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Shooting Death of Homosexual man Disrupts New York’s Birthplace of Gay Rights

Shooting Death of Homosexual man Disrupts New York’s Birthplace of Gay Rights

 

 
Greenwich Village, the birthplace of the American gay rights movement, remained in a state of shock on Sunday over the shooting of a homosexual man by gunman who police claimed uttered anti-gay slurs prior to targeting the victim. 
 
Mark Carson, age 32, was shot and killed in Greenwich Village near midnight on Friday in what Police describe as a hate crime. Others are postulating that the shooting could be a backlash against the advance of gay marriage laws across the nation.
 
The New York City neighborhood has long been a haven for artists, and its Stonewall Inn has served as a landmark for gay rights since a 1969 conflict when patrons of the gay bar stood firm against a police raid. 
 
Sympathizers built a shrine to the victim on Sunday, leaving flowers, cards, and lighting candles at the spot where he was slain, on Sixth Avenue at Eighth Street.
“This area is supposed to serve as the world’s capital for gay rights,” said Josh Steinman, age 42, who paused for a moment in front of the memorial. 
 
The killing marked the 22nd anti-gay hate crime in the city this year, compared to only 13 incidents at this time last year, said New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly. 
 
“It is abundantly clear that the victim was murdered solely for the fact that he was thought to be a homosexual,” Kelly said. “There is no question about the motive; there were derogatory remarks, and the victim did nothing to instigate or antagonize the shooter. It was only because the shooter thought his victim was a homosexual.”
A suspect, identified as Elliot Morales, age 33, was arrested and charged with second degree murder as and a hate crime shortly after the shooting. Mr. Morales is currently being held without bail and two of his accomplices are cooperating with authorities. 
“I cannot fathom that something like this happened in the village,” said Carmine Tzavis, a bartender at the Stonewall Inn.
 
Residents of the Village said they were scared and feared the violence may have been motivated by the advancement in gay marriage laws throughout the country.
Last week, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton signed a bill to make his state the 12th in the nation to allow gay couples to marry. 
 
 
Source: Human Rights Campaign

Gay Marriage Passes in the House of Commons

Gay Marriage Passes in the House of Commons

 

Gay Marriage Passes in the House of Commons
 
The House of Commons voted to permit gay marriage in Wales and England, despite 161 members of Parliament opposing the British government’s plans. 
 
Several Tory Members of Parliament spoke openly against the bill, which have caused a rift in the party, but leaders of the Labour and Democratic Party backed them. 
The Same Sex Couples Bill will not go before the House of Lords for final approval.  
Prime Minister David Cameron hopes the Same Sex Couples Bill to become law soon with the first gay marriages taking place by next summer. 
 
If passed the Same Sex Couples Bill will allow gay couples, who are currently allowed to hold civil ceremonies, to legally marry in Wales and England. 
 
According to the bill, religious institutions would be required to “opt in” to offering same sex weddings, with the Church in Wales and the Church of England being banned in law from doing so. 
 
The Secretary of Wales Mr. David Jones and Environment Official Owen Paterson voted against the Same Sex Marriage bill at its third hearing—these two officials were joined by 10 junior ministers of the nation. 
 
In total, 133 Tories opposed the same sex marriage bill, along with 15 Labour Members of Parliament, four members of the Liberal Democratic Party, one independent, and eight Democratic Unionists. Again, the proposal will now go to the House of Lords tomorrow, where it is expected to generate heated discussion. 
Demonstrators who oppose the proposed law held a vigil across from the Palace of Westminster as the vote took place. A woman was arrested by police after attempting to drive an automobile through the gates of the Palace as the vote was underway. 
The bill’s third reading was supported by 366 Members of Parliament, giving it the necessary majority of 205. There was a smattering of applause in the chamber after the results were announced. 
 
The result represents a marginal improvement for the Prime minister compared to the second reading, when 175 Members of Parliament opposed the plans. 
 
 
Source: Human Rights Campaign

Boy Scouts of America Take Monumental Step

Boy Scouts of America Take Monumental Step

 

 
Delegates to the yearly meeting of the Boy Scouts of America issued a landmark statement today, voting to allow openly gay young members to join their organization. 
Boy Scouts of America is comprised of a 1,400-member national council, which voted for the policy change that is set to take effect on the 1st of January next year. 
 
“No young person shall be denied membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of their sexual orientation or their sexual preferences,” says the approved resolution. The Boy Scouts of America; however, will maintain its ban on gay adult leaders. 
 
“Today is a monumental day for Boy Scouts across the United States who want to be a part of this great national institution,” said Chad Griffin, the President of the Human Rights Campaign. “However, the new policy does not go far enough. Adults and parents of good moral characters, regardless of their sexual preferences, should be able to volunteer to mentor the next generation of great Americans.”
 
