Articles in z
Connecticut Ruling Overturns Ban on Same-Sex Marriage
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: October 10, 2008
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut’s Supreme Court ruled Friday that same-sex couples have the right to marry, making the state the third behind Massachusetts and California to legalize such unions.
The divided court ruled 4-3 that gay and lesbian couples cannot be denied the freedom to marry under the state constitution, and Connecticut’s civil unions law does not provide those couples with the same rights as heterosexual couples.
“I can’t believe it. We’re thrilled, we’re absolutely overjoyed. We’re finally going to be able, after 33 years, to get married,” said Janet Peck of Colchester, who was a plaintiff with her partner, Carole Conklin.
Connecticut will join Massachusetts and California as the only state to allow same-sex couples to marry.
“Interpreting our state constitutional provisions in accordance with firmly established equal protection principles leads inevitably to the conclusion that gay persons are entitled to marry the otherwise qualified same sex partner of their choice,” Justice Richard N. Palmer wrote in the majority opinion that overturned a lower court finding.
“To decide otherwise would require us to apply one set of constitutional principles to gay persons and another to all others,” Palmer wrote.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell said Friday that she disagreed, but will not fight the ruling.
“The Supreme Court has spoken,” Rell said in a statement. “I do not believe their voice reflects the majority of the people of Connecticut. However, I am also firmly convinced that attempts to reverse this decision — either legislatively or by amending the state Constitution — will not meet with success.”
The lawsuit was brought in 2004 after eight same-sex couples were denied marriage licenses and sued, saying their constitutional rights to equal protection and due process were violated.
They said the state’s marriage law, if applied only to heterosexual couples, denied them of the financial, social and emotional benefits of marriage.
Peck said that as soon as the decision was announced, the couple started crying and hugging while juggling excited phone calls from her brother and other friends and family.
“We’ve always dreamed of being married,” she said. “Even though we were lesbians and didn’t know if that would ever come true, we always dreamed of it.”
National Coming Out Day: October 11, 2008
Every Oct. 11, thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and allies celebrate National Coming Out Day. We hold workshops, speak-outs, rallies and other kinds of events all aimed at showing the public that GLBT people are everywhere.
Come Out to Family, Friends and Co-Workers
Make a commitment to be honest about your sexual orientation or gender identity to those who know you. Polls continue to show that people who know someone gay are more likely to support full equality.
Come Out to Your Elected Officials and Local Newspapers
Write letters to your members of Congress, governor, state and city representatives, and to your local newspapers in support of GLBT-friendly legislation.
Attend the Pride Conference in Anchorage
Identity, Inc. is sponsoring the 14th annual Alaska Pride Conference on Saturday, October 11, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. People of all ages, cultures, sexualities and professions attend the conference each year to strengthen ties with one another and build community.
Why October 11?
On Oct. 11, 1987, 500,000 people attended the March on Washington for Lesbian & Gay Rights. This was the second such demonstration in DC, and the first display of the NAMES Project Quilt, remembering those who died from AIDS. Four months after the march, more than 100 LGBT activists from around the nation met near Washington, D.C. Recognizing that the GLBT community often reacted defensively to anti-gay actions, they came up with the idea of a national day to celebrate coming out, to be held on the anniversary of the second march on Washington.
This Week in GLBT Alaska – 10/10/08
Check out this week’s events from Alaska GLBT News.
For full listings, news briefs and up-coming events, subscribe to AGN.
October is GLBT History Month, October 11 is National Coming Out Day, and October 13-17 is GLSEN’s 4th annual Ally Week!
Fairbanks
LGBT & Allies at UAF, 10/14, 7:30 p.m.
Anchorage
Out is In – Alaska Pride Conference 2008, 10/11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. UAA University Center Mall.
Mad Myrna’s 10th Anniversary Disco Party, 10/11, 6-8 p.m.
Body and Soul: Breast Cancer Awareness Performance Poetry, 10/11, 7 p.m. at Mad Myrna’s.
Join PFLAG Anchorage for the film “It’s Still Elementary” 10/16, 7 p.m. at Immanuel Presbyterian Church.
Craft and Chat, Thursdays 7-9 p.m. at the GLCCA.
Dear Governor Palin,
When your gay friend(s) came out to you, it was their sign of faith and hope for you as a caring and understanding person. It was their way to reach out for closer friendship, and deeper mutual respect.
