original</i></a></b></p><p><b><i> </i></b></p><p><b><i> </i> <br /></b></p>
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homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825427727301903761.post-63674143029419800242021-05-10T12:57:00.003-04:002021-05-10T12:57:46.289-04:00HHS Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity<p>
</p><br /><div class="layout-content site-content-with-left-nav" id="site-content"><div class="region region-content"><div class="clearfix" id="node-3250" role="article"><div class="content"><div style="text-align: left;"><em>HHS Office for Civil Rights to Enforce Prohibitions on Sex Discrimination in Line with Supreme Court Decision</em></div><div class="field field--name-field-paragraph-body field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field--items"><div><div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text paragraph--view-mode--default"><div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item">
<p>Washington D.C. – Today, the Department of Health and Human Services
announced that the Office for Civil Rights will interpret and enforce
Section 1557 and Title IX’s prohibitions on discrimination based on sex
to include: (1) discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation; and
(2) discrimination on the basis of gender identity. Section 1557
prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin,
sex, age, or disability in covered health programs or activities. The
update was made in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in <em>Bostock v. Clayton County </em>and subsequent court decisions.</p>
<p><strong>“The Supreme Court has made clear that people have a right
not to be discriminated against on the basis of sex and receive equal
treatment under the law, no matter their gender identity or sexual
orientation. That’s why today HHS announced it will act on related
reports of discrimination,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Fear of
discrimination can lead individuals to forgo care, which can have
serious negative health consequences. It is the position of the
Department of Health and Human Services that everyone – including LGBTQ
people - should be able to access health care, free from discrimination
or interference, period.” </strong><strong> </strong></p>
<p>Discrimination in health care impacts health outcomes. Research shows
that one quarter of LGBTQ people who faced discrimination postponed or
avoided receiving needed medical care for fear of further
discrimination.</p>
<p><strong>“The mission of our Department is to enhance the health and well-being of <u>all</u>
Americans, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation. All
people need access to healthcare services to fix a broken bone, protect
their heart health, and screen for cancer risk,” said Dr. Rachel Levine,
Assistant Secretary for Health. “No one should be discriminated
against when seeking medical services because of who they are.” </strong></p>
<p>The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services (the Department) is responsible for enforcing Section
1557 of the Affordable Care Act (Section 1557) and regulations issued
under Section 1557, protecting the civil rights of individuals who
access or seek to access covered health programs or activities. Covered
entities are prohibited from discriminating against consumers on the
basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.</p>
<p><strong>“OCR’s mission is to protect people from all forms of
discrimination,” said Robinsue Frohboese, Acting OCR Director. “OCR
will follow Supreme Court precedent and federal law, and ensure that the
law’s protections extend to those individuals who are discriminated
against based on sexual orientation and gender identity.”</strong></p>
<p>On June 15, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court held that Title VII of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII)’s prohibition on employment
discrimination based on sex encompasses discrimination based on sexual
orientation and gender identity. <em>Bostock v. Clayton County, GA</em>, 140 S. Ct. 1731 (2020). The <em>Bostock</em>
majority concluded that the plain meaning of “because of sex” in Title
VII necessarily included discrimination because of sexual orientation
and gender identity. <em>Id.</em> at 1753-54. Consistent with the Supreme Court’s decision in <em>Bostock </em>and
Title IX, beginning today OCR will interpret Section 1557’s prohibition
on discrimination on the basis of sex to include: (1) discrimination on
the basis of sexual orientation; and (2) discrimination on the basis of
gender identity. This interpretation will guide OCR in processing
complaints and conducting investigations, but does not itself determine
the outcome in any particular case or set of facts... <b>"</b></p><p><b>HHS Announces Prohibition on Sex Discrimination Includes Discrimination
on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, May 10, 2021.</b></p><p><b> <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2021/05/10/hhs-announces-prohibition-sex-discrimination-includes-discrimination-basis-sexual-orientation-gender-identity.html" target="_blank"> <i>click here to see original</i></a></b></p><p><b><i> </i></b></p><p><b><i> </i><br /></b></p><p><b> </b>
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homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825427727301903761.post-24379519444056375072021-02-05T13:45:00.001-05:002021-02-05T13:45:51.453-05:00Pres. Biden Issues "Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Persons Around the World"<p>
</p><p><b>"</b> This memorandum reaffirms and supplements the principles
established in the Presidential Memorandum of December 6, 2011
(International Initiatives to Advance the Human Rights of Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual, and Persons). That memorandum, for
the first time, directed executive departments and agencies
(agencies) engaged abroad to ensure that United States diplomacy and
foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of lesbian,
gay, bisexual, and transgender persons everywhere. This
memorandum builds upon that historic legacy and updates the 2011
memorandum.</p>
<p>All human beings should be treated with respect and dignity
and should be able to live without fear no matter who they are
or whom they love. Around the globe, including here at home,
brave lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex
(LGBTQI+) activists are fighting for equal protection under the law,
freedom from violence, and recognition of their fundamental human
rights. The United States belongs at the forefront of this
struggle — speaking out and standing strong for our most dearly
held values. It shall be the policy of the United States to
pursue an end to violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual
orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics,
and to lead by the power of our example in the cause of advancing the
human rights of LGBTQI+ persons around the world.</p>
<p>Through this memorandum, I am directing all agencies engaged
abroad to ensure that United States diplomacy and foreign assistance
promote and protect the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons.
