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It is in the constant exercise of
freedom of expression that we maintain it in the face of those who would
restrict it ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I think it’s wrong for
the government to discriminate against people because of that person’s
sexual orientation. I think that gay men and women ought to have the
same rights as heterosexual men and women - to make contracts, to have
hospital visiting rights, to join together in marriage, and I don’t
understand why it is considered by some people to be a threat to
heterosexual marriage to allow it by gays and lesbians. Shouldn’t we
be promoting the kind of faithfulness and loyalty to one’s partner
regardless of sexual orientation? ...And the loyalty and love that two
people feel for one another when they fall in love ought to be
celebrated and encouraged and shouldn’t be prevented by any form of
discrimination in the law.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I am suspending all blood drives at San José State University on the grounds that the U.S. Federal Drug Administration’s lifetime blood donor deferral affecting gay men violates our non-discrimination policy... which says "discrimination of any kind, including … sexual orientation is an affront to the entire university community and is strictly prohibited." I am troubled the FDA has not...made progress with additional research, nor disclosed if and/or when
]they] will vote again on the deferral for men who have sex with other men. Our purpose is to respect our policy of non-discrimination and the climate that the policy is intended to create on our campus...
Lacking further action by the FDA, we are guided by the clear mandates of our non-discrimination policy. Our hope is that the FDA will revisit its deferral policy in a timely manner and we may soon be able to hold blood drives on this campus again." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-sexual and inter-sex people are... 'natural persons'...
And they should be allowed to enjoy all the rights defined by national and international human rights law and instruments." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Obviously a handful of our church leaders are still upset and would like to see the church never ordain and never baptize a gay or lesbian person... We need to refocus on more life-and-death issues like starvation, education, medical care." Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, November 2, 2007 "I will continue to labor for a church that
is welcoming and inclusive of all in every aspect of its life, governance and
ministry. In particular, this means that I will continue to champion the justice
ministry toward full inclusion of gay and lesbian persons in our church,
including their full access to all orders of ministry and the liturgical
blessing of the church on the committed, life long relationships of gay and
lesbian couples." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Gay and lesbian rights are
not special rights in any way... It isn’t special to be free from
discrimination - it is an ordinary, universal entitlement of citizenship...[like
race, sexuality is not a preference and the Constitution] protects all against
prejudices and discrimination based on immutable differences." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "A less discussed but nonetheless important issue worth raising is the issue of dealing with sexual identity. Although Ireland is making considerable progress in developing a culture of genuine equality, recognition and acceptance of gay men and women, there is still an undercurrent of both bias and hostility which young gay people must find deeply hurtful and inhibiting. For them, homosexuality is a discovery, not a decision and for many it is a discovery which is made against a backdrop where, within their immediate circle of family and friends as well as the wider society, they have long encountered anti-gay attitudes which will do little to help them deal openly and healthily with their own sexuality. So next time we shake our heads in both horror and despair when we hear of another suicide story, it is worth remembering that the answers do not lie exclusively with health care professionals or politicians. There are things we need to do and to be vigilant about as a community that cares about its citizens and especially its vulnerable young... we could and should decommission attitudes that encourage bullying of all sorts and in particular attitudes that are deeply hurtful to those who are homosexual." Irish President Mary McAleese at the International Association of Suicide Prevention Conference, August 31, 2007 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "The Assembly’s passage of this legislation represents both a personal and professional victory for me. Once the Marriage Equality bill passes in the Senate and is signed into law, I will be able to marry my partner of 26 years. Thousands of other couples like us will also be allowed not only to celebrate their legal commitment, but also to ensure that each partner, and their children, will be protected in the case of illness, death, or the difficult times from which no family is exempt. Marriage Equality is essential to the stability of New York’s lesbian and gay couples and their children." New York State Assembly Member Daniel J. O'Donnell, June 19, 2007 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Dating back to the Abolitionist movement, we in New Hampshire have a long, proud history of taking the lead in opposing discrimination. Today, that tradition continues. Today, we are taking an important step against discrimination. Today, we are acting to protect New Hampshire families. I've listened and heard all the arguments. I do not believe this bill threatens marriage. I believe this is a matter of conscience and fairness. And my view is that, it's never too soon to act to prevent discrimination. People in committed relationships should not have to worry about visiting a loved one in a hospital, or whether their loved ones will inherit their estate, or the many other legal protections so many of us take for granted. How could any one of us look into the eyes of our neighbors, our friends, or our loved ones if we continued to deny them these basic legal protections? That is why I am pleased to be here today as we further the interest of fairness, dignity and the strengthening of families." Governor John Lynch Signs Law Establishing Civil Unions in New Hampshire, May 31, 2007 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Today is truly a historic day for Oregon. This has been a long road traveled. It has taken patience. It has taken perseverance. It has taken our will to never give up on the dream of hope and opportunity for all Oregonians. And today, we can deliver that dream by ending legal discrimination once and for all against gays and lesbians in Oregon – and by extending protections and legal recognition for same-sex couples and their families... where we will succeed in affording all Oregonians the same rights and protections under the law... where we will formally recognize that diversity and equality of opportunity makes us all stronger – not weaker... where we have succeeded in upholding the values and principles of Oregon – that we are all created equal and that Oregon is a land of equal opportunity for all of our citizens... House Bill 2007 and Senate Bill 2 are two pieces of legislation that will literally transform our state from one of exclusion to one of complete inclusion." Governor Ted Kulongoski, May 9, 2007, signing bills to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and creating a new statute to provide same-sex couples with Domestic Partnerships. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"This is a proud moment for me as Governor and
an important step forward for our state. Too often, we hear stories of
couples being denied basic rights at tragic moments in their lives.