Please show the same friendship and trust to all lesbian, gay, bi and trans Alaskans and sign the National Coming Out Day Proclamation.
We come out to be more honest, to be better friends, to be closer family members. Those are our family values – which your gay friends showed to you, and we hope you can now show them and all of us in return.
Sara Boesser
An out for honesty’s sake lesbian
Juneau, Alaska
Ask Gov. Palin to Reconsider our NCOD Proclamation
Gay Alaskans petitioned Gov. Sarah Palin to sign a proclamation for National Coming Out Day on October 11, but yesterday her office rejected the chance to support us. You can see the NCOD Proclamation here.
This is the note sent to Tim Stallard of Alaskans Together for Equality:
Dear Tim,
Thank you for requesting a proclamation designating October 11 as “National Coming Out Day.” Unfortunately, your request cannot be granted at this time. If you have any questions please contact the Governor’s Office at (907) 465-3500.
Again, thank you for writing and best wishes to you.
Best regards,
Jessalynn Rintala
Coordinator for Constituent Relations
Office of Governor Sarah Palin
Tim issued this call to action in response to the rejection:
The Governor’s office denied our request for the National Coming Out Day Proclamation. This was disappointing given Palin’s recent message of “Tolerance” during the VP candidates’ debate.
Please call or email to express your disappointment that Gov. Palin is not proving her “tolerance” and basic respect for gay Alaskans by signing our National Coming Out Day proclamation (which would not cost the state any money or change any state law).
The more calls they receive the louder our voice (the squeaky wheel gets the grease) and the more power they see in our (the LGBT and allies) community. Of course Power equals Respect – and we deserve that!
Gov. Palin can still reconsider signing our proclamation. I suggest calling and emailing the general number and email:
Phone: 907-465-3500
Email: governor@gov.state.ak.us
Here is Tim’s suggested email to the Governor:
Email: governor@gov.state.ak.us
Dear Governor Palin,
I was disappointed to learn that you have refused to sign Alaskans Together for Equality’s proclamation for National Coming Out Day. You have told us that you have gay friends and I appreciated your desire to voice your ‘tolerance’ for gay Americans during the Vice Presidential candidates’ debate last week.
Our proclamation would not cost the state any money nor make any changes in state law. But the symbolism of this action – rejection – in this case is (unfortunately) meaningful.
I am saddened that you have declined this opportunity to demonstrate your tolerance and basic acceptance for gay Alaskans – including your dear friends. I hope you will reconsider.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
Here is the suggested message to Gov. Palin from HRC, sponsors of National Coming Out Day:
Email: governor@gov.state.ak.us
Dear Governor Palin,
I write as an Alaskan who believes that everyone in our great state is entitled to basic dignity and respect. As you may know, October 11, 2008 is National Coming Out Day. This is a day that has been celebrated for more than 20 years, and it is an opportunity to recognize that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people are our friends, family members, neighbors, co-workers, and fellow church-goers. LGBT people are Alaskans, they are Americans, and they make important contributions, every day, to our communities, our state, and our country.
In this spirit of understanding and respect, I urge you to sign the proclamation drafted by Alaskans Together for Equality, proclaiming October 11, 2008 as National Coming Out Day. I have learned that, so far, you are refusing to take this important action. I hope that you will reconsider. Signing the proclamation would not cost the state any money and it would not make any changes to state law, but it would send a clear, and much-needed, message of inclusion.
Please sign the proclamation and tell LGBT Alaskans that they, too, are full-fledged members of our state.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your address]
Gov. Palin Won’t Sign Alaska’s National Coming Out Day Proclamation
PALIN DECLINES TO ACKNOWLEDGE “NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY”
GAY ALASKANS DISMAYED BY GOVERNOR’S REBUFF
(Juneau, AK) — Gov. Palin has declined to issue a formal proclamation recognizing “National Coming Out Day,” in Alaska. Heartened by the Gov. Palin’s positive comments about gays and lesbians in the Vice Presidential Debate, Alaskans Together submitted a formal request to acknowledge the day, which is observed on Oct. 11th internationally by members of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered) communities and supporters.
“But I also want to clarify, if there’s any kind of suggestion at all from my answer that I would be anything but tolerant of adults in America choosing their partners, choosing relationships that they deem best for themselves, you know…,” said Gov. Palin during the debate.
“Governor Palin called for ‘tolerance,’ and we hoped she’d show that type of leadership as Governor with this proclamation,” said Alaskans Together President Marsha Buck. “Coming out is difficult and deserves recognition.”
