HRC: New President Email Press Release from Joe.

When I decided to begin the next chapter of my career, I could not have imagined a better successor as president of the Human Rights Campaign. Just a few minutes ago, HRC's board of directors appointed Chad Griffin, a brilliant visionary and strategist, as the organization's next president.

While you know him as the mastermind behind the federal lawsuit to overturn California's

Proposition 8,

Chad's spent his career taking on the toughest fights against entrenched, well-financed interests. He's passionate about our equality and more importantly, has a proven track record of consistently delivering results. Already, the fight to overturn Prop. 8 has prevailed in two federal court rooms.

Chad Griffin has the leadership qualities critical to propel our movement for equality forward and I am so proud that he will succeed me this June leading HRC.

A native of Arkansas and a veteran of the Clinton White House, Chad was inspired by young people in taking on this new endeavor. He told the board this morning, "All over this country in big cities and small towns, there are families and young people who long to be accepted for who they are, and who want be treated with the same dignity and respect as everyone else. Today's generation of young people, and each generation hereafter, must grow up with the full and equal protection of our laws, and finally be free to participate in the American dream. As HRC president, I'll approach our work with a great sense of urgency because there are real life consequences to inaction."

With your support, HRC has won historic victories over the past several years. In addition to passing marriage equality in New York, the District of Columbia, Washington and Maryland, repealing the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law, and convincing the Obama administration to stop defending DOMA, HRC also spearheaded successful efforts to pass hate-crimes protections, secure equal hospital visitation rights for same-sex partners, and much more.

But following our recent string of advances, anti-LGBT leaders are trying to dismantle what we have built, brick by brick. That's what makes Chad's leadership – and HRC's work in Congress and in communities across the country – and your voice – even more crucial.

I think of HRC as a family. Over my seven years as president of this great organization, you've been there to help us make tremendous progress for our community. I know that you'll continue to be there as Chad fights to propel our movement forward. He is uniquely qualified to lead HRC into the future.

Sincerely,

Joe Solmonese
President

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Human Rights Campaign Launches Coalition To Repeal DOMA- Finally its Happen

Wow, it only took 15 years to do it.. I guess Joe kept losing his notes and files on the matter..

The Human Rights Campaign and Freedom to Marry have put together a “Coalition” of groups to fight for the repeal of DOMA. (The Defense of Marriage Act)

Here’s the list so far:

Alliance for Justice, National Fair Housing Alliance, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, National Organization for Women, National Partnership for Women and Families, National Women’s Law Center, People for the American Way, PFLAG, Pride at Work, AFL-CIO, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE), Service Employees International Union, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Stonewall Democrats, Third Way, Unitarian Universalist Association, United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE), United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, American Civil Liberties Union, American Federation of Government Employees, American Federation of Musicians, American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees, American Federation of Teachers, Americans for Democratic Action, Anti-Defamation League, Association of Flight Attendants, Center for American Progress, Coalition of Labor Union Women, COLAGE, Courage Campaign, Communications Workers of America, Family Equality Council, Feminist Majority, Freedom to Marry, GLAD, Gay & Lesbian Medical Association, Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN), Human Rights Campaign, Immigration Equality, Interfaith Alliance, International Union, UAW, Lambda Legal, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Log Cabin Republicans, MALDEF, National Black Justice Coalition, National Center for Lesbian Rights, National Council of Jewish Women, National Education Association,  and USAction.

What is unimpressive is that the NAACP, an organization founded for the very purpose of ending discrimination, isn’t part of it, I can only hope they will join it soon, since it seem that NAACP chapter here in NC does support gay rights.

DOMA has been on the books since September of 1996 and its taken them 15 years for HRC to put a “coalition” together to fight it. Total failure here..

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HRC doesn’t speak for me!

A large group of angry LGBT Activist marched down Castro Street today chanting “HRC doesn’t speak for me!” right into the HRC store disgruntled, frustrated, and pissed off (and rightfully so) with the non-profit gay organization.

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Why Didn’t HRC Sign on to this????

This is very Odd behavior from HRC, I know they are looking for a new President, but not to co-sign this is just wrong.. Lets Hope they will give their signature in the future on this.