“The Boy Scouts of America can do a better job with their inclusion of homosexual members,” said Zach Wahls, the Executive Director of Scouts for Equality and an Eagle Scout. “We welcome the news with open arms that the ban on homosexual scouts is now a part of the past; however, our work is not over until we honor the Scout Law by making this great American institution open to all.”
 
In addition to the ban on homosexual scout leaders, the new policy does not answer the issue of employment discrimination. Currently, the job application for the Boy Scouts of America for positions for “professional commission” explicitly states that gays should not apply. The job application, which comes from the organization’s national office and appears to be used across the United States, reads: “The Boy Scouts of America will not accept applications from atheists, agnostics, and known homosexuals.”
 
 
Source: Human Rights Campaign

Going Backwards: Nigerian Lawmakers Vote to Outlaw Gay Marriage

Going Backwards: Nigerian Lawmakers Vote to Outlaw Gay Marriage

 
Nigerian lawmakers approved a bill today that outlaws gay marriage and significantly hampers gay rights, including placing criminal penalties on public displays of affection between homosexual couples. 
 
The Nigerian House of Representatives unanimously approved the measure which provides lengthy jail terms of up to 14 years for homosexual marriage. 
 
A subsequent bill was also approved by the Senate, but it has not been made clear if the two laws are identical. If the two bills are virtually the same, the bill will now go to the President for his final approval. 
 
Under the new bill, “individuals that entered into a same-sex marriage or civil union will be found guilty of an offense and will be jointly held liable on conviction to a term of 14 years in prison.”
 
Beyond concerns about gay rights in Nigeria, some prominent legislators have wondered whether funding delivered through non-government organizations in the nation for AIDS and HIV treatment would be jeopardized by the passing of the bill. 
Leaders and lawyers for various human rights groups claim that the passing of this bill is simply a publicity stunt or a sign of legislative showmanship due to the fact that homosexual couples have never approached any government office or registrar asking to be married in the nation of Nigeria. 
 
Many of those connected to the bill argue that Nigerian politicians are likely seeking to defy the mounting Western pressure over homosexual rights. 
 
British Prime Minister David Cameron issued a warning that his nation will consider withholding aid from countries that do not fundamentally recognize gay rights. The United States has also expressed significant concern over the Nigerian legislation. 
Last year, President Barack Obama ordered all public agencies that play a role in foreign policy to encourage foreign nations to place a premium on gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender rights. 
 
The nation of Nigeria is a highly religious society, with its 160 million people divided in half between Muslims and Christians. 
 
 
Source: Human Rights Campaign

Gay Marriage Bill Temporarily Falters in Illinois

Gay Marriage Bill Temporarily Falters in Illinois

For supporters of gay marriage in the state of Illinois, this moment was supposed to a landmark time in a collective “I do” from state legislators.

Thousands participated on social media and live streams throughout the day on Friday of last week, sending messages and tweets of hope as they anxiously waited for the House to undergo a vote on the legalization of same-sex marriage. Homosexual couples who had traveled to the Capitol were invited to view the vote from the speaker’s gallery, and during breaks, families snapped pictures with sponsoring lawmaker Greg Harris.

However, as the hours passed, the energy and optimism faded away due to strong opposition from the Catholic Church and conservative African-American church groups, leading Harris to announce that he would not address the bill as a result of a lack of support.

“It felt like someone punched me to the floor,” said Robyne O’Mara who has been involved in a same-sex relationship for the past 30 years and took off work to witness the vote.

The state had appeared ready to become the 13th state to approve same-sex marriage. Governor Pat Quinn guaranteed residents to sign the bill, and Democrats held veto-proof majorities in the Senate and House. Moreover, President Obama called for its passage during a fundraiser in his home city, and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel also expressed support.

As anticipation mounted on Friday, so too did lobbying efforts from Harris and his fellow democrats. Harris spent several hours going desk to desk to gauge interest among his colleagues, occasionally going as far as holding meetings and huddling on the floor with various senators and House Speaker Michael Madigan.

In the end; however, Harris declined to blame any group of lawmakers for failing to proceed with a  vote, claiming individual members should make up their own mind and that several of his colleagues had asked to have the summer to contemplate the issue in their district, with the promise they would vote to pass the bill in November.

“This was the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life,” said Harris of the decision to postpone the vote.

According to the bill, the definition of marriage in the state would change from an act between a man and a woman to one between two people. Moreover, the bill would convert civil unions into marriages within a year of the law being affirmed. Also, the legislation would not require religious groups to perform a gay marriage, and church officials would not be required to open their facilities to homosexual couples looking to marry.

This push for gay marriages comes just two years after the state legalized civil unions for homosexual couples and reflects shifting attitudes in favor of gay marriage. 