So far in October 2008, Governor Palin has issued proclamations for: “Careers in Construction Week,” “10th Annual Christian Heritage Week,” “Biomedical Technician Week,” “Alaska Taiwan Friendship Week,” “World Farm Animals Day,” “Breastfeeding Awareness Month,” and “Grand Opening of Rilke Schule Day.”
“We were asking for the Governor to acknowledge and recognize the dignity of openly-gay Alaskans. We weren’t asking for a policy position, beyond simple acknowledgement.” Buck said.
Ask Gov. Palin to Sign Alaska’s National Coming Out Day Proclamation
Please call or email Governor Palin’s office this week and ask that she sign the National Coming Out Day Proclamation submitted by Alaskans Together for Equality, Inc. It would be great to get at least a half dozen calls from across the state.
- Dial 465-3500 (Gov’s office in Juneau) and ask to speak to Jessalyn Rintala (in the Gov’s office of Constituent Relations).
- Let her know your name and where in Alaska you live.
- Ask that Gov. Palin sign the Proclamation for National Coming Out Day, which is this Saturday October 11th.
- Mention (something like) that you were pleased to hear Palin emphasize ‘Tolerance’ of gay people in the VP debate last week.
- You hope she will help promote tolerance and acceptance for gay Alaskans by signing this proclamation.
You can also email Ms. Rintala in the Gov’s office: jessalynn.rintala@alaska.gov
PROCLAMATION FOR NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY
WHEREAS, National Coming Out Day is an internationally-observed awareness day for coming out and discussion about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (“LGBT”) issues, observed on October 11 by members of the LGBT communities, their families friends and allies,
WHEREAS, National Coming Out Day was founded in 1988 to celebrate the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1987, in which 500,000 people marched on our nation’s Capital for the purpose of raising awareness of the LGBT community in America,
WHEREAS, National Coming Out Day is an effort to put real human faces on the LGBT rights movement, so that the American people become more aware that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered individuals can be found among their own families, friends, business associates, fellow church-goers, and every other part of American society,
WHEREAS, in every state of the union, the diversity of the American people is mirrored in the LGBT community, members of whom can be found in every faith, ethnic group, profession, in the military and clergy, and every age group from young people to elders,
WHEREAS, coming out has been recognized by many Americans as a vital and often life-saving step for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons, making it possible for them to be fully honest with their families, friends and associates about who they really are,
WHEREAS, coming out is an opportunity for the closeted individual to find dignity, empowerment and self-respect, as well as tolerance and loving support by other human beings, which cannot be found in the loneliness and self-denial of the closet,
WHEREAS, Alaska has its own vibrant LGBT community, which contributes richly to the vigor and diversity of this great state and is active in every area of Alaskan life, from civil rights work and HIV prevention programs, through youth support organizations like PFLAG and churches like the Metropolitan Community Church, as well as publications, businesses, and contributions in the arts,
WHEREAS, Alaska has a tradition of rugged and pioneering individualism, as well as tolerance for those who are different, going back to its earliest days as a territory, and the LGBT community of Alaska are a part of that tradition,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sarah Palin, Governor of the state of Alaska, do hereby proclaim October 11, 2008 as:
National Coming-Out Day
in Alaska, in recognition of the importance of respect for the humanity and dignity of all LGBT Alaskans living among us.
Dated: ——————, 2008
Out is In – Alaska Pride Conference 2008
Identity, Inc. is sponsoring the 14th annual Alaska Pride Conference at the UAA University Center Mall (36th Ave. and Old Seward Hwy) on Saturday, October 11, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
People of all ages, cultures, sexualities and professions attend the conference each year to strengthen ties with one another and build community.
Alaska Pride Conference 2008 offers the following workshops:
- Welcome by Dr. Fran Ulmer, Chancellor, UAA
- High School GSA Discussion Group
- Sexy 60’s – A Preview of Coming Attractions!
- GLBTQ Youth Suicide: The Facts
- Safe Spaces for Transgenders: Roundtable Discussion
- Identifying & Coping with the Impact of Religion on Gay Youth
- OOP, I Forgot to Have Children
- Hypnosis: Fun, Facts, Fiction and Practice
- Film – But Words Do Hurt: Stories of GLBT Youth
- Lunch with Performance artist Krista Bell
- Knowledge = Power = Equality: Promoting Your Rights at School
- Early Detection = Best Prevention – Breast & Cervical Cancer Awareness
- Polyamory – Love Without Possessiveness
- Transgender Myths and Truths
- Keynote – GLBTQ Youth Suicide: Increasing Support, Decreasing Risk
Registration fee includes continental breakfast, lunch, and admission to all workshops. Pre-registration: $20 adult/$10 student (download a registration form.) Register at the door: $25 adult/ $15 student.
