tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61947498782890657452024-03-09T21:46:02.384-05:00Kentucky Equality Federation | Jordan Palmer | Earth Equality Alliance | Press OfficeKentucky Equality Federation Press Office. Kentucky Equality Federation, founded by Jordan Palmer, is Kentucky's largest all-volunteer grassroots lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex civil rights and advocacy organization.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger170125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194749878289065745.post-83773933822990594952020-05-19T14:28:00.000-04:002020-05-19T14:29:31.843-04:00The fault is ours<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Click on the image to make it larger. Jordan Palmer with Kentucky Equality Federation comments on COVID-19 deaths due to Trump's inaction.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194749878289065745.post-19429956791206522332019-02-15T12:49:00.000-05:002019-02-15T13:26:53.699-05:00CityPlace Expo Center will not permit gay weddings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After receiving multiple complaints related to the CityPlace Expo Center at <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=CityPlace+Expo+Center+at+112+S+1st+Street%2C+La+Grange%2C+KY&rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS790US790&oq=CityPlace+Expo+Center+at+112+S+1st+Street%2C+La+Grange%2C+KY&aqs=chrome..69i57.698j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">112 S 1st Street, La Grange, KY</a> for not permitting same-sex weddings, many venues booking websites have also exercised their right to remove them because of their discriminatory policy.<br />
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“The issue for the Kentucky Equality Federation is that the Oldham County Chamber & Economic Development offices (<a href="http://www.oldhamcountychamber.com/">www.oldhamcountychamber.com</a>) are also located at the CityPlace Expo Center <i>(Oldham County Chamber of Commerce)</i>, and we will not tolerate tax dollars funding discrimination,” stated <a href="https://kentuckyequality.org/" target="_blank">Kentucky Equality Federation</a> and <a href="http://earthequality.org/" target="_blank">Earth Equality Alliance</a> Secretary-General Jordan Palmer.<br />
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Owned by The Rawlings Foundation, doing business as The Rawlings Group (<a href="http://www.rawlingsgroup.com/">www.rawlingsgroup.com</a>), the CityPlace Exhibition and Convention Center claim:<br />
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The CityPlace Exhibition and Convention Center has been developed for economic expansion and to help provide a vision of the great potential that can be realized for the Oldham County and Louisville area. </blockquote>
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Palmer continued: "A true follower of Christ, who is pure of heart, would never discriminate against anyone. It is forbidden. Even if they do not agree with behavior or actions, you still love the person unconditionally. That is the true meaning of Christianity and yet as a society, we continue to find ways to forsake people or discriminate against them in defiance of the teachings of Christ.<br />
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The constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky gives everyone the right to <a href="https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/Law/Constitution/Constitution/ViewConstitution?rsn=7" target="_blank">religious freedom</a>, meaning they may worship in any manner they see fit, and whatever deity they see fit. In the 1990’s however, Congress opened a Pandora’s box when it started tampering with religious freedom to justify discrimination. Although this was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court as beyond federal authority, decades later, the lawmakers in the several states started passing similar laws.<br />
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Today we look to other nation-states for civil rights, such as Canada, not only for accepting refugees but for equality. Last year the Canadian Supreme Court ruled in favor of denying accreditation to a university for banning students who have had sex outside of marriage or gay sex. With a ruling heard around the World, the Canadian Supreme Court correctly ruled that protecting students from discrimination trumped religious freedom."<br />
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To be fair, the Kentucky Equality Federation contacted Oldham County Chamber & Economic Development Executive Director David Bizianes who issued this statement:<br />
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<i>CityPlace Expo Center is owned and operated by The Rawlings Foundation. Our organization, Oldham Chamber & Economic Development, does not set the policies of CityPlace and does not use tax dollars to support any organization. </i></blockquote>
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<i>While our offices and resources are housed in CityPlace, our Chamber was invited to be there as a guest at no cost and yet remains a completely autonomous entity. All are welcome to take advantage of Chamber programming, attend Chamber events and join Chamber membership.</i></blockquote>
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The Kentucky Equality Federation and its allies <b>demand</b> the CityPlace Expo Center clearly stated on their website that same-sex marriages are not permitted as well as the religious justification for it.<br />
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Palmer continued: "The CityPlace Expo Center cannot claim religious discrimination if they live by the New Testament, and they must unless they are all Jewish (who still, would never discriminate because our people lived together in concentration camps at the hands of the Nazi).<br />
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So, by 'religious justification' I want to be clear, it is our opinion they may not claim religious freedom if they host weddings to people who are divorced and marrying again <i>(except as outlined in Matthew 19:3-12)</i>.<br />
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In the New Testament, monitoring and proscribing homosexual activity is not a particular concern of the Bible when compared to the overarching demand for justice, economic equality, and the fair treatment of foreigners, strangers, and caring for the widowed.<br />
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As soon as we have someone who will come forward who is divorced and being married again at The CityPlace Expo Center we will challenge the law just as this Federation did with Kentucky’s same-sex marriage ban, <a href="http://community.kyequality.org/2013/09/kentucky-equality-federation-sues.html" target="_blank">which we won in Franklin Circuit Court</a>."<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2La Grange, KY, USA38.4075666 -85.37884680000001938.3080191 -85.540208300000018 38.5071141 -85.217485300000021tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194749878289065745.post-10598189725279573482018-05-11T18:56:00.000-04:002018-05-11T18:56:20.905-04:00Kentucky Equality Federation's Jordan Palmer slams the Kentucky State Police and Kentucky Child Protective Services<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>LEXINGTON, KY --</b> The Kentucky Equality Federation, Marriage Equality Kentucky, and other subordinate non-government organizations, as well as ILGA, and the Earth Equality Alliance are investigating the events that happened to OMITTED PER KENTUCKY LAW. OMITTED PER KENTUCKY LAW, a minor, date of birth OMITTED PER KENTUCKY LAW, on the 23rd day of December 2017.<br />
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After an investigation, this Federation is in agreement that the KSP and DCBS violated her civil rights and placed her in additional danger by ignoring KRS § 620.010, KRS § 620.030, KRS § 620.040(5)(c), and KRS § 620.050(14).<br />
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Secretary-General Jordan Palmer has worked closely with the KSP in hate crimes, school bullying, discrimination, harassing communications, sexual assault, and other problems for 14 years. However, the Kentucky State Police, the Department of Community Based Services, and the Department of Protective Services not taking rape allegations seriously cannot be overlooked.<br />
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Instead of taking the victim for medical examination, the victim was forced to damage a police cruiser to avoid being placed back in the home of abuse. The victim was then transported from Letcher to Breathitt County, again, without medical examination or medical treatment.<br />
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At no time was the victim offered medical assistance, advice, counseling, or any humane help in any fashion to address her report of rape. Thus, denying a physician the opportunity to protect the minor under KRS § 620.040(5)(b).<br />
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The KSP then has the audacity to charge the minor with damaging a KSP automobile when she had no other choice since her pleas for help were not being addressed. Instead of returning to the house of abuse, the minor decided to damage to Trooper’s automobile and risk jail because her pleas had been ignored.<br />
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The actions of the KSP and the DCBS completely invalidate the criminal act of any citizen of this Commonwealth for failure to report child abuse under KRS § 620.990(1).<br />
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Even though the Commonwealth complied with our demand that all charges against the minor be dismissed, the Kentucky Equality Federation demands the KSP and the DCBS conduct an internal review of policies and procedures related to rape victims across the Commonwealth and assure this Federation each KSP Post and each DCBS Office have been alerted to the proper handling of rape allegations and the need for immediate medical treatment, including a complete sexual offense evidence collection (SOEC) kit <b><u>no later than June 30, 2018.</u></b><br />
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“Children have certain fundamental rights which must be protected and preserved, including but not limited to, the rights to adequate food, clothing and shelter; the right to be free from physical, sexual or emotional injury or exploitation; the right to develop physically, mentally, and emotionally to their potential; and the right to educational instruction and the right to a secure, stable family. KRS § 620.010 It also shall be declared to be the policy of this Commonwealth that all efforts shall be directed toward providing each child a safe and nurturing home. KRS § 600.010(b).”</blockquote>
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"Without mincing words, the Commonwealth has without a doubt, failed miserably," said Secretary-General Jordan Palmer.<br />
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Palmer continued: "You are hereby requested and required to remedy the situation by the date given before another child remains in danger because agents of the Commonwealth are not protecting its citizens.<br />
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<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/education/wp/2018/04/14/kentucky-governor-claims-that-children-were-raped-used-drugs-while-teachers-protested/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.3e7444535249" target="_blank">Governor Matt Bevin</a> assured the citizens of Kentucky that '<i>educators exposed some of the hundreds of thousands of children to sexual assault and drug use by walking out of class</i>' during the Kentucky teacher's rally in Frankfort, yet this is proof that is happening on his watch, with his executive cabinets even when it is reported.<br />
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We speak for the victim, and this federation will continue to comply with the wishes of the minor and her grandmother who now has custody of the minor."</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1Lexington, KY, USA38.0405837 -84.5037164000000337.640337699999996 -85.149163400000035 38.4408297 -83.858269400000026tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194749878289065745.post-53007672013677745252018-02-14T03:30:00.003-05:002018-02-14T03:30:48.271-05:00Kentucky Equality Federation ads Jamie Feltner to board and investigation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The Kentucky Equality Federation today confirmed that Jamie Feltner of Manchester, KY had been added to its board of directors. <br />
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Mr. Feltner and his husband, Josh Melton, contacted the Kentucky Equality Federation when their landlord evicted them for being gay and made headlines across the Commonwealth and the U.S. Midwest.