Specifically, I direct the following actions, consistent with
applicable law:</p>
<p>Section 1. Combating Criminalization of LGBTQI+ Status
or Conduct Abroad. Agencies engaged abroad are directed to
strengthen existing efforts to combat the criminalization by foreign
governments of LGBTQI+ status or conduct and expand efforts to combat
discrimination, homophobia, transphobia, and intolerance on the
basis of LGBTQI+ status or conduct. The Department of
State shall, on an annual basis and as part of the annual
report submitted to the Congress pursuant to sections 116(d) and
502B(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151n(d) and
2304(b)), report on human rights abuses experienced by LGBTQI+
persons globally. This reporting shall include anti-LGBTQI+
laws as well as violence and discrimination committed by both state
and nonstate actors against LGBTQI+ persons.</p>
<p>Sec. 2. Protecting Vulnerable LGBTQI+ Refugees and Asylum
Seekers. LGBTQI+ persons who seek refuge from violence and
persecution face daunting challenges. In order to improve
protection for LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers at all stages of
displacement, the Departments of State and Homeland Security shall
enhance their ongoing efforts to ensure that LGBTQI+ refugees and
asylum seekers have equal access to protection and assistance,
particularly in countries of first asylum. In addition,
the Departments of State, Justice, and Homeland Security shall ensure
appropriate training is in place so that relevant Federal Government
personnel and key partners can effectively identify and respond to
the particular needs of LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers,
including by providing to them adequate assistance and ensuring
that the Federal Government takes all appropriate steps, such as
potential increased use of Embassy Priority-1 referrals, to identify
and expedite resettlement of highly vulnerable persons with urgent
protection needs.</p>
<p>Sec. 3. Foreign Assistance to Protect Human Rights and
Advance Nondiscrimination. Agencies involved with foreign aid,
assistance, and development programs shall expand their ongoing
efforts to ensure regular Federal Government engagement with
governments, citizens, civil society, and the private sector
to promote respect for the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons and
combat discrimination. Agencies involved with foreign aid,
assistance, and development programs should consider the impact of
programs funded by the Federal Government on human rights, including
the rights of LGBTQI+ persons, when making funding decisions, as
appropriate and consistent with applicable law.</p>
<p>Sec. 4. Swift and Meaningful United States Responses to
Human Rights Abuses of LGBTQI+ Persons Abroad. The Department
of State shall lead a standing group, with appropriate interagency
representation, to help ensure the Federal Government’s swift and
meaningful response to serious incidents that threaten the human
rights of LGBTQI+ persons abroad. When foreign governments
move to restrict the rights of LGBTQI+ persons or fail to enforce
legal protections in place, thereby contributing to a climate of
intolerance, agencies engaged abroad shall consider appropriate
responses, including using the full range of diplomatic and
assistance tools and, as appropriate, financial sanctions, visa
restrictions, and other actions.</p>
<p>Sec. 5. Building Coalitions of Like-Minded Nations and
Engaging International Organizations in the Fight Against LGBTQI+
Discrimination. Bilateral relationships with allies
and partners, as well as multilateral fora and international
organizations, are key vehicles to promote respect for and protection
of the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons and to bring global attention
to these goals. Agencies engaged abroad should strengthen the
work they have done and initiate additional efforts with other
nations, bilaterally and within multilateral fora and international
organizations, to: counter discrimination on the basis of
LGBTQI+ status or conduct; broaden the number of countries willing to
support and defend the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons; strengthen
the role, including in multilateral fora, of civil society advocates
on behalf of the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons; and strengthen
the policies and programming of multilateral institutions, including
with respect to protecting vulnerable LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum
seekers.</p>
<p>Sec. 6. Rescinding Inconsistent Policies and Reporting on
Progress. Within 100 days of the date of this memorandum or as
soon as possible thereafter, all agencies engaged abroad shall review
and, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, take steps to
rescind any directives, orders, regulations, policies, or guidance
inconsistent with this memorandum, including those issued from
January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021, to the extent that they are
inconsistent with this memorandum. The heads of such agencies
shall also, within 100 days of the date of this memorandum,
report to the President on their progress in implementing this
memorandum and recommend additional opportunities and actions to
advance the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons around the world.
Agencies engaged abroad shall each prepare a report within 180 days
of the date of this memorandum, and annually thereafter, on their
progress toward advancing these initiatives. All such agencies
shall submit these reports to the Department of State, which will
compile a report on the Federal Government’s progress in advancing
these initiatives for transmittal to the President. The
Department of State shall make a version of the compiled annual
report available to the Congress and the public..... <b>"</b><br /></p>
<p><b>President Joe Biden, February 4, 2021; Memorandum on Advancing
the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and
Intersex Persons Around the World.</b></p>
<p><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/02/04/memorandum-advancing-the-human-rights-of-lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-queer-and-intersex-persons-around-the-world/" target="_blank"> <i><b>Click here to see the original</b></i></a></p>
<p><br /><br />
</p>
<p><br /><br />
</p>
homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825427727301903761.post-24457589210872670752021-01-22T19:28:00.000-05:002021-01-22T19:28:21.500-05:00President Biden Issues "Executive Order on Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation"<p> </p><p><b>"</b> By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States of America, it is ordered as follows:</p>
<p>Section 1. Policy. Every person should be treated with
respect and dignity and should be able to live without fear, no
matter who they are or whom they love. Children should be able
to learn without worrying about whether they will be denied access to
the restroom, the locker room, or school sports. Adults should
be able to earn a living and pursue a vocation knowing that they will
not be fired, demoted, or mistreated because of whom they go home to
or because how they dress does not conform to sex-based stereotypes.