 

Source: Human Rights Campaign

Civil Unions to take Full Effect in the State of Colorado

Civil Unions to take Full Effect in the State of Colorado

 

 
Starting today, committed same-sex couples in every community and corner of the Centennial State will gain access to the fundamental protections they require to take care of themselves and the ones they love. 
 
Colorado’s Civil Union Law passed in March with bipartisan support in both houses of the state’s General Assembly; the bill was then signed into law by Governor Hickenlooper. Advocates at several Colorado gay rights organizations and initiatives worked tirelessly to ensure that the bill would secure approval and subsequently be passed in a timely fashion. 
 
One Colorado, which was the leading advocacy group in ensuring the success of this bill, put together a streamlined application form, equipped with Frequently Asked Questions, and an assortment of other tips for couples seeking civil unions. 
Colorado, through the passing of this law, becomes the eighteenth state—in addition to Washington, DC—to offer comprehensive state-level benefits, rights, and obligations to same-sex couples.
 
Currently, nine states in the U.S. (Connecticut, Maine, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, Washington, and Vermont), along with Washington DC issue marriage licenses to homosexual couples. Moreover, as of May 1st, nine states (Colorado, California, Hawaii, Delaware, Nevada, Illinois, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Oregon) will provide the equivalent of state-level spousal rights to homosexual couples within state borders. 
 
For more information on trends, upcoming votes, and state sentiment regarding the passing of laws that extend rights to homosexual citizens, please visit the Human Rights Campaign website at www.hrc.org. 
 
 
Source: Human Rights Campaign

Boy Scouts of America Offer New Resolution Regarding Acceptance of Gay Members

Boy Scouts of America Offer New Resolution Regarding Acceptance of Gay Members

 

 
Last week, the Boy Scouts of America Executive Committee offered a policy that would establish a nondiscrimination policy to eliminate its longstanding discriminatory ban on gay Scouts, while maintaining several discriminatory practices in place for lesbian and gay parents, employment opportunities, and Scout leaders. 
 
The resolution offered by the Boy Scouts of America proposes a policy where, “no youth shall be denied entry into the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of their sexual orientation.” This policy is national in scope as opposed to the organization’s previous approach that placed the membership decisions on the shoulders of local sponsoring organizations. The new proposed resolution will face a vote by approximately 1,4000 leaders of the organization during their National Council Meeting, which is set to take place on May 22nd through the 24th. 
 
“It is welcomed news that the leadership of the Boy Scouts of America is open to terminating the ban on gay scouts; however, this resolution must contain more protections for the gay community,” said Chad Griffin, the President of the Human Rights Campaign. “Adults and Parents of good moral character, regardless of sexual orientation, must be allowed to volunteer their time to mentor the upcoming generation of Americans. What message does this proposal send to the homosexual scout who, as an adult, wishes to continue a lifetime of scouting by becoming a leader in the organization?” 
 
Unanswered in the proposal is the issue of employment discrimination; currently the job application for a leadership position with the organization explicitly says homosexual cannot apply. The application, which is uniform throughout the nation, reads: “The Boy Scouts of America will not employ agnostics, atheists, avowed or known homosexuals.”
 
In anticipation of a universal resolution, the Human Rights Campaign issued a petition asking its supporters to call on their local Boys Scouts of America councils to vote in favor of a policy which prohibits discrimination against homosexual scouts, parents, and leaders of the organization. The petition aims to generate messages to local council representatives, so they hear how the ban on homosexuals harms members of their own community. 
 
 
Source: Human Rights Campaign

It’s Official: Rhode Island becomes the 10th State to Pass Marriage Equality Laws

It’s Official: Rhode Island becomes the 10th State to Pass Marriage Equality Laws

 

 

 
Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee just signed the state’s marriage equality bill into law in a riveting ceremony on the steps of the Rhode Island State House. The marriage equality bill passed the Rhode Island state House earlier this morning with unanimous bipartisan support. 
 
The Human Rights Campaign celebrated the historic victory moments after it became official by raising the Rhode Island flag above their D.C. office. The state of Rhode Island now becomes the tenth state alongside the District of Columbia to legalize gay marriage. 
 
Rhode Island becomes the last state in New England to legalize gay marriage after independent Governor Chafee signed the bill on Thursday. “I know that you have been waiting for this day for a long time,” Chafee said to the state’s lesbian and gay community at a ceremony in front of thousands. “I understand that you have loved ones that have long dreamed that this day would become a reality. I am proud to announce that this day has finally come, and you are free to marry the person you love.”
 