The case remains under investigation by the FBI.<br />
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"We are very pleased to have Mr. Feltner added to our <a href="http://kentuckyequality.org/about/leadership/">Board</a> and as our investigative coordinator," stated Founder, Senior Activist, and Secretary-General Jordan Palmer. "I know he will be a great asset to our team and enhance the visibility of the Federation."</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194749878289065745.post-20137543925822175032017-11-30T13:03:00.000-05:002017-12-01T07:57:42.835-05:001 in 4 LGBTI people report discrimination in 2016 - SPECIAL REPORT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4URtVMCfdb42KHXn3TN087ZmgLreg4FNv_tNZH6BBEShyphenhyphenoJCEXdB8wcL8Hbs3gifJSGxRuJlUX3OrXj2WqkhpZcMvNzAsBDW7rvT411T4SW3nKWYdrVd9E8o7mIA7PIs9I01gb3hTpo/s1600/Ambassadors-of-Goodwill-Jordan-Palmer-Secretary-General+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="211" data-original-width="325" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4URtVMCfdb42KHXn3TN087ZmgLreg4FNv_tNZH6BBEShyphenhyphenoJCEXdB8wcL8Hbs3gifJSGxRuJlUX3OrXj2WqkhpZcMvNzAsBDW7rvT411T4SW3nKWYdrVd9E8o7mIA7PIs9I01gb3hTpo/s200/Ambassadors-of-Goodwill-Jordan-Palmer-Secretary-General+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
A disturbing report was issued by the Center for American Progress about LGBTI discrimination. 1 in 4 LGBT people report experiencing discrimination in 2016.<br />
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"This is clearly unacceptable and we must eliminate the <a href="http://community.kyequality.org/2013/03/kentucky-equality-federation-condemns.html" target="_blank">Kentucky Religious Freedom Act</a>. We call on the Kentucky Supreme Court to overturn this legislation which is effectively a <a href="http://community.kyequality.org/2013/03/kentucky-house-override-governors-veto.html" target="_blank">license to discriminate</a>," stated Jordan Palmer, secretary-general of Kentucky Equality Federation, Marriage Equality Kentucky, Southeastern Kentucky Stop Hate Group, Be Proud - Western Kentucky, Kentucky HIV Advocacy Campaign, Kentucky Equal Ballot Access, and others combined together in the Earth Equality Alliance.<br />
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Over the past decade, the nation has made unprecedented progress toward LGBTI equality. But to date, neither the federal government nor most states (including the Commonwealth of Kentucky - <a href="http://kentucky.gov/">http://kentucky.gov</a>) have explicit statutory nondiscrimination laws protecting people on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. LGBTI people still face widespread discrimination: <b>Between 11 percent and 28 percent of LGBTI workers report losing a promotion simply because of their sexual orientation, and 27 percent of transgender workers report being fired, not hired, or denied a promotion in the past year.</b> Discrimination also routinely affects LGBTI people beyond the workplace, sometimes costing them their homes, access to education, and even the ability to engage in public life.<br />
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<b>Data from a nationally representative survey of LGBTI people conducted by CAP shows that 25.2 percent of LGBTI respondents <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="310460ce-57ba-4276-9ca3-2454aa7df62b" id="0f996f47-8480-4797-b6e7-4dc1b5aeaec2">has<gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="b34a9306-1334-4f13-a1a5-c968408a53c3" id="7038cd89-f1f4-4502-9a7c-236d23d298be"> experienced</gs></gs> discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity in the past year.</b> The January 2017 survey shows that, despite progress, in 2016 discrimination remained a widespread threat to LGBTI people’s well-being, health, and economic security.<br />
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Among people who experienced sexual orientation- or gender-identity-based discrimination in the past year:<br />
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<li>68.5 percent reported that discrimination at least somewhat negatively affected their psychological well-being. </li>
<li>43.7 percent reported that discrimination negatively impacted their physical well-being. </li>
<li>47.7 percent reported that discrimination negatively impacted their spiritual well-being. </li>
<li>38.5 percent reported discrimination negatively impacted their school environment. </li>
<li>52.8 percent reported that discrimination negatively impacted their work environment. </li>
<li>56.6 <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="6e0b9f10-9339-451d-88c5-9959c460a4e2" id="f0f193c7-3546-48fa-ae24-fbaddef9506a"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="a843e72b-5112-47ae-bcd0-4eb84290c3c9" id="ebcad00b-5eed-4ba2-908a-cf5267a6202d">report</gs></gs> it negatively impacted their neighborhood and community environment. </li>
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<b>Unseen harms</b><br />
LGBTI people who don’t experience overt discrimination, such as being fired from a job, may still find that the threat of it shapes their lives in subtle but profound ways. David M., a gay man, works at a Fortune 500 company with a formal, written nondiscrimination policy. “I couldn’t be fired for being gay,” he said. But David went on to explain, “When partners at the firm invite straight men to squash or drinks, they don’t invite the women or gay men. I’m being passed over for opportunities that could lead to being promoted.”<br />
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“I’m trying to minimize the bias against me by changing my presentation in the corporate world,” he added. “I lower my voice in meetings to make it sound less feminine and avoid wearing anything but a black suit. … When you’re perceived as feminine—whether you’re a woman or a gay man—you get excluded from relationships that improve your career.”<br />
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David is not alone. Survey findings and related interviews show that LGBTI people hide personal relationships, delay health care, change the way they dress, and take other steps to alter their lives because they could be discriminated against.<br />
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Maria S., a lesbian who lives in North Carolina, described a long commute from her home in Durham to a different town where she works. She makes the drive every day so that she can live in a city that’s friendly to LGBTI people. She loves her job, but she’s not out to her boss. “I wonder whether I would be let go if the higher-ups knew about my sexuality,” she says.<br />
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CAP’s research shows that stories such as Maria’s and David’s are common. The below table shows the percentage of LGBTI people who report changing their lives in a variety of ways in order to avoid discrimination.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBOj_VF4bmUQpWdE5CLVr-nK7QbGknN3idFce4zoeLjDBW2furWbLTPLE-AXmApfIoylDy-aXULGFlN5Fn2eu2ePVLiT4ckfS9tport52YhyphenhyphenZ9NQLoa2piA4BXtCY9aS3wn2XgT1ALfk/s1600/LGBTFearofDiscrimination-WEB-table1-6931.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Click to make larger." border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="693" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBOj_VF4bmUQpWdE5CLVr-nK7QbGknN3idFce4zoeLjDBW2furWbLTPLE-AXmApfIoylDy-aXULGFlN5Fn2eu2ePVLiT4ckfS9tport52YhyphenhyphenZ9NQLoa2piA4BXtCY9aS3wn2XgT1ALfk/s640/LGBTFearofDiscrimination-WEB-table1-6931.png" title="Click to make larger." width="462" /></a></td></tr>
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As Table 1 shows, LGBTI people who’ve experienced discrimination in the past year are significantly more likely to alter their lives for fear of discrimination, even deciding where to live and work because of it, suggesting that there are lasting consequences for victims of discrimination. Yet findings also support the contention that LGBTI people do not need to have experienced discrimination in order to act in ways that help them avoid it, which is in line with empirical evidence on a component of minority stress theory: expectations of rejection.<br />
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Not only can <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="08520e2c-981b-4256-9d9c-20eb3aa82abf" id="e270f384-645e-4f3a-8893-bc0b04952b68"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="1213b817-21c1-4b6c-82a0-d49f8f752b88" id="94867b01-e0a0-41f2-8de6-eb4f027f2208">threatened</gs></gs> discrimination bar LGBTI people from living authentically—it can also deny them material opportunities. Rafael J.<gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="4c07eb01-b013-4245-aac2-6aa4c615fa34" id="1ff68259-ed54-4e95-b4b0-c10a06a158b9"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="6a82c498-c6a4-4b35-ba7a-201dbefe689c" id="d948c116-48a4-4dd4-be93-c5a176c45c5c">,</gs></gs>* a gay student in California, told CAP that he “decided to apply to law schools only in LGBTI-safe cities or states,” denying him <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="4c07eb01-b013-4245-aac2-6aa4c615fa34" id="6048ccd1-9721-4839-8ee7-1973803d83a3"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="6a82c498-c6a4-4b35-ba7a-201dbefe689c" id="6320e3ef-7574-4ea1-aa12-042164c3f4c4">the opportunity pursue</gs></gs> his graduate education at schools he might otherwise have applied to. “I did not think I would be safe being an openly gay man,” he said. “Especially a gay man of color, in some places.”<br />
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<b>Unique vulnerabilities in the workplace</b><br />
Within the LGBTI community, people who were vulnerable to discrimination across multiple identities reported uniquely high rates of avoidance behaviors.<br />
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In particular, LGBTI people of color were more likely to hide their sexual orientation and gender identity from employers, with 12 <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="56ddebc3-dc4d-4bee-9082-9f68f786eb11" id="0ee26710-d72f-4f41-b659-1aa273d181c5"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="5223eaac-4074-433a-82b3-fc50e8fe3b89" id="3997f72b-7ae4-4ee1-b9f3-d20f99baacc8">percent removing</gs></gs> items from their resumes—in comparison to 8 percent of white LGBTI respondents—in the past year.<br />
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Similarly, 18.7 percent of 18- to 24-year-old LGBTI respondents reported removing items from their resumes—in comparison to 7.9 percent of 35- to 44-year-olds.<br />
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Meanwhile, 15.5 percent of disabled LGBTI respondents reported removing items from their resume—in comparison to 7.3 percent of <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="19dde24a-1ba6-4445-b197-e14e5fab4ffa" id="a0e2cb2b-d301-4e97-9503-1b6afa85d740"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="8db2abe2-a08e-47b1-9fec-b18f9c7176c8" id="779882cb-653d-4cd3-964b-3ec3e01989ac">nondisabled</gs></gs> LGBTI people. This finding may reflect higher rates of unemployment among people of color, disabled people, and young adults; it may also reflect that LGBTI people who could also face discrimination on the basis of their race, youth, and disability feel uniquely vulnerable to being denied a job due to discrimination, or a combination of factors.<br />
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<b>Unique vulnerabilities in the public square</b><br />
Discrimination, harassment, and violence against LGBTI people—especially transgender people—has always been common in places of public accommodation, such as hotels, restaurants, or government offices. The 2015 United States Transgender Survey found that, among transgender people who visited a place of public accommodation where <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="8f7dedab-5dd8-4836-8164-7da75ba14c71" id="ac2ec7d2-0dc9-4571-90d2-9e3181faadb3"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="f9ede65e-ef70-4962-9dd2-e08c1b550f45" id="b823a8c8-a90d-485b-a1d6-fe841aca84b6">staff</gs></gs> knew or believed they were transgender, nearly <a href="http://www.transequality.org/sites/default/files/docs/usts/Executive%20Summary%20-%20FINAL%201.6.17.pdf" target="_blank">one in three</a> experienced discrimination or harassment—including being denied equal services or even being physically attacked.<br />
<br />
<gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="02bd17fe-e2d3-4a6c-a158-29d34211e36d" id="b7f1bcc6-67a0-44a9-8de0-32b5b8aa1b7c"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="3c0325c1-1ec5-43b4-9995-fd0098d6acdc" id="8461c7c3-d4b4-46d6-90ef-7f5b7a65630d">In</gs></gs> March 2016, then North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed H.B. 2 into law, which mandated anti-transgender discrimination in single-sex facilities—and began an unprecedented attack on transgender people’s access to public accommodations and <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="16b8882e-9f6d-4c6e-9cff-bc004af137be" id="facfb4b1-c640-42d1-967e-c013ff7f3759"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="ccbd0530-61cb-4db5-bb22-f2ae015a8813" id="3a1647d7-b492-4d7e-a1e5-623734ee0997">ability</gs></gs> to participate in public life.<br />
<br />
That year, more than <a href="https://www.aclu.org/other/past-lgbt-nondiscrimination-and-anti-lgbt-bills-across-country#antitransbills" target="_blank">30 bills specifically targeting transgender people’s access to public accommodations were introduced in state legislatures across the country</a>. This survey asked transgender respondents whether they had avoided places of public accommodation from January 2016 through January 2017, during a nationwide attack on transgender people’s rights.<br />
<br />
Among transgender survey respondents:<br />
<ul>
<li>25.7 percent reported avoiding public places such as stores and restaurants, versus 9.9 percent of <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="7eb88744-9a8b-4903-93cd-ec170abe42ac" id="393df917-6062-4427-8242-8cf63b8971e5"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="5ce32972-aae5-438b-b4dd-8a0ecea36bd0" id="757f6eef-4c4a-41ac-bf6f-5037b0908b0e">cisgender</gs></gs> LGBTI respondents </li>
<li>10.9 percent reported avoiding public transportation, versus 4.1 percent of <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="f997fddc-57da-4d43-a8a8-cd5a6ad98790" id="70f9f101-5e21-42bd-9876-8eafa5d6e370"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="ccd03aa5-4154-4506-9f6d-62e403639b11" id="a85e3be5-0245-4817-a156-46b303d072f8">cisgender</gs></gs> LGBTI respondents </li>
<li>11.9 percent avoided getting <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="d7ad61cf-9e91-465a-a979-83124670bbf2" id="02eece59-85ea-42bc-965c-afef168027b7"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="88779999-ca5a-4450-bbdf-f2a38fe31347" id="14443f5e-91e3-4f86-82fc-ad7ac6443d85">services</gs></gs> they or their family needed, versus 4.4 percent of <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="d7ad61cf-9e91-465a-a979-83124670bbf2" id="9f21e48d-1075-4e8e-8146-aed4f7d1cba2"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="88779999-ca5a-4450-bbdf-f2a38fe31347" id="549f6dd1-fad1-42a2-abec-3d0681182f40">cisgender</gs></gs> LGBTI respondents </li>