Hosted by The Family, University of Alaska Anchorage
Come Out and Vote Video Contest
How will you Come Out to Change the Future?
October 11th is National Coming Out Day. In this crucial election year, National Coming Out Day is a chance for you to make a difference. When you Come Out, you can change the hearts and minds of those in your life; when you Come Out to Vote, you can change the whole country.
We have the right to live our lives openly and honestly and to walk down our streets without fear of hate. We have the right to equality and to live free of discrimination. We have the right to have a voice in our government. How do we gain and protect these rights? We have the right to vote. Your vote is your voice. America needs to hear you! Vote!
About the Contest
We invite you to create a short video telling the world how you will Come Out and Vote to make a difference in the hearts and minds of your friends, family, classmates, co-workers and country.
Key HRC staff will review the video entries. The winner will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. and will have the opportunity to be on XM radio’s show The Agenda with HRC President Joe Solmonese. The winning video will also be featured on HRC’s website, YouTube channel, and Facebook and MySpace pages.
Entrants must be at least 18 years old at time of entry and may submit one video during the contest period, September 15, 2008 to October 20, 2008.
Criteria
All videos must be 2 minutes or less.
Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 25.
All videos should be free of copyright materials.
The video may not explicitly support or oppose a specific candidate.
Submissions can be either by an individual or a group, and can be sponsored by an organization or corporation.
Each individual or group is limited to one submission.
All entries must be received by 5:30 PM (EST) on October 20, 2008.
How to Enter
Please fill out the entry form on the Come Out and Vote Video Contest site and submit your video.
Alaskans Help Defeat Prop 8
Alaskans Can Make a Difference in California – Help Defeat Prop. 8
I’m writing to ask you to join me in participating in a very important campaign. This time the campaign is not in Alaska, it’s in California. The campaign is to defeat Prop. 8, the constitutional amendment that would eliminate marriage rights to same-sex couples in California.
Why should Alaskan’s care what happens in California?
Simply put, it will not only eliminate the right to marry by same-sex couples in California, one of only two states in the country who have legalized same-sex marriage, but it will also be an extreme step backwards for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community’s efforts to achieve civil equality in Alaska and across the country.
A recent California field poll shows that 55 percent of likely voters are against Prop. 8. This is very encouraging and definitely a testament to the hard work that is being done in California to defeat this measure. Having been in the trenches doing this work trying to defeat similar constitutional amendments across the country, I know that these polls tend to overstate our support by at least 5 – 8 points so the race is really a statistical dead-heat.
The opposition is raising millions of dollars and has started to out raise the LGBT community and our allies by a 3-2 margin. The opposition just received another 5 million dollars from the Mormon Church. You may remember the Mormon Church and their involvement in Alaska during the 1998 campaign to ban same-sex marriage in Alaska.
The LGBT movement has a real fight ahead of it and the California campaign needs our help.
I support the No on Prop. 8 campaign because I believe that this is an unfair and divisive amendment that will have long-term implications for not only Alaska’s LGBT community but also the LGBT movement as a whole. This proposition must be defeated.
Because this is so important, I am making a $500 personal contribution to this campaign. Please join me by making a contribution today for $1000, $500, $250, $100, $50 or whatever you can afford. Whatever you can send will IMMEDIATELY be put to use to contact voters directly.
ALASKANS CAN HELP DEFEAT PROP. 8 and send a strong message to the rest of the country that every American should have the right to marry.
Sincerely,
Elias Rojas
P.S. – After donating please feel free to pass this e-mail along to your own list of family and friends so that others can support the No on Prop. 8 campaign. I have created an Alaska Fundraising webpage so we can track how much we can raise as a community to help support the campaign. Feel free to customize this e-mail and forward it to your friends. Share the following link (http://eqfed.org/equalityforall/fundraising/erojas2001-669616) so their donations can be credited to this Alaskan fundraising effort.
Related Articles:
Backers of California same-sex marriage ban are out-fundraising opponents
How Non-Californians Can Join Fight
Mormons Boost Antigay Marriage Effort