Chafee outlined his support for gay marriage rights for not only moral grounds, but also economic, “the talented workers who are pushing this economy forward want to live in a place that reflects their thoughts and values. These young people want diversity, not simply because of a sense of justice, but because diversity makes life more enjoyable,” he said. “Why would any state in the U.S. turn away the individuals who are most likely to create the economies of the upcoming generations?”
 
As a conservative U.S. senator in 2004, Chafee expressed his support for gay marriage when the vast majority of his party staunchly opposed it. Chafee was ousted from his seat in 2006 but won the governor’s race in Rhode Island in 2010 as an independent. 
Chafee is now urging fellow governors to push for similar legislation to what was passed in his state today; Chafee is also calling for the United States Supreme Court to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act. 
 
Although public sentiment continues to favor same-sex marriage, legalizing the prospect remains a burden for the majority of states. Even in Rhode Island, which is positioned in the nation’s friendliest territory for gay-marriage supporters, opposition from the state’s religious right served as a staunch impediment to the bill for several years.  
 
 
Source: Human Rights Campaign

Assume the Position: Andrew Ceresney and George Canellos Named Co-Directors of SEC Enforcement

Assume the Position: Andrew Ceresney and George Canellos Named Co-Directors of SEC Enforcement

Today the United States Securities and Exchange Commission announced that Acting Director George Canellos and Andrew Ceresney will assume the positions of Co-Directors for the Division of Enforcement. 

 
George Canellos, age 48, has been serving as the Department’s director since January and previously served as the division’s Deputy Director since June of last year. Mr. Canellos played a vital role in developing the division’s Cooperation Program and generated numerous legislative and policy initiatives regarding national priority enforcement actions. 
 
From July of 2009 to June of last year, Mr. Canellos served as Director of the Security Exchange Commission’s New York Regional Office. Under this role, Mr. Canellos was responsible for 400 enforcement attorneys, investigators, accountants, and compliance examiners involved in the prosecution and investigation of enforcement actions and the performance of compliance in the region. This regional office was responsible for the largest concentration of SEC-registered finance institutions, including in excess of 4,000 investment banks, broker-dealers, hedge funds, mutual funds and investment advisers. 
 
Previously, Mr. Ceresney served as a partner at a prestigious law firm, where he focused on representing individuals and entities involved in white collar crimes and SEC investigations. Before working at this firm, Mr. Ceresney served as a Deputy Chief Appellate Attorney for the Southern District of New York, where Mr. Ceresney served as a principal member of the Securities and Commodities Major Crimes and Fraud Task Force unit. 
 
“Andrew and George are two of the finest lawyers and people I know. They are a fantastic combination to lead the Enforcement Division, which is responsible for protecting investors and keeping or markets vibrant and safe,” said the chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Mrs. Mary Jo White. 
 
The Enforcement Division is the Security and Exchange Commission’s largest unit, with in excess of 1,200 accountants, investigators, trial attorneys and an assortment of other professionals. In recent years this division has achieved considerable success with prosecuting insider trading, financial crisis and other financial cases, while returning billions of dollars to defrauded investors.  
 
 
Source: SEC.gov

Mark Another One Down: Rhode Island Senate Passes Marriage Equality Bill

Mark Another One Down: Rhode Island Senate Passes Marriage Equality Bill

 

 

 
The Rhode Island Senate made history this week after passing S-38, also known as the marriage equality bill, by a vote of 26 to 12. The state of Rhode Island is now poised to become the tenth state in the nation along with Washington, D.C. to formally legalize gay marriage. 
 
The Rhode Island House of Representatives unanimously passed the marriage equality bill this January, but because of an amendment passed in the Senate, the bill will return to the House for a final vote. When the House passes the amended version of the bill, the measure will be placed in front of equality supporter Governor Mr. Lincoln Chafee for his signature. 
 
The Rhode Island vote is particularly historic because earlier this week the Senate Republican Caucus declared their unanimous support for the measure. 
 
Rhode Island will be the last state in New England to enact marriage equality laws. The Human Rights Campaign had been involved for a number of years in the state of Rhode Island, working closely with marriage Equality Rhode Island and several legislative bodies to build support for relationship recognition in the state, particularly when civil unions were formally made legal in 2011. 
 
The Human Rights Campaign joined with residents of Rhode Island and Rhode Islanders United for Marriage to pass the marriage equality act. The Human Rights Campaign contributed staff and other resources to bolster the odds of the bill passing. The Human Rights Campaign sent a senior organizer to work with city councils to build support at the local level. The Human Rights Campaign also hired a local faith organizer to work with religious bodies who support equality and fairness for all residents of Rhode Island. 
 
The final vote in the state’s House of Representatives will take place next week; the state’s governor is expected to sign the bill sometime after the House approves the measure. Marriage equality in the state of Rhode Island should take effect by the 1st of August. 
 
 
Source: Human Rights Campaign
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