<li>26.7 percent made specific decisions about where to shop, versus 6.6 percent of <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="277a0dad-cd38-4f2b-806b-a64491c84964" id="da50bddd-3f09-492c-b7c7-3959da949a0e"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="de8fdaa7-9608-4556-9b6f-a5011edd2d5b" id="dedb4b31-2dc8-40bc-8bfc-8ee30236a0fe">cisgender</gs></gs> LGBTI respondents These findings suggest that ongoing discrimination in public accommodations pushes transgender people out of public life, making it harder for them to access key services, use public transportation, or simply go to stores or restaurants without fear of discrimination. </li>
</ul>
<br />
Disabled LGBTI people were also significantly more likely to avoid public places than their <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="70087af8-3f0f-49f5-b9e2-e5fb98f0eb4f" id="c466f25e-2620-4a18-9fee-3c6921ec6fad"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="9010e64c-4eac-4e46-8100-d23f6a307d71" id="82de8366-3412-41ad-9169-46d003ab2c50">nondisabled</gs></gs> LGBTI counterparts. Among disabled LGBTI survey respondents, in the past year:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>20.4 percent reported avoiding public places such as stores and restaurants, versus 9.1 percent of <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="68170d6d-c819-483c-ab3b-a9eef4445d5b" id="ca974548-69a7-436f-8c81-c7c3cf60b01d"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="1488562b-1ba6-4995-b54a-56ed5305ff05" id="241db80f-0f69-4f8a-bf19-4120237855b4">nondisabled</gs></gs> LGBTI respondents</li>
<li>8.8 percent reported avoiding public transportation, versus 3.6 percent of <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="d0f8f6b8-3882-479c-bb66-6eb4875dd2da" id="da343a11-10ab-4b62-a492-5ebf0685faf4"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="664a3cd4-7f9c-471f-80ca-a0f6c5e470a6" id="84e1f0b8-0e64-4ebb-8d7c-c6ac5429f684">nondisabled</gs></gs> LGBTI respondents</li>
<li>14.7 percent avoided getting <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="4e4b838b-de38-4d5b-8d34-428f1f95a6ce" id="3d6d1f91-8706-4bcd-88a7-b7f49ab69dfe"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="5342e984-8d32-4a1b-9f48-984e5741983a" id="1d9d6d76-5ae7-4231-8cd4-ff6cd93ee5a2">services</gs></gs> they or their family needed, versus 2.9 percent of <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="4e4b838b-de38-4d5b-8d34-428f1f95a6ce" id="8ca91493-5de4-4dd1-ad00-64e6adc98c2e"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="5342e984-8d32-4a1b-9f48-984e5741983a" id="a74f3efe-4622-4908-9e5c-865e73cfde97">nondisabled</gs></gs> LGBTI respondents</li>
<li>25.7 percent made specific decisions about where to shop, versus 15.4 percent of <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="f779ff76-5909-473e-b5fc-6e17d9453d81" id="e1704a1d-20fc-41e0-97d0-80d2d7b4d08d"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="5598e17b-4a36-4311-89d4-2084cdd6f71f" id="f81b812e-400e-4741-aa84-5e046e66cd3c">nondisabled</gs></gs> LGBTI respondents</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
This is likely because, in addition to the risk of anti-LGBTI harassment and discrimination, LGBTI people with disabilities contend with inaccessible public spaces. For example, many transit agencies <a href="http://www.civilrightsdocs.info/pdf/transportation/final-transportation-equity-disability.pdf" target="_blank">fail to comply</a> with <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="a12dea6a-4ff8-48f9-a5cc-81c7a369e843" id="3d87baa0-0481-4987-81f8-2a27531d5011"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="cde164c2-7d8f-4804-a8e6-6fd6728cec34" id="f63bd96e-c18c-4b02-812c-604bba779d34">Americans</gs></gs> with Disabilities Act, or ADA, requirements that would make public transportation accessible to people with visual and cognitive disabilities.<br />
<br />
<b>Unique vulnerabilities in health care </b><br />
In 2010, <a href="http://www.lambdalegal.org/publications/when-health-care-isnt-caring" target="_blank">more than half</a> of LGBTI people reported being discriminated against by a health care providers and more than 25 percent of transgender respondents reported being refused medical care outright. Since then, LGBTI people have gained protections from <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="1531880e-9ca1-4ff0-98ab-f1f09d134498" id="9907bdb3-7a8b-4b80-80d3-7b20990cf8f4"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="552f4e7e-d2e8-4581-84aa-47f5fb6cfb65" id="483f418a-3020-4b72-9f58-9c11a510229a">health care</gs></gs> discrimination—most notably, <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/2016-06-07-section-1557-final-rule-summary-508.pdf" target="_blank">regulations stemming from the Affordable Care Act</a>, or ACA, have prohibited federally funded hospitals, providers, and insurers from discriminating against LGBTI patients. Despite progress, LGBTI people, and transgender people in particular, remain vulnerable to healthcare discrimination: In 2015, <a href="http://www.transequality.org/sites/default/files/docs/usts/Executive%20Summary%20-%20FINAL%201.6.17.pdf" target="_blank">one-third of transgender people</a> who saw a health care provider reported “at least one negative experience related to being transgender.” These negative experiences included being refused treatment or even being physically assaulted. Transgender people of color and people with disabilities <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="1c88e6bd-f78e-4d66-bead-bf263bb46b19" id="0ff7ba95-11b8-476b-aad9-3e59cc38477a"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="e2576af2-e753-430a-8481-53eeba31f94b" id="14dafb77-1070-4049-951e-56dbc0c4e5d6">reported <a href="http://www.transequality.org/sites/default/files/docs/usts/Executive%20Summary%20-%20FINAL%201.6.17.pdf" target="_blank">particularly</a></gs><a href="http://www.transequality.org/sites/default/files/docs/usts/Executive%20Summary%20-%20FINAL%201.6.17.pdf" target="_blank"></a></gs><a href="http://www.transequality.org/sites/default/files/docs/usts/Executive%20Summary%20-%20FINAL%201.6.17.pdf" target="_blank"> high rates of discrimination <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="1c88e6bd-f78e-4d66-bead-bf263bb46b19" id="4604ab7c-df6c-4bb5-8bdb-15e6400a0bc6"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="e2576af2-e753-430a-8481-53eeba31f94b" id="bc500d4c-467c-4de2-bf5c-0d0efdfcdb94">from</gs></gs> health care providers</a>.<br />
<br />
Unsurprisingly, people in these vulnerable groups are especially likely to avoid doctor’s offices, postponing both preventative and needed medical care:<br />
<ul>
<li>23.5 percent of transgender respondents avoided doctors’ offices in the past year, versus 4.4 percent of <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="36a21093-154f-4bab-81a9-645676b95a35" id="b32a2969-ab35-4756-84a0-49b366cbd002"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="9d9df8e6-d548-4491-a889-34b17d3455d2" id="ddf371b3-0c0e-4daa-971d-7d4f8c3bcc87">cisgender</gs></gs> LGBTI respondents </li>
<li>13.7 percent of disabled LGBTI respondents avoided doctors’ offices in the past year, versus 4.2 percent of <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="6b5ab8b6-60cf-4a83-a129-22935e950bb0" id="d3a7a570-cb01-429e-b296-07862a6f8afd"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="c8215b88-edae-44ed-a648-05390af56b2f" id="7fef4599-2e64-47fc-8d48-95c68b7e4912">nondisabled</gs></gs> LGBTI respondents </li>
<li>10.3 percent of LGBTI people of color avoided doctors’ offices in the past year, versus 4.2 percent of white LGBTI respondents </li>
</ul>
<br />
These findings are consistent with research that has also identified patterns of health care discrimination against <a href="https://health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/articles/2016-02-11/racial-bias-in-medicine-leads-to-worse-care-for-minorities" target="_blank">people of color </a>and disabled people. For example, one survey of health care practices in five major cities found that more than <a href="https://www.law.uh.edu/healthlaw/perspectives/2013/Atendio_Discrimination%20in%20Health%20Care%20against%20Persons%20with%20Disabilities.pdf" target="_blank">one in five practices were inaccessible to patients who used wheelchairs</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>A call to action </b><br />
To ensure that civil rights laws explicitly protect LGBTI people, Congress and all States should pass an Equality Act, a comprehensive bill banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, public accommodations, housing, credit, and federal funding, among other provisions.<br />
<br />
*Authors’ note: All names have been changed out of respect for interviewees’ privacy.<br />
<b><br /></b> <b>Methodology </b><br />
To conduct this study, CAP commissioned and designed a survey, fielded by Knowledge Networks, which surveyed 1,864 individuals about their experiences with health insurance and health care. Among the respondents, 857 identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender, while 1,007 identified as heterosexual and cisgender/<gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="73a043d4-1b1f-4f24-84bf-6b5afe4ebf6a" id="c8a8741b-0c96-4800-ace0-5aebfa2589a7"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="5dfebcec-7c7e-4de3-9767-f50f6cdb38a5" id="3aeed140-f33b-4c3c-a0fe-d294eb5c1918">nontransgender</gs></gs>. Respondents came from all income ranges and are diverse across factors such as race, ethnicity, education, geography, disability status, and age. The survey was fielded online in English in January 2017 to coincide with the fourth open enrollment period through the health insurance marketplaces and the beginning of the first full year of federal rules that specifically protect LGBT people from discrimination in health insurance coverage and health care. The data are nationally representative and weighted according to U.S. <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="da60912e-f0fd-4e00-8f75-72100b06dbe8" id="592ceae5-377b-4efe-a3e0-eefaafeeee50"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="3ab6f870-338c-4e12-80c1-dd72ae8ddab3" id="458527d7-9e7e-4465-aa13-11ba2ff64cdb">population</gs></gs> characteristics. All reported findings are statistically significant unless otherwise indicated. All comparisons presented are statistically significant at the p<gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="916fb62f-1519-4d28-a43c-a05b3d739ff7" id="a5f56b39-4619-4245-b29b-256b8a12e6bf"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="448ca94d-ae8b-4a77-9da7-d47a88b21e69" id="38a1b549-677f-4052-b12a-11338c11d7c7"> < .</gs></gs>05 <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="916fb62f-1519-4d28-a43c-a05b3d739ff7" id="16369b6a-994a-433c-88b1-1926c56a148b"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="448ca94d-ae8b-4a77-9da7-d47a88b21e69" id="b74ca400-aeb3-4aee-9098-2e6b77a62e9a">level</gs></gs>.<br />
<br />
Separate from the quantitative survey, the authors solicited stories exploring the impact of discrimination on LGBT people’s lives. Using social media platforms, the study authors requested volunteers to anonymously recount personal experiences of changing their behavior or making other adjustments to their daily lives to prevent experiencing discrimination. Interviews were conducted by one of the study authors and names were changed to protect the identity of the interviewee.<br />
<br />
Additional information about study methods and materials are available from the authors.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Richmond, KY, USA37.7478572 -84.29465390000001437.5468647 -84.617377400000009 37.9488497 -83.971930400000019tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194749878289065745.post-83968652050605157072017-10-13T00:15:00.000-04:002017-10-13T00:15:05.191-04:00Governor Bevin needs Education on Medical Marijuana<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Governor Matt Bevin needs to be educated on medical marijuana. "The news article 'Marijuana Overdoses Kill 37 in Colorado On First Day of Legalization' was a hoax, but the Governor isn't well read enough to realize this. By the time the commonwealth legalizes medical marijuana, it will be too late for Kentuckians to benefit from it," stated Kentucky Equality Federation Secretary-General Jordan Palmer.<br />
<br />
"'People will drive when they are stoned' some say, well, in Kentucky, it is illegal to #drive on high blood pressure medication, pain medication, etc. so they are already driving stoned. I am however pleased the Governor gave us a way to remedy the situation by stating 'as long as I am Governor' well, thankfully we will have an election soon enough."<br />
<br />
"We are sick of big brother and government telling the unemployed what they can and cannot do to earn a living. Marijuana addiction is rare, the chances are greater to become an alcoholic. Marijuana cannot lead to a fatal overdose, and it is not a gateway drug. I hope the Kentucky House of Representatives and the Kentucky Senate will pass the legislation and should the Governor veto it, I pray they override his veto. The mentality of the Bevin Administration is to be last at everything, and unemployment isn't on their minds; thousands of unemployed coal miners could easier become marijuana farmers."<br />
<br />
"Again we have an Administration in Frankfort, Kentucky that doesn't care about the Southern Region of the Commonwealth. I had much rather our youth use marijuana as a recreational drug than cocaine or crystal meth."</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1Frankfort, KY 40601, USA38.2009055 -84.87328350000001438.101071 -85.034645000000012 38.30074 -84.711922000000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194749878289065745.post-1223416636688018032017-10-04T17:27:00.001-04:002017-10-04T17:46:28.780-04:00United States votes against LGBTI civil rights at the United Nations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The U.S. on voted against a United Nations Human Rights Council resolution that condemns the #death penalty for those found guilty of committing consensual same-sex sexual acts.<br />
<br />
Still, the resolution — which Belgium, Benin, Costa Rica, France, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia and Switzerland introduced — passed by a 27-13 vote margin.<br />
<br />
This leaves nation-states that execute LGBTI people open for sanctions or refusal of aid from the United Nations at the discretion of Secretary-General of the United Nations.<br />
<br />
Col. Jordan Palmer with Kentucky Equality Federation and Marriage Equality Kentucky, called the U.S. vote shameful, but not unlike similar resolutions the U.S. also sided with Russia, Iran, and Egypt in the past.<br />
<br />
"<b>America will never be “great” again until we deal with human rights</b>," Palmer stated.<br />
