Stop the Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Ass.

June 4th, 2010

Press Release – June 04, 2010.

Today Independent Activists launched a Campaign to engage the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Associations of Evangelicals requesting that they cease and desist from the continued lobby activities against LGBT equality Legislation.

On June 9th The USCCB and NAE have announced a full Page ad in various Newspapers to announce that they will be Lobbying in D.C. for Comprehensive immigration reform. They plan to emphasize their objection to the LGBT immigration equality language that is currently present in the recently introduced Framework for immigration reform.

October of 2009, the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and Border Security held a hearing on Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Theodore Cardinal McCarrick Archbishop Emeritus of Washington, D.C. provided testimony:

“Comprehensive immigration reform: Faith-Based Perspectives October 8, 2009.” where he stated in overt exclusion and direct opposition to S. 424, the Uniting American Families Act.

Please read and sign
http://www.change.org/petitions/view/halt_the_harm_-_stop_advocacy_by_usccb_and_nae_causing_harm_to_lgbt_community

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Week 65–Ask FIVE more congress

May 31st, 2010

Week 65–Ask FIVE more congress

Targeting: Rep. Peter Visclosky (IN-01), Rep. Joe Donnelly (IN-02), Rep. Mark Schauer (MI-07), see more…Rep. Peter Visclosky (IN-01), Rep. Joe Donnelly (IN-02), Rep. Mark Schauer (MI-07), Rep. Tom Perriello (VA-05) and Rep. Alan Mollohan (WV-01)
Started by: Amos Lim
This week’s letter writing campaign is directed at Rep. Joe Donnelly (D-IN-2), Rep. Alan Mollohan (D-WV-1), Rep. Tom Perriello (D-VA-5), Rep. Mark Schauer (D-MI-7), Rep. Peter Visclosky (D-IN-1). We are asking them to support Equal Immigration Rights for Same-Sex Binational Couples by sponsoring the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) as well ensure that LGBT Families remain in the framework for Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) as proposed by leading Senate Democrats.

Week 65–Ask FIVE more congress representative to support INCLUSIVE Comprehensive Immigration Reform

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Tell Senator Charles Schumer:

May 19th, 2010

Tell Senator Charles Schumer:

For months, Republican obstruction has slowed work on immigration reform in the Senate. And now we know why. Senators John McCain and Jon Kyl have been working on a bill that ignores real immigration reform so they can continue to use immigrants as a political punching bag.
The Senators from Arizona have concocted a bill that does nothing to fix our broken immigration system. Their “border-only” bill focuses merely on enforcement and security – it doesn’t help our families, our communities, or our economy. It’s what you’d expect from senators who agree with their state’s decision to legalize racial profiling

Tell Senator Charles Schumer:

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Support Equal Immigration Rights for Same Sex Couples in Comprehensive Immigration Reform!

May 3rd, 2010

Support Equal Immigration Rights for Same Sex Couples in Comprehensive Immigration Reform!

Last week, the Democrats in the Senate leadership unveiled a framework for comprehensive immigration
reform, and UAFA’s language was included!

We must continue to keep this issue out front and make sure UAFA’s language is included in any bill
that moves forward.

Our efforts have gained us a LOT of co-sponsors in both the House (22) and Senate (5), and
it’s important to remember the impact that continued, consistent grass roots efforts have.
WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

This week, we are focusing on five more members of the House – Let’s finally hit our goal of 500 signatures!

Click here, its fast and easy

Petitions by Change.org|Start a Petition »

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Court Date Set for DOMA Challenge

April 12th, 2010

Court Date Set for DOMA Challenge

By Advocate.com Editors

Oral arguments on the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), in the case of Gill v. Office of Personnel Management will begin on Thursday, May 6, according to a statement posted on the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, read full story

Court Date Set for DOMA Challenge

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To Robert K. Sweeney

April 8th, 2010

I want to personally thank him for his support not only for gay marriage in the state on New York but also supporting the United American families act! He took time to sit down study the issue and wrote an awesome letter to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and to Senator Charles Schumer supporting our bill.
Thank you again Robert K. Sweeney!

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Great new web site to Join

April 3rd, 2010

Our Campaign
The Give a Damn Campaign is for everybody who cares about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality.
But, it’s especially for all you straight people out there! Whether you’re already an active supporter, want to show your support for the first time, or hadn’t given equality a lot of thought before and now want to learn more, we are here to help you get informed about the issues and get involved, at a pace that works for you.

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SPECIAL VISA FOR BINATIONAL

April 2nd, 2010

SPECIAL VISA FOR BINATIONAL

SPECIAL VISA FOR BINATIONAL LGBT SPOUSE-PERMA-PARTNER/S

Step up tp the plate and sign!

