QUEER QUOTE: NGLTF Acknowledges 50th Anniversary Of 1964 Cvil Rights Act

Last Wednesday, July 2 2014, was the 50th anniversary of the enactment of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, one of the key moments in the fight for equality in this country. Re Carey, the executive director of the National gay and Lesbian Task Force 9more commonly known as The Task Force) acknowledged the historical significance of the moment by sending out a press statement which is today's Queer Quote:

"Fifty years ago, President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act. It was the culmination of historic actions such as the March on Washington that we commemorated last summer. The landmark act was more than a legal remedy to the most appalling discrimination and inequality, it represented the hopes and dreams of millions of people who simply wanted to fulfill the promise of America. Today, we can celebrate significant progress, including important advances in recent days such as President Obama's upcoming executive orders to protect LGBTQ employees. But we still live in a world where racism permeates every aspect of our society; where a trans person of color can be turned away from the polling station because of their race and gender identity, where a Latino man can be profiled, stopped and frisked because of his race and presumed sexual orientation, and where millions of women — regardless of race — get paid less than their male counterparts. So, as we celebrate today, let¹s fight even harder for a tomorrow where everyone experiences true freedom and justice."

Good job, NGLTF!

ENDA Introduced in US Senate

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) was introduced in the 112th Congress today with lead co-sponsors Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Mark Kirk (R-IL).

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force sent out a press release praising the action:

Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

"An overwhelming majority of Americans know it is wrong to deprive their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender friends, family and neighbors of the ability to earn a livelihood and provide for their families simply because of who they are. They know our entire country benefits when all people are allowed to contribute their talents and skills free from discrimination. ENDA will simply help ensure everyone is allowed to participate on a level playing field in the workplace, a core value of this nation. Let's get ENDA passed. Our community has provided statistics and shared personal stories; we've seen LGBT workers lose their foothold in a struggling economy, not because of downsizing or poor performance, but solely because of prejudice. Our country can and must do better. We thank Senators Merkley, Kirk, Harkin and Collins for reintroducing this critical legislation, and urge Congress and the administration to work toward its passage."

Trans-Inclusive ENDA Introduced in U.S. House Today

Nancy Zirkin, executive vice president of LCCR flanked by

openly gay U.S. Reps Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Jared Polis (D-Col.)

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), H.R. 2981, which would prohibit employment discrimination in the United States based upon sexual orientation or gender identity, was introduced in the United States House of Representatives on Friday, but publicized in a press conference today attended by all three openly gay Congressmembers Barney Frank, Tammy Baldwin, Jared Polis and several representatives from civil rights organizations.

Rea Carey of The Task Force said:

“Today marks a critical milestone for our community and our country. Introduction of this important legislation signals the beginning of the end of a long-fought battle. For decades, a majority of people in this country have supported protecting their friends, family and neighbors from discrimination. Congress must act, at long last, this year.
“Passage of this critical legislation would help ensure that people are allowed to participate on a level-playing field in the workplace. ENDA reflects our country’s core values of fairness and equality. It is immoral to deny lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people the ability to earn a livelihood and provide for their families. People should not have to fear losing their job simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
“We are pleased that President Obama has expressed support for this legislation and expect the administration to play a role in assisting with its passage in both the House and Senate.”

Rea Carey on MSNBC Discussing Obama's DP Memo

NY Gov. Paterson Introduces Marriage Equality Bill

On Thursday New YorkGovernor David Paterson announced his introduction of a bill to end the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage at a press conference attended by openly lesbian New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, openly gay Assemblyman David O'Donnell and openly gay (and HIV+) State Senator Tom Duane.

Although Democrats control both house of the state legislature, there are a number of conservative Democrats that oppose marriage equality and do not support the legislation.