<br />
Kelly Currie, the U.S. representative to the U.N. Economic and Social Council, attended the event but did NOT speak.<br />
<br />
Former U.S. Vice President Biden is among those who spoke at last year’s U.N. LGBT Core Group event.<br />
<br />
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley <i>(former Governor of the State of South Carolina)</i> in April said the U.S. remains “disturbed” by the ongoing crackdown against gay men and lesbians in Chechnya.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Frankfort, KY 40601, USA38.2009055 -84.87328350000001438.101071 -85.034645000000012 38.30074 -84.711922000000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194749878289065745.post-80935057681646085132017-06-23T21:30:00.000-04:002017-06-28T23:21:31.295-04:00#KY #CA California extending travel ban to include Kentucky<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVprX2-0ekFSv3Ahn7k5OH6o4rUWztA8YV2AHSFjaVHl5DcSz9PtxpkEmIUeGGgRXdxwvLO6h2-BLfOOOiOZdERHgH8x2tt7jQ7M7TgVbR4Ukhe2cETPbsMNUeXbqssH4mBthl8lll0FA/s1600/kentucky-equality-federation-defend-equality.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="276" data-original-width="300" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVprX2-0ekFSv3Ahn7k5OH6o4rUWztA8YV2AHSFjaVHl5DcSz9PtxpkEmIUeGGgRXdxwvLO6h2-BLfOOOiOZdERHgH8x2tt7jQ7M7TgVbR4Ukhe2cETPbsMNUeXbqssH4mBthl8lll0FA/s200/kentucky-equality-federation-defend-equality.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The Earth Equality Alliance, <b>Kentucky Equality Federation</b>, and Marriage Equality Kentucky <i>(an alliance of more than eight (8) organizations with a common spokesperson and unifying secretary-general)</i> today commented on the California Attorney General adding the Commonwealth of Kentucky to its travel ban.<br />
<br />
After the passage of Kentucky Senate Bill 17, Kentucky Equality Federation promised to sue should a student suffer from discrimination as a result of the law, as reported by the Lexington Herald-Leader.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b># # # </b></span><br />
<b>CONTACT:</b><br />
Dillan Marsh, <i>Executive Director</i><br />
Secretary General Jordan Palmer's Office of Special Affairs<br />
PH: (502) 219-2533<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b># # #</b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4URtVMCfdb42KHXn3TN087ZmgLreg4FNv_tNZH6BBEShyphenhyphenoJCEXdB8wcL8Hbs3gifJSGxRuJlUX3OrXj2WqkhpZcMvNzAsBDW7rvT411T4SW3nKWYdrVd9E8o7mIA7PIs9I01gb3hTpo/s1600/Ambassadors-of-Goodwill-Jordan-Palmer-Secretary-General+%25282%2529.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="211" data-original-width="325" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4URtVMCfdb42KHXn3TN087ZmgLreg4FNv_tNZH6BBEShyphenhyphenoJCEXdB8wcL8Hbs3gifJSGxRuJlUX3OrXj2WqkhpZcMvNzAsBDW7rvT411T4SW3nKWYdrVd9E8o7mIA7PIs9I01gb3hTpo/s200/Ambassadors-of-Goodwill-Jordan-Palmer-Secretary-General+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a>"Fanatics are now trying to turn religious freedom into a license to discriminate and it will not be tolerated,” stated Secretary-General Jordan Palmer.<br />
<br />
“Kentucky Equality Federation and its attorneys have never lost a lawsuit, from NKU, Hazard, to the <a href="http://community.kyequality.org/2012/09/gay-hate-crime-at-warren-county.html" target="_blank">Warren County Detention Center</a> to s<a href="http://community.kyequality.org/2013/09/kentucky-equality-federation-sues.html" target="_blank">triking down Kentucky’s same-sex marriage ban by a Kentucky judge</a>. We are eager to sink our teeth into what fanatics are twisting as so-called religious freedom. Perhaps it is the religious belief of someone to sell they're first born female child into slavery, but that person would also be convicted of a criminal act and this is much the same.<br />
<br />
The freedom of religion gives you permission to worship as you see fit as per the constitution of this Commonwealth. If someone believes that isn't the definition of religious freedom, then they do not understand the meaning of it. But, religious freedom is commonly understood.<br />
<br />
No law may supersede the Constitution, even with a ballot outcome (see Kentucky Equality Federation v. Governor Steve Beshear)."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lrc.ky.gov/Legresou/Constitu/005.htm" target="_blank">Section V of the Commonwealth's Constitution</a> states (bold emphases added):<br />
<br />
No preference shall ever be given by law to<b> any religious sect, society or denomination; nor to any particular creed, mode of worship or system of ecclesiastical polity</b>; <b>nor shall any person be compelled to attend any place of worship</b>, to contribute to the erection or maintenance of any such place, or to the salary or support of any minister of religion; nor shall any man be compelled to send his child to any school to which he may be conscientiously opposed; and <b>the civil rights, privileges or capacities of no person shall be taken away, or in anywise diminished or enlarged, on account of his belief or disbelief of any religious tenet, dogma or teaching</b>. No human authority shall, in any case whatever, control or interfere with the rights of conscience.<br />
<br />
Palmer continued: “The Kentucky Constitution guarantees freedom of religion as intended, that neither the commonwealth nor any power shared with the federal government, shall ever force a religious belief on its citizens or force them to attend any particular religious services.”<br />
<br />
The travel ban was first put into effect January 1 when state measure AB 1887 became law. The law says California is "a leader in protecting civil rights and preventing discrimination" and should not support or finance "discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people."<br />
<br />
The California travel ban included Tennessee, North Carolina, Mississippi and Kansas, and now included Alabama, Kentucky, and Texas.
<br />
<br />
This will also have a great impact on sports.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Richmond, KY, USA37.7478572 -84.29465390000001437.5468647 -84.617377400000009 37.9488497 -83.971930400000019tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194749878289065745.post-5156443412346926822017-06-11T16:24:00.002-04:002017-06-11T21:59:33.667-04:00Condemnation of Black Youth Project Statements: "Keep your white friends and partners away from Black Pride events," and "When white people enter a space, anti-Blackness always does too"<b>SPECIAL STATEMENT</b><br />
<b>SECRETARY-GENERAL JORDAN PALMER</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Condemnation of Black Youth Project Statements: "Keep your white friends and partners away from Black Pride events," and "When white people enter a space, anti-Blackness always does too"</b></div>
<b></b><br />
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<b>LEXINGTON, KY --</b> <b>#Pride</b> <b>#AllLivesMatter</b> <b>#DefendEquality</b> The Kentucky Equality Federation, the American Federation of NGO’s, and their member organizations recognize the renewed energy of activists in the Trump era, but we must act with tact and skill and resist a relapse to what Trump represents, especially to the LGBTI, Black, Latino communities and Women. Additionally, we will not permit so-called Right Wing ‘<i>Christian</i>’ fundamentalism to conquer and divide us. We shall stand tall and walk tall, united in love and friendship, that is the biggest threat we represent to the current era, but we shall not falter, we will prevail. Love and friendship are stronger than hate and prejudice.<br />
<br />
However, we must strongly condemn the recent Black Youth Project communication titled “<a href="http://blackyouthproject.com/keep-white-friends-partners-away-black-pride-events/" target="_blank"><b>Keep your white friends and partners away from Black Pride events</b></a>,” and “<a href="http://blackyouthproject.com/white-people-enter-space-anti-blackness-always/" target="_blank"><b>When white people enter a space, anti-Blackness always does too</b></a>,” and they call for segregationism and racism in the LGBTI community and the same between White and Black America.<br />
<br />
The use of the word queer is also condemned and vehemently rejected, by the brain fart organization (credit to Bruce A. Dixon of the <a href="http://flcourier.com/2017/06/melissa-harris-perry-blows-smoke-again/" target="_blank"><b>Black Agenda Report</b></a> for the use of the name ‘Brain Fart’ when describing this organization) and its sub-units; I am not a queer nor a fag, but I am gay.<br />
<br />
The statements of Hari Zared and the parent, Black Youth Project 100 (BYP100) a non-government organization (NGO) identified as being part of, or the power behind, #BlackLivesMatter.<br />
<br />
In the published articles, the Black Youth Project dismisses #jurisprudence, coalition building with other communities, and is <b>constantly bombarding our Black youth with anti-Black articles, pictures, and opinions attempting to ‘conquer and divide.’</b> <br />
<br />
The true mentality of these articles is pure racism, bigotry, and hate.<br />
<br />
Additionally, I will attend whatever events I so desire. The information these organizations are bombarding our youth with is an offense to individual rights, with delusions of being politically correct or remotely accurate.<br />
<br />
<b>LGBTI pride belongs to all members of the community, including <u>our</u> Black family</b>. We must continue to pursue acceptance within our efforts, rather than seeking to segregate them. It is unthinkable that this brain fart organization and its subunits would seek to divide the community, down to individual partners and relationships, <b>using racism as a weapon</b>.<br />
<br />
This year, the broader LGBTI community finds itself under more pressure and attacks than it has been since the dawn of the marriage equality struggle, nearly two decades ago. Now is a time for us to all stand firmly together. When we divide due to pettiness and prejudice, the forces of inequality and intolerance gain an advantage against all of us.<br />
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<b>We will not be shoved back in the closet, and we will most certainly never allow it to be done because of neo-segregationism in our midst</b>. <b><span style="color: #990000;">We can overcome with love, but we must do so together and reject the offensive rhetoric of brain fart organizations who teach hatred and racism</span></b>.<br />
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<b>People from all walks of life are welcome at LGBTI pride events, united in love and friendship.</b> <br />
<br />
#GayLivesMatter, #AllLivesMatter, #WhiteLivesMatter, #BlackLivesMatter, and to use the Flag of the Races (also called the Flag of the Human Race) #RedLivesMatter, #WhiteLivesMatter, #BrownLivesMatter, #YellowLivesMatter, #BlackLivesMatter. The Flag of the Human Race has five horizontal stripes (from top to bottom they were red, white, brown, yellow, and black). This is said to be the inspiration behind #TheFreedomFlag, also called #NewGlory, and #PrideFlag, created by #GilbertBaker who passed away earlier this year.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Lexington, KY, USA38.0405837 -84.5037164000000337.640337699999996 -85.149163400000035 38.4408297 -83.858269400000026tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194749878289065745.post-19662462620142179752017-04-29T02:08:00.000-04:002017-04-29T04:04:23.972-04:00#KY #KYJudge #JudgeNance #KY43District Kentucky Judge Nance does the right thing in recusing himself<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">SPECIAL STATEMENT</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>CONTACT:</b><br />
Dillan Marsh, Executive Director<br />
Secretary General’s Office of Special Affairs<br />
PH: (502) 219-2533<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"># # #</span></b><br />
<br />
"I wish every judge in the Commonwealth would have the moral decency and stateliness to recuse themselves with they are biased. As the judge cited a Kentucky ethical rule that says judges must disqualify themselves when they have a personal bias or prejudice." - Jordan Palmer, secretary-general<br />
<br />
"In practice, however, Kentucky has too many biased judges sitting on the bench without the moral imperative to declare it and recuse themselves. In the past, this Federation has had commonwealth's attorneys' override district judges decisions not to prosecute, rule against LGBTI couples, and show complete contempt for LGBTI people because of their own prejudice. They remained on the bench without the required ability to separate personal beliefs or prejudice from the rule of law or have the dignity to recuse themselves."<br />
<br />
<b>NEWS LINK:</b> <a href="http://www.wkyt.com/content/news/Kentucky-judge-wont-hear-adoption-cases-if-adults-are-gay-420765123.html" target="_blank">http://www.wkyt.com/content/news/Kentucky-judge-wont-hear-adoption-cases-if-adults-are-gay-420765123.html</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Elizabethtown, KY, USA37.7030646 -85.864940837.502071099999995 -86.1876643 37.9040581 -85.5422173tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194749878289065745.post-72236445668391453392017-04-04T02:17:00.001-04:002017-04-29T01:53:53.615-04:00#MachesterKY #KY #Gay Manchester is no place for justice for gay married couple assaulted and illegally evicted<i>Twice a trial or hearing has been scheduled and in both cases (one scheduled for today), none of the witnesses the special prosecutor requested be subpoenaed ever got served. Without witnesses and those required to attend not served for the second time by the sheriff, you can have no trial. Kentucky Equality Federation reports Judge Allen Roberts to the U.S. Department of Justice, the Kentucky Office of Attorney General, the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission, the Kentucky Bar Association and the American Bar Association. (<a href="http://community.kyequality.org/2016/08/first-legal-filings-in-illegal-eviction.html" target="_blank">original press release</a>)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>This is a <a href="http://community.kyequality.org/2016/08/first-legal-filings-in-illegal-eviction.html" target="_blank">follow-up</a> press release </i><i><i>for an <b>ongoing story </b></i>of new actions taken. This story was originally covered by WYMT-TV, a CBS affiliate. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>PRESS RELEASE:</b><br />
Secretary-General Jordan Palmer<br />
Managing Director Joshua Koch<br />
Eastern Regional Director Matt Berry<br />
Southern Director William Taylor<br />
<br />
<b>CONTACT:</b><br />
Dillan Marsh, Executive Director<br />
Secretary General’s Office of Special Affairs<br />
PH: (502) 219-2533<br />
<br />
<b># # #</b><br />
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Joshua Melton and James Raymond Feltner, a married couple, were unlawfully evicted, assaulted, and sued in Manchester, KY. During the
illegal eviction, the landlord stated she "should not have rented to faggots."<br />
