Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision in Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission:
“The Supreme Court issued a narrow ruling today limiting its decision to the specific facts of the case. The Court importantly did not rule that the Constitution gives a right to discriminate and punted that issue for another day. The longstanding principle that business owners cannot deny equal access to goods and services remains the law of the land. Today’s decision makes clear that our fight for equal rights and protection for all must continue.”
The Leadership Conference participated in an amicus brief in this case, which is available here.
Monday, June 4, 2018
Mayor Annise Parker Warns “Homophobic Forces” Will Attack Non-Discrimination Laws Following Supreme Court Ruling
“Today
is a sad day for America and especially for LGBTQ youth who have grown
up believing in the inevitable move toward fairness and justice for our
community. That path toward justice ebbs and flows, and today the
Supreme Court led us away from one of the basic tenants of American
idealism – that all are treated equally. While the Supreme Court made a
narrow ruling focused exclusively on a state agency’s treatment of a
Colorado baker, opponents of equality will use it to try and open the
floodgates. Homophobic forces will purposefully over-interpret the
ruling and challenge existing non-discrimination laws by refusing
service to LGBTQ people in even more situations – denying them dinner at
a restaurant, lodging at a hotel, or renting an apartment.
“State
and local civil rights enforcement offices are now on the frontlines in
protecting LGBTQ people from widespread discrimination, so it is
critical we pressure elected leaders to fully fund these agencies and
ensure they have the resources to push back on attempts at
discrimination. LGBTQ elected officials like Colorado State Rep. Leslie
Herod have led efforts to build up state and local enforcement agencies,
and now we need all elected officials who support equality to
prioritize these offices given today’s ruling. Our representatives must
respond.”
ACLU: SCOTUS Masterpiece Decision - What To Do Now
Today was the big day for Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado. The Supreme Court reversed the Colorado decision based on concerns specific to this case, but importantly, the Court recognized that the Constitution doesn't give businesses open to the public the right to discriminate.
People are already saying today's decision means that businesses can turn away LGBT people. It doesn't. And our laws should make crystal clear that no business has the right to discriminate against customers based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
That's why we need to support the historic Equality Act in Congress. If passed, the bill would protect LGBT people – as well as people of all races, genders, and creeds – from discrimination in key areas of life.
Sign this petition demanding that members of Congress support the Equality Act.
Most people know that discrimination against LGBT people is wrong. And yet we know all too well that it still happens today. It's time to update our federal laws to ensure comprehensive protection for LGBT people from discrimination in employment, housing, education, and access to public spaces. The Equality Act would ensure all people have the rights they deserve – for the first time ever.
ACLU Supporter, the Trump administration is fighting tooth and nail against us at every turn. But we can't let this political climate discourage and distract us from this serious issue. There's just too much at stake for so many LGBT people – and transgender people in particular. Trans people have been battling just to exist in public spaces like restrooms and locker rooms.
Tell Congress right now: Pass the Equality Act and make sure that nobody is subjected to the discrimination and pain that Charlie and Dave felt when they were turned away at Masterpiece Cakeshop.
Equality will never be real if we must fear being discriminated against because of who we are. It's time to take a giant step forward to provide additional protections to millions of people who face discrimination every day. Add your name and demand Congress pass the Equality Act now.
PFAW Foundation Statement on Masterpiece Cakeshop Decision
In response to the Supreme Court’s decision today in Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, People For the American Way Foundation President Michael Keegan released the following statement:
“It’s
clear that the Religious Right was hoping for a decision that would
transform religious liberty from a shield to protect our individual
rights into a sword that would allow them to attack the rights of LGBTQ
people. That’s not what they got. This is a narrow decision focused on
the particular facts of the particular case.
“But
while the Court refused the invitation to create a new right to
discriminate, it also failed to take a clear stand against the
discrimination that millions of people still face, including the gay
couple in this case.
