Buffalo Rising: LGBT’s March On

Congratulations on the good news that for the first time in the history of New York State a LGBT organization will be allowed to march in a Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.

More at: Buffalo Rising!

Will LGBT’s be allowed to March in Chicago’s parade this year?

Shirley Manson Takes Out the Garbage

Former Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson has spoken out in support of gay rights, slamming American politicians for refusing to allow same-sex marriages in the country.

She writes in a post on her public Facebook.com page, “So sad to read that the New York State Senate voted down the Gay Marriage Bill. It saddens and sickens me that modern government and society has learned nothing from history but continue the vicious cycle of ignorance and intolerance whilst quoting and twisting from a bible that at its root, preaches love and understanding and equality for all.”

“Shame on all those who judge others so harshly that they will rob them of their civil liberties. Shame on those who will attempt to strip others of their dignity and their right to walk among us as equals on this earth. Shame on those who teach our children to discriminate and hate.”

“Love is love is love is love. And it is rare and divine. So let all of us attempt to preserve it… in any manner we can. And by all of us, I really do mean all of us. Because lord knows there’s certainly not enough of it flowing around us in this life.”

Read the entire post at: Starpulse!

In The Life Presents: NY Marriage & Diane Savino

On December 2nd, 2009, the New York State Senate voted on a bill that would legalize same-gender marriages and at the same time protect religious institutions who wish to abstain from performing these marriages. The measure failed 24-38, with 8 Democrats and all 30 Republicans voting against. This video looks into the reaction that followed the vote, and asks how we can be better activists in the fight for our civil rights.

Senator Diane Savino gave a passionate speech on the floor of the Senate in favor of the same-sex marriage bill. The video of her speech has become a YouTube hit. Watch her speech, as well as those from others who are featured in our Web-Exclusive Video (below):

More at: In The Life!

Paterson Signs Gender Identity Executive Order

In what is seen as a step forward for transgender rights, Governor David Paterson signed an executive order yesterday at the LBGT Center in Greenwich Village that extends anti-discrimination protections to all transgendered state workers.

Transgendered New Yorkers have already won protections in some counties in the state, but today’s order encompasses all state workers.

Efforts to write the protections into state law have so far been unsuccessful. The Assembly passed the legislation, but the Senate has refused to vote on the issue.

More at: NY1!

Gay Marriage Voted Down in New York

The NY State Senate voted today on whether or not to legalize same-sex marriage in the state…the vote unfortunately went against ending discrimination. The same-sex marriage bill will not make it to Governor Paterson’s desk for a signature.

Homophobia, bigotry, intolerance, hate and religious ideology won out over equality…for now.

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