The following is from Will @ Back2stonewall.com

The National Black Justice Coalition, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force Action Fund and PFLAG National, The American Civil Liberties Union, the Family Equality Council, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, and Lambda Legal have all co-signed a letter in which they  have withdraw their support from the Senate version of the Education Reauthorization Elementary & Secondary Reauthorization Act of 2011 because of the lack of protections it would provide for LGBT students against discrimination and harassment. (Interesting note: NOT among the co-signers is the Human Rights Campaign)

From the letter:

Discrimination and harassment of LGBT students, and those perceived to be LGBT, is a serious problem in public elementary and secondary school districts across the United States. Despite this fact, the ESEA Reauthorization Act of 2011 fails to include any express protections for this vulnerable student population, or even to make reference to them. While we recognize and appreciate the leadership of some members, including Senators Casey and Franken, who have been tireless in their advocacy on behalf of all students, including those who are LGBT, this reauthorization fails to ensure that LGBT students have access to a public education unhindered by discrimination and harassment.

Source:  The Washington Blade

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Linda Harvey: Gay Activists are unwashed and smelly! Who knew?

Linda, Linda Linda, why do you hate us so much? What’s wrong? Didn’t you local Gay hairstylist couldn’t fit you in for a much and over do, make over?

O’ my, we have a Gay –stapo? really, just how can I get in touch with these guys, I might like to join them..

for her latest piece,

Once the unwashed mob is mobilized into action, HRC, Garden State [In]Equality and their fellow travelers launch their well-honed but reprehensible tactic of screaming bloody murder over nothing. It’s pointless to debate with them, because their goal is fear, intimidation, even anarchy and revolution. If a few innocent people suffer along the way, they don’t care. This is the authentic face of sexually perverted “tolerance.”

Whether it’s just “Joe-mo-sexual on the street,” the casual groupie or people actually compensated by HRC or others in some fashion, there are plenty of mindless liberals ready to haunt conservatives in cyberspace. There’s also the Change.org website which can rally what seems like a million clueless “progressives” at a moment’s notice.

Or maybe it’s really just 20 or so smelly guys and gals in their aunts’ basements, who juggle numerous distinct email, Facebook and Twitter identities. Perhaps it’s a very small mob, after all.

She is writing concerning the NJ teacher who wrote her opinion on Homosexuality. She claims that HRC has launched a “Get Viki” Campaign. by emailing her principal, to get her fired.

Now to be fair on some leave,I agree that HRC and other group are only going after her because she is a teacher. I also feel that HRC and others LGBT groups are helping to destroy our first amendment rights to free speech. more on this later.

Then she listed a few folks who mouth and fingers got them in trouble online. She accused HRC and other groups recruiting others to search for these misconducts  on the net, labeling then as search and destroy mission on innocents Americans .

That many are paid or voluntary members of the Pink Jihadists, who’s diligent to protect the upstanding reputation of Sodomy, you are ready with slur, innuendo and other mud-slinging at a moment’s notice.

Hey, Ms Linda to you have the contact info for the Pink Jihadist, I would love to join them..

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Senate to Hold Historic Markup of Bill to Repeal Discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act

WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, today praised Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy’s announcement that the panel would soon hold a markup on the bill to repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act.  DOMA bans the federal government from recognizing legally married same-sex couples and denies loving and committed families equal benefits and equal dignity.

“This markup is an incredible step toward ending federal marriage discrimination that causes real harm to American families,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “Chairman Leahy and Senator Feinstein have been leaders in this fight and we applaud them for continuing the momentum against this unjust law.”

The Respect for Marriage Act – the DOMA repeal bill – had a hearing before the committee in July where HRC President Joe Solmonese testified.  It was the first time that DOMA had a hearing in Congress since its enactment 15 years ago and this markup represents another historic first.

“The federal government shouldn’t be in the business of picking which marriages it likes and which it doesn’t, but that’s exactly what DOMA does,” said Solmonese. “The reality of DOMA is heart-wrenching discrimination against loving families.”

DOMA prevents any of the over 1,100 federal rights, benefits and responsibilities of marriage from being afforded to legally married same-sex couples.  These include Social Security survivor benefits, federal employee health benefits for spouses, protections against spouses losing their homes in cases of severe medical emergencies, the right to sponsor a foreign born partner for immigration, the guarantee of family and medical leave and the ability to file joint tax returns, among many others.  51 percent of voters oppose DOMA while only 34 percent favor it, according to a March 2011 poll by HRC and Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 14, 2011

Michael Cole-Schwartz | michael.cole-schwartz@hrc.org | 202-216-1553

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Hey for $35,800 you can get a Evening with Obama and more.