These are rights that all people in a committed relationship deserve.
This new law will establish some of the rights and responsibilities that
same-sex couples and many of our state’s families need." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "St. Patrick’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our Irish heritage. My participation in Dublin’s parade is also an opportunity to march openly as a member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender community, something we have not been able to do in New York City. I hope my participation in the Dublin march will send a message about the importance of inclusion and I hope – and believe – that someday soon Irish LGBT New Yorkers will proudly and openly march down Fifth Avenue on St. Patrick’s Day." New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, March 4, 2007 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"HELD: The New Jersey Law
Against Discrimination recognizes a cause of action against a school
district for student-on- student affectional or sexual orientation
harassment. A school district is liable for such harassment when the
school district knew or should have known of the harassment but failed
to take actions reasonably calculated to end the mistreatment and
offensive conduct. The overarching goal of the LAD is to eradicate the
“cancer of discrimination.” This Court has liberally construed the
LAD to further the Legislature’s broad remedial objectives." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I certainly don’t need to
tell those in attendance that the global HIV/AIDS pandemic is one of the most
heart-wrenching health crises the world has ever seen. HIV/AIDS is a killer that
must be stopped. While the ultimate goal is to develop a cure, we must also work
on preventative measures to halt the spread of this disease... and to contribute
to the global effort to develop safe, effective, affordable, and globally
accessible HIV vaccines. The benefits of the Canadian initiative will be
numerous. There is no doubt the development of an effective HIV vaccine is one
of the greatest scientific challenges of our time. But Canada is up to the task,
because we’re a global leader. Through today’s initiative, Canada, in
partnership with the Gates Foundation, will provide the resources necessary to
help realize this worthy goal, thus sparing millions of people from the horrific
reality of HIV/AIDS.
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"Whatever your race, religion, social or
cultural background, whether you’re male or female, gay or straight,
you’ll find professional respect in the RAF and be welcomed for who
you are and what you have to offer." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "We must recognize that many gay and lesbian couples in New Jersey are in committed relationships and deserve the same benefits and rights as every other family in this state. I believe very fundamentally in equal protection under the law and this legislation is about meeting that basic responsibility and honoring the commitments that individuals have made to each other." New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine signing legislation giving same-sex couples the right to enter into civil unions. December 21, 2006. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "We... call upon our representatives in the New York State Senate and Assembly to pass legislation ending discrimination against New York's tens of thousands of loving, committed same-sex couples by allowing them to legally marry in New York State. The July 6 decision by the New York State Court of Appeals has placed this issue squarely in the hands of the state legislature and it is now up to you to recognize the importance of marriage for same-sex couples and their children. There are more than 1,500 protections and responsibilities denied same- sex couples simply because they are blocked from marrying in New York State. These life and death protections include health insurance, joint adoption, medical decision making authority, inheritance, child custody, pension benefits, Family Court protections from domestic violence and eligibility for public support programs like Workers Compensation. The State of New York has a proud tradition of extending equal protection and civil rights to all of its citizens. The City of Rochester has also, historically, been at the forefront of struggles for equality. Whether it has been the fight against slavery, or the Women's Suffrage and Civil Rights movements, Rochester has worked diligently to secure equal treatment under the law for all Americans. We as a City have already taken important steps to protect our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens and their families. We have passed sexual orientation and gender identity and expression non-discrimination ordinances, offer domestic partner benefits to City employees, and respect marriages of same-sex couples performed in Canada, just to name a few. We are asking you to do what we cannot: guard the dignity of all New Yorkers and their families by granting them the rights and privileges associated with marriage that they so desperately need and deserve. There are those who wish to deny this access through changes in state law. We are asking you to withhold support of these efforts when or if asked and, we strongly encourage you to become a sponsor or co-sponsor of marriage equality legislation. If you cannot be a sponsor or co-sponsor, please support it and work with your respective legislative leaders to bring such legislation to a vote in each chamber early in the upcoming session." Rochester NY City Council, September 21, 2006. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possesses their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression." Thomas Jefferson, First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1801 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"HELD: Denying committed same-sex couples the financial and social
benefits and privileges given to their married heterosexual counterparts
bears no substantial relationship to a legitimate governmental purpose.
