#KY #CA California extending travel ban to include Kentucky

The Earth Equality Alliance, Kentucky Equality Federation, and Marriage Equality Kentucky (an alliance of more than eight (8) organizations with a common spokesperson and unifying secretary-general) today commented on the California Attorney General adding the Commonwealth of Kentucky to its travel ban.

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.

# # #
CONTACT:
Dillan Marsh, Executive Director
Secretary General Jordan Palmer's Office of Special Affairs
PH: (502) 219-2533
 # # #

"Fanatics are now trying to turn religious freedom into a license to discriminate and it will not be tolerated,” stated Secretary-General Jordan Palmer.

“Kentucky Equality Federation and its attorneys have never lost a lawsuit, from NKU, Hazard, to the Warren County Detention Center to striking down Kentucky’s same-sex marriage ban by a Kentucky judge. 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.

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.

No law may supersede the Constitution, even with a ballot outcome (see Kentucky Equality Federation v. Governor Steve Beshear)."

Section V of the Commonwealth's Constitution states (bold emphases added):

No preference shall ever be given by law to any religious sect, society or denomination; nor to any particular creed, mode of worship or system of ecclesiastical polity; nor shall any person be compelled to attend any place of worship, 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 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. No human authority shall, in any case whatever, control or interfere with the rights of conscience.

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.”

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."

The California travel ban included Tennessee, North Carolina, Mississippi and Kansas, and now included Alabama, Kentucky, and Texas.

This will also have a great impact on sports.

Contempt of Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis

Min. Jordan Palmer

Following is a special statement from Minister Jordan Palmer, secretary-general of the Kentucky Equality Federation alliance, its member and dependant organizations:

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.

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.

Kentucky Equality Federation
v. Commonwealth ruling by Judge Wingate

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 Kentucky Equality Federation v. Commonwealth of Kentucky and the ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court.

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?

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.

#MarriageEquality: Special Statement on U.S. Supreme Court and marriage equality in Kentucky

SPECIAL STATEMENT: JORDAN PALMER FOR KENTUCKY EQUALITY FEDERATION AND MILES MEEHAN FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY KENTUCKY

"Today, we celebrate with LGBTIQ communities across the country; particularly across our Commonwealth, as the U.S. Supreme Court has reached the historic ruling to declare marriage equality for all masses.

Historically, courts have always had to act in favor of the minority against the majority; the history of our Commonwealth and indeed our entire Union forge this undeniable fact. Labeling any person by a characteristic such as gay, Asian, Indian, etc. is dehumanizing and commonly used by oppressors as justification.

Kentucky Equality Federation, along with other groups of hard working activists, have worked tirelessly over the years to fight for the fundamental rights of members of our community. The destination was clear, but the journey came with blood, sweat, and a lot of tears.

• See history of media coverages in: KEF IN PROP 8, KY-SUPREME COURT, and PALMER MARRIAGE LICENSE.

As I said over six (6) years ago when fighting California's Prop 8: 'It is our generation's obligation and opportunity to see this injustice righted in our lifetime. We stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us – the time is here, the time is now, history is calling us.' I am proud to say, the call has finally been answered across the United States.

As we celebrate this decision, we are reminded that a couple can be married on Sunday and then be fired from their job or denied a loan.

Even as we celebrate, we know this journey is far from being over. The Kentucky Equality Federation will continue to listen and advocate for those whose voices have been silenced. As we journey on in our quest for equality for all, we encourage everyone to get involved and help in your communities." - Kentucky Equality Federation founder and alliance Secretary-General Jordan Palmer.

"We are encouraged by today's ruling. It is long overdue that all families be recognized in the United States, and this ruling solidifies protections for families and children in Kentucky.  Love is a universal value, and marriage is an agreement between consenting adults and the state. Now, the citizens of our Commonwealth can take pride in the fact that we have joined our neighboring states in supporting equality.

As we go along our journey in our pursuit for equality for all, we encourage everyone to get involved and help in your communities. Whether you participate in a march or just take time to sit down with someone and listen to their story, we believe everyone can play a role in making our communities more loving and equal." - Kentucky Equality Federation Vice Chairman Miles Meehan for Marriage Equality Kentucky.

Ohio same-sex marriage ruling mirrors Kentucky's; taxpayer money being wasted

The ruling in Ohio is very similar to that in Kentucky. As with the Commonwealth, Ohio votes had a Constitutional Amendment defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman. U.S. District Judge Timothy Black has announced he will issue a ruling similar to that of U.S. District Judge John Heyburn, allowing marriages performed in other states to be recognized within the state of Ohio. It is expected that the ruling will be released on April 14th, at which time the Governor is expected to appeal the decision.