<br />
<b>Judicial Misconduct Complaint:</b> <a href="https://www.slideshare.net/palmerjor/kentucky-equality-federations-jordan-palmer-releases-files-from-the-federation-regarding-gay-assault-and-illegal-eviction" target="_blank">https://www.slideshare.net/palmerjor/kentucky-equality-federations-jordan-palmer-releases-files-from-the-federation-regarding-gay-assault-and-illegal-eviction</a><br />
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At Kentucky Equality Federation, we assist and act as a public advocate for people who have been bullied, discriminated against, or victimized in addition to assisting them with legal remedies. When the laws have not caught up to the moral needs of society, we will seek their modification, pursuant to the creation of a just society. <b>However, laws cease to have meaning when the courts are not capable of or refuse to enforce equal justice before those laws</b>. (<a href="http://community.kyequality.org/2016/08/first-legal-filings-in-illegal-eviction.html" target="_blank">original press release</a>, also covered by WYMT-TV, a CBS affiliate).<br />
<br />
"<b>It is my belief that homophobia in a close-knit political community has resulted in Judge Allen B. Roberts ruling contrary to Kentucky law and advancing his own personal beliefs, presiding over a self-serving court of deceit, hypocrisy, and belligerence</b>," stated Secretary-General Jordan Palmer.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"In 16 years of activism, I have never heard a judge be so demeaning, unprofessional, and completely hostile. As with everything in life, eventually, we must take sides, and I do so diligently. Remaining uninvolved encourages the bully. Failure to raise your hand in protest and remain silent not only makes you part of the problem, but it encourages the discriminating person, agency, or government. When basic fundamental civil rights are denied, suppressed, or persecuted, we all have an obligation and a duty to create a hindrance or an obstacle.<br />
<br />
When you are given a ticket for something or arrested, the standard police response is “ignorance of the law if no excuse, nor is it a defense."<br />
<br />
Conversely, anyone ignorant of the law is also doomed to have their civil rights trodden on, so it behooves the Commonwealth’s citizens to be fluent in the law and we encourage all citizens to read the Kentucky Constitution and to know their rights for no law made can supersede the Kentucky Constitution, not even a constitutional amendment if said amendment violates the Kentucky Constitution, regardless of the ballot outcome, as with an amendment (<a href="http://community.kyequality.org/2013/09/kentucky-equality-federation-sues.html" target="_blank">Kentucky Equality Federation v. Commonwealth of Kentucky</a>)."</blockquote>
<br />
"Officials in Clay County have tried to silence Secretary-General Palmer several times without success for being the personal advocate of the victims, after the initial court hearing for the counterclaim of the victims," stated Eastern Kentucky Regional Director Matt Berry. "It is indeed a sad day in our commonwealth with the Office of County Attorney, attempts to keep any victim from filing charges or seeking justice when they have been wronged. Equal housing rights are human rights." Ms. Thompson reportedly told the Victims "she should have never rented to faggots."<br />
<br />
"History has shown that neither Jordan Palmer nor this Federation will be silenced by self-serving, egotistical want to be tyrants with delusions of adequacy or power. On multiple occasions, the FBI has directed other victims to contact the Federation so that we could initially review the complaint (<a href="http://community.kyequality.org/2012/10/lawsuit-filed-against-warren-county.html" target="_blank">Milam v. Warren County Regional Jail – Kentucky Equality Federation’s legal representation at the time filed the case and won</a>)," stated Southern Kentucky Regional Director William Taylor.<br />
<br />
Palmer continued: "Any licensed attorney or an ordinary citizen knowing the law could argue that the presence of police, at the request of a city commissioner, was intimidating and any statement made by a uniformed law enforcement officer and communicated to the Victims to be the actual law in fact. <span style="color: #444444;"><i>(i.e. A uniformed police officer tells a citizen they could not walk on a public road, the citizen will comply and not walk on it, even though they would have every legal right to)</i></span>. How Judge Roberts could not make this connection is beyond our sphere of comprehension in an unbiased court of law.<br />
<br />
One police officer reportedly told them, “they must leave by the time given to them by Esther Thompson,” their landlord and community manager <span style="color: #444444;"><i>(who at the time was also a City Commissioner)</i></span>. The notice to vacate immediately was verbally ordered by Thompson and reinforced by Manchester Police Department Officer Couch. This was all the notice the Victims needed as the order to vacate as well as the time frame was reinforced by uniformed law enforcement.<br />
<br />
Prior to this, Thompson illegally entered their apartment by forcing her way inside. Had the Victims chosen to defend their home, the Victims could have wounded the intruder under the U.S. Castle Doctrine, in Kentucky law known as <a href="http://www.lrc.ky.gov/Statutes/statute.aspx?id=19670" target="_blank">KRS 503.055</a>, something Judge Roberts completely dismissed."<br />
<br />
When the victims notified her they would call the police if she did not leave, she reportedly stated, 'I own the police.'<br />
<br />
The husband of Esther Thompson is the person that was responsible for installing carpet and other repairs inside the apartment they vacated. Judge Roberts did ask to see multiple bids or quotes. This is a major conflict because Esther Thompson stood to further profit by inflating damage and repairs and Judge Roberts did not bother hearing testimony from all the witnesses that showed up to testify in support of the Victims including witnesses present when Esther Thompson illegally forced herself into their home.<br />
<br />
Kentucky Equality Federation Managing Director Joshua Koch stated: "The presence of police, at the personal request of a city commissioner, was a use of public office for intimidation. There are numerous other possible issues involved here, as well. They include fiscal conflict of interest, residence invasion by force, assault, and use of public office for personal for personal gain. To have these concerns dismissed is the antithesis of justice. Additional witnesses are prepared to testify on behalf of the victims.<br />
<br />
We feel the gravity of this case and its egregious handling by local court warrant review by the U.S. Department of Justice, the Kentucky Office of Attorney General, the Kentucky Bar Association, and the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission. The initial offense is a violation of individual rights, but having a further denial of justice or a fair hearing demands a level of professional accountability from Judge Roberts that warrants further review, as it is an offense against all Kentuckians who must rely on these courts to provide impartial justice."<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>2:00 PM EST UPDATE: </b></span> Today the Sheriff's Office still had not served all witnesses resulting in another delay. The Special Prosecutor demanded by the Kentucky Equality Federation continues to subpoena them but they are never served. <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="510" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/key/i0xpUo9iD90ow" style="border-width: 1px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 5px; max-width: 100%;" width="477"> </iframe> <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 5px;">
<strong> <a href="https://www.slideshare.net/palmerjor/judicial-misconduct-complaint-against-clay-county-judge-roberts" target="_blank" title="Judicial Misconduct Complaint against Clay County Judge Roberts">Judicial Misconduct Complaint against Clay County Judge Roberts</a> </strong> from <strong><a href="https://www.slideshare.net/palmerjor" target="_blank">Kentucky Equality Federation's - Jordan Palmer</a></strong> <br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="510" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/key/xwhUrEgm6Vz13m" style="border-width: 1px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 5px; max-width: 100%;" width="477"> </iframe> <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 5px;">
<strong> <a href="https://www.slideshare.net/palmerjor/kentucky-equality-federations-jordan-palmer-releases-files-from-the-federation-regarding-gay-assault-and-illegal-eviction" target="_blank" title="Kentucky Equality Federation's Jordan Palmer releases files from the Federation regarding Gay Assault and Illegal Eviction.">Kentucky Equality Federation's Jordan Palmer releases files from the Federation regarding Gay Assault and Illegal Eviction.</a> </strong> from <strong><a href="https://www.slideshare.net/palmerjor" target="_blank">Kentucky Equality Federation's - Jordan Palmer</a></strong> </div>
</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2Manchester, KY 40962, USA37.1537007 -83.76186410000002537.1030742 -83.842545100000024 37.2043272 -83.681183100000027tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194749878289065745.post-46408383975612182017-03-21T02:15:00.002-04:002017-03-21T02:15:53.016-04:00#SB17 #KYGA17 Kentucky Equality Federation to sue over Senate Bill 17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZpD0ozP6HM8i0KuSLD71KdIiIoNZauE96Rm3zcTH-93VYHnDc472yXZlUX1OTTA-IngUc_yvCb3yexvG_g-cohYfHHosptERAKgCkt_Oy9pK7UlaNF1My5MSnh3HjoaYI8h7-sNOEDk/s1600/Ambassadors-of-Goodwill-Jordan-Palmer-Secretary-General+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZpD0ozP6HM8i0KuSLD71KdIiIoNZauE96Rm3zcTH-93VYHnDc472yXZlUX1OTTA-IngUc_yvCb3yexvG_g-cohYfHHosptERAKgCkt_Oy9pK7UlaNF1My5MSnh3HjoaYI8h7-sNOEDk/s200/Ambassadors-of-Goodwill-Jordan-Palmer-Secretary-General+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>SPECIAL STATEMENT:</b><br />
From: Secretary-General Jordan Palmer<br />
<br />
<b>CONTACT: </b><br />
Dillan Marsh, Executive Director<br />
Secretary General’s Office of Special Affairs<br />
PH: (502) 219-2533<br />
<br />
<b># # #</b> <br />
<br />
Governor Bevin signing Senate Bill 17 into law is hardly shocking and is nothing new. Discrimination under the guise of religion is also nothing new. Senate Bill 17 jeopardizes non-discrimination policies at high schools, colleges, and universities. Though the struggle for LGBTI equality continues to this day, the right wing has been pushing religious freedom to discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people in addition to pregnant and unmarried women under the inhumane calling of religious freedom.<br />
<br />
With the push for "local ordinances," which provide no legal protection to LGBTI citizens since the passage of the <b><a href="http://community.kyequality.org/2013/03/kentucky-house-override-governors-veto.html" target="_blank">Kentucky Religious Freedom Act of 2013</a></b>, along with legalizing same-sex marriage in <b><a href="http://community.kyequality.org/2013/09/kentucky-equality-federation-sues.html">Kentucky Equality Federation v Commonwealth of Kentucky</a></b> <i>(based on Jordan Palmer's legal theory)</i> and the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, religious groups continue to push back with great avidity, filled with rage, intolerance, judgement, and fear.<br />
<br />
At no time in the history of our Union has religious freedom been in danger. Indeed, <b><a href="http://lrc.ky.gov/legresou/Constitu/005.htm" target="_blank">Section IV of the Kentucky Constitution</a></b> specifically addresses this issue.<br />
<br />
Today, Kentuckians and Americans seem more bent on tearing each other apart and separating ourselves into groups or classes of people instead of uniting as we did in the Revolutionary War. For the past 14 years, another war has been brewing, the separation of states from our Union because of the complete inability of political parties to compromise and elected officials being loyal to political parties over constituents. This problem is further fueled by "commentary" from media networks who are not reporting news, instead, they recycle it by picking apart every statement, word, eye movement, down to the manner someone stands to separate and divide us.<br />
<br />
Dividing us into groups and classes is a direct violation of the Federation's <b><a href="http://www.kyequality.org/about.htm" target="_blank">Mission Statement</a></b>, which I have sworn to uphold and fight for. As we had so many times in the past, we will continue to overcome obstacles placed in our path and engage them as they present themselves. <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Kentucky Equality Federation, in all of our lawsuits, cease and dissect orders, and other legal filings has <u>never</u> been defeated in court</b></span>. We will not be silenced, and we will not accept whatever legislative agendas our elected officials attempt to force upon us should they violate anyone’s civil liberties.<br />
<br />
<u><b>LEGAL ACTION:</b></u> Discrimination and hate sanctioned by the state, be it one of the several states or the federal state will not be tolerated. As the unifying figure for all member organizations, I have warned and advised the managing directors, regional directors, and other management of member organizations and our legal department of the Federation and the United Kentucky Alliance to sue the Commonwealth posthaste. Both case law and the Kentucky Constitution are on our side. First, however, we will likely need a <b><a href="http://kentuckyequality.org/file-discrimination-schoolbullying-hatecrime/" target="_blank">victim who has been discriminated against</a></b>.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>In 1997, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the U.S. Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 President Bill Clinton. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Congress acted above their authority and could not force the legislation on the states. Though it remains federal law, it does not apply to the several states of our Union.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>OUR future. OUR commonwealth!</b></span> <b>#WeAreKY</b><br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Richmond, KY, USA37.7478572 -84.29465390000001437.5468647 -84.617377400000009 37.9488497 -83.971930400000019tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194749878289065745.post-4982588298159132242017-03-12T06:00:00.000-04:002017-03-21T00:38:37.403-04:00#UN #Rape #Refugees UN chief's strategy to protect from sexual exploitation and abuse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After a long and humiliating period for member states, the new head of the United Nations, defender of peace and the Declaration of Human Rights is acting to prevent rape and abuse from member states around the World.<br />