People should be able to access healthcare and secure a roof over
their heads without being subjected to sex discrimination. All
persons should receive equal treatment under the law, no matter their
gender identity or sexual orientation.</p>
<p>These principles are reflected in the Constitution, which promises
equal protection of the laws. These principles are also
enshrined in our Nation’s anti-discrimination laws, among them
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (42 U.S.C.
2000e et seq.). In Bostock v. Clayton County, 590 U.S. ___
(2020), the Supreme Court held that Title VII’s prohibition on
discrimination “because of . . . sex” covers discrimination on
the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation. Under
Bostock‘s reasoning, laws that prohibit sex discrimination —
including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended
(20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.), the Fair Housing Act, as amended (42 U.S.C.
3601 et seq.), and section 412 of the Immigration and Nationality
Act, as amended (8 U.S.C. 1522), along with their respective
implementing regulations — prohibit discrimination on the basis of
gender identity or sexual orientation, so long as the laws do not
contain sufficient indications to the contrary.</p>
<p>Discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual
orientation manifests differently for different individuals, and it
often overlaps with other forms of prohibited discrimination,
including discrimination on the basis of race or disability.
For example, transgender Black Americans face unconscionably high
levels of workplace discrimination, homelessness, and violence,
including fatal violence.</p>
<p>It is the policy of my Administration to prevent and
combat discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual
orientation, and to fully enforce Title VII and other laws that
prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual
orientation. It is also the policy of my Administration to
address overlapping forms of discrimination. </p>
<p>Sec. 2. Enforcing Prohibitions on Sex Discrimination on the
Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation. (a) The
head of each agency shall, as soon as practicable and in consultation
with the Attorney General, as appropriate, review all existing
orders, regulations, guidance documents, policies, programs, or other
agency actions (“agency actions”) that:</p>
<p>(i) were promulgated or are administered by the agency
under Title VII or any other statute or regulation that prohibits sex
discrimination, including any that relate to the agency’s own
compliance with such statutes or regulations; and</p>
<p>(ii) are or may be inconsistent with the policy set forth in
section 1 of this order.</p>
<p>(b) The head of each agency shall, as soon as practicable
and as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, including the
Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.), consider whether
to revise, suspend, or rescind such agency actions, or promulgate new
agency actions, as necessary to fully implement statutes that
prohibit sex discrimination and the policy set forth in section 1 of
this order. </p>
<p>(c) The head of each agency shall, as soon as practicable,
also consider whether there are additional actions that the agency
should take to ensure that it is fully implementing the policy set
forth in section 1 of this order. If an agency takes an action
described in this subsection or subsection (b) of this section, it
shall seek to ensure that it is accounting for, and taking
appropriate steps to combat, overlapping forms of discrimination,
such as discrimination on the basis of race or disability.</p>
<p>(d) Within 100 days of the date of this order, the head
of each agency shall develop, in consultation with the Attorney
General, as appropriate, a plan to carry out actions that the agency
has identified pursuant to subsections (b) and (c) of this section,
as appropriate and consistent with applicable law... <b>"</b><br /></p>
<p><b>President Joseph R. Biden Jr., The White House, January 20, 2021.</b></p><p><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-preventing-and-combating-discrimination-on-basis-of-gender-identity-or-sexual-orientation/" target="_blank"><b><i> Click here to see the original, entire Executive Order</i></b></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825427727301903761.post-7532124557460227182020-11-13T23:50:00.000-05:002020-11-13T23:50:03.232-05:00EU Issues New Report on LGBTetc Equality<br /><p>
</p>
<p><b>"</b> This is a Strategy about Humanity, Humanity in all its diversity.
The way we are born is not an ideology, the way we are born is
nature, is biology, is science. And despite this, the experience of
discriminations against LGBTIQ people in the EU increased in recent
years.</p>
<p>We want to build a European Union where all of us can thrive,
where all of us will have the opportunity to reach their full
potential.</p>
<p>And we must build from the foundation up.</p>
<p>The lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer
(LGBTIQ) equality strategy adopted today is an important milestone
towards achieving a Union of Equality.
</p>
<p>It aims at building a Union where diversity is celebrated as part
of our collective richness. So that all people can be themselves
without risk of discrimination, exclusion or violence.</p>
<p>A Union where we are have the same freedoms and rights, no matter
our personal characteristics.</p>
<p>We must pay particular attention to the diversity of LGBTIQ
people's needs and to the most marginalised, including those
experiencing intersectional discrimination.</p>
<p>This first ever LGBTIQ strategy presents the Commission's key
actions and objectives for the next five years around four pillars,
namely:
</p>
<ul><ul><li><p>tackling discrimination against LGBTIQ people,
</p>
</li><li><p>ensuring LGBTIQ people's safety,
</p>
</li><li><p>building LGBTIQ inclusive societies, and
</p>
</li><li><p>leading the call for LGBTIQ equality around the world.
</p>
</li></ul></ul>
<p>The strategy tackles discrimination and aims to ensure equal
opportunities for LGBTIQ people by combining efforts to improve legal
protection against discrimination while actively promoting diversity
and inclusion policies.
