Top Child Welfare Organizations Stand in Opposition to Dangerous Anti-LGBTQ Legislation in Oklahoma

Some of the country’s top child welfare organizations joined the opposition to the anti-LGBTQ bill SB 1140, which is currently under consideration in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. The following parties joined a letter explaining their reasons for opposing the legislation: the Human Rights Campaign, Freedom Oklahoma, the Child Welfare League of America, the North American Council on Adoptable Children, the National Center for Adoption and Permanency, Foster Club, and Voice For Adoption.

Read the letter here.

SB 1140 would allow child welfare organizations — including adoption and foster care agencies — to turn away qualified Oklahomans seeking to care for a child in need, including LGBTQ couples, interfaith couples, single parents, married couples in which one prospective parent has previously been divorced, or other parents to whom the agency has a religious objection.

“The organizations that have joined HRC and Freedom Oklahoma in opposing this anti-LGBTQ bill are among the most recognizable names in foster care and adoption in the United States,” said Ellen Kahn, Director of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Children, Youth & Families Program. “This bill is patently discriminatory and it is not supported by organizations actually working in the child welfare space. HRC and each of the signatories on this letter hope that the Oklahoma House of Representatives will listen to the voices of the people working on these issues, not those who would seek to discriminate against potential parents based on who they are.”

“It is tragic that while we have thousands of young people without loving and committed homes, lawmakers are trying to further limit placements by making state funded discrimination the law of the land,” said Troy Stevenson, Executive Director of Freedom Oklahoma. “Child welfare experts and lawyers alike agree that this legislation is harmful, stigmatizing, and egregiously unconstitutional. Rather than grandstanding not the backs of already oppressed communities it is time for legislators to address the real problems facing our society and concentrate on finding homes for homeless youth rather than turning away qualified parents.”

HRC recently released a report, titled Disregarding the Best Interest of the Child: License to Discriminate In Child Welfare Services, detailing the harms of efforts to write anti-LGBTQ discrimination by child welfare agencies into law. Statistics suggest that an estimated two million LGBTQ adults in the U.S. are interested in adoption, but the LGBTQ community often remains an untapped resource when it comes to finding families for children and youth in foster care.

Research consistently shows that LGBTQ youth are overrepresented in the foster care system, as many have been rejected by their families of origin because of their LGBTQ status, and are especially vulnerable to discrimination and mistreatment while in foster care. SB 1140 will only exacerbate the challenges faced by LGBTQ young people.

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‘Drag Race’ queen’s story about a fatal Uber crash may have been made up
There appears to be something more (or less, as it were) to the story.

www.queerty.com/drag-race-queens-story-fatal-uber-crash-may-made-20180419?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29

Frat Bros Break Gay Man’s Leg in Alleged Homophobic Attack Caught on Video: WATCH

A gay man’s leg was broken in an alleged homophobic attack by members of a University of Delaware fraternity at a joint-hosted Phi Gamma Delta and Kappa Sigma Xi-Lambda off-campus party last Friday.

ALSO TOXIC: Syracuse Frat Suspended After Racist, Homophobic, Anti-Semitic Videos Surface: WATCH

The UD Review reports:

According to Valdez, he was invited to the party, taking place on North Chapel Road, and spent several hours there before the assault. After going outside with a friend, several parties attendees, who The Review has been unable to identify but are believed to be students, approached Valdez, and one of the individuals uttered homophobic remarks toward Valdez.

In response, Valdez lifted his middle finger to the individual, who subsequently pushed Valdez to the ground. Valdez retaliated by pushing the individual back, at which point a fight broke out, resulting in Valdez’s injury.

“I got up and pushed them back, and then they all started throwing punches,” Valdez said. “I fell and broke my ankle, and they still kept going until my friend Erica … tried to pull them off. I was literally just walking to their backyard with my friend and then they just targeted me and came towards me.”

…The Review has been unable to receive accounts from other witnesses, and leadership from the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, an off-campus fraternity that the university does not appear to formally recognize, has not responded for comment. Kappa Sigma Xi-Lambda, the other fraternity involved, is recognized by the university but is currently suspended for disruptive conduct and alcohol.