From Pam’s HouseBlend,

Pam Received the following in her Email,

We were elated to learn that President Barack Obama will once again keynote the Human Rights Campaign Dinner in Washington, DC. Many of our closest friends will be in town for the 3,000 person, sold-out event this Saturday, October 1st.

What is even more exciting, though, is that the President will be attending a small private LGBT-related event on Friday night, September 30, at the beautiful home of Dr. James D’Orta in Washington. The event is tiered to include a photo reception and private dinner with several contribution options.

Contribution Options and RSVP Links:
$35,800 Per Person (photo reception, dinner, and VIP clutch)(link removed)
$35,800 Per Couple (dinner and photo reception)(link removed)
$10,000 Per Person (photo reception)(link removed)

This will be a special moment for us to thank the President for his continued commitment to achieving full equality for LGBT Americans and to ensure he has the support necessary to make that goal a reality. If you are able to attend at any of these levels, please RSVP today.

This only proves in our community only those that Rich are important enough to meet the President for a Dinner, photo opt, and whatever the VIP Clutch?

See the RSVP Form..

Yes this is event will be hosted at a Private Home of Dr. James D’Orta in Washington.

My question is why so much, I mean for HRC Gala in DC the cost is much lower..

However this event is not tax deductible.

Contributions or gifts to Obama Victory Fund 2012 are not tax deductible.

The first $5,000 of a contribution to OVF 2012 will be allocated to Obama for America (with the first $2,500 designated for the primary election, and the next $2,500 for the general). The next $30,800 of a contribution will be allocated to the Democratic National Committee. A contributor may designate a contribution for a particular participant. This allocation formula may change if following it would result in an excessive contribution.

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Letter From HRC to the Citizens of NC

We only have two weeks left until the North Carolina General Assembly votes on the anti-LGBT marriage amendment, House Bill 777 and Senate Bill 106. Join HRC and help mobilize constituents in key districts to contact their legislators and tell them to vote "NO" on writing discrimination into North Carolina's constitution.

• Business owners – If you own a business or know someone who does, we need your voice now! The two bills up for a vote seek to amend our state constitution in ways that would damage our state's ability to attract and retain the best and the brightest.

The Body Shop, a global company with a headquarters in Wake Forest, has advised lawmakers in a letter that "...this bill (SB 106) ultimately would have long-term detrimental effects to North Carolina's economy - not only could it keep businesses from relocating to North Carolina, but it may lead to the exodus of businesses..."

If you own a business, sign onto a public letter with other businesses and civic leaders. Be sure ask others you know who are also business owners to sign onto the letter.

• Rally – HRC, Equality North Carolina and a coalition of pro-equality organizations will be convening at the state legislature on the day of the vote, Tuesday, September 13. The rally will be held to urge legislators to oppose House Bill 777 and Senate Bill 106. For more information about the rally, click here.

• Phonebanks – Volunteer at one of our in-person phonebanks in Raleigh, Greensboro, Asheville, and Pinehurst. Volunteer today! If you're not able to join us at one of our in-person phonebanks, we've made it easy for you to help from your home, your office or anywhere in the state through our virtual phonebanks. Sign up today!

Sincerely,

Marty Rouse
HRC National Field Director

P.S. If you haven't already done so, or even if you have, email your legislators today and tell them to defeat these harmful measures in September!

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Joe Solmonese to Leave HRC

Via Pam’s Houseblend.com

(Photo credit: Karen Ocamb)

HRC President Joe Solmonese to Depart Early 2012

Board Announces Search Process, Salutes Leadership

WASHINGTON - The co-chairs of the Human Rights Campaign Board of Directors and the HRC Foundation Board today announced that HRC President Joe Solmonese has informed the boards that he will not renew his contract which expires March 31, 2012. Solmonese will remain at the helm of the organization until the completion of his contract to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

At the same time, the co-chairs announced the formation of a search committee to be co-chaired by board members Joni Madison of Hillsborough, N.C., and Dana Perlman of Los Angeles.

"Joe Solmonese is an outstanding leader," said Anne Fay who co-chairs the Foundation Board of Directors with Andy Linsky. "While we will miss his extraordinary leadership, we enter this next phase, thanks to Joe, in the best place the organization has ever been. Not only has our community secured historic victories, but our membership is larger and more active than at any time in our history, and our financial health is secure even in these difficult economic times."
"From the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell', to the recent passage of marriage equality in New York, Joe has made sure that HRC is an effective and strategic force for positive change," said Tim Downing, who co-chairs the HRC Board of Directors with Rebecca Tillet. "Over the course of his tenure, he's set the tone for delivering real reform that matters in peoples' everyday lives."

