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TRAILBLAZING MINNESOTA STATE SENATOR ALLAN SPEAR HAS DIED
OIA Newswire
WASHINGTON – Allan Spear, who served as a Minnesota State Senator for nearly 30 years, eight of them as president of the Senate, has died at age 71. Spear was the first openly gay state legislator and one of the first openly gay elected officials in the nation.
"By living honestly and authentically, Allan Spear knocked down barriers and had an untold influence on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "Spear's courageous decision to come out inspired both LGBT and straight Americans, and today, openly LGBT individuals running and winning elected office across the country can walk on the road that he paved."
Spear's decision to publicly announce that he was gay made headlines nationally. Today, there are approximately 400 openly LGBT state legislators nationwide.
"Allan Spear served his district, state and country with honor and dignity, and he has a rightful place among the pioneers of the LGBT community," said Solmonese.
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. [10/13/08]
LAKE WORTH OFFICIALS URGE DEFEAT OF GAY MARRIAGE BAN
(Lake Worth, Florida) On Tuesday, take Worth Mayor Jeff Clemens and the Lake Worth City Commission unanimously adopted a resolution opposing the Florida Marriage Protection Amendment. > Full Story. [10/10/08]
WEST PALM BEACH URGES VOTERS TO SAY "NO" ON AMENDMENT 2
(West Palm Beach, Florida) The mayor and city commission of West Palm Beach unanimously voted this afternoon to oppose Amendment 2, the so-called "Florida Marriage Protection Amendment." > Full Story. [10/6/08]
PEPSICO, GOLDMAN SACHS AND WILLIAM C. THOMPSON, JR. RECOGNIZED FOR LEADERSHIP ON LGBT WORKPLACE EQUALITY
AUSTIN, TX and SAN FRANCISCO, CA – September 15, 2008 – PepsiCo, Goldman Sachs and New York City Comptroller and longtime ally William C. Thompson, Jr. received Out & Equal Workplace Awards (commonly known as "Outies") on September 12 from Out & Equal for advancing fair, safe and equitable work environments for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. > Full Story. [10/2/08]
PALM BEACH SCHOOL DISTRICT TO INSURE DOMESTIC PARTNERS' CHILDREN
(West Palm Beach, Florida) The School Board of Palm Beach County has agreed to extend health insurance coverage to include the children of employees' domestic partners. > Full Story. [9/26/08]
DESTRUCTIVE IKE TARGETS HOUSTON
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – September 11, 2008 – The AccuWeather.com Hurricane Center reports Hurricane Ike could cause widespread damage in Galveston and Houston area in Texas on a level not seen since Hurricane Alicia tore a path of destruction through the city in 1983. > Full Story. [9/11/08]
RECENT POLL: NOVEMBER AMENDMENT 2 VOTE TOO CLOSE TO CALL
This November, Florida voters will vote on Amendment 2, which seeks to amend the state constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman only and prohibit recognition of any other legal union that is the "substantial equivalent" of marriage. Florida law already prohibits recognition of marriages by gay or lesbian couples-the proposed amendment would write that discriminatory ban into the constitution and its broad wording would also ban civil unions and likely domestic partnerships as well. > Full Story. [9/8/08]
SPECTER OF GUSTAV ON KATRINA ANNIVERSARY
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – August 29, 2008 – Preparations to protect lives and property ahead of the arrival of Gustav continue today along the U.S. Gulf Coast on the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. > Full Story. [8/29/08]
FREEDOM TO MARRY RALLY
Freedom to Marry Rally
WHP CBS 21 Harrisburg • Feb. 14, 2008. 06:54 PM EST > Full Story. [2/15/08]
FLORIDA STATE SCHOOL BOARD SHOULD REJECT RELIGIOUS RIGHT EFFORT TO WEAKEN SCIENCE STANDARDS, SAYS AMERICANS UNITED
FLORIDA STATE SCHOOL BOARD SHOULD REJECT RELIGIOUS RIGHT EFFORT TO WEAKEN
SCIENCE STANDARDS, SAYS AMERICANS UNITED > Full Story. [2/12/08]
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