Video footage of the attack was captured and broadcast in a report on NBC10 Philadelphia, which reported:

“Valdez said he was waiting for a friend to come out of the bathroom when a frat brother walked up to him and told him to leave. When Valdez told him he was waiting for his friend, the frat member allegedly called him a homophobic slur and pushed him from behind as he walked away.”

Valdez’s leg was fractured in the attack.

Said Valdez to the station: “They were just being rude, telling me to leave, calling me names.”

Said University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis said in a released statement: “This kind of reprehensible behavior is not tolerated at the University of Delaware. We will take all appropriate measures in the student conduct process to ensure any offenders are held accountable for their actions.”

Watch:

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Frat Bros Break Gay Man’s Leg in Alleged Homophobic Attack Caught on Video: WATCH

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: April 19, 2018

TODAY — HRC LAUNCHES “THE REAL MIKE PENCE” CAMPAIGN THAT EXPOSES HIS HISTORY OF ANTI-LGBTQ FANATICISM AND STEALTH EXTREMISM: HRC’s new, comprehensive “The Real Mike Pence” campaign includes a scathing report, microsite and a series of videos exposing the vice president’s long history of anti-LGBTQ animus and shining a spotlight on the inordinate influence he and his extremist inner circle wield in the Trump-Pence administration. See the first video in “The Real Mike Pence” series here. Said HRC President Chad Griffin (@ChadHGriffin), “With the world distracted by Donald Trump’s scandal-ridden White House, Mike Pence’s nefarious agenda has been allowed to fly under the radar for too long. He has become not only the most powerful vice president in American history, but also the least scrutinized. No more. With this comprehensive new report, HRC is exposing the extent of Pence’s extremism, the threat he poses to equality, and all that we’re doing to combat his hateful agenda.” Today, we pull back the curtain on the dangerous mystery man who is just a heartbeat away from the presidency.

More from HRC, the IndyStar, The Washington Blade and Politico.

Meet the #RealMikePence — @HRC‘s scathing new report exposing @VP‘s long history of anti-LGBTQ animus and shining a spotlight on the inordinate influence he and his inner circle wield in this administration. t.co/AxZAW85JRN

— Chad Griffin (@ChadHGriffin) April 19, 2018

LOUD AND CLEAR — ANCHORAGE SENDS A MESSAGE TO ANTI-TRANSGENDER EXTREMISTS: In a powerful oped published in The Hill, HRC President Chad Griffin writes that a recent victory for transgender rights in Anchorage, Alaska, highlights how smear campaigns “designed to scare voters into taking away protections from transgender Americans” are failing. “Change is taking hold across this country,” he writes. “Americans are using their vote as a voice for equality. Last week, Anchorage voters showed us just how far we’ve come.” Griffin says advocates must continue to lift up voices of transgender people and their families to inoculate voters against ugly lies, adding: “We have to organize and mobilize. We have to build coalitions and stand together. If we do that, we can win. And as we continue to prove — from North Carolina, to Virginia, to Alaska — if you come for us, we will come for you on Election Day.” More from Metro Weekly and The Hill.

THANKFUL THURSDAY — MORNING MUST-LISTEN FROM NAACP LEGAL DEFENSE FUND’S SHERRILYN IFILL ON ENDING RACIAL BIAS: More from NPR.

.@Sifill_LDF tells @NoelKing why she was interested in advising Starbucks’ racial-bias education training. t.co/IJ7agICwp0 pic.twitter.com/idSPpdUHol

— Morning Edition (@MorningEdition) April 18, 2018

SENATORS SPEAK OUT AGAINST POMPEO, CITING ANTI-LGBTQ COMMENTS: Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) both spoke out earlier this week in opposition of Mike Pompeo, the Trump-Pence Administration’s nominee for Secretary of State, citing his anti-LGBTQ statements. Pompeo opposes marriage equality, and, while in Congress, co-sponsored legislation to allow states to not recognize same-sex marriage and to allow businesses and organizations using taxpayer dollars a license to discriminate against LGBTQ people. Read more from The Washington Blade.