"Leading HRC has been an inspiring experience and a complete privilege," said Solmonese. "I could not be more proud of our staff, our volunteer leadership and of the extraordinary progress we've made together as a community."

Solmonese's leadership has taken the organization from 750,000 members and supporters to more than 1,000,000. Additionally, he oversaw significant expansion of HRC's public education and outreach programs including the launch of the Healthcare Equality index, a more robust Religion and Faith Program and wider reach and success of the Corporate Equality Index. The HRC Foundation also launched the Welcoming Schools program to address family diversity, gender stereotyping, bullying and name calling in schools, as well as the All Children All Families initiative that helps open up adoption agencies to prospective LGBT parents.  The grassroots field operation also expanded - most recently mounting the largest state-level campaign in LGBT movement history resulting in the passage of marriage equality in New York.

When Solmonese began at HRC in 2005, the organization was fighting the Federal Marriage Amendment and now marriage equality is a reality in six states and the District of Columbia with more within sight. Under Solmonese's leadership we saw the passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and numerous administrative changes from gender identity non-discrimination policies for federal workers to reversing the HIV travel ban to ensuring that equal visitation in federally funded hospitals. Read more on the community's record of success during Solmonese's tenure.
"HRC has never been stronger and after nearly seven years, this is the right moment for me to move on," said Solmonese. "As I explore new professional possibilities, I plan on continuing to pour my heart and soul into improving the lives of members of our community - from battling proposed marriage amendments to creating more equitable workplaces to ensuring the President Obama is reelected for a second term."

The four volunteer board co-chairs will work with the search committee co-chairs in selecting the full committee as well as securing an executive search firm to assist the organization.
"From the beginning, we asked Joe to give us six months of transition when he decided to leave and he's done that," said Tillet. "We have every confidence that we will find and engage a new leader within that timeframe."

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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HRC picking and Choosing Which Community to Help.

12 week tour across country comes as new poll shows increasing acceptance, more work to be done

7/25/2011

Washington – The Human Rights Campaign – the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization – today announced “On the Road to Equality,” a nationwide bus tour to spread the message of equality by educating the American public and empowering LGBT people to become advocates for themselves and their families. The 12 week tour will travel to 17 cities in 11 states and D.C., with particular emphasis on the Midwest and South where there are limited legal protections for LGBT people and living openly and honestly can be difficult. Events will include everything from educational seminars on legal documents for families to community forums about family acceptance to participating in the University of Nebraska’s “Big Red Welcome.”

“We are in the midst of a cultural tipping point on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues and our job is to push the scale as far and as fast as we can toward fairness,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “The tour will serve as a powerful visibility tool and support the work of creating real and lasting change in these communities.”

Today HRC also released a nationwide poll that found Americans widely support LGBT equality issues but more work remains to be done – particularly in the South and Midwest where support lags other regions.  The poll shows support for equal marriage at 51 percent (43 percent in the Midwest and South), in line with other national polls on the issue. Support fornon-discrimination protections for LGBT people in employment, housing and public accommodations is strong nationally at 79 percent, as is support for protections against bullying in schools at 73 percent. Respondents also overwhelmingly say anti-gay discrimination is a problem (79 percent) and anti-transgender discrimination is a problem (74 percent).

Aside from policy questions, 57 percent of respondents say they would not be bothered if their child or grandchild was gay.  Seventy-seven percent of men say they could be close friends with a gay man and 81 percent of women say they could be close friends with a lesbian.  Overall, 64 percent say they could be close friends with someone who is transgender.  Relating to the current debate over so-called “pray the gay away” therapies, only 24 percent of people think gay people can be made straight through psychotherapy or prayer. Full poll results can be found online at http://www.hrc.org/bustour/media.html.