Recently Immigration Equality posted this statement on their BLOG when referring to Immigration reform: “The Senate immigration reform bill will be followed by a House bill, too. In-between, there will be countless steps, challenges and opportunities that must be addressed. As we have seen in the current healthcare debate, legislation does not move easily, or without hard work. Immigration reform will be similar: It is imperative that we build grassroots support for our families, Congressional support for UAFA and broad public support for fair immigration policies.”

So just in case we become the public option of immigration reform, I believe that this makes the argument for a stop gap measure to help keep our families together in the USA. We want a SPECIAL VISA.

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New word to use

March 31st, 2010

Rethuglican

A Republican who gets into an elected seat and then proceeds to change the laws so each illegal act he or she makes is now legal.

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Come on people do your thing!

March 30th, 2010

NOW IS THE TIME to pressure our supporters to make
sure they push for UAFA’s inclusion in any comprehensive bill.

If you want to bring you loved one homw now is the time to act!

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Strategy Call with Rep. Nadler

March 22nd, 2010

Strategy Call with Rep. Nadler

from Rachel B. Tiven Executive Director

3/23/2010

Yesterday, more than 250,000 people gathered on the National Mall in Washington to call for fair, comprehensive immigration reform. We were there, rainbow flags flying, in a beautiful LGBT contingent that came from as far away as Chicago to demand comprehensive immigration reform that includes and protects LGBT immigrants and families.

Now, as Congress and the White House turn their attention to fixing our broken immigration system, our efforts to pass an inclusive bill are more important than ever. Senator Schumer said, just last week, that he is committed to a bill that includes the Uniting American Families Act. Now, it’s up to us to help our champions win this fight.

I hope you will join us tomorrow evening – Tuesday, March 23rd, at 6 PM EST – for a special Immigration Equality strategy call with Congressman Jerrold Nadler.

As you know, Congressman Nadler has led the fight for UAFA since day one. Indeed, Rep. Nadler has been one of the most steadfast and vocal champions for the LGBT community. As we move forward, Congerssman Nadler’s leadership and insights will help guide us across the finish line.

Yesterday, we started marching. Now, it is essential that we continue marching forward. We need you to march with us, too.

To join Tuesday’s call with Congressman Nadler and Immigration Equality’s Policy Director, Julie Kruse, just dial (712) 432-0075 and use access code 754532.

You’ll have an opportunity to hear from our Congressional champion, first-hand, about the current political environment in Congress . . . the coming debate on comprehensive immigration reform . . . and what each of us can do to end discrimination against LGBT immigrants and families.

This is an extraordinary moment – and an extraordinary opportunity – not to be missed.

I hope you will join us, and Congressman Nadler, on Tuesday evening at 6 PM EST. The coming weeks and months will be critical, and tomorrow’s call will help point the way forward to victory.

Thank you,

Rachel B. Tiven
Executive Director

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Schumer in a Corner Must Include UAFA in Immigration Reform

March 20th, 2010

Schumer in a Corner Must Include UAFA in Immigration Reform

Melanie Nathan, March 20, 2010

Senator Schumer is indicating a possible buckle under the pressure generated from the expose that he was not planning to include UAFA in his immigration reform Bill. Hopefully he will, as that is, in his own words, the only way at this time that bi-national couples will get the relief they have long sought. Schumer has specifically stated that piecemeal legislation is not an option, which means that he does not think that UAFA can stand alone at this time. Hence he has painted a picture where he MUST include UAFA in his Bill. I do not see any wiggle room for him. This comes in the light of a recent letter which he sent to his New York constituents, which we published yesterday and is referenced below.

Read the full story

Schumer in a Corner Must Include UAFA in Immigration Reform

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Schumer in a Corner Must Include UAFA in Immigration Reform

March 20th, 2010

my comment

Schumer like all the rest of them in DC has shown his true colors, and that includes the President to. I’ve been in this battle now for over 6 years now and yes it is the closest to being passed that I’ve ever seen, but we must keep the pressure up on everyone in congress and the senate and yes even the white house with writing letters and e-mails ever day.

It’s strange that a bill that has so many co-sponsors, and is supported by so many groups hasn’t come out of committee or added onto any other bills. If you take a step backward and sit down and think this would be a big step in getting gay marriage passed on the federal level or have section 3 of DOMA lifted.

I’m just wondering if this isn’t a ploy by Schumer to have to have the bill added to it. Remember we are dealing with people that either they are kissing babies or stealing their candy.
Remember what the president said when he gave the speech to the HRC” agitating and advocating for change” and that’s what we have to do. We have to remember that the Uniting American families act isn’t on the top burner for groups like the HRC or Immigration equ.

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If a 10 year old gets it!

March 17th, 2010

Will Phillips and the GetEQUAL.org pledge

If a 10 year old gets it why not the US government?

