Saturday, December 27, 2008

KENTUCKY EQUALITY FEDERATION URGES THE KENTUCKY SENATE TO HEED THE ADVICE OF THE KENTUCKY COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND PROTECT LGBTI PEOPLE FROM DISCRIMINATION ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH

With Governor Beshear having reestablished protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people in Kentucky Government, Kentucky Equality Federation will be pressing the General Assembly to make such protections public law.

"Though we appreciate Governor Beshear protecting Kentucky's LGBTI population from discrimination in government, hundreds of people in the private sector are discriminated against yearly," stated Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer.

City ordinates are also in place in Covington, Lexington, and Louisville that prohibit discrimination against LGBTI people.

"Discrimination often takes place in rural areas of the Commonwealth," stated Palmer. "Discriminating against someone because of their sexual orientation or gender identity is no different than discriminating against someone for being Catholic, Mexican, or because of their age; discrimination is discrimination."

Since beginning an online complaint system in 2006, Kentucky Equality Federation has received hundreds of discrimination reports from LGBTI people in areas of the Commonwealth where it is not illegal.

"The recent nationwide rallies [including Lexington and Louisville] indicate a new level of support for equality and fairness from constituents; the LGBTI community and our heterosexual allies are more alert and engaged," added Palmer. "Smokers are protected from discrimination, yet people are not protected for being themselves, the way they are born. We urge the Kentucky Senate to heed the recommendation of the Kentucky Commission of Human Rights and add sexual orientation and gender identity as a protected class."

The Kentucky Senate is specifically targeted because non-discrimination bills routinely pass the House of Representatives, but not the Senate.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Kentucky Equality Federation supports United Nations Statement

People gathered in the state capitol rotunda on December 10, 2008 to hear Governor Steven Beshear's proclamation of Kentucky Human Rights Day on the 60th anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

Today, December 18, 2008 the United Nations General Assembly will hear a critical statement on gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender rights. The statement, endorsed by more than 50 countries across the globe calling for an end to rights abuses based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

"In 1948 the world's nations set forth the promise of human rights, but six decades later, the promise remains unfulfilled for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered community," stated Jordan Palmer, president of Kentucky Equality Federation, a member of the International Lesbian and Gay Association since 2006.

Kentucky Equality Federation issued an action alert (click here to view it) earlier this month urging Kentucky citizens to contact the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, as well as the U.S. Department of State to support the statement.

As a member organization, Kentucky Equality Federation represents the International Lesbian and Gay Association ("ILGA") in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Composed of over 600 member organizations around the world, ILGA is to this day the only international non-profit and non-governmental community-based federation dedicated to achieving equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people at the United Nations.

The draft statement condemns violence, harassment, discrimination, exclusion, stigmatization, and prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It also condemns killings and executions, torture, arbitrary arrest, and deprivation of economic, social, and cultural rights on those grounds.

So far, 55 countries have signed onto the General Assembly statement, including: Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Cape Verde, the Central African Republic, Chile, Ecuador, Georgia, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Montenegro, New Zealand, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Uruguay, and Venezuela. All 27 member states of the European Union are also signatories. The United States however, has yet to commit itself to the statement.

United Nations treaty bodies have called on states to end discrimination in law and policy. "It is appalling that the United States of America, the only superpower in the world, currently has no laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, nor does the Commonwealth of Kentucky," stated Palmer. "We are very proud however, and grateful that Governor Beshear issued an executive order prohibiting discrimination in Kentucky government, and that the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights finally has a gay member."


NOTE:
If you want to watch it live on December 18, 2008: http://www.un.org/webcast (Select the General Assembly picture below the screen)

- Print the agenda http://www.un.org/ga/third/63/ac363infdoc.pdf

You can also come back to the site the following days and look for agenda item 64(b) in the archived video for December 18, 2008: http://www.un.org/webcast/2008.html

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Kentucky Equality Federation wishes to express its sincere gratitude and appreciation to students of the Basic Public Speaking class at the University of Louisville

Kentucky Equality Federation wishes to express its sincere gratitude and appreciation to students of the Basic Public Speaking class at the University of Louisville, and its instructor.

"One student persuading their classmates to donate $1.00 to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender cause shows the impact one person can have," stated Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer. "The act means far more than the monetary value of the check; one student persuading 18 classmates to donate $1.00 to our cause is a remarkable feat."

Despite the November election, which resulted in three additional state constitutional amendments restricting marriage to be between a man and a woman and another amendment that restricted adoption to married couples, Kentucky Equality Federation believes the equality movement remains strong here in the Commonwealth, and around the nation.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer issued a statement this morning about about anti-LGBT amendments in Arkansas, Arizona, California, and Florida

As an officer, director, volunteer, and community member (of Kentucky Equality Federation and Marriage Equality USA), I wanted to thank everyone for their hard work and relentless dedication regardless of the outcome in Arkansas, Arizona, California, and Florida.