</p>
<p>To tackle discrimination on the ground of sexual orientation, the
Commission will ensure rigorous application of the Employment
Equality Directive and will report on the Directive's implementation
in 2021.
</p>
<p>By 2022, the Commission will put forward any legislation required,
which may include the reinforcement of the role of equality bodies.</p>
<p>We will also ensure that the gender equality strategy is
implemented correctly which regards its coverage to gender
reassignment.</p>
<p>We will also continue to work towards adoption of legislation to
cover all spheres of life.
</p>
<p>Besides, we will address discriminations through policy making and
sharing of best practices. Take for example bullying and stereotyping
which go on in schools towards those who are perceived as different.
We need to address such discriminations.
</p>
<p>Anti-LGBTIQ hatred or violence, and any practices aiming at
“fixing” LGBTIQ people have absolutely no place in the European
Union.
</p>
<p>No-one needs fixing, it is the discrimination that needs to be
wiped out of all social interactions.
</p>
<p>Harmful practices such as:
</p>
<ul><ul><li><p>non-vital surgery and medical intervention on intersex
infants and adolescents without their personal and fully informed
consent, including ‘intersex genital mutilation';
</p>
</li><li><p>forced medicalisation of trans people and
</p>
</li><li><p>conversion practices targeting LGBTIQ people have to stop.
</p>
</li></ul></ul>
<p>As announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her
State of the Union address, we will present an initiative to extend
the list of ‘EU crimes' in article 83 of the Treaty to cover hate
crime and hate speech, including those targeting LGBTIQ people.
</p>
<p>Besides, our societies should not stop at guaranteeing safety for
LGBTIQ people.
</p>
<p>Our societies must also be inclusive.
</p>
<p>We will therefore ensure that case law such as the Coman case
regarding the coverage of same sex partners and the definition of
spouses within the freedom of movement directive is implemented by
all Member States. We will propose a legislative initiative on the
mutual recognition of parenthood between Member States.
</p>
<p>If one is a parent in one country, one is a parent in all
countries.
</p>
<p>At the same time, we will counter the erasure of intersex people,
as well as address difficulties with regard to the recognition of
trans and non-binary identities.</p>
<p>Sex and gender, are not two fixed and immutable boxes.
</p>
<p>We also underscore the EU's firm commitment to promote equality
for LGBTIQ people across the globe.
</p>
<p>Many LGBTIQ people face discrimination, harassment, persecution,
imprisonment, murder or the death penalty even – simply for being
who they are, simply because of the way they were born</p>
<p>We will strengthen the EU's engagement on LGBTIQ issues in all its
external relations.
</p>
<p>LGBTIQ rights are human rights, and should be enjoyed fully
everywhere and at all times.</p>
<p>To deliver on the strategy's objectives, the Commission will make
full use of the tools at its disposal.
</p>
<p>Targeted actions will be combined with enhanced equality
mainstreaming.</p>
<p>LGBTIQ people exist and are part of our diverse societies
everywhere.</p>
<p>Their presence in society, their visibility, and their demand for
rights is as much of an ideology as the presence, visibility and
exercise of rights by cisgender and heterosexual people.</p>
<p>There is no difference.</p>
<p>This is why we can never accept the so called ‘LGBTIQ ideology
free zones' as what they actually are is ‘humanity free zones'.</p>
<p>All persons are unique, and have different elements in their
personality, which is why intersectionality will be used as a
cross-cutting principle throughout the implementation of the
strategy.</p>
<p>These include sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief,
disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression
and sex characteristics.</p>
<p>To achieve the change that the Commission wants to deliver, all
stakeholders need to work in tandem.
</p>
<p>We need to work hand in hand.
</p>
<p>This is why we are calling on EU institutions, Member States and
EU agencies, in partnership with civil society organisations, social
partners and the private sector to foster the equality that we are
promoting.</p>
<p>The strategy flags what needs to be done at the European level,
but also offers guidance and support for what needs to be done at the
national level.</p>
<p>I invite all the Member States to develop their own action plans
on LGBTIQ equality.</p>
<p>The Commission services are there to support the development and
review of such plans in partnership with Member States.</p>
<p>We must make clear progress towards an EU where LGBTIQ people, in
all their diversity, are equal, safe and free to fully participate in
society.
</p>
<p>Let's build a Union of Equality
</p>
<p>And this is another step in that direction.</p>
<p>Thank you. <b>"</b><br /></p><p><b>
Helena Dalli, European Union Commissioner for Equality, November 12, 2020. Union of Equality:
LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025. </b></p><p><b><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_20_2126" target="_blank"><i> click here to see original </i></a></b></p><p><b><i> </i></b></p><p><b><i> </i><br /></b></p>homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825427727301903761.post-57741780548343684902020-08-25T18:19:00.000-04:002020-08-25T18:19:25.902-04:00Kansas Broadens LGBTQ Protections<p><br /><b>" </b>The Kansas Human Rights (KHRC) Commission Board met August 21, 2020 to consider the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Bostock v. Clayton County and its impact on the KHRC’s interpretation of the Kansas Act Against Discrimination. The U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Bostock determine d that Title VII’s “sex” discrimination prohibition includes employment discrimination on the basis of
homosexuality and transgender status. Effective today, the Kansas Human Rights Commission will begin accepting complaints of “sex”
discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations wherein allegations include discrimination based on LGBTQ and all
derivates of “sex”. <b>"</b><br /></p><p><b>
Kansas Human Rights Commission Concurs with the U.S. Supreme
Court's Bostock Decision, August 21, 2020.
