Civil rights

Support Of The Lieberman-Baldwin Benefits Legislation

June 17, 2009 -- In 2007, Michael Guest, the first openly gay Ambassador confirmed by the United States Senate, resigned from the Foreign Service. He loved his career, but he had to leave it in the end -- because he believed that the country he served was failing to implement the principles of equality it espoused abroad.

His partner was ineligible for training provided to Ambassadorial spouses; he bore the costs of his partner's transportation to his placements abroad; and his partner did not receive the overseas benefits and allowances given to spouses of Ambassadors.    » read more »

June 17, 2009 -- In an Oval Office event later today, President Barack Obama will sign a Presidential Memorandum on Federal Benefits and Non-Discrimination. The Memorandum follows a review by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management and the Secretary of State regarding what benefits may be extended to the same-sex partners of federal employees in the civil service and the foreign service within the confines of existing federal laws and statutes.    » read more »

June 17, 2009 -- "I am pleased that today President Obama issued a Presidential Memorandum on Federal Benefits and Non-Discrimination that will extend a number of benefits to same-sex partners that are afforded to spouses of Federal employees. I applaud the President for this effort to promote fairness in the workplace. It is a step in the right direction towards equalizing benefit coverage for all Federal employees.    » read more »

June 17, 2009 -- OLYMPIA – Washington Governor Chris Gregoire released the following statement today on President Obama’s decision to extend some federal benefits to domestic partners of federal employees:

“I commend President Obama for recognizing the need to respect and protect all families. Our state has been a leader in advancing basic rights to registered domestic partners and we continue to pass legislation to offer additional protections to gay and lesbian families.

"This past legislative session, I signed a bill to expand all of the rights and responsibilities afforded to married couples to registered domestic partners. This legislation assures better financial security and ensures equal treatment for gay and lesbian families living in Washington state.    » read more »

Fact Sheet: Prosecuting and Detaining Terror Suspects in the U.S. Criminal Justice System

June 9, 2009 -- I. Terror Prosecutions in the Southern District of New York

Since the 1990s, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) has investigated and successfully prosecuted a wide range of international and domestic terrorism cases—including the bombings of the World Trade Center and U.S. Embassies in East Africa in the 1990s. More recent cases include those against individuals who provided material support to al Qaeda and other terrorist groups, as well as against international arms trafficker Monzer al Kassar and the Somalian pirate charged in the hijacking of the Maersk Alabama.

Major Historical Cases in SDNY:    » read more »

HARTFORD, CT -- NAACP President Benjamin Todd Jealous joined with Connecticut House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan to condemn Governor Jodi Rell’s veto of HB-6578.

The NAACP Connecticut State Conference launched a campaign in support of the bill which would have replaced the death penalty with life in prison without the possibility of parole for all capital felonies committed after the bill’s enactment. The bill was recently passed by the Connecticut Judiciary Committee and by both the House and the Senate, but can be vetoed by Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell.    » read more »

June 5, 2009 -- The Department's Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas have launched a federal investigation into federal crimes in connection with the murder of Dr. George Tiller. The federal probe will consist of a thorough review of the evidence and an assessment of any potential violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act) or other federal statutes.

The federal investigation will be conducted in close coordination with the Office of the Sedgwick County, Kan., District Attorney, and the state's ongoing murder prosecution will have the full support of federal investigators.    » read more »

Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State -- Washington, DC, June 1, 2009 -- "Forty years ago this month, the gay rights movement began with the Stonewall riots in New York City, as gays and lesbians demanded an end to the persecution they had long endured. Now, after decades of hard work, the fight has grown into a global movement to achieve a world in which all people live free from violence and fear, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

In honor of Gay and Lesbian Pride Month and on behalf of the State Department, I extend our appreciation to the global LGBT community for its courage and determination during the past 40 years, and I offer our support for the significant work that still lies ahead.    » read more »

May 26, 2009 -- "I know today’s decision is a tremendous disappointment for many people. But I also know that the opinions of Californians are changing on this issue, and I believe that equal marriage rights will one day be the law in this state. This is already the case in Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont. So, I believe this issue will come before the voters again, and I am very hopeful that the result will be different next time.

Today's State Supreme Court ruling also declares that the 18,000 same-sex marriages that have already taken place in California are valid, and I believe these marriages will allow people to see for themselves that marriage equality is a step forward for California and not a step back."

Source: Senator Dianne Feinstein

May 26, 2009 -- "Unfortunately, with this decision, I am concerned that we are back to square one on the issue of equal rights for same-sex couples.

This ruling sets up a very unfair reality in California where some same-sex couples will have their marriages affirmed, while many more will be denied their fundamental rights.

I remain committed to working actively with people across the state to make sure that same-sex couples have equal rights under the law."

Source: Senator Barbara Boxer

05/26/2009 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement after the California Supreme Court issued its ruling on Proposition 8:

“While I believe that one day either the people or courts will recognize gay marriage, as Governor of California I will uphold the decision of the California Supreme Court.

"Regarding the 18,000 marriages that took place prior to Proposition 8’s passage, the Court made the right decision in keeping them intact. I also want to encourage all those responding to today’s Court decision to do so peacefully and lawfully.”

Source: California Governor

May 21, 2009 -- Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Chairman of Judiciary Terrorism and Homeland Security Subcommittee and Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, released the following statement in response to President Obama’s remarks on national security delivered today at the National Archives:    » read more »

May 14, 2009 -- CONCORD - New Hampshire Governor John Lynch released the following statement today regarding same-sex legislation in New Hampshire:

“The gay marriage debate in New Hampshire has been filled with passion and emotion on all sides.

“My personal views on the subject of marriage have been shaped by my own experience, tradition and upbringing. But as Governor of New Hampshire, I recognize that I have a responsibility to consider this issue through a broader lens.    » read more »

May 8, 2009 -- On May 9, 2009, the Department of Justice will monitor municipal elections in the cities of Farmers Branch and Hondo, Texas, to ensure compliance with the Voting Rights Act of 1965.    » read more »

Marriage Equality Legislation Will End Legal Discrimination Against Same-Sex Couples; Bill Recognizes Fundamental Civil Right of Marriage

April 16, 2009 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson today introduced landmark civil rights legislation that will end legal discrimination against same-sex couples in New York State. The Governor’s marriage equality Program Bill recognizes the fundamental civil right of marriage and would grant same-sex couples the same legal recognition afforded to partners of the opposite sex. The Governor was joined by New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, federal, state and local lawmakers, and prominent advocates to make the announcement.    » read more »