HRC JOINS 188 CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS ORGS CALLING ON HOUSE SPEAKER PAUL RYAN TO BRING THE DREAM ACT TO A VOTE: The letter states, “A majority of the House — and by extension, a majority of the American people — agree we need a vote on the Dream Act now. Congress must also reject Rep. Goodlatte’s bill, which would criminalize immigrant  communities and fail to offer permanent protections for Dreamers.” Read the full text here.

HRC ENDORSES CALIFORNIA SENATOR DIANNE FEINSTEIN FOR RE-ELECTION: “From the earliest days of her career as one of California’s most devoted public servants, Senator Feinstein has been a stalwart supporter of the LGBTQ community,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “As Donald Trump and Mike Pence attempt to undo our progress and drag our country backwards, Senator Feinstein is standing up to this administration’s dangerous attacks on LGBTQ people and fighting for the equal dignity of all Americans.” More from HRC and Metro Weekly.

HRC ENDORSES REP. RUBEN GALLEGO (D-AZ) FOR RE-ELECTION: “Throughout his time in public service, Rep. Gallego has proven himself to be a stalwart champion for the LGBTQ community,” said HRC Arizona State Manager Justin Unga. “He has stood by us in the fight for full federal equality and HRC is proud to endorse him for re-election.” More from HRC.

JUDGE DENIES MOTION TO HALT DISCOVERY IN GLAD AND NCLR’S CASE AGAINST TRUMP-PENCE’S TRANSGENDER TROOPS BAN:

Judge Kollar-Kotelly DENIES the government’s motion to halt discovery, in our case with @NCLRights against the Trump-Pence #transgender military ban, Doe v. Trump #Transban #ProtectTransTroops t.co/duFtIXYRPc

— GLAD (@GLADLaw) April 18, 2018

EQUALITY ON THE BALLOT IN MASSACHUSETTS: This November, Bay Staters will vote on an initiative that could strip away statewide protections for transgender people. HRC is a leading partner in the Freedom for All Massachusetts campaign working to defeat the measure. More from The Boston Globe.

• The Editorial Board of Boston University’s student paper writes: “The decision on these anti-discrimination laws comes at a time when we’re increasingly reliant on state laws to be the voice for the oppressed and marginalized. While the current administration continues to pass policies that undermine groups based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity, state laws are the only device we have to resist these hateful measures.” More from The Daily Free Press.

ADVOCATES SPEAK OUT AGAINST ANTI-TRANSGENDER MONTANA BILL: State Rep. Kathy Kelker joined local advocates and faith leaders opposing the bill, which would bar transgender people from using facilities consistent with their gender identity. More from Helena Independent Record.

NEW DIRECTOR OF TERRE HAUTE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION SETS GOALS TO WORK TOWARD LGBTQ EQUALITY: The city received a score of 41 out of 100 on HRC’s most recent Municipal Equality Index. More from Tribune Star.

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

ANTI-EQUALITY ACTIVISTS IN TAIWAN WANT TO PUT MARRIAGE EQUALITY ON THE BALLOT: More from Taiwan News.

NEW RESEARCH SHOWS 51 PERCENT OF BRITISH PEOPLE SAY MORE SHOULD BE DONE TO TACKLE ANTI-TRANS DISCRIMINATION: More from Gay Times.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO ADVOCATES SHOW SUPPORT FOR SPRINTER MICHELLE-LEE AHYE: A local newspaper published an article attempting to smear her for allegedly being a member of the LGBTQ community. Her fellow athletes, LGBTQ advocates and others have condemned the newspapers actions. More from Telesur.

READING RAINBOW – Bookmark now to read on your lunch break!

NewNowNext reports that anti-equality activists are attacking Iowa’s 4-H program for adopting LGBTQ-inclusive guidelines; OutSports follows high school football star Jake Bain and Hunter Sigmund, a same-sex couple, as they attend prom; them. profiles four LGBTQ women working for global equality

THIS is what the fight for equality looks like.t.co/7dBAzBDKuw

— them. (@them) April 17, 2018

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