“The
simple truth is that everyone should be able to live their lives
without being afraid that they’ll be refused service because of who they
are or who they love. It’s time for our nation’s laws and courts to
catch up to the public in recognizing that basic principle.”
People For the American Way Foundation joined with seven other organizations in filing an amicus brief in this case, which noted that anti-discrimination laws protect, rather than impede, religious freedom.
Log Cabin Republicans Response to Masterpiece Cakeshop Decision
In response, Log Cabin Republicans President Gregory T. Angelo issued the following statement:
When faced with the contentious issue of balancing religious freedom and LGBT equality, today the Supreme Court wisely decided to hit the pause button. There will be many on the left who will say that this ruling opens the door to rampant discrimination, and many on the right who will declare that this is a major milestone for advocates of religious liberty — but neither will be correct. The fact that Justices appointed by Presidents Clinton and Obama sided with Masterpiece Cakeshop should be an indication that there is more nuance to this decision than meets the eye. In writing for the majority of the Court, Justice Anthony Kennedy declared the ‘outcome of cases like this in other circumstances must await further elaboration in the courts’; we look forward to that day. More than anything else, the Masterpiece Cakeshop decision shines a spotlight on the glaring absence of federal LGBT non-discrimination legislation. Log Cabin Republicans remains committed to passing such protections while also honoring the religious liberty upon which our nation was founded.
Equality Federation: Masterpiece Cakeshop Ruling ...
Today the Supreme Court issued a narrow ruling in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case, and while they sided with the baker who discriminated against a same-sex couple, the ruling pertained to the specifics of this case and did not undermine our nation’s core principle that businesses open to the public should be open to all. In fact, it reaffirmed that states can pass laws protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination.
Now we must fight harder than ever to secure comprehensive nondiscrimination protections in every state and at the federal level.
Click here to tell your lawmakers to support the Equality Act!
We won’t stop until all LGBTQ people are fully empowered and represented in their communities and experience full equality in their lives. With greater collaboration and capacity, we fight back harder, stronger and more strategically - together.
NCLR Statement on the Supreme Court Decision in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission
National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) Legal Director Shannon Minter issued the following statement in response to today's Supreme Court decision:
“Today’s Supreme Court decision in Masterpiece Cakeshop is a narrow, fact-based decision that does not break any new constitutional ground or create any new exemptions to anti-discrimination laws. The Court reversed the state court decision only because it found that the record in this case indicated that the Colorado Commission’s deliberations were tainted by anti-religious hostility. Nothing in the Court’s decision would require or permit the Commission to have reached a different substantive result in protecting the LGBTQ community from discrimination.
Today's decision leaves intact the longstanding principle that states can require businesses open to the public to serve everyone, even when some businesses believe that doing so violates their religious beliefs.”
“Today’s Supreme Court decision in Masterpiece Cakeshop is a narrow, fact-based decision that does not break any new constitutional ground or create any new exemptions to anti-discrimination laws. The Court reversed the state court decision only because it found that the record in this case indicated that the Colorado Commission’s deliberations were tainted by anti-religious hostility. Nothing in the Court’s decision would require or permit the Commission to have reached a different substantive result in protecting the LGBTQ community from discrimination.
Today's decision leaves intact the longstanding principle that states can require businesses open to the public to serve everyone, even when some businesses believe that doing so violates their religious beliefs.”
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Nice To See StevieB: The Break Up
It has been close to two months since we broke up. Well… I terminated the relationship. I have felt free in a transcendent way ever since. I cannot explain how unhappy I truly was until I gathered the strength to walk away.