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HRC Statement on DADT Injunction

7/6/2011

Washington – Today a panel of judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit re-instituted an injunction barring the military from enforcing the ban on openly lesbian, gay and bisexual service members.  The court concluded that, with “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal being implemented and certification of the new policy forthcoming, the government would not be burdened by ceasing enforcement at this time.  The order was issued in the appeal of Log Cabin Republicans v. Panetta (formerly Gates), a case challenging the constitutionality of the DADT law.  In September 2010, a federal district judge ruled that the law is unconstitutional and the Obama administration appealed that decision.  While the Ninth Circuit must still rule on the constitutionality of the law, until it does so, the military will now be enjoined from enforcing DADT.  Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, released the following statement:

“Today’s decision is a harbinger that ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ is on its way out.  With troops trained on the new policy and senior military leaders having said the process is working without significant disruption, DADT is on its last legs.  The time for certification is now in order to clearly and plainly wipe this damaging law off the books once and for all.”

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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HRC Calls Out Tea Party Activist’s Dangerous Anti-LGBT Bullying Comments

Activist Rich Swier Says Bullying Is “Peer Pressure and it Is Healthy”

WASHINGTON –The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, is calling out Tea Party activist Rich Swier for his dangerous remarks trivializing bullying. In response to a statistic that said 77 percent of bullied youth were targeted due to their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, Swier said bullying “is peer pressure and it is healthy.” Swier went on to compare being gay to behaviors like smoking, underage drinking and drug abuse.

“Bullying of any kind is unacceptable and can lead to very real and serious consequences,” said HRC’s Vice President of Communications Fred Sainz. “For Rich Swier to publicly suggest that bullying is in fact normal and healthy is irresponsible. It’s alarming that any adult would classify behavior that can cause youth very real physical and emotional harm as acceptable under any circumstances.”

Read more clicking here..

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HRC Finally giving a Helping Hand in NC

The North Carolina legislature has given us more time to organize. The Anti-LGBT marriage bills (SB 106/HB 777) that would place a constitutional amendment on the 2012 ballot to ban gay and lesbian marriage will likely now be voted in a special legislative session in September. We need your help this summer to contact your legislators to tell them that they were sent to Raleigh to fix the economy and create jobs, not to advance a divisive social agenda. We need them to hear that putting minority rights up for a vote of the majority is no way to treat LGBT citizens in the state of North Carolina.

HRC has hired six field organizers in North Carolina to carry out this work over the summer. HRC staff is working closely with Equality North Carolina on a targeted, well-planned grassroots campaign that focuses on moving votes in the legislature. Our tactics are focused on engaging constituents to contact their legislators through a postcard campaign, door-to-door canvasses, phone calls and face-to-face meetings in Raleigh and in their districts, as well as getting leaders from the faith and business communities to speak out. These are the strategies that work to change the minds of legislators and we need your voice, and the voices of your friends and family, to make sure your legislators vote against the anti-LGBT marriage bills.

Upcoming
Equality NC will be scheduling volunteer phone-banking nights in Raleigh and other locations to identify opponents of the anti-LGBT constitutional amendment and generate contacts with legislators. We'll post more information in the coming days and weeks, but we'd like to recruit volunteers for this important outreach opportunity now. If you're interested, contact Josh Wynne at josh@equalitync.org or (919) 829-0343 x113, or Jess Osborn at jessica.osborn@hrc.org or (786) 718-8555.

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Tell your senator: Don't delay DADT repeal!

Right-wing conservatives in Congress are trying desperately to delay the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and it's up to us to stop them.

A few weeks ago, House Republicans still fuming over the passage of repeal last year added a series of hostile amendments to delay repeal and undermine gay and lesbian families into the National Defense Authorization Act. Now, the key Senate Armed Services Committee is poised to act on these amendments as soon as Tuesday.

One or both of your U.S. senators serves on the committee and could be a deciding vote on the future of DADT repeal. Your voice can be an incredibly powerful tool at this critical moment, and HRC supporters nationwide are counting on folks like you to speak out today.

Tell your senators: Americans don't want you to delay repeal!

Anti-LGBT legislators are trying to complicate the military's own implementation plan and introduce spurious issues into the conversation even though military leaders have made clear that implementation is progressing well and they have not expressed any need for additional legislation. Military leaders even testified on the record that further delays aren't needed.

Yet House Republicans persisted in using hostile amendments to delay the repeal of DADT, put restrictions on military chaplains from performing legal marriages and deny equal access to military facilities. Now, the Senate is poised to do the same thing.

Help send a strong message to Senate Armed Services Committee members today that we will not stand for further delay or complication. Brave lesbian and gay soldiers want only to serve their nation openly. Repeal is supported by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of Defense, and the vast majority of Americans not to mention that it was decided on by a clear vote in Congress and signed into law by President Obama.