The Court holds that under the equal protection guarantee of Article I,
Paragraph 1 of the New Jersey Constitution, committed samesex couples
must be afforded on equal terms the same rights and benefits enjoyed by
opposite-sex couples under the civil marriage statutes. The name to be
given to the statutory scheme that provides full rights and benefits to
samesex couples, whether marriage or some other term, is a matter left
to the democratic process." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "In time, it is my fervent hope that eventually the entire 2257 regime as it is currently configured will be judicially characterized for what it is and always has been: an adult industry-harassing, freedom-strangling exercise in brute governmental power by those motivated by sexual ignorance, fear, and intolerance." Gregory Piccionelli, Esq.,XBIZ World October 2006 [about recently passed republican-congressional stealth legislation designed to eliminate adult entertainment] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I am proud that Connecticut was
one of the first states to legalize civil unions and remain hopeful that
we will be one of the first to enact full marriage equality...
I would have opposed the Federal ‘Defense of Marriage Act’. I
support the strengthening of any Federal non-discrimination and Federal
Hate Crimes legislation. I believe that the rights enshrined in the
United States Constitution belong to every American. Every American
should be able to walk down the street free of violence, learn in a
harassment-free environment, and work hard at their jobs without
discrimination."
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"Today's Court decision, while disappointing, is certainly not the end of this struggle. We in the legislature must continue to fight to help ensure that same-sex couples are afforded the right to marry. It is, quite simply, the fair and just thing to do. No one should be denied equality or basic fundamental protections under the law." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "I’m proud that Massachusetts continues to be a leader on marriage equality. Being part of a family is a basic right, and I look forward to the day when every state accepts this basic principle of fairness. Marriage is a solemn commitment to plan a future together, to share in life’s celebrations, to be there as a source of comfort and support to ease life’s burdens and pains. This week’s debate in the Senate affects real families with real-life struggles. When the citizens of a state have decided to recognize those families -- through their state constitution or state laws -- the Senate has no business undermining their personal, private decisions. It’s wrong to try to turn back the clock on the progress we’ve made in guaranteeing civil rights for all our people. That progress has been achieved at great cost and sacrifice, and we must not retreat. The Constitution has never been amended to discriminate any American, and now is no time to start." US Senator Edward M. Kennedy on the defeat of the Federal Marriage Amendment in the Senate, June 7, 2006
"The Constitution of the United States is an
historic guarantee of individual freedom. It has served as a beacon of
hope, an example to people around the world who yearn to be free and to
live their lives without government interference in their most basic
human decisions. I took an oath when I joined this body to support and
defend the Constitution. I will continue to fight this mean-spirited,
divisive, poorly drafted, and misguided amendment when it comes to the
Senate floor."
"We support the domestic registry proposal and urge those legislators who voted against it to
reconsider... The definition of a family is far different today from what it was years ago. This is a different society, a different
world."
"Our sexual orientation is not an incidental
attribute. It is an essential part of who and what we are. All citizens,
regardless of sexual orientation, stand equal in the eyes of our laws.
Sexual orientation cannot, and must not, be the basis of a second-class
citizenship. Our laws have changed, and will continue to change, to
reflect this principle. I want to state clearly today that the
Government is unequivocally in favour of treating gay and lesbian people
as fully equal citizens in our society."
"Unfortunately, a compromise has not been reached this year with organizers of the St. Patrick's Day Parade that would allow LGBT Irish New Yorkers to march in a way that openly celebrates our heritage and identity. Therefore, I will not be marching... New York City is the most diverse and welcoming place in the world -- it's a shame that for yet another year our...
parade won't reflect that diversity...
I continue to hope -- and I firmly believe -- that someday soon Irish LGBT New Yorkers will proudly and openly march up Fifth Avenue on St. Patrick's
Day."
"This
Court holds that Maryland’s statutory prohibition against same-sex marriage
cannot withstand this constitutional challenge. Family Law § 2-201 violates
Article 46 of the Maryland Declaration of Rights because it discriminates, based
on gender, against a suspect class; and is not narrowly tailored to serve any
compelling governmental interests. Section 2-201 bars a man from marrying a male
partner when a woman would enjoy the right to marry that same male partner. As
compared to the woman, the man is disadvantaged solely because of his sex. There
is [also] no apparent compelling state interest in a statutory prohibition of
same-sex marriage discriminating... against those individuals whose gender is
identical to their intended spouses. Indeed, this Court is unable to even find
that the prohibition of same-sex marriage rationally relates to a legitimate
state interest."