Okay, it wasn’t all that hard. But, after I ended it I began to realize what a time thief it was. I was somehow addicted to Facebook for all of my world information. Then… I was free. I deleted my profile and ran away. Ya’know? It was the best choice. Now, I’m sure I could blog about how the massive data sell-off that hit the news convinced me, as I am a person of mindful character. It happened around the same time and it was a small part, yet it was more about the obligations of connections to Facebook groups and friend lists. Mostly it was that I would no longer explore the web for new blogs and sites to discover. Yes, we know that blogging has long been killed off thanks to Facebook posts. Why write a page of experience when we can post on our page for our selective connections to comment? Facebook gives us a formatted list of discussions and opinions for better or worse. It is not exploring new ideas, it is tailoring your audience to your taste. It also sets up a battle field that makes us a hero to supporters whilst tearing those that dare to have an opposing opinion.
After the big delete, I find that I am exploring for my news again. I am going down nerdy rabbit-holes of nerd stuffs. Back in 2008 I had pages and pages of blogs and obscure content I followed. Did you know that Tumbr is still around??? Wow. Stunned.
Mike the roommate, who will always keep it real with me, says it’s because I get a rush of self-satisfaction (holier-than-thou) by being able to say, ”I… I don’t DO Facebook.” And, he is right about that. It feeds that special snowflake hipster that lives in side of me. He is a bitch. The old man in me says it’s nice to not bother with all that family and friend drama. Both sides are excited about exploring the web and not having it tailored and edited for me.
Bob & Dale, a Gay Love Story by a Brooklyn Filmmaker and Shot in Colorado
But there’s a growing movement to change that and elevate the voices of LGBTQ filmmakers. In fact, the Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema in Brooklyn was established three years ago to do just that. Feirstein is now preparing to graduate its first class of diverse filmmakers and they are hellbent on making film and TV more accessible for everyone, regardless of race, gender, orientation, disabilities, and socioeconomic status.
Feirstein’s first-ever graduating class includes 58 diverse filmmakers that represent the school’s dedication to diversity and showcases what happens when you match public funding with determined students and star-studded leadership. The students worked collaboratively to create 12 thesis films, which will be screened May 23 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Rose Theater at the inaugural Feirstein Film Festival.
One of the films featured, Bob & Dale, was written and directed by David Rosfeld, a graduating member of Feirstein’s inaugural class, and executive produced by Howard Rosenman, the prolific producer whose recent credits include Call Me By Your Name. Shot on location in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Bob & Dale tells the story of two elderly gay men who find a deeper love when dementia threatens their independence.
Kitten Season in Full Swing at Feline Fix!
Lauv - I Met You When I Was 18
Lauv says of the playlist, “I met you when I was 18. is
a collection of songs, a story. About moving to New York City when I
was 18 and falling in love for the first time. A story about trying to
figure out your own identity whilst being deeply intertwined with
someone else’s. It’s a story that, since I released my first song “The Other”
in 2015, has been told a bit out of order. In pieces, in fragments
& in moments reminisced, but now here it is, in it’s entirety: I met you when I was 18. not an album, but a body of work nonetheless. I hope you enjoy.”
McQueen: OUT in Theaters July 20
Experience the passion, tragedy and creative genius of Lee Alexander McQueen in the new trailer from Bleecker Street's documentary McQueen, in theaters July 20th.
Through exclusive interviews with his closest friends and family, recovered archives, exquisite visuals and music, McQueen is an authentic celebration and thrilling portrait of an inspired yet tortured fashion visionary. Directed by Ian Bonhôte and co-directed/written by Peter Ettedgui.
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Snow Patrol - Soon
This morning, Snow Patrol debut the music video for their song “Soon,” from their album Wildness. Directed by Brett Simon, who has helmed videos for every track on the album, ‘Soon’ is a poignant snapshot of Gary Lightbody and his father, who is suffering from dementia. Lightbody revealed: “Soon’ is about my dad. Three years ago he was diagnosed with dementia. I wanted to write a song that connected us both and let him know I was with him and would be always. The video we made for this (directed by Brett Simon) is me and my dad sitting together watching old home movies. Filming it with him was one of the best days I ever spent with my dad and I’m so grateful he got to share in the day and spend some time in my world. It meant everything to me.” Watch the video for “Soon” here. For more information about how music and technology can improve the lives of the elderly suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s, visit Music & Memory here.