For the past couple of days, a quote from Ronald Regan continues to run through my mind: "Government is not the solution to our problems; government is the problem." Though I am no fan of Regan because of the way he handled the AIDS crisis, the quote is true nonetheless. Since the Stonewall Riots, we continue to openly fight against the unnecessary burdens and inequality placed on our community by our governments.

Remember, regardless of what happens in each individual state, we have been successful because we stood united as a community and raised our hands in protest.

We will continue to have dedication and perseverance until equality for all is established. - Jordan Palmer

Monday, September 29, 2008

Gay Rights Groups Condemn Gov. Palin's Church; Palin's Position on the Issue Sought

Kentucky Equality Federation, Kentucky Equality PAC, Marriage Equality USA, and Marriage Equality Kentucky today condemned the Wasilla Bible Church, where Republican Presidential Nominee John McCain's running mate, Governor Sarah Palin has prayed for about six years.

Governor Sarah Palin's church is promoting a conference that promises to convert gays into heterosexuals through the power of prayer. "You'll be encouraged by the power of God's love and His desire to transform the lives of those impacted by homosexuality," according to the insert in the bulletin of the Wasilla Bible Church.

Early in Palin's tenure as Governor of Alaska, she supported a bill to overrule a court decision to block state benefits for gay partners of public employees. Palin reversed her position and vetoed the bill after the state attorney general said it was unconstitutional.

The American Psychological Association in its Resolution on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation, which is also endorsed by the National Association of School Psychologists, states: The American Psychological Association opposes portrayals of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth and adults as mentally ill due to their sexual orientation and supports the dissemination of accurate information about sexual orientation, and mental health, and appropriate interventions in order to counteract bias that is based in ignorance or unfounded beliefs about sexual orientation.

Jordan Palmer, representative for the joint condemnation stated, "Homosexuality is not unique in its status as an issue some people use to justify their hatred and/or repression of others. Unfortunately, for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender ("LGBT") people, some of the people who treat them the worst are their closest friends, family members, and churches upon learning of their sexuality. This double jeopardy situation leads many LGBT to the brink of despair."

Palmer also stated, "You cannot change someone's born sexual identity; we call on Governor Palin to clearly identity her position on her churches activities."

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Marriage Stories Protect; Coalition Begins to Share Relationship Stories

Kentucky Equality Federation today announced the formation of a coalition with Marriage Equality USA, Bond Magazine, Equality Mississippi, Freedom to Marry, and other partners to encourage Kentucky's gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender ("LGBT") citizens share their personal stories related Kentucky's anti-gay marriage law and how it affects their lives.

"Six gay couples here in Kentucky have made us aware of their plans to travel to California to get married," stated Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer. "We have a place on our website they can visit to share their marriage plans with us; these couples realize once they get back to Kentucky, the Commonwealth will not recognize their marriage."

Palmer also stated this was the beginning of a long-term strategy to repeal Kentucky's 2004 constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, and that marriage should be gender neutral.

Since the California Supreme Court ruling, Kentucky Equality Federation has received 147 emails either from its primary website, or on social networking sites asking one question: "When will it be legal for me to marry my partner in Kentucky?"

"Kentucky's LGBT population is tired of constantly being on the defense; though we recognize formidable defense measures are critical, we also realize an equally impressive offense must be coordinated," stated Palmer.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Kentucky Gay Civil Rights Leader Elected to National Organization

Jordan Palmer, co-founder and president of Kentucky Equality Federation has been unanimously elected to the Board of Directors of Marriage Equality USA. Marriage Equality USA was founded in 1998 and has chapters operating across the nation.

Marriage Equality USA seeks to "secure legally recognized civil marriage for all, at the federal and state level, without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation."

Marriage Equality USA has made headlines in recent years for their fight to legalize equal marriage rights for the LGBT citizens of California, whose case is currently before the California Supreme Court arguing for the equal right for LGBT people to marry in California. Marriage Equality USA is using a 1948 court ruling (Perez v. Sharp) that overturned a law prohibiting interracial marriage, concluding the right to marry the person of your choice is a "fundamental right of citizenship."

Palmer will be working alongside an army of national activists, including celebrities who are members of the Advisory Board to the Board of Directors of Marriage Equality USA, including Jason & Demarco, Ari Gold, and Brian Kent.

Some of Marriage Equality USA's other activities to date include:
  1. The first organization (joint effort with Lambda Legal) to institute a comprehensive grass roots marriage and media training program for activists.
  2. Began the Valentine's Day/Freedom to Marry Day Marriage License Counter demonstrations across the country; same-sex couples ask for marriage licenses from their city hall and county recorder's offices.
  3. Obtained support of our Marriage Declaration from council members, clergy, community boards, mayors, and other key people throughout the United States.
  4. Sponsored the first-ever Same-Sex Wedding Expo in New York, garnering solid support from gay and non-gay businesses.

"I think Kentucky Equality Federation's strategic alliance with Marriage Equality USA, as well as my appointment to their national Board of Directors is the first step toward repealing Kentucky's 2004 anti-gay amendment, as well as garnering additional support for non-discrimination laws, hospital visitation rights for same-sex couples, and other laws to bring complete equality to Kentucky," stated Palmer.