<br />
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, underscoring that the United Nations should not be, in any way, associated with the crimes of rape, sexual violence, exploitation, and abuse, has outlined a new victim-centred approach to prevent and respond to such abuses committed by those serving under the United Nations flag.<br />
<br />
"Such acts of cruelty should never take place. Certainly, no person serving with the United Nations in any capacity should be associated with such vile and vicious crimes," said Guterres in a message announcing his report released Thursday on the issue. Let us declare in one voice: We will not tolerate anyone committing or condoning sexual exploitation and abuse. We will not let anyone cover up these crimes with the UN flag."<br />
<br />
The secretary-general’s report outlines special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and abuse, and the new approach aims to be victim-centred strategy and is rooted in transparency, accountability and ensuring justice.<br />
<br />
Noting that exploitation was also deeply rooted in gender inequality and discrimination, Guterres said that promoting gender equality throughout the UN system, including its missions and peacekeeping forces, would help advance parity and at the same time decrease incidents of abuse.<br />
<br />
Based on four tracks, the approach documented in the report focuses on the rights and dignity of victims; ending impunity for those guilty of crimes and abuses; drawing on the wisdom and guidance of all those who have been affected, civil society, local communities and others to strengthen and improve UN's efforts; and to raise awareness and share best practices to end the scourge.<br />
<br />
"Privatized U.S. companies who provide security and peacekeeping operations have immunity from prosecution as has been reported many times in addition to multiple reports, books, and movies being made on the subject. No privatized security company or active soldier from the United States, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, or any other UN state should have immunity from prosecution for such barbaric acts," stated Kentucky Equality Federation and United Kentucky Alliance Secretary-General Jordan Palmer for ILGA. "All peacekeeping operations ultimately report to the Office of the Secretary-General, and the Secretary-General along with the United Nations General Assembly<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"> </a>should deny immunity to privatized soldiers committing such acts, they should be prosecuted by the <a href="http://www.icj-cij.org/homepage/">International Court of Justice</a> (ICJ), the primary judicial branch of the United Nations, or their home, member state."<br />
<br />
Palmer continued, we hope UN Secretary-General Guterres will continue to protect and defend the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which as former Secretary-General Ban-Ki Moon stated: “<a href="http://community.kyequality.org/2012/09/kentucky-equality-federation-hails-new.html">To those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, let me say — you are not alone. Your struggle for an end to violence and discrimination is a shared struggle. Any attack on you is an attack on the universal values the United Nations and I have sworn to uphold</a>."<br />
<br />
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres included a detailed list of actions, along with the relevant UN entity, that would be responsible for consultation with relevant stakeholders, as well as provides data on allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse across the UN system and by non-UN international forces authorized by a Security Council mandate.<br />
<br />
Kentucky Equality Federation <a href="http://kentuckyequality.org/kentucky-equality-federation-gay-rights-kentucky-lgbti/ambassadors-of-goodwill/" target="_blank">Ambassador of Goodwill Melanie Nathan</a>, the executive director of the African Human Rights Coalition added: "LGBTI people aren't protected adequately or in some instances at all by the UN and the states who continue to criminalize people based on sexual orientation and gender identity. We have LGBTI asylum seekers and refugees languishing and suffering violence where host countries continue to allow persecution and <a href="http://www.unhcr.org/en-us" target="_blank">United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees</a> is unable to provide adequate security. Hopefully, change will come for all and this is not mere lip service."<br />
<br />
#resist, #UN, #rage, #LGBTI, #gay, #refugeesUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0Richmond, KY, USA37.7478572 -84.29465390000001437.5468647 -84.617377400000009 37.9488497 -83.971930400000019tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194749878289065745.post-15620940259729304402017-03-09T06:00:00.000-05:002017-03-09T06:00:13.881-05:00#KY #KYGA17 - Trans Rights in Kentucky - Protecting Kentucky Students<b>SPECIAL STATEMENT:</b><br />
From: Secretary-General Jordan Palmer<br />
<br />
<b>CONTACT: </b><br />
Dillan Marsh, Executive Director<br />
Secretary General’s Office of Special Affairs<br />
<br />
###<br />
<br />
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"There’s a new, raw reality in the District of Columbia, the seat of government for the federal state.<br />
<br />
From executive orders already issued, to rumors of executive orders yet to come, to the appointment of dangerous and unqualified people in powerful positions in our government, the new administration is already wreaking havoc on our communities and our political system. In that respect are new developments every day, and things are proceeding so rapidly that it can be difficult to keep up.<br />
<br />
As we move forward together in this new reality, we will do our best to keep you apprised of our continuous efforts to defend and advance equality for our community.<br />
<br />
Last month, the Trump administration announced it was reversing federal guidance that protected transgender students. After claiming he would be a friend to the LGBT community, it took Trump just over a month to break his word, which is nothing new.<br />
<br />
The guidance protecting transgender students, issued in May 2016, served as a beacon for public school administrators and educators across the country. Without it, schools will face confusion, and transgender young person, who already face exponentially more bullying from their peers, will be seen in the center.<br />
<br />
This activity commits a frightening message to some of the most vulnerable young people in the country that this administration will not protect them from discrimination.<br />
<br />
Withdrawing the guidance does not change the law, however. Most U.S. district courts have agreed that Title IX under federal law protects transgender students, and schools have a legal and a moral duty to support all students. Additionally, Kentucky courts have issued similar rulings based on Kentucky law.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, each state in our Union holds jurisdiction over its borders and delegates limited sovereignty to the federal government, itself, a state. As sovereign entities, each of the 50 states, including the Commonwealth of Kentucky, reserves the right to organize its individual government in any way deemed appropriate by its people. This is why we must continue, on a united front, to change Kentucky law.<br />
<br />
Be assured that Kentucky Equality Federation, the United Kentucky Alliance, and its member organizations will continue to monitor developments and challenge illegal or immoral laws as they present themselves as we have throughout our history."<br />
<br />
📬 Report Discrimination, Hate Crime, and School Bullying: <a href="http://kentuckyequality.org/file-discrimination-schoolbullying-hatecrime/">http://kentuckyequality.org/file-discrimination-schoolbullying-hatecrime/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194749878289065745.post-45625193457131915802016-11-12T17:53:00.000-05:002016-11-12T23:02:11.978-05:00#KY #KYGA17 #kygov #weareky Kentucky Election/Political Statement<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>So many protests continue around the country related to the latest election. Several have contacted the Kentucky Equality Federation regarding protests. To reiterate our position, this press release is being issued again:</b></span><br />
<br />
"With so many Kentuckians worried about an uncertain future as well as their physical safety given the hateful attacks against the LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex) community, women, and many others from political candidates who have now been elected, we do not blame them. But we must remember that our work has never ended. <br />
<br />
The political ideology in Frankfort, Kentucky will change drastically when the Kentucky House and Senate convene in January. The LGBTI community, Women, and other minority groups will continue to fight for equality and inclusiveness.<br />
<br />
Kentucky Equality Federation invites the new members of the Kentucky Senate and the Kentucky House of Representatives to join us. Our community has endured; it will continue to endure long after the terms of those who will assume office have ended.<br />
<br />
As we had so many times in the past, we will continue to overcome obstacles placed in our path. We will not be silenced, and we will not accept whatever legislative agendas our elected officials attempt to force upon us should they violate anyone’s civil liberties.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>This is OUR future. Our commonwealth!</b></span> <b>#WeAreKY</b><br />
<br />
Oh, and would someone PLEASE tell Governor Matt Bevin that he stole my saying "<i>We ARE Kentucky</i>!? I've been using that on and off since 2010, especially during the so-called <b>Kentucky Religious Freedom Act</b>, effectively nullifying city local ordinances."<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;">--></span> This was a prepared statement from the communications director for the <a href="http://kentuckyequality.org/kentucky-equality-federation-gay-rights-kentucky-lgbti/leadership/" target="_blank">Office of the Secretary-General, <b>Jordan Palmer</b></a> of United Kentuckians for Equality, Kentucky Equality Federation, and Marriage Equality Kentucky, Kentucky Equal Ballot Access, and Kentucky HIV / AIDS Advocacy Campaign (collectively referred to as the "Federation Alliance") as well as the managing director of EACH organization.<br />
<br />
Related: <a href="http://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/election/article111778822.html">http://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/election/article111778822.html</a><br />
<br />
www.KentuckyEquality.orgUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2Frankfort, KY 40601, USA38.2009055 -84.87328350000001438.101071 -85.034645000000012 38.30074 -84.711922000000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194749878289065745.post-18580600325478529952016-11-10T17:53:00.001-05:002016-11-10T17:54:51.553-05:00#KY #KYGA17 #kygov #weareky Kentucky Election/Political Statement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"With so many Kentuckians worried about an uncertain future as well as their physical safety given the hateful attacks against the LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex) community, women, and many others from political candidates who have now been elected, we do not blame them. But we must remember that our work has never ended. <br />
<br />
The political ideology in Frankfort, Kentucky will change drastically when the Kentucky House and Senate convene in January. The LGBTI community, Women, and other minority groups will continue to fight for equality and inclusiveness.<br />
<br />
Kentucky Equality Federation invites the new members of the Kentucky Senate and the Kentucky House of Representatives to join us. Our community has endured; it will continue to endure long after the terms of those who will assume office have ended.<br />
<br />
As we had so many times in the past, we will continue to overcome obstacles placed in our path. We will not be silenced, and we will not accept whatever legislative agendas our elected officials attempt to force upon us should they violate anyone’s civil liberties.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>This is OUR future. Our commonwealth!</b></span> <b>#WeAreKY</b><br />
<br />
Oh, and would someone PLEASE tell Governor Matt Bevin that he stole my saying "<i>We ARE Kentucky</i>!? I've been using that on and off since 2010, especially during the so-called <b>Kentucky Religious Freedom Act</b>, effectively nullifying city local ordinances."<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;">--></span> This was a prepared statement from the communications director for the <a href="http://kentuckyequality.org/kentucky-equality-federation-gay-rights-kentucky-lgbti/leadership/" target="_blank">Office of the Secretary-General, <b>Col. Jordan Palmer</b></a> of United Kentuckians for Equality, Kentucky Equality Federation, and Marriage Equality Kentucky, Kentucky Equal Ballot Access, and Kentucky HIV / AIDS Advocacy Campaign (collectively referred to as the "Federation Alliance") as well as the managing director of EACH organization.<br />
<br />
Related: <a href="http://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/election/article111778822.html">http://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/election/article111778822.html</a><br />
<br />
www.KentuckyEquality.orgUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0Frankfort, KY 40601, USA38.2009055 -84.87328350000001438.101071 -85.034645000000012 38.30074 -84.711922000000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194749878289065745.post-45519297594159513012016-08-10T18:40:00.000-04:002016-08-11T00:23:02.004-04:00First legal filings in the illegal eviction of Manchester gay married coupleSecretary-General Jordan Palmer, representing the Kentucky Equality Federation, an NGO, and the Federation Alliance prepared the following court documents in the Manchester, Kentucky illegal eviction of a married gay couple, which included abuse of power, public corruption, and illegal actions of a law enforcement officer <a href="http://community.kyequality.org/2016/08/tomorrow-kentucky-equality-federation.html" target="_blank">(previous press release)</a>. Everything was filed, pro se<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/palmerjor/kentucky-equality-federation-cease-and-desist-order" target="_blank">ORDER to Esther Thompson to cease and desist</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/palmerjor/kentucky-equality-federation-illegal-eviction" target="_blank">COUNTERCLAIM and CLAIM of ILLEGAL EVICTION</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/palmerjor/morris-esther-thompson-being-represented-by-the-clay-county-attorney" target="_blank">Proof of the County Attorney being Esther Thompson's legal representation</a> </li>