OutServe-SLDN and Lambda Legal Sue Defense Department over Outdated Policies Denying Service Opportunities to People Living with HIV
Lambda Legal and OutServe-SLDN filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on behalf of Sgt. Nick Harrison, a veteran of two overseas combat zones who was denied a position in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps because current Pentagon policy considers service members living with HIV non-deployable, and will not allow them to enlist or to be appointed as officers.
“After serving in Afghanistan and Kuwait, I knew I wanted to become an officer in the U.S. Army and a leader for all of the great men and women in our armed forces,” Harrison said. “I spent years acquiring the training and skills to serve my country as a lawyer. This should be a no-brainer. It’s frustrating to be turned away by the country I have served since I was 18 years old, especially because my HIV has no effect on my service. It was an honor to be chosen to join the JAG Corps for the DC National Guard, and I look forward to my first day on the job.”
OutServe-SLDN is also an organizational plaintiff in this case to advance the interests of its members who are living with HIV and serving in the military. In a companion lawsuit, Lambda Legal and OutServe-SLDN are representing an anonymous service member living with HIV who the Air Force refused to commission as an officer after he graduated from the Air Force Academy, despite recommendations from medical personnel to do so.
“Nick’s situation is the perfect example of just how archaic and harmful the military policies regarding people living with HIV really are,” said Scott Schoettes, Counsel and HIV Project Director at Lambda Legal. “These oppressive restrictions are based on antiquated science that reinforces stigma and denies perfectly qualified service members the full ability to serve their country. The Pentagon needs to catch up with the 21st Century. Recruitment, retention, deployment and commissioning should be based on a candidate’s qualifications to serve, not unfounded fears about HIV. The U.S. Department of Defense is one of the largest employers in the world, and like other employers, is not allowed to discriminate against people living with HIV for no good reason.”
HIV, like migraines or thyroid disorders, is a condition managed through drug protocols that even the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs describes as readily available, simple and easy to tolerate, and that allow people living with HIV to live long and healthy lives. Furthermore, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in a letter released last September, noted that with proper treatment, a person living with HIV could suppress their viral load to undetectable levels, which results in effectively no risk of transmitting the disease. Nevertheless, despite current science and medical advancements, most service members living with HIV remain classified as non-deployable under military policies developed in the 1990’s.
“Living with HIV today is much different than it was 25 years ago. Today, with appropriate treatment, there is no reason a person living with HIV shouldn’t be able to serve in any capacity in the military,” said Carlos del Rio, MD, professor of global health and medicine at Emory University and Co-Director of the Emory Center for AIDS Research.
“Nick has every quality Americans want in a member of our armed services: dedication, intelligence, and a burning desire to serve his country,” said Peter Perkowski, Legal Director of OutServe-SLDN. “The military has spent thousands of dollars training Nick to be a soldier, a lawyer, and a leader – now they are turning their backs on him. The Air Force likewise spent tens of thousands educating Voe at one of the premier military academies in the country, yet then sent him packing. What happened to them could happen to any service member with HIV, especially given the DoD’s recent “Deploy or Get Out” policy. It is time for the DoD to come out of the dark ages, update its HIV policies and revise its thinking on the deploy or get out mentality.”
The “Deploy or Get Out” policy was announced on February 14, 2018, and directs the Pentagon to identify service members who cannot be deployed to military posts outside of the United States for more than 12 consecutive months and to separate them from military service. Because current U.S. military policy identifies service members living with HIV as non-deployable, they could face immediate discharge under this new policy.
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commers Presents Joint After Hours with Minority and Women's Chamber Coalition
This will NOT be a business expo event as it has been the past couple of years. That event will be held on August 2nd. This instead is just a business-after-hours style event with food and drink and hundreds of guests to network with.
Cost is $10 and is open to the public. Come enjoy tours of the stadium, door prizes, and great food and company!
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