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NBJC CONVENES OUT ON THE HILL
NBJC Convenes OUT on the Hill A Gathering of Black LGBT Activists in the Nation's Capitol during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's
40th Annual Legislative Conference, Sept. 15-18, 2010
September 1, 2010. Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people will gather in the nation's capitol for the National Black Justice Coalition's (NBJC) OUT on the Hill Black LGBT Leadership Summit, a convening of top African American LGBT thought leaders, faith leaders, philanthropists and activists who are organizing to empower their communities while educating Congressional leaders, the Obama Administration and federal agencies about Black LGBT public policy concerns.
OUT on the Hill, September 15-18, features an Issue Advocacy Day, which will serve as an opportunity for Black LGBT leaders to discuss important policy issues with their Members of Congress and Congressional Leadership; a White House Briefing, which will include presentations from key White House Officials and representatives from the Departments of Justice, Labor, Housing and Urban Development, and Health and Human Services; and a chance for attendees to participate in workshops that will be held as part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference (CBCF-ALC).
"NBJC is calling upon all Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) voices to let the powers that be know that Black LGBT people and allies exist, that we are organized and informed, and that we have the ability to move the masses towards an America that is more inclusive of Black LGBT people. This historic convening is intended to bridge the gaps and clear up misunderstandings about gender identity and sexual orientation, including the intersectionality with racial equality, that may exist with policy makers and key influencers," stated NBJC Executive Director Sharon Lettman-Hicks.
Lettman-Hicks adds: "Black communities are in crisis, and it is critical that we support the empowerment of anyone who desires to contribute something positive to rebuilding our families, including LGBT people. Core to this goal is changing public policy in order to create safe spaces for Black LGBT people to work, to protect and serve, to support their partners and children, to attend school, or to simply walk the streets authentically as themselves lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender; out and proud; empowered and respected."
In addition to OUT on the Hill activities, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the CBCF-ALC. Every year thousands of African American policy makers, organizers, and concerned citizens travel to our nation's capitol to attend the CBCF-ALC, where more than 70 issue forums and 13 session tracks are offered to address critical challenges facing Black communities. OUT on the Hill Attendees are invited to contribute to a robust dialogue about issues that impact their lives daily by being present for select workshops that serve as opportunities to expand conversations about LGBT issues. This year's theme is Celebrating The Vision, Continuing The Journey, Advancing The Mission.
NBJC chose to work within the framework of the CBCF-ALC out of recognition for the shared values with the CBCF, which hosts the conference. The CBCF envisions a world in which the Black community is free of all disparities and able to contribute fully to advancing the common good. NBJC's sole mission is to eradicate racism and homophobia.
To register for OUT on the Hill, click here: http://www.nbjc.org/outonthehill. To view the full ALC schedule click here: http://www.cbcfinc.org/alc-2010/schedule.html. All CBCF events will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.
Full Story. [9/1/10]
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Go Cleveland! > Full Story. [8/16/10]
D.C. COURT OF APPEALS REJECTS MARRIAGE INITIATIVE
D.C.'s highest court rules proposed initiative seeking to overturn marriage equality violates D.C. Human Rights Act
WASHINGTON The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, applauded a D.C. Court of Appeals ruling today that rejected a proposed initiative on the D.C. marriage equality law. In March 2010, D.C. became the sixth jurisdiction in the nation to permit same-sex couples to marry. While Bishop Harry Jackson, a pastor in Maryland, has been the public face of this litigation, the truth is that outside groups like the National Organization for Marriage and the Alliance Defense Fund are the driving force behind these anti-equality measures.
"The court's ruling today is a significant victory for justice, the rule of law and the protection of all D.C. residents against discrimination," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.
"It's time for the National Organization for Marriage to realize equality is here to stay no matter how much money they want to throw at turning back the clock."
In its decision, the Court of Appeals, D.C.'s highest court, decided 5-4 that the Council properly exercised its authority under the D.C. Charter in establishing the requirement that a proposed initiative may not authorize, or have the effect of authorizing, discrimination prohibited by the D.C. Human Rights Act. The Court ruled unanimously that the proposed initiative would in fact impermissibly permit discrimination against gays and lesbians in the District.
"The D.C. Council made a wise decision decades ago that no initiative should be permitted to strip away any individual's civil rights. The Court unanimously found that the proposed anti-marriage initiative would have the effect of causing discrimination, and in doing so, stood up for the entire D.C. community," said Solmonese.
On December 15, 2009, the D.C. Council overwhelmingly passed the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Act of 2009. The bill was signed by Mayor Adrian Fenty, transmitted to Congress for review and became law on March 3, 2010. The first marriages between same-sex couples were performed on March 9, 2010. The marriage equality law ensures that clergy and religious organizations are not required to provide services, accommodations, facilities or goods for the solemnization of a same-sex marriage.
"D.C.'s elected officials and courts have spoken, yet NOM may very well grasp at straws by appealing the case to the U.S. Supreme Court in a desperate attempt to further their misguided efforts," said Solmonese.
The Board of Elections & Ethics has repeatedly rejected proposed initiatives and referenda that would invalidate legislation passed by the Council and signed by the mayor recognizing same-sex marriages. D.C.'s lower courts uniformly rejected opponents' claims that they were being denied a right to vote and upheld D.C.'s strong anti-discrimination protections.
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.
> Full Story. [7/15/10]
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