</ol>
Secretary-General Jordan Palmer also requested additional money for legal assistance from the Kentucky Equality Federation's Managing Director, Josh Koch and Marriage Equality Kentucky Managing Director Alex Roberts.<br />
<br />
Secretary-General Palmer will also request legal assistance from ILGA at the United Nations early next week.<br />
<br />
"The Kentucky Equality Federation is drafting a case on behalf of the victims, Joshua Melton and James Raymond Feltner, and on behalf of the entire LGBTI community against the city of Manchester for the illegal actions of City Council Member Esther Thomas and Manchester Police Officer Jeff Couch," stated Secretary-General Jordan Palmer. "The arrest and indictment of the Judge/Executive of Clay County (for which Manchester is located) for abuse of public trust, bribery of a public servant and criminal possession of a forged instrument should send an alarm to the citizens of how corrupt their city and county are."<br />
<br />
Palmer continued: "I can also confirm that the U.S. Department of Justice has received our request to intervene and I have communicated with the deputy chief of the criminal division.<br />
<br />
Ms. Thompson drew the city into the lawsuit even without the aid of the police officer with her statement '<i>she owns the police</i>,' and instructing officer Jeff Couch once he arrived on scene. Mr. Couch ignored his training and participated in, as well as ordering, an illegal action."<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="714" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/key/JAGZLMEcuteqrR" style="border-width: 1px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 5px; max-width: 100%;" width="668"> </iframe> <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 5px;">
<b> <a href="https://www.slideshare.net/palmerjor/kentucky-equality-federation-illegal-eviction" target="_blank" title="Kentucky Equality Federation: Illegal Eviction">Kentucky Equality Federation: Illegal Eviction</a> </b> from <b><a href="https://www.slideshare.net/palmerjor" target="_blank">palmerjor</a></b> </div>
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<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="714" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/key/wxwNFp4gSTG28S" style="border-width: 1px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 5px; max-width: 100%;" width="668"> </iframe> <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 5px;">
<b> <a href="https://www.slideshare.net/palmerjor/kentucky-equality-federation-cease-and-desist-order" target="_blank" title="Kentucky Equality Federation: CEASE AND DESIST ORDER">Kentucky Equality Federation: CEASE AND DESIST ORDER</a> </b> from <b><a href="https://www.slideshare.net/palmerjor" target="_blank">palmerjor</a></b> </div>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="714" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/key/kuB6oA9KdQ8CjJ" style="border-width: 1px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 5px; max-width: 100%;" width="668"> </iframe> <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 5px;">
<b> <a href="https://www.slideshare.net/palmerjor/morris-esther-thompson-being-represented-by-the-clay-county-attorney" target="_blank" title="MORRIS & ESTHER THOMPSON being represented by the CLAY COUNTY ATTORNEY">MORRIS & ESTHER THOMPSON being represented by the CLAY COUNTY ATTORNEY</a> </b> from <b><a href="https://www.slideshare.net/palmerjor" target="_blank">palmerjor</a></b> </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Manchester, KY 40962, USA37.1537007 -83.76186410000002537.1030742 -83.842545100000024 37.2043272 -83.681183100000027tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194749878289065745.post-40501108514563390412016-08-01T12:18:00.000-04:002016-08-01T13:39:30.915-04:00Discrimination, Assault, and Illegal Actions by Police and a City Council Member in Manchester, Kentucky<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltEViE-PdFLUVBUD5HVYvJmIGraoTbpgzMZkwAj1CM32rKPtmjqjYjpa22cL6JX3kuTCyvZRe-h-B1ShBUZR2_fifHlrlI1Mpa-A0VJQJ7fIk5hImv6QvOMuBUymHYL-GbuiO2Bwvg44/s1600/Federation-Large-Banner-for-VistaPrint.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltEViE-PdFLUVBUD5HVYvJmIGraoTbpgzMZkwAj1CM32rKPtmjqjYjpa22cL6JX3kuTCyvZRe-h-B1ShBUZR2_fifHlrlI1Mpa-A0VJQJ7fIk5hImv6QvOMuBUymHYL-GbuiO2Bwvg44/s200/Federation-Large-Banner-for-VistaPrint.png" width="200" /></a></div>
(Manchester, Kentucky) - Tomorrow, Kentucky Equality Federation will once again call on the Office of United States Attorney, Kerry Harvey, to review a case in Manchester, Kentucky for prosecution. Having exhausted our options to have this handled locally, and by the Commonwealth, the only recourse is to pursue resolution at the federal level.<br />
<br />
Joshua Melton and James Raymond Feltner, a married couple, were recently unlawfully evicted, assaulted, and sued in Manchester, KY. During the illegal eviction, the landlord stated she "would not rent to faggots." A representative in the Office of the County Attorney accused them of lying before even taking their assault complaint. After Kentucky Equality Federation investigated, it was discovered with the county attorney, there is a conflict of interest, as he is also the private attorney of the landlord, Esther Thompson, who is a city council member. <b><a href="http://kentuckyequality.org/about-us/contact-us/" target="_blank">(request documentation)</a></b><br />
<br />
The lease signed by the victims was a made-up epithet corporation, unauthorized to operate in the Commonwealth. With two (2) corporations under the name of City Council Member Esther Thompson, the one on the lease does not exist. The one on file in Frankfort was dissolved by the Kentucky Department of State – Corporations Division. <br />
<br />
City Council Member Esther Thompson also apparently wrote their names on a separate lease to bind them to forfeit their security deposit. Their security deposit was also never placed in a separate account as required by Kentucky law. <br />
<br />
During the illegal eviction [with the assistance of the Manchester Police Department], an emergency room visit was necessary for Joshua L. Melton due to a head injury sustained after being struck by City Council Member Esther Thompson, who also stated to witnesses that “<i>she owned the police</i>.”<br />
<br />
The Kentucky Department of Law, headed by the Attorney General, declined to get involved in the case “<i>if local officials declined</i>.” <br />
<br />
“As the chief law enforcement officer of the Commonwealth, this is absolutely worthy of the Kentucky Office of Attorney General for investigation,” stated Southern Kentucky Regional Director William Taylor. <br />
<br />
“History has unfortunately shown us that we cannot rely on the Kentucky Office of Attorney General, especially when it comes to ethical conduct and public subversion,” stated Russell Allen Hord, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General.<br />
<br />
Federation Alliance Secretary-General Jordan Palmer is assisting the couple, and requests <b><a href="http://kentuckyequality.org/about-us/contact-us/" target="_blank">all media requests be addressed to his office</a></b>. Palmer drove the first gay hate crime convictions in U.S. history and his legal theory was successful in having Kentucky’s 2004 Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage in the Commonwealth struck down by a Franklin County Judge.<br />
<br />
“For the citizens of Clay County, public corruption is nothing new, though it is unfair that they must endure this apparent never ending cycle,” stated Secretary-General Jordan Palmer. “We will demand the termination or severe remedial action of the accused Manchester Police Officers involved, who knowingly violated Kentucky law, the resignation or removal of the accused City Council Member from office, and an investigation into the ethical practices of the Clay County Attorney.<br />
<br />
Another complaint (see witness statements) will likewise be filed with the Kentucky Bar Association and the American Bar Association regarding the natural processes and moral philosophical system of the Office of the Clay County Attorney.”<br />
<br />
Palmer continued: "No peace/police officer in the Commonwealth may evict or assist in the
eviction of any party without a court order, regardless of who '<i>owns
them</i>' and the couple being married and gay does not grant a landlord
special rights."<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Manchester, KY 40962, USA37.1537007 -83.76186410000002537.1537007 -83.761864100000025 37.1537007 -83.761864100000025tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194749878289065745.post-4647267301523064002016-05-29T10:31:00.000-04:002016-05-30T10:40:40.832-04:00International Day of UN Peacekeepers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhciRlXMWKe0I0ITGphtx-_n5kLO_9j61QSoGWXW-9ChzXp0kPReTxoY4zPxkrxtkwwSZV9rrlTANeAUD6nFXJF1zsm1EjYfD_DhoWQPx8ZwNZcbf1BBUsrO4DGh_SB4dJbFtZNzWGSf8M/s1600/13330946_10154143934068563_8117735608152747501_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhciRlXMWKe0I0ITGphtx-_n5kLO_9j61QSoGWXW-9ChzXp0kPReTxoY4zPxkrxtkwwSZV9rrlTANeAUD6nFXJF1zsm1EjYfD_DhoWQPx8ZwNZcbf1BBUsrO4DGh_SB4dJbFtZNzWGSf8M/s320/13330946_10154143934068563_8117735608152747501_n.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
#Together4Peace #UN: International Day of UN Peacekeepers 2016. "Today we honor the near 3,500 who have given full measure for the flag of the United Nations, united under a common cause regardless of religion, nationality, race, color, sexual orientation, or any other [dividing] labels bestowed upon fellow Human beings, to maintain peace and safety around the world," stated Kentucky Equality Federation alliance secretary-general Jordan Palmer.<br />
<br />
"The organizational and operational skills that our Army has, to include our Army Reserve, is so valuable in an environment where you have [the militaries of] 44 different nations ... trying to come together and function as one," stated U.S. Major General Hugh Van Roosen, the United Nations Force Chief of Staff, was responsible for the daily operation of the 44 country multinational staff serving over 15,000 United Nations Peacekeepers.<br />
<br />
Since the first UN peacekeeping mission sixty-eight years ago, civilian and military personnel of the United States have served together under the United Nations flag in cooperation with peacekeepers from around the world, strengthening and deepening the bonds between themselves.<br />
<br />
When I first learned as a kid what the United Nations (UN) was, I always felt it would be an incredible opportunity to work for the U.N.,” said Van Roosen. "It's the concept of the United Nations that is so great- although there are challenges and difficulties, the underlying concept is truly the future for our planet."<br />
<br />
--> United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will preside over a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of all peacekeepers who have lost their lives while serving under the UN flag. In addition, the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal will be awarded posthumously to the peacekeepers who fell while serving in the cause of peace, during 2015. The world leader will also preside over the inaugural ceremony for the 'Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for Exceptional Courage.’<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Louisville, KY, USA38.2526647 -85.75845570000001337.853296699999994 -86.403902700000017 38.6520327 -85.113008700000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194749878289065745.post-70449253533895695492016-05-01T16:40:00.000-04:002016-05-01T16:44:23.225-04:00#Target #KY Support Target, shop online or at your local Target store<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9VEbmez_HYv4DFJKB4XasIv-vCZ9ne4lCmlqM-19WZccoJpBs_HZmIRGm3Kzr_CMNrpj7b_DwKasaYac1UIunQ15jMQYX6uw0dw35g53um8ioszmm6A3j_J0EaVn7Pd7ZB6mguQE-oQ/s1600/shop-target.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9VEbmez_HYv4DFJKB4XasIv-vCZ9ne4lCmlqM-19WZccoJpBs_HZmIRGm3Kzr_CMNrpj7b_DwKasaYac1UIunQ15jMQYX6uw0dw35g53um8ioszmm6A3j_J0EaVn7Pd7ZB6mguQE-oQ/s320/shop-target.png" width="320" /></a></div>
"We have more serious things to worry about than restrooms, such as school bullying, suicide, unemployment, the homeless, finding cures for cancer, HIV, multiple sclerosis, stopping genocide in parts of the World, and a million other things. You have to ignore these so-called family foundations, their only agenda is to spread hate and fear.” stated Kentucky Equality Federation's Jordan Palmer.<br />
<br />
“These so-called ‘family foundations’ were content with having a minority group of ‘second-class citizens’ for decades; a complete class of people unable to marry, unable to visit their partner if hospitalized, unable to share insurance and file joint taxes just to name a few.”<br />
<br />
Palmer continued: “It's impossible to boycott every organization or company in favor of LGBTI civil rights. Eventually, you're going to be sitting at home with nothing to do and no place to go. If that is what they want rather than embracing equality and loving each other, let it be so."<br />
<br />
-->> In addition to Target, historically these organizations have boycotted NBC, FX, ABC, Barnes & Noble, Winn-Dixie, Sprint, Verizon, K-Mart, General Motors, Ford, DirecTV, Radio Shack, Time Warner, MGM, Paramount, Netflix, and a hundred other companies.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1Lexington, KY, USA38.0405837 -84.5037164000000337.640337699999996 -85.149163400000035 38.4408297 -83.858269400000026tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194749878289065745.post-88806351597231761342016-04-26T18:50:00.000-04:002016-04-26T18:50:02.355-04:00Kentucky Equality Federation issues a rare designation, Ambassador of Goodwill<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambassador Designation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Kentucky Equality Federation honored Scott Robinson as an "Ambassador of Goodwill" on Saturday, April 23, 2016. The award was given by founder Jordan Palmer.<br />
<br />
According to the statement from the Office of the President:<br />
<br />
<span class="null">Mr. Robinson is currently the show director for
female impersonation artists at The Bar Complex in Lexington, Kentucky. </span><br />
<span class="null"><br /></span>
<span class="null">Palmer stated: "I think it takes a lot of courage to express the other side of yourself. Seeing it, hearing about it, or being his friend on Facebook could avert teenage suicides for people being bullied or harassed. When you see or hear of people such as Mr. Robinson, who are out in the
open and expressing themselves in a positive manner [while providing entertainment], that courage sets a positive example dating back to the Stonewall Inn."</span><br />
<span class="null"><br /></span>
<span class="null">Mr. Robinson also assists questioning and upcoming
female impersonation artists for the Kentucky Equality Federation (or