Palmer's appointment to Marriage Equality USA's Board of Directors is for two years.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Kentucky Equality Federation and the Libertarian Party of Kentucky form Strategic Coalition Partnership

Lexington, KY -- Kentucky Equality Federation is pleased to announce the formation of a strategic coalition alliance with the Libertarian Party of Kentucky to bring equality and fairness to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The Libertarian Party is the largest of the Third Political Parties in the United States, claiming more than 200,000 registered voters and more than 600 people in public office, including mayors, county executives, county-council members, school-board members and other local officials. It has more people in office than all other third parties combined.

"We can work together to promote equality in Kentucky, we definitely have a long road [ahead]," stated Libertarian Party of Kentucky Chairman Ken Moellman.

"We're very proud and honored to be working with the Libertarian Party of Kentucky," stated Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer.

KENTUCKY EQUALITY FEDERATION AND THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF KENTUCKY FORM STRATEGIC COALITION PARTNERSHIP

Kentucky Equality Federation is pleased to announce the formation of a strategic coalition alliance with the Libertarian Party of Kentucky to bring equality and fairness to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The Libertarian Party is the largest of the Third Political Parties in the United States, claiming more than 200,000 registered voters and more than 600 people in public office, including mayors, county executives, county-council members, school-board members and other local officials. It has more people in office than all other third parties combined.

"We can work together to promote equality in Kentucky, we definitely have a long road [ahead]," stated Libertarian Party of Kentucky Chairman Ken Moellman.

"We're very proud and honored to be working with the Libertarian Party of Kentucky," stated Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

KENTUCKY EQUALITY FEDERATION QUESTIONS MIDDLESBORO DAILY NEWS ARTICLE AND CONDEMNS CO-CALLED ARYAN BASH 2008

Kentucky Equality Federation today called a newspaper article in the Middlesboro Daily News on Wednesday inflammatory and irresponsible because the veracity of the article could only be confirmed online from an ambiguous group. The article, written by Andrea Schneider, a staff writer for the Middlesboro Daily News stated the Appalachian Knights of the Ku Klux Klan and several associated groups planned to rally outside the opening of Middlesboro Little Theatre's spring production "The Diary of Anne Frank" between April 11 and April 13, 2008.

The article contained no information as to whether the reporter attempted to speak to anyone from the organizations listed, how long they have operated, or if they actually still exist in Kentucky. "The website in question could simply be operated by one person with a computer attempting to ignite the community," stated Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer.

"The Diary of Anne Frank" is the powerful story of a group of Jewish people attempting to survive the bigotry and persecution of the Nazis in Holland during World War II. Anne Frank, who was a teenager at the time, kept a diary detailing the hopes and dreams, fears and strengths, of eight people who hid from the Nazis for over two years with the help of Christian friends.

"Kentucky Equality Federation stands united with the Jewish and Black population of the Commonwealth in fighting racism and hatred," stated Kentucky Equality Federation Political Advisor James-Clifton Spires. "This type of rally and the attention it draws serve no other purpose than to re-segregate our communities; I challenge citizens in the surrounding areas to deny them an audience."

Kentucky Equality Federation condemns the so-called "Aryan Bash 2008" and believes it was irresponsible of the paper and the writer to publish an article listed by the Anti-Defamation League(R) as "the first annual event of this kind." Palmer stated that first annual events of this nature have a way of falling apart, especially since the newspaper itself stated the planned event could only be confirmed through the website of one of the groups.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Kentucky Equality Federation leads the first rally of the 2008 Legislative Session at the Kentucky Capitol

Two gay rights groups lobbied lawmakers yesterday and held a rally in the Capitol Rotunda in opposition to the proposed ban on domestic-partner benefits.

The state Senate passed the bill (SB-112) in January. The bills fate now lies in the House of Representatives.

The groups also supported House Bill 33 filed by state Representative Mary Lou Marzian (D) Louisville, which is currently in the House Health and Welfare Committee for consideration.

"It's great that our legislatures are seeing that there is a huge LGBT presence in the commonwealth demanding equality and fairness under Kentucky law," stated Jordan Palmer, President of the Kentucky Equality Federation, a statewide gay rights organization. Palmer added, "Every Kentuckian should feel embarrassed that we have a Senate who wants to micromanage public universities, and kills every bill filed to protect LGBT Kentuckians from discrimination in employment, credit, and accommodations."

After lobbying lawmakers, a rally was held in the Capitol Rotunda where spectators drew inspiration from Kentucky Senator Ernesto Scorsone, Representative Kathy W. Stein, and a local Pastor.

The University of Kentucky, whose domestic-partner benefits program was attacked by the state Senate was represented by UK Gay-Straight Alliance Chairwoman Corinne Keel.

"For the first time in the history of the Gay Rights Movement in Kentucky, we are able to show that gay Kentuckians exist in every region of the commonwealth, and they deserve the same rights and protections as their heterosexual counterparts," stated Paul Brown, Chairman of Bluegrass Fairness of Central Kentucky, a Lexington gay rights group.