"Appealing the decisions of these U.S. District Judges flies in the face of civil rights through an exercise of states' rights," stated Kentucky Equality Federation’s Chairman of the Board, Brandon Combs. "In the commonwealth of Kentucky, it has been estimated upwards of $1 million in taxpayer funds will be used to appeal the decision of U.S. District Judge Heyburn. The use of these funds in such a manner demonstrates a lack of forethought and understanding of the Commonwealth’s needs. This is a partial win for Ohio, and supports the position that Judge Heyburn almost verbatim. We must take these incremental wins as steps in the right direction; Equality for all people, everywhere."

"In Kentucky, the gay marriage ban violates our own Kentucky Bill of Rights. The state-sponsored subjugation of citizens’ rights to bans written by religious special interests is forcing LGBTI couples to seek relief in federal courts. As states continue to deny justice to their own citizens, even when ordered to do so by federal courts, they are leading their states into wasteful legal battles to avoid exercising their own responsibility. This 'Axis of Inequality' in America's heartland is doing damage to state constitutions, state sovereignty, and the rights of sovereign citizens,” said Kentucky Equality Federation President Joshua Koch.

In the guise of defending a phony democratic process, the cowardly politicians of these three states are protecting laws which violate their own constitutions. Rather than doing the right thing, our own governor, Governor Beshear, is using tax dollars to fight for the right to keep LGBTI taxpaying families locked away as second-class citizens. This pandering to fundamentalist extremists puts future generations at a disadvantage in enforcing their sovereign status against federal encroachment."

Kentucky Equality Federation and its member organizations welcome Robert Stivers as Senate President

Kentucky Equality Federation and its member organizations and groups welcome Senator Robert Stivers (R-Manchester) as the new Senate President.

"It is our hope and desire that we can work with President Stivers in addressing issues important to Kentucky citizens," stated Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer. "This includes a statewide equality law, updating Kentucky's dating violence laws, and may other issues critical to Kentucky moving forward and taking its place again as a leader in the area of civil rights. Our member organizations, groups, and allies will also determine our legislative priorities with Kentucky Equality Federation's Legal Department as well as our Policy Department."

Senate District 25
District for the new Senate President

"The Board of Directors of the Kentucky Equality Federation would like to cordially welcome and congratulate Senator Robert Stivers in his election to the position of Senate President," stated Kentucky Equality Federation's Chairman of the Board, Brandon Combs. "We are excited by the prospect of forging ahead in addressing the Commonwealth's most crucial priorities with President Stivers. Senator Stivers, though conservative, has a record of being amenable to conversation. Accordingly, it is our sincerest hope that this change in leadership represents an opportunity for the Commonwealth to move forward in all facets, including equality, discrimination, and HIV/AIDS advocacy."

"On behalf of the Kentucky HIV/AIDS Advocacy Campaign I would like to personally welcome you to your new post as President of the Senate for the Commonwealth of Kentucky," stated Managing Director Gary Fowler, PsyD, CDC/ASPH Fellow. "The Kentucky HIV/AIDS Advocacy Campaign has had a long-standing positive relationship with the Senate since 2002, the date of the Campaign’s inception. I appreciate and applaud continual efforts to enhance quality and assurance of care for all Kentuckians suffering from HIV/AIDS. I welcome you again to your new post and I make myself available upon request."

"Marriage Equality Kentucky welcomes Robert Stivers as President of the Senate," stated Managing Director Mike T. Bowling. "It is our hope that we can at a minimum engage in dialogue for issues important to Marriage Equality Kentucky which also included domestic partnerships and civil unions."

The managing director of Kentucky Equal Ballot Access was not available for comment at press time.

Palmer continued:  "At the end of the day we are all citizens of this great Commonwealth, but its time for us to earn the word 'great' again. Since the Kentucky Civil Rights Act of 1966, the Commonwealth has fallen behind in equal pay for Women, updating discrimination laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity, updating dating violence laws, and ensuring people infected with HIV/AIDS have access to medications and care, just to name a few.

It is time the Commonwealth protect all of its citizens and we hope to work with the new Senate leadership to ensure this happens. We know we will agree to disagree on many things, but with healthy dialogue we can move forward. The fear, hared, and rejection of diversity, not to mention tolerance and acceptance attack the very foundation our Commonwealth and Union are built on."

ABOUT MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS: The sitting president of Kentucky Equality Federation is both the ceremonial head of Kentucky Equality Federation's member organizations and its ex officio president.  These organizations and groups include the Kentucky HIV/AIDS Advocacy Group, Marriage Equality Kentucky, and Kentucky Equal Ballot Access. The same is true for the chairman of the board, treasurer, secretary of the corporation, and assistant secretary of the corporation. Kentucky Equality Federation’s Board of Directors supervise corporate governance under operating agreements for member organizations. A group of special government, non-profit, private citizens, and political advisers in addition to a Board of Regents consisting of additional experts 'supervise, consult and advise' the managing director and other management appointed by the managing director, responsible for day to day operations.