<u>any</u> other non-profit or NGO), in addition to serving as the Board Chair for the
Entertainment Committee of the Lexington Pride Festival and serving on
the Board as a governing body.</span><br />
<span class="null"><br /></span>
<span class="null">Palmer continued: "Mr. Robinson is heavily involved in the community. Being the person he is, last month or maybe this month, he was taking sandwiches to a homeless person he has seen outside his window. </span>We all need to find that inner part of our humanity, to realize that we are all the same in our hopes, dreams, and the need to be loved."<br />
<span class="null"><br /></span>
<span class="null">The appointment certificate reads:</span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
We commit to the struggle for equal rights for all classes of people and reject defining characteristic. We remain ever vigilant against bureaucratic abuses of power, the evils of discriminatory legislation, and every other tool of oppressors, be they individuals, corporations, organizations, or governments. When the laws have not caught up to the moral needs of society, we will seek their modification, pursuant to the creation of a just society.</blockquote>
<gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="bdd52739-b754-4c9a-b9b0-7a8d1923c6ae"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="6ffc6c34-0093-4a7b-aec7-1146af7cf8df"><br /></gs></gs><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="bdd52739-b754-4c9a-b9b0-7a8d1923c6ae" id="0b16d778-0d3a-4d7f-ac41-c08172fd0977"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="6ffc6c34-0093-4a7b-aec7-1146af7cf8df" id="777e78ec-ad08-4765-b8ad-723c1c010040"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="dd4d4a36-b065-4409-abd7-f3b3c8a11bb4" id="de45e7d9-0568-48d0-a51d-964fd977de5c">Ambassadors of Goodwill function by a code of ethical conduct based on fundamental values such as honesty, integrity, fairness, inclusion, respect, trust, responsibility, common sense and accountability.</gs></gs></gs><br />
<gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="bdd52739-b754-4c9a-b9b0-7a8d1923c6ae"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="6ffc6c34-0093-4a7b-aec7-1146af7cf8df"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="dd4d4a36-b065-4409-abd7-f3b3c8a11bb4"><br /></gs></gs></gs>
<gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="bdd52739-b754-4c9a-b9b0-7a8d1923c6ae"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="6ffc6c34-0093-4a7b-aec7-1146af7cf8df"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="dd4d4a36-b065-4409-abd7-f3b3c8a11bb4"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="fbb7783d-63a8-46c0-9536-57eba888f3b0" id="06a13126-442d-48eb-b11c-2d481ee6ac73">The last people the</gs></gs></gs></gs> Federation Alliance honored was <a href="http://community.kyequality.org/2013/06/ambassador-of-goodwill-scottie-saltsman.html" target="_blank">Scottie Saltsman</a> in 2013 and Karin Wagers-Lewis in 2016. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194749878289065745.post-82992121697747586852016-03-30T23:35:00.000-04:002016-03-30T23:35:07.394-04:00Religious Freedom Bill Consideration - Senate Bill 180 Wasting Taxpayer Dollars says Secretary-General Jordan PalmerRepresentatives and senators in Frankfort and the District of Columbia continue to act in the name of so-called "religious freedom" and wasting tax dollars. When is the last time you heard of members of a religious belief they could not assemble? How about a church being closed by the state? Our representatives and senators are twisting religion to further their own political agenda with yet another “religious freedom bill”. The constitution of this Commonwealth guarantees religious freedom, but not a license to discriminate.<br />
<br />
But if we are to bring religion into this argument, ask yourself who did Jesus run to? The minority the state or majority persecuted or left behind.<br />
<br />
One of the amendments to Kentucky Senate Bill 180 is the right to refuse service if you being democrat or republican violate their religious beliefs. Maybe this is for the best? Without large political parties, no one would tell our elected officials how to vote or what legislation to file. I have democratic, republican, and third political party views so what does that make me? It makes me an independent person with the ability to make up my own mind.<br />
<br />
I will never understand those who oppose equality for all people. No one is taking any civil rights away from the majority; we are simply asking they be extended to the minority. Even so, our entire Union is littered with the chronicle of oppression of minority people.<br />
<br />
You cannot be terminated in the Commonwealth for being a smoker, your age, gender, religious beliefs, etc. but you can for being LGBTI. Even after 14 years of activism, I cannot wrap my mind round this. The greatest thing that troubles me still is the amount of time is it takes the several states and the federal state to actually do anything about it. Normally, the courts that have to step in; this however is also the beauty of the "separation of powers" and our three branches of government.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Lexington, KY, USA38.0405837 -84.5037164000000337.640337699999996 -85.149163400000035 38.4408297 -83.858269400000026tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194749878289065745.post-21688394987288644382016-03-17T19:50:00.004-04:002016-03-17T21:00:26.251-04:00Kentucky Equality Federation vows to sue if Senate Bill 180 becomes law<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYr0V47jPafIvjkuEKhGHgZEiOf7K6Ye5_ZNdLc6BoK6qXWdyXVlyR4UBFRvReTIyX9avuJGZcAbWy9U9xcxHnsL4t9KUUPhouUQYyvDxPiEB80aJBPR_AQdezs5u8Sx226G5KmaAbmHU/s1600/Kentucky-Equality-Federation-Allies-Logo-for-Facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYr0V47jPafIvjkuEKhGHgZEiOf7K6Ye5_ZNdLc6BoK6qXWdyXVlyR4UBFRvReTIyX9avuJGZcAbWy9U9xcxHnsL4t9KUUPhouUQYyvDxPiEB80aJBPR_AQdezs5u8Sx226G5KmaAbmHU/s1600/Kentucky-Equality-Federation-Allies-Logo-for-Facebook.jpg" /></a></div>
The Interim Membership Committee of the Kentucky Equality Federation voted to permit the president or secretary-general of the alliance to sue the Commonwealth of Kentucky if Senate Bill 180 is passed by the House of Representatives and signed into law by Governor Matt Bevin.<br />
<br />
Senate Bill 180 would legally protect businesses that, refuse to service gay and lesbian couples because of the 'religious beliefs' of management/owner. <br />
<br />
“<i>This law is unconstitutional, just as it would have been more than fifty years ago when governments passed similar laws related to interracial couples, and 'white schools not permitting 'black students', the very notion of offensive</i>. ” <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="ec0f69a1-f9ed-45b6-89de-bac3455546b7" id="4d4c964a-62e7-4197-9029-3586f0bd2414"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="ccae54d9-5d64-4ccb-ab4c-b6e24f711768" id="172eb7e7-a51a-4ed7-b4ba-07464e36109f">stated</gs></gs> Secretary-General Jordan Palmer. “<i>Having sued the Commonwealth for marriage equality in addition to forcing single religious views out of public schools, our legal department is more than ready</i>.” <br />
<br />
Palmer added: "T<i>his is absolutely ridiculous. What's next? Separate restrooms?"</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZhyphenhyphen_b8lK3WG_Ev-O4F0kqyy1ZRXmpRzjmVjTTtsvXCiUK6T_9WFxXhFuB8yKN91KJlaRTt47qZoLA3x6rMPE2jMxQGsbpAH83Slqp4Y0UBlrkX9Nwutwx4Fmpu9ys2pk6ZOsbYlT_CY/s1600/canvas.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZhyphenhyphen_b8lK3WG_Ev-O4F0kqyy1ZRXmpRzjmVjTTtsvXCiUK6T_9WFxXhFuB8yKN91KJlaRTt47qZoLA3x6rMPE2jMxQGsbpAH83Slqp4Y0UBlrkX9Nwutwx4Fmpu9ys2pk6ZOsbYlT_CY/s1600/canvas.png" /></a></div>
The Kentucky Equality Federation alliance includes Marriage Equality Kentucky, Southeastern Kentucky Stop Hate Group, Western KY Community Education Project, Kentucky HIV Advocacy Campaign, and Kentucky Equal Ballot Access. The Federation <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="3a5e0802-183e-47fd-8dec-732737467fa6" id="240e9fc2-ab05-42f1-8e18-8195de236536">funds</gs> alliance members and each receive a single vote for a unifying secretary-general.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Lexington, KY, USA38.0405837 -84.5037164000000337.640337699999996 -85.149163400000035 38.4408297 -83.858269400000026tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194749878289065745.post-35815612062618183652015-09-03T21:01:00.000-04:002015-09-03T21:01:01.944-04:00Contempt of Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIHr7m_Jy6tQKe5Hd7V2QmF9Nlf6Nsgoo9cQ1ysuNZancVEmCYYpO5O7pcrFfgwDBycHWH4F4RkMpaA0ZXdeKL8FP1aGr5wSq20nDULDoTMSW1hmgWa2tAvBmpb_dQDtg0ieJuSOvNhh0/s1600/10304630_1435925349998621_4001788237334528189_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIHr7m_Jy6tQKe5Hd7V2QmF9Nlf6Nsgoo9cQ1ysuNZancVEmCYYpO5O7pcrFfgwDBycHWH4F4RkMpaA0ZXdeKL8FP1aGr5wSq20nDULDoTMSW1hmgWa2tAvBmpb_dQDtg0ieJuSOvNhh0/s200/10304630_1435925349998621_4001788237334528189_n.jpg" width="140" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Min. Jordan Palmer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Following is a special statement from Minister Jordan Palmer, secretary-general of the Kentucky Equality Federation alliance, its member and dependant organizations:<br />
<br />
Kentucky Equality Federation firmly supports Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis' rights to freedom of conscience, faith, and speech. We believe these rights belong to all people regardless of any defining characteristic imposed on them by society or governments.<br />
<br />
However, irrespective of how the Family Foundation of Kentucky chooses to spin the news report, the fact is, Davis is not in prison because of her beliefs. She is being held in contempt of court because she refuses to resolve the job taxpayers elected her to perform and has broken her oath of office. She could easily resign and end the entire situation, but I suspect the national spotlight is truly the motivation. The office of an elected official is a public trust, not a personal platform for refusing service to the "wrong" sort of people; this reeks of the oppression of far-off lands where officials can make discriminatory rules and enforce summary judgement against certain classes, genders, orientations, races, and castes. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kentucky Equality Federation<br />v. Commonwealth ruling by Judge Wingate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We are all equal before the law, and we encourage Davis to do the right thing, embrace the standard of public service (as she swore an oath to do), and comply with Franklin County Circuit Court Judge Thomas D. Wingate's ruling in <a href="http://community.kyequality.org/2013/09/kentucky-equality-federation-sues.html" target="_blank">Kentucky Equality Federation v. Commonwealth of Kentucky</a> and the ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court.<br />
<br />
This situation is analogous to Governor Steve Beshear refusing to aid a region of the Commonwealth during a disaster because they are Methodist, Catholic, or they voted for a different political party. It is similar to a clerk refusing to issue driver's licenses to taxpayers of a certain gender because they don't believe they are religiously permitted to drive. Would we tolerate a governor or president who refused to repel an invasion or defend the lives they have sworn to safeguard?<br />
<br />
The end of discrimination is not simply the elimination of flagrant abuses, rather it is the ability of a person to fully exercise their Kentucky human rights to the same full extent enjoyed by their peers, without fear of retribution, aspersion, or harm, be that harm political or social. The religious beliefs of Davis remain intact however, and unharmed, but incompatible with the elected office she holds.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194749878289065745.post-40496646911721700212015-08-29T15:29:00.001-04:002015-08-29T15:43:27.557-04:00#KY #KYGA16 Jordan Palmer and Kentucky Equality Federation call for Rowan County Clerk impeachment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Today, we call on Governor Steve Beshear to call a Special Session of the Kentucky General Assembly to impeach the Rowan County Clerk. The action of the Clerk defies Kentucky and U.S. Court rulings. This violates the <a href="http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/legresou/constitu/228.htm" target="_blank">oath of office</a> taken by Kim Davis and if she cannot complete her job because of "<i>religious beliefs</i>" then she should resign. Government is free of religion and religious beliefs. Perhaps Ms. Davis would be happier in a religious state such as Afghanistan, Iran, or Iraq." - Minister Jordan Palmer, Secretary-General of Kentucky Equality Federation and its member organization, Marriage Equality Kentucky.<br />
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"Kentucky Equality Federation attorneys are working now to file a lawsuit in Kentucky Courts."
On April 16, 2015 Franklin County Circuit Court Judge Thomas D. Wingate struck-down Kentucky's 2004 Ban on Same-Sex Marriage in the Commonwealth of Kentucky stating, "Kentucky's statutory and constitutional bans on same-sex marriage void and unenforceable for violating Plaintiff and Plaintiff's Members Constitutional Rights."<br />
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<b>COURT RULING: </b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KYEquality/photos/p.10153373501693563/10153373501693563/?type=1" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/KYEquality/photos/p.10153373501693563/10153373501693563/?type=1</a><br />
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<b>See history of media coverages in:</b> <a href="http://news.kyequality.org/2009/01/five-questions-with-jordan-palmer.html">KEF IN PROP 8</a>, <a href="http://news.kyequality.org/2010/01/statement-on-kentucky-supreme-court.html">KY-SUPREME COURT</a>, and <a href="http://news.kyequality.org/2009/11/same-sex-couples-march-for-marriage.html">PALMER MARRIAGE LICENSE</a>.<br />
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The county clerk issues marriage licenses (KRS 402.080) and files and records all marriage
certificates (KRS 402.220 and 402.230). Military discharges may also be recorded in the county
clerk’s office (KRS 422.090).<br />
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On or before the 10th day of each month, the county clerk reports
to the state registrar of vital statistics all marriage licenses issued and all marriage certificates
returned (KRS 213.116).<br />
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Each county clerk <u>must</u> furnish each applicant for a marriage license
with a copy of a marriage manual to be prepared and printed by the Human Resources
Coordinating Commission of Kentucky (KRS 402.270). Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Lexington, KY, USA38.0405837 -84.5037164000000337.640337699999996 -85.149163400000035 38.4408297 -83.858269400000026