Repeal must move forward as planned. At election time, voters will remember those who thwarted the will of Congress and the American people and focused on defending discrimination instead of real national security concerns.

Your senator needs to hear from you today. Please take just one minute of your time today to send your message.

This is simply an underhanded attempt to undermine LGBT families and keep Americans from serving their nation openly, even though repeal has already passed. We can't let the forces of tired, angry prejudice win.

Urgently,

Joe Solmonese
President

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A message from HRC, and without a request for $$$$

#lgbt #marriageissue #NewYork #hrc

Are you following what's going on in New York?

It's big – and even though you may not be a New Yorker, you can be part of it right now.

Late in 2009, a marriage equality bill was thwarted in the state. But we've got a second chance, and tens of thousands of people are speaking up through HRC's massive "New Yorkers for Marriage Equality" campaign – including three NYC mayors, two U.S. senators, sports stars, actors, President Bill Clinton and even President Bush's daughter, Barbara. We're closer than ever to victory, but it's no sure thing.

What happens in New York doesn't stay in New York. It'll affect the rest of the nation. In concert with our coalition partners, we've put ads on the air. We've put 30 HRC staff on the ground. We just delivered over 25,000 postcards to state senators. And right now we need you.

Please send our new "Everyday New Yorkers" video to every single New York State resident you know. A lot of New Yorkers still don't know the vote is coming so soon – so whether it's family, old friends, or former colleagues, let them know how important their voice is right now.

Copy this sample message into an email to everyone you know in the state of New York:

Hi, Since you're a New Yorker, I wanted you to see this video: http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/TakeActionNY As you've probably heard, the New York State Senate will vote very soon on a bill that would allow loving, gay and lesbian couples to marry. There's a lot more momentum now than when the same bill was thwarted late in 2009, but it's going to be a close vote. So check out this video. Then enter your name and address and click "send message" to email your state senator: http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/TakeActionNY This issue is incredibly important to me, and it'll have an impact across the country, so I really appreciate it. (Even if your state senator supports marriage equality, it is important that they hear from you that they're doing the right thing – right-wing groups are spending lots of money to convince them otherwise.) If you want to make even more of a difference, you can call your state senator at 518-455-2800. And be sure to forward this to everyone else you know in New York. Thank you so much for your support!

You can also click here to share our "Everyday New Yorkers" video with your friends on Facebook.

The right-wing National Organization for Marriage has already pledged $1.5 million to stop us from passing marriage equality.

We're fighting back by organizing supporters all around the state who have produced 27,000 postcards, 12,000 emails, 9,000 calls, and 3,000 letters to targeted state senators.

And we've organized some of the most prominent names in media, sports, entertainment, and politics to speak out: New York Ranger Sean Avery, Chef Mario Batali, Anna Wintour, Larry King, Joan Rivers, and even Whoopi! Now we need your help to recruit even more New Yorkers for this fight.

We can win this fight if we speak out together. Please, contact everyone you know in New York now.

In the civil rights battle of our generation, no state stands alone.

Warmly,

Joe Solmonese
President

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HRC need an enema

I got another one of those “BIG THINGS are HAPPEN” so we need money email for HRC(The human Rights Campaign).

Every time I get one of these action email, there very little info and always a request for more money. I think its high time that Joe and the rest of the over paid desk plants to take a pay cut. Joe need to start flying coach and rent reasonable auto’s instead of taking Limo’s and First Class air fairs..

From Joe,

I just got off the phone with HRC Board Member Bruce Bastian. He's challenged HRC supporters to raise $100,000 – and he'll match every dollar with one of his own.

He's doing it because big things are happening here at HRC and all across the country – thanks to you. You've helped run ads and mobilize thousands of volunteers in an all-out blitz to win marriage equality in New York. You helped bring 250 pro-equality clergy members to Capitol Hill this week. And together we've sparked a new, national conversation about homophobia in sports.

But make no mistake. We could win in New York – or right-wing hatred could prevail. More sports stars could support equality – or more slurs could air on national TV. Speaker Boehner could stop spending tax dollars to defend discrimination in the DOMA case – or we could see a resurgence of discriminatory efforts in Congress.

It all depends on how quickly we can react to a crisis, on how skillfully we can fight when it counts – and on you.

WOW, I thought we were giving them money to work on our behalf.

All this after their massive failure in Tennessee. Where were they?? I’m sure Joe didn’t put his beauty treatment and shopping for over price suits and underwear in front of the rights of the Tennessee’s LGBT community.

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