</b></p><p><a href="http://www.khrc.net/pdf/Kansas%20Human%20Rights%20Commission%20Concurs%20with%20the%20US%20Supreme%20Court%20Decision%20in%20Bostock%20v%20Clayton%20County.pdf" target="_blank"><i><b> Click here for original statement</b></i></a></p><p> </p><p> </p>
homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825427727301903761.post-48339421917344571912020-06-15T12:01:00.000-04:002020-06-15T12:01:02.702-04:00Supreme Court Rules Employment Discrimination Is Just Plain Illegal<br />
<b>" ... </b>Sometimes small gestures can have unexpected consequences. Major initiatives practically guarantee them. In our time, few pieces of federal legislation rank in significance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964. There, in Title VII, Congress outlawed discrimination in the workplace on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Today,we must decide whether an employer can fire someone simply for being homosexual or transgender. The answer is clear. An employer who fires an individual for being homosexual or transgender fires that person for traits or actions it would not have questioned in members of a different sex. Sex plays a necessary and undisguisable role in the decision, exactly what Title VII forbids.<br />
<br />
Those who adopted the Civil Rights Act might not have anticipated their work would lead to this particular result.Likely, they weren’t thinking about many of the Act’s consequences that have become apparent over the years, including its prohibition against discrimination on the basis of motherhood or its ban on the sexual harassment of male employees. But the limits of the drafters’ imagination supply no reason to ignore the law’s demands. When the express terms of a statute give us one answer and extratextual considerations suggest another, it’s no contest. Only the written word is the law, and all persons are entitled to its benefit. <b>... "</b> <br />
<br />
<b>" ...</b> An employer violates Title VII when it intentionally fires an individual employee based in part on sex. It makes no difference if other factors besides the plaintiff’s sex contributed to the decision or that the employer treated women as a group the same when compared to men as a group. A statutory violation occurs if an employer intentionally relies in part on an individual employee’s sex when deciding to discharge the employee. Because discrimination on the basis of homosexuality or transgender status requires an employer to intentionally treat individual employees differently because of their sex, an employer who intentionally penalizes an employee for being homosexual or transgender also violates Title VII. <b>..."</b><br />
<br />
<b>United States Supreme Court (6-3 decision), June 15, 2020. The cases of Bostoc v. Clayton County, et.al.</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/19pdf/17-1618_hfci.pdf" target="_blank"><b><i> CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE DECISION</i></b></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825427727301903761.post-37435214897159769452020-05-19T16:25:00.000-04:002020-05-19T16:25:04.350-04:00Canadian PM Marks International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia<br />
“Today, on the <a href="https://may17.org/" tabindex="109">International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia</a>,
we join Canadians and people everywhere to support LGBTQ2 rights, and
speak out against the stigma, discrimination, and violence that continue
to affect LGBTQ2 communities here in Canada and around the world.<br />
<br />
“This year’s theme in Canada, ‘Family support is essential: Send love
to your LGBTQ+ relatives,’ recognizes the importance of support
networks for LGBTQ2 individuals who continue to face stigma and
discrimination for simply being themselves. This theme emphasizes the
simple actions we can take, like picking up the phone or sending a text,
to offer solidarity and support. These actions can go a long way in
helping to break down barriers, and make our country a more welcoming
and inclusive place for all.<br />
<br />
“On this day, we also thank and recognize those organizations from
coast to coast to coast that help provide support and allyship to LGBTQ2
Canadians. This includes <a href="https://www.fondationemergence.org/?lang=en" tabindex="110">Fondation Émergence</a>,
which created the first day against homophobia in 2003, and continues
to raise public awareness on the issues that those in the LGBTQ2
communities face.<br />
<br />
“The current COVID-19 pandemic is a challenging time for everyone and
it is having a disproportionate impact on marginalized populations,
including vulnerable members of LGBTQ2 communities. That is why we are
providing even more support to charities and non-profit organizations
that serve our communities through the <a href="https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/04/21/prime-minister-announces-further-support-help-canadians-need" tabindex="111">Emergency Community Support Fund</a>. During this uncertain time, it is more important than ever to show our fellow Canadians that we are in this together.<br />
<br />
“Though we still have a great deal of work left to do, the Government
of Canada has committed to taking further action for LGBTQ2
communities. This includes the launch of the <a href="https://cfc-swc.gc.ca/fun-fin/lgbtq2/index-en.html" tabindex="112">LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund</a>,
which will provide funding to LGBTQ2 organizations working to advance
equality in Canada, as well as the introduction of legislation in March
to criminalize the cruel and harmful practice of conversion therapy. If
passed, <a href="https://www.parl.ca/LegisInfo/BillDetails.aspx?Language=E&billId=10686845" tabindex="113">Bill C-8</a> would help ensure that all Canadians can be free to be themselves, just as they are.<br />
<br />
“Today, and every day, I encourage all Canadians to do their part to
make our country a place where LGBTQ2 people can be themselves without
fear. We are all stronger when we embrace diversity, and when all
Canadians are free to live their lives to the fullest.”<br />
<br />
<b>Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, May 17, 2020.</b><br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/statements/2020/05/17/statement-prime-minister-international-day-against-homophobia" target="_blank">click here to see original</a></i></b><br />
<br />
homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825427727301903761.post-84399766880556309292020-02-05T19:42:00.001-05:002020-02-05T19:42:53.195-05:00Calif. Gov Issues Pardon to Civil Rights Icon Bayard Rustin<br />
<b>" </b>In California and across the country, many laws have been used as legal
tools of oppression, and to stigmatize and punish LGBTQ people and
communities and warn others what harm could await them for living
authentically. I thank those who advocated for
Bayard Rustin’s pardon, and I want to encourage others in similar
situations to seek a pardon to right this egregious wrong. ”<br />
<br />
<b>California Governor Gavin Newsom, February 4, 2020. Issuance of pardon for 1953 gay sex conviction, for the late Civil Rights movement icon, and openly gay man. </b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/02/05/taking-on-historic-homophobia-in-justice-system-california-governor-newsom-launches-process-for-pardoning-people-prosecuted-for-being-gay/" target="_blank"><i><b> Click here to read the original news announcement</b></i></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b> </b>homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825427727301903761.post-48371147698669292942020-02-05T19:37:00.002-05:002020-02-05T19:43:26.886-05:00Calif. Gov's Pardon to Civil Rights Icon Bayard Rustin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EO-N-24-20-Bayard-Rustin-02.04.2020.pdf" target="_blank"><b><i> Click here to view the original document </i></b></a></div>
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homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825427727301903761.post-81648799129594949502020-01-19T16:56:00.002-05:002020-01-19T16:56:37.455-05:00Court Stops USAF from Discharging HIV+ Servicemembers<br />
<b>" …</b> Roe, Voe, and the four identified members of OutServe wish to continue to serve their country. Their doctors and their commanding officers support their retention. But the Air Force, without individually considering each servicemember’s
condition, fitness, and deployability, assumed the servicemembers could not deploy to CENTCOM’s area of responsibility because they are HIV-positive. The Government’s explanations for why it has imposed an effective ban on deploying HIV-positive servicemembers to CENTCOM’s area of responsibility are at odds with modern science. These servicemembers, like other HIV-positive individuals with undetectable viral loads, have no symptoms of HIV. They take daily medication—usually one pill, for some people two—and need a regular, but routine blood test. They cannot transmit the virus through normal daily activities, and their risk of transmitting the virus through battlefield exposure, if the virus can be transmitted at all, is extremely low. Although transmission through blood transfusion is possible, these servicemembers have been ordered not to donate blood. But the Government did not consider these realities when discharging these servicemembers, instead relying on assumptions and categorical determinations. As a result, the Air Force denied these servicemembers an individualized determination of their fitness for military service.<br />
<br />
Plaintiffs have demonstrated a likelihood of success of the merits of at least one claim and have made a clear showing of irreparable harm in the absence of a preliminary injunction. The equities and public interest weigh in the Plaintiffs’ favor, and the district court did not abuse its discretion in crafting the preliminary injunction. Accordingly, we affirm the order of the district court. <b>"</b><br />
<br />
<b>United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (Richard Roe v. DOD), Judge James A. Wynn Jr., January 10/14, 2020.</b><br />
<b> </b>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/opinions/191410.P.pdf" target="_blank"><i><b> Click here to read the entire decision</b></i></a><br />
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<br />homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825427727301903761.post-56261967805367840552019-12-20T00:00:00.007-05:002019-12-20T00:02:53.704-05:00Canadian PM Sets Policy for LGBTQ Inclusion & Equality<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><u>Mandate Letters to Canadian Government Ministers</u></span><br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://pm.gc.ca/en/mandate-letters/minister-diversity-and-inclusion-and-youth-mandate-letter" target="_blank"><i>Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth Mandate Letter</i></a></b><br />
<i> </i>
<br />
<b>"</b> ... I will expect you to work with your colleagues and through established legislative, regulatory and Cabinet processes to deliver on your top priorities. In particular, you will:<br />
<br />
... Continue the work of the LGBTQ2 Secretariat in promoting LGBTQ2 equality, protecting LGBTQ2 rights and addressing discrimination against LGBTQ2 communities.<br />
<br />
Provide additional investments to LGBTQ2 organizations to hire staff, expand services and reach more people. This includes hotlines and other support services for LGBTQ2 communities, including those that provide sexual health information.<br />
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Work with the Minister of Health, and in partnership with Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec, to build on existing progress to implement a behaviour-based model of donation that eliminates the blood ban for men who have sex with other men.<br />
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Consult civil society representatives of LGBTQ2 communities to lay the groundwork for an LGBTQ2 action plan that would guide the work of the federal government on issues important to LGBTQ2 Canadians... <b>"</b><br />
<b> </b>
<br />
<b><a href="https://pm.gc.ca/en/mandate-letters/minister-justice-and-attorney-general-canada-mandate-letter" target="_blank"><i>Ministerof Justice and Attorney General of Canada Mandate Letter</i></a></b><br />
<i> </i>
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<b>"</b> ... I will expect you to work with your colleagues and through established legislative, regulatory and Cabinet processes to deliver on your top priorities. In particular, you will:<br />
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... Work with the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy and take other steps required with the provinces and territories to end conversion therapy in Canada... <b>"</b><br />
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<b>Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, December 13, 2019.
