LGBTQ Rights, Info, News in Pennsylvania – thomascwaters.com

The Voter Suppression Bill: Voter ID will keep me from voting.

I have a Pennsylvania issued valid drivers license that will not meet the ID guidelines. I am a legal voter! The Voter ID bill is doing nothing to protect my right to vote! My partner was told that he could use his passport, but why is that? A passport has an expiration date on it but no address at all. Yet, my valid driver’s license won’t suffice? This bill in no way creates protection. Rather it creates hurdles, road blocks, and confusion.

April 25, 2012 — 2 comments — Election, general

EEOC rules that gender-identity discrimination is covered by Title VII.

I urge Pitt to get to work quickly on a thorough, fair, and comprehensive policy. While efforts are progressing, it is far from fast enough. The Pitt situation is also complex. As a university, it has students, staff and faculty all to be considered. This ruling seems to apply directly to employment discrimination, but it could have other ramifications as well.

April 24, 2012 — 1 comment — Activism, general, LGBT Discrimination: Exploring Laws and Policies, Transgender Discrimination & Issues

Election Day: Three reasons to vote.

We can not assure victory for Civil Rights by our individual votes, but we definitely guarantee that we will not see Equality for all, if we fail to do everything in our individual power, and that begins with voting.

April 24, 2012 — 1 comment — Activism, Election

Is teasing protected speech, and what about that?

I personally don’t think that to call it terrorism is too strong. And the victims- both those who live in fear as well as those who grow up believing that a climate of fear is an acceptable way to treat others- are our youth. These are our future generations, at least those who live that long.

April 24, 2012 — Comments are Disabled — Activism, American Theocracy: Analyzing the Religious Right, Election, general

Problems with the PA Voter ID Bill: the issues have only begun.

The ACLU has an interesting blog post about some of the types of real world problems faced by individuals who simply want to be able to vote. Voting, the most basic right granted to us within a democracy. Proponents of the bill say, it doesn’t disenfranchise voters because anyone who needs an ID can go and get a free one at the DMV. Conceptually, that may be true, but in the real practical world, it[Read More…]

April 23, 2012 — 1 comment — Activism, Election, general

The Transgender Law and Policy Institute

I’ve added a link in my blogroll for the Transgender Law and Policy Institute. This is a wonderful website with a ton of useful information regarding trans law and policy. Check it out!

April 23, 2012 — Comments are Disabled — Activism, LGBT Discrimination: Exploring Laws and Policies, Transgender Discrimination & Issues

Patrick Murphy is running for PA Attorney General.

As a freshman congressman, Patrick Murphy stood up for the LGBT community by leading the efforts for repeal of DADT, although his credentials as a great leader do not stop there. While many politicians might keep a low profile, he was right out there doing what he felt needed to be done and that is the type of Attorney General we need in Harrisburg right now! Please join me and be OUT at the polls and support Patrick Murphy.

April 22, 2012 — 1 comment — Election, general

Erin Molchany is running for PA State Representative for the 22nd district.

One reason why I am a big supporter is Erin Molchany’s honesty and he ability to see the big picture as well as push for individual issues.

April 22, 2012 — 1 comment — Election, general

Ed Gainey is running for PA State Representative in the 24th district.

Ed Gainey values and respects everyone’s rights, including members of the LGBTQ community, and he is ready to fight hard for passage of important legislation.

April 22, 2012 — 1 comment — Election, general

When same-sex isnt about real people.

The linked story is from the Seattle Times and describes the possibility for same-sex marriage to pass the Washington Senate, however, I was very intrigued by this quote: “The supporters of the bill determine you’re a ‘hateful bigot’ if you vote no, while the opponents question your faith and say you’re ‘turning your back on God’ if you vote yes,” Hatfield said. I wonder how we frame and work towards full civil rights by talking[Read More…]

April 22, 2012 — 1 comment — Activism, general, Same-Sex Marriage

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