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To Peter King

March 17th, 2010

3/17/2010

I’ve been fighting to get the Uniting American families act passed for over 6 years now, the bill is as close as it has ever been to being passed and we cannot let up the pressure on getting this bill passed. If the new immigration reform bill does now have UAFA added onto it, then I’m going to do everything I can do to stop the bill in its tracks. Also why does it matter what the Catholic bishops have to say they don’t pay taxes the way I do.
Come on Peter King get with the program and sign on as a co-sponsor! Do something right.

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President to meet with key senators on immigration

March 6th, 2010

President to meet with key senators on immigration

By SUZANNE GAMBOA, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama plans to focus attention on immigration next week by meeting at the White House with two senators crafting a bill on the issue.

White House spokesman Nicholas Shapiro said Obama will meet with Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York and Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina on Monday.

The president is “looking forward to hearing more about their efforts toward producing a bipartisan bill,” Shapiro said Friday.

The meeting will be the first Obama has had with Schumer and Graham on the proposal they are developing since they began focusing on it last year.

Immigration has taken a back seat to the economy and health care on Obama’s agenda since he took office just over a year ago. Immigrants and their advocates — promised by then-candidate Obama that he would tackle the issue in his first year as president — have been growing frustrated by the inaction.

Several community groups planned to vent some of that frustration in a news conference Monday in Washington. The groups also are trying to organize tens of thousands of people from around the country for a March 21 demonstration in Washington.

“The president’s commitment to fixing our broken immigration system remains unwavering,” Shapiro said

write Chuck Schumer
phone 202-224-6542
fax 202-228-3027
(e-mail) http://schumer.senate.gov/new_website/contact.cfm
If it doesn’t go throw with your address use their home offices address
145 pine lawn road, Melville, NY, 11747

write Lindesy Graham
290 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Main: (202) 224-5972
(e-mail) http://lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.EmailSenatorGraham
If it doesn’t go throw with your address use their home offices address
130 South main street, 7th floor, Greenville, SC 29601

President to meet with key senators on immigration

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March with Immigration Equality: March 21st in Washington, D.C.

March 4th, 2010

March with Immigration Equality: March 21st in Washington, D.C.

On Sunday, March 21st, Immigration Equality supporters from across the country will gather in the nation’s capital to take part in the 2010 March for America, a massive mobilization to call on Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform this year.

Please make plans to join us in D.C. and send a visible, and vocal message that comprehensive reform must include LGBT families, too!

First, sign up on our website. We will stay in touch with information on logistics for the day of the March . . . put an Immigration Equality shirt in the mail for you to wear to the event . . . and send you details on our Immigration Equality reception, on the evening of March 20th, where you can meet other supporters from around the world.

Then, start making plans! We will be gathering at the World War II memorial at 11:30am on March 21st. Our staffers will be on hand to distribute signage (and feel free to bring your own!), and answer any questions you might have about the day’s activities. Then, we’ll walk together to the Lincoln Memorial, where tens of thousands of other immigration advocates will kick-off the March at 1pm.

Together, we can send a strong, unmistakable message that no reform is truly “comprehensive” unless it includes our families, too.
Sign up today, and join us in Washington as we bring our message, and our stories, to Congress and the world.

March with Immigration Equality: March 21st in Washington, D.C.

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Wall of shame!

March 3rd, 2010

Here is a group of democrats that are holding our bill from being brought out of committee and brought up for a vote. I call it the wall of shame! They are helping in holding you up from being united with you live partner. It’s now your job to write them, and then call them and tell them how important this bill is to you. If you are out of this country e-mail them. Also tell them that you want it added onto the immigration reform bill right now! You have to keep after them its your job.
They are not signed up for being a co-sponsor for the Uniting American families’ bill. The people listed below are key in getting our bill out of committee. Also if you do try to e-mail them and you use your address and it will not go throw because you aren’t in their area, use their home states office address that’s listed on their web site. If they aren’t going to be fair why should we be, the gloves are off people!

House Judiciary Committee

Rep. Rick Boucher (D-VA-9)
2187 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING | WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515 | 202-225-3861 | 202-225-0442(FAX)
(E-mail) https://forms.house.gov/boucher/webforms/contact.html

Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN-9)
1005 Longworth House, office building, Washington DC, 20515|202-225-3265|Fax|202-225-5663
(E-mail) http://cohen.house.gov/index.php?option=com_email_form&Itemid=113

Rep. Charles Gonzalez (D-TX-20)
303 Cannon House Office Bldg, Washington DC 20515-4320 | Phone: (202) 225-3236 |Fax: (202) 225-1915
(E-mail) http://forms.house.gov/gonzalez/webforms/issue_subscribe.htm

Rep. Pedro Pierluisi (D-PR)
1218 Longworth HOB, Washington, D.C. 20515, | Tel: (202) 225-2615 | Fax: (202) 225-2154 |
(E-mail) http://pierluisi.house.gov/email.html