"Let
me end on a personal note. My father was watching the local news at my office
two days ago and the reporter came on to talk about my selection as Speaker. The
reporter talked about my being the first woman speaker…and the first openly
gay speaker. And without missing a beat, my dad stuck out his chest and proudly
yelled at the TV -you forgot Irish, you bum! Let me say that I am incredibly
proud that in the most diverse City in the world, that diversity is seen as a
strength - not an
impediment."
"Across the country this week, hundreds of couples will be celebrating a major milestone in their lives. They will be followed by thousands more in the coming months as same sex couples take the opportunity to gain legal recognition and protection for their relationship. The Civil Partnership Act may not be the biggest change that this Government has brought in. But, by correcting an obvious injustice, removing fear and providing security, it will change the lives of tens of thousands of people for the better. It is also, importantly, another step towards a fairer, more tolerant country. This landmark measure ends the situation where same-sex relationships were invisible in the eyes of the law, denied any recognition of their commitment. [It] helps highlight again [our] determination to create a more modern, open, fairer and democratic country. There is, of course, no room for complacency. There is still too much injustice, discrimination and unfairness. But... we can also see that, as a society and country, we continue to move in the right direction. That's a good enough reason for us all to celebrate." British Prime Minister Tony Blair, December 21, 2005
On Thursday the California Senate became the first legislative chamber in the country to approve a bill legalizing same-sex marriage by a vote of 21-15. The historic move was hailed by gay rights advocates across the United States. "This is a bill whose time has come," said Sen. Sheila Kuehl, D-Santa Monica, one of six gay members of the state Senate. "Gay and lesbian people fall in love. We settle down. We commit our lives to one another. We raise our children. We protect them. We try to be good citizens." September 1, 2005
"I
rise today in support of ...the Civil Marriage Act... in support of a Canada in
which liberties are safeguarded, rights are protected and the people of this
land are treated as equals under the law... The rights of Canadians who belong
to a minority group must always be protected by virtue of their status as
citizens. These rights must never be left vulnerable to the impulses of the
majority. We must always remember that "separate but equal" is not
equal... we all are lessened when any one of us is denied a fundamental right...
Today, we rightly see discrimination based on sexual orientation as arbitrary,
inappropriate and unfair... The people of Canada have worked hard to build a
country that opens its doors to include all, a country that respects all, a
country that demands equality for all- regardless of their
differences."
"The
County Attorney recently provided her legal opinion that it is a violation of
the Oregon Constitution to discriminate against individuals who apply for
marriage licenses on the basis of their gender or sexual orientation. This
county... will issue marriage licenses to same sex couples who request them. I
took an oath of office to uphold the Constitution of the State of Oregon. I
intend to do just that. I intend to celebrate the unions this will make
possible."
"Upon
becoming mayor... I took an oath of office to uphold the Constitution of the
State of New York. I take this oath very seriously, particularly as it relates
to my duty to conduct marriages. I firmly believe that it would be both unfair
and contrary to the New York Constitution to deny the benefits and
responsibilities afforded by marriage to same-sex couples. Two adults who decide
to make the commitment of marriage should not be denied the protections of
marriage."
"I think the actions of the president are, in my opinion, the most vile and hateful words ever spoken by a sitting president" Rosie O'Donnell, February 26, 2004
"Today the President of the United States, solely for political gain, called upon Congress to amend the United States Constitution to enshrine our second-class citizenship in the nation’s most revered document. This is a despicable new low." National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, February 24, 2004
"Pursuant
to my sworn duty to uphold the California Constitution, including specifically
its equal protection clause, I request that you determine what changes should be
made to the forms and documents used to apply for and issue marriage licenses in
order to provide marriage licenses on a non-discriminatory basis, without regard
to gender or sexual orientation" (Letter to County Clerk). "California’s Constitution is clear: discrimination is immoral, it is illegal and it is antithetical to our most cherished values – liberty and
freedom. Denying gays and lesbians the right to marry denies them more than a marriage license; it precludes millions of couples from obtaining health benefits, hospital visitation rights and pension privileges.
There is no rationale for discrimination against any individuals in California.”
"The
exclusive commitment of two individuals to each other nurtures love and mutual
support; it brings stability to our society. For those who choose to marry...
marriage provides an abundance of legal, financial, and social benefits... The
question before us is whether, consistent with the Massachusetts Constitution,
the Commonwealth may deny the protections, benefits, and obligations conferred
by civil marriage to two individuals of the same sex who wish to marry. We
conclude that it may not."
"A
citizen or class of citizens may not be granted privileges ... not granted on
the same terms to all citizens"
"No
person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of this state or any
subdivision thereof."
"The
continual effort and alarm attendant on a state of continual danger will compel
nations the most attached to liberty to resort for repose and security to
institutions which have a tendency to destroy their civil and political rights.
To become more safe, they at length become less free."
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"I don’t believe you can
stand for freedom for one group of people and deny it to others."