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<i>Click the links above to read the entire Mandate Letters</i><br />
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<i> </i>
homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825427727301903761.post-91382736620812578142019-06-07T17:31:00.000-04:002019-06-07T17:31:05.291-04:00Wisconsin Gov Flies Pride Flag<br />
<b>"</b> MADISON, June 7, 2019 - Gov. Tony Evers signed executive order #29 relating to a proclamation that the
Rainbow Pride Flag be flown over the east wing of the State Capitol building and throughout the state of Wisconsin in recognition of Pride Month beginning on Friday, June 7, 2019, and ending at sunset on June 30, 2019.<br />
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"Publicly displaying the Rainbow Pride Flag sends a clear and unequivocal message that Wisconsin is a welcoming and inclusive place where everyone can live without fear of persecution, judgment, or discrimination," said Gov. Evers. <b>"</b><br />
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<i><b><a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/WIGOV/2019/06/06/file_attachments/1226165/EO%20029%20-%20Pride%20Flag.pdf" target="_blank">Click here to see Gov. Evers’ executive order #2 </a></b></i><br />
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homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825427727301903761.post-67406540280750327962019-05-06T14:45:00.003-04:002019-05-06T14:47:41.684-04:00Court Denies Right of Religious Anti-GLBT Discrimination in Philadelphia Case<br />
<i>Catholic Social Services v. City of Philadelphia</i><br />
<i> </i>
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<b>"</b> CSS’s theme devolves to this: the City is targeting CSS because it discriminates against same-sex couples; CSS is discriminating against same-sex couples because of its religious beliefs; therefore the City is targeting CSS for its religious beliefs. But this syllogism is as flawed as it is dangerous. It runs directly counter to the premise of Smith that, while religious belief is always protected, religiously motivated conduct enjoys no special protections or exemption from general, neutrally applied legal requirements. That CSS’s conduct springs from sincerely held and strongly felt religious beliefs does not imply that the City’s desire to regulate that conduct springs from antipathy to those beliefs. If all comment on religiously motivated conduct by those enforcing neutral, generally applicable laws against discrimination is construed as ill will against the religious belief itself, then Smith is a dead letter, and the nation’s civil rights laws might be as well. As the Intervenors rightly state, the “fact that CSS’s non-compliance with the City’s non-discrimination requirements is based on its religious beliefs does not mean that the City’s enforcement of its requirements constitutes anti-religious hostility. .....<br />
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The City stands on firm ground in requiring its contractors to abide by its non-discrimination policies when administering public services. Under Smith, the First Amendment does not prohibit government regulation of religiously motivated conduct so long as that regulation is not a veiled attempt to suppress disfavored religious beliefs. And while CSS may assert that the City’s actions were not driven by a sincere commitment to equality but rather by antireligious and anti-Catholic bias (and is of course able to introduce additional evidence as this case proceeds), the current record does not show religious persecution or bias. Instead it shows so far the City’s good faith in its effort to enforce its laws against discrimination.<br />
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Hence we hold that the District Court did not abuse its discretion in denying the motion for preliminary injunctive relief and affirm its thorough and well-reasoned decision. <b>"</b><br />
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<b>Judge Thomas Ambro, Third Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, April 22, 2019.</b><br />
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<a href="http://www2.ca3.uscourts.gov/opinarch/182574p.pdf" target="_blank"><i><b> click here to read entire decision</b></i></a>
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<br />homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825427727301903761.post-75287220798417365032019-03-22T14:37:00.000-04:002019-03-22T14:37:15.597-04:00Puerto Rico Gov to Ban Conversion Therapy<br />
<b>"</b> As a father, as a scientist, and as the Governor for everyone in Puerto Rico, I firmly believe that the idea that there are people in our society who need treatment because of their gender identity or whom they love is not only absurd, it is harmful to so many children and young adults who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.<br />
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I strive for Puerto Rico to be a society in which everyone, regardless of whom they love, can be accepted and live without fear of
persecution. This includes society’s most vulnerable, our children, who should be supported and loved. Conversion therapy in no way benefits anybody, it only causes unimaginable pain and suffering.<br />
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Almost 50 years ago, the American Psychiatric Association declared that homosexuality is not a mental illness and therefore does not need to be “cured” or “treated” in any way. <b> " </b><b> </b><br />
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<b>Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló announced he will sign an
executive order banning so-called conversion therapy for minors on the
island after the U.S. territory’s House of Representatives decided not
to take Senate Bill 1000 to a vote, which would have made these
therapies illegal. March 20, 2019. The Executive Order will be signed in the coming days.</b><br />
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<b> <a href="https://www.fortaleza.pr.gov/content/puerto-rico-governor-rossell-ban-so-called-conversion-therapy-minors" target="_blank"><i>Click here to see the original press release</i></a></b><br />
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<b><i> </i> </b>homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825427727301903761.post-77112047405946558162019-01-22T16:24:00.002-05:002019-01-22T16:25:31.747-05:00NY Gov Slams SCOTUS Upholding Prez Trans Mil Ban<br />
<b>"</b> The Supreme Court has greenlit an abhorrent policy that not only endorses discrimination in our armed forces, but also undermines national security by blocking talented and dedicated people from serving their country. President Trump's disgraceful ban on most transgender troops serving in the military repays service and sacrifice with hate and it takes our military backward by undercutting this nation's commitment to ensuring equal rights for all.<br />