Rep. Mel Watt (D-NC-12)
2304 Rayburn HOB , Washington, DC 20515-3312 |Tel. (202) 225-1510| Fax (202) 225-1512|
(E-mail) http://www.house.gov/formwatt/IMA/issue_subscribe.htm use his office address in NC, 1230 W. Morehead St.Suite 306, Charlotte, NC 28208-5214

Senate Judiciary Committee

Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA)
Senator Dianne Feinstein United States Senate, 331 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510
|Phone: (202) 224-3841|Fax: (202) 228-3954|
(E-mail) http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactUs.EmailMe

Senator Ted Kaufman (D-DE)

383 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510 |tel: (202) 224-5042 |fax: (202) 228-3075 |

(E-Mail) http://kaufman.senate.gov/services/contact/

Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)

302 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 |phone: 202-224-3244 | fax: 202-228-2186 |

(E-Mail) http://klobuchar.senate.gov/emailamy.cfm?contactForm=emailamy&submit=Go

Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI)

330 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 | phone (202) 224-5653 | Fax: (202) 224-9787 |

(e-mail) http://kohl.senate.gov/contact.cfm

Nancy Pelosi Speaker of the house

Office of the Speaker, H-232, US Capitol, Washington, DC 20515 |(202) 225-0100 |

(E-mail) http://www.speaker.gov/contact/

The President

The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW ,Washington, DC 20500
(E-mail) http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact

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Don’t Get Mad, Get Even!

March 3rd, 2010

Don’t Get Mad, Get Even!

Defeat Hiram Monserrate

Hiram Monserrate is one of the 38 State Senators who voted no on the marriage equality bill on December 2, 2009. No only did he vote no, but he broke his previous commitment to support marriage equality when it came to the Senate floor for a vote.

Monserrate was convicted last year of assaulting his girlfriend, which led to his recent expulsion from the State Senate. But now he’s running to try to get back into the Senate. Our candidate in the March 16 Special Election is popular Assemblymember Jose Peralta, who has consistently voted in favor of marriage equality, transgender civil rights and other important LGBT issues.

Donate now to our campaign to get rid of Hiram Monserrate: “Don’t Get Mad, Get Even.” This is our first chance to replace an anti-LGBT Senator with a strong, pro-LGBT Senator. Every dollar that you contribute will go to making sure this shameful legislator does not return to the State Senate.

If you’re mad about the December 2 marriage vote, now is the time to get even. Join us in taking out Hiram Monserrate and electing Jose Peralta.

Replace Monserrate with Jose Peralta! Volunteer NOW!
Don’t get mad about Hiram Monserrate breaking his promise to vote for the marriage equality bill in the State Senate. Get even—NOW!

There are a number of important activities coming up this weekend and leading up to the March 16 Special Election where volunteers are critical to electing pro-LGBT Assemblymember Jose Peralta to the State Senate in Queens.

The Peralta campaign needs volunteers at their campaign office in Jackson Heights, Queens to phone bank and canvass on Saturday, March 6 and Saturday, March 13 starting at 10 AM; they also need help in Get Out the Vote efforts on Election Day—Tuesday, March 16. In addition, we will be doing our own phone banking for Peralta in the days leading up to the election.

Please contact Erin Drinkwater at edrinkwater@prideagenda.org or 212-627-0305 ext. 114 for details on any of these activities. Let her know if you are interested in phone banking and canvassing in Queens, phone banking at the Pride Agenda office, or both!

“Civil rights for all of my constituents and for all New Yorkers has always been a priority for me,” said Assemblyman José Peralta. “I have worked towards full equality for LGBT New Yorkers in my seven years as an Assemblymember, and I will be proud to continue this work as a member of the State Senate. I think my record in the Assembly demonstrates that when I take a principled stand on an important human rights issue like marriage equality, I don’t suddenly change my mind when the bill comes up for a vote.”

It’s time to get to work to elect Jose Peralta to the State Senate on March 16.

Don’t Get Mad, Get Even!

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Immigration Equality – Uniting American Families Act – Binational Gay Couples

March 1st, 2010

Immigration Equality – Uniting American Families Act – Binational Gay Couples
PLEASE GO AND VOTE

Binational couples are couples in which the partners come from different countries. Nineteen nations allow their citizens to sponsor their same-sex partners for immigration benefits. Unfortunately, the United States does not. Because of the Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman, even same-sex couples who have been legally married in U.S. states or foreign countries are not able to immigrate based on their marriage. Every day we hear from desperate couples, forced to choose between the partner they love and the country they love, which is why we are fighting to change the immigration law and end this discrimination

Immigration Equality – Uniting American Families Act – Binational Gay Couples
PLEASE GO AND VOTE

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