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In New York, we stand united with the transgender community. We took action in 2015 to affirm that all transgender people are protected under the State's Human Rights Law, and this year we are enshrining those protections in State law once and for all with the Gender Expression Nondiscrimination Act. While this federal government governs by bigotry and division, New York will always fight back to ensure the dignity and respect of every individual. <b>"</b><br />
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<b>Governor Andrew Cuomo, January 22, 2019.</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/statement-governor-andrew-m-cuomo-supreme-court-decision-allowing-president-trumps-transgender" target="_blank"><b> <i>Click here to see original statement</i></b></a><br />
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<b><i> </i> </b>homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825427727301903761.post-90786302809823857952019-01-17T12:24:00.002-05:002019-01-17T12:24:34.820-05:00NY Gov Signs Conversion Therapy Ban Into Law<br />
<b>"</b> So-called LGBTQ conversion therapy is a fraudulent practice that has
done untold harm to too many young people. New York has been at the
forefront of protecting LGBTQ rights for decades and when Senate
Republicans refused to ban conversion therapy, we took executive action
to stop insurance companies from covering it. With today's passage of
this important bill, New York is sending a clear message that no one
should be tortured for being who they are and we will stand for nothing
short of absolute acceptance and full equality. I applaud the
legislature for taking this decisive action to ban conversion therapy
and protect LGBTQ youth. <b>"</b><br />
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<b>Governor Andrew Cuomo, January 15, 2019.</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/statement-governor-cuomo-passage-conversion-therapy-ban" target="_blank"><b><i> Click here for original statement</i></b></a><br />
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<b><i> </i> </b>homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825427727301903761.post-63304570215503063612019-01-17T12:17:00.003-05:002019-01-17T12:17:58.524-05:00NY Gov Signs Trans Anti-Discrimination Bill Into Law<br />
<b>"</b> At a time when the federal government is doing everything it can
to roll back the hard won rights of transgender Americans, New York
State is once again stepping up for full equality and equal protections
under the law. We were the first state in the nation to issue
regulations prohibiting harassment and discrimination on the basis of
gender identity and expression, and continue to fight this federal
administration's despicable attacks on trans people. This is an issue of
basic fairness, and today marks an historic day for those in the LGBTQ
community who fought tirelessly for the passage of this bill. I applaud
the Legislature for acting quickly to pass this critical component of
our Justice Agenda. <b>"</b><br />
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<b>Governor Andrew Cuomo, January 15, 2019.</b><br />
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<b> <a href="https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/statement-governor-cuomo-passage-genda" target="_blank"><i>Click here for original statement </i></a></b><br />
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<b><i> </i> </b>homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825427727301903761.post-61415892337074393422018-12-20T17:28:00.000-05:002018-12-20T17:28:03.200-05:00Ohio Gov. John Kasich Issues Non-Discrimination Executive Order<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIc5uUedklyAQYhJO9hdTEqoq-EtmXwh7jP3oTp1EZGubdSmqV6_k31PcVjDYVDN9nHMAbkc36KU6dPsFSLHb6cOO40xzq1a-F8khamAFLGy71GAfAdyp64AYNCcMmHMPNYPQ7taQV1sI/s1600/ohio+nondiscrimination+dec2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="788" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIc5uUedklyAQYhJO9hdTEqoq-EtmXwh7jP3oTp1EZGubdSmqV6_k31PcVjDYVDN9nHMAbkc36KU6dPsFSLHb6cOO40xzq1a-F8khamAFLGy71GAfAdyp64AYNCcMmHMPNYPQ7taQV1sI/s400/ohio+nondiscrimination+dec2018.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Ohio Governor John Kasich, December 19, 2018.</b></div>
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<b><a href="https://governor.ohio.gov/Media-Room/Press-Releases/ArticleId/1059/kasich-signs-executive-order-revising-anti-discrimination-policy-12-19-18" target="_blank"><i> Click here for official Press Release </i></a></b></div>
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<a href="https://governor.ohio.gov/Portals/0/Signed%20EO%202018-12K_1.pdf" target="_blank"><b> <i>Click here to see the original Executive Order</i></b></a><br />
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homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-825427727301903761.post-50260763924065835532018-11-16T01:21:00.002-05:002018-11-16T01:21:16.441-05:00Caribbean Court of Justice Strikes Down Guyana Cross-Dressing Law<br />
<b>"</b> The cross-dressing proscription, along with many other provisions in the Act, such as declaring a man be a vagabond and subject to a fine because he does not work and support himself or his wife when capable of so doing, is a law that belonged to a different time. It criminalized the expression of sexual orientation and gender identification at a time when State intrusion of that nature was the norm and human rights were, at best, a developing intellectual concept. This was not the age of liberal democracy; sovereignty did not belong to the people, as Article 1 of the 1980 Guyana Constitution was later to proclaim. Laws of the nature of section 153(1)(xlvii) were directed to keeping the masses in their place. It seemed contrarian, therefore, that the State, whose Constitution proclaims it to be in transition from capitalism to socialism and champions fundamental rights proclaimed long ago in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, should have argued for the presumption of constitutionality to benefit a law such as section 153(1)(xlvii)<b> ... </b><br />
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For the reasons detailed in the judgment of the Court, delivered by the President, the highly undemocratic section 153(1)(xlvii) is inconsistent with the several Articles of the Constitution stated and must be declared void for that inconsistency <b>...</b> <b>" </b><br />
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<b>Caribbean Court of Justice, November 13, 2018. </b><br />
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<a href="http://www.ccj.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/MC-EWAN-et-al-v-AG-OF-GUYANA-Copy.pdf" target="_blank"><b><i>Click here to read the entire decision</i></b></a><br />
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homosezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292545493281815694noreply@blogger.com0