tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59656251743464769992024-03-05T23:56:40.597-05:00Kentucky Equality Federation Official Blog | Founded by Jordan PalmerKentucky Equality Federation Official Blog. Founded by Jordan Palmer. Kentucky equality fairness opinions politics for the gay, lesbian, trans, race.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965625174346476999.post-52985457472263779242017-07-27T10:58:00.000-04:002017-07-27T11:29:51.576-04:00Trump lied about the reason for banning trans people<div data-contents="true">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc45YxWBHUKbjV9JA5uBh1qBtkfL61p82vlUNKX84uAJQCtHXuJk9X8PCM48Xa4epR_D1z6uZB3E2UpR45-k2gk6eXYtkEXlovz7E0t1tPcXeJe2g9PQfbpWW51Iqpwk43vkc6hPGdZeU/s1600/kentucky-equality-federation-transgender.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc45YxWBHUKbjV9JA5uBh1qBtkfL61p82vlUNKX84uAJQCtHXuJk9X8PCM48Xa4epR_D1z6uZB3E2UpR45-k2gk6eXYtkEXlovz7E0t1tPcXeJe2g9PQfbpWW51Iqpwk43vkc6hPGdZeU/s320/kentucky-equality-federation-transgender.jpg" width="225" /></a><span data-offset-key="cj1bn-0-0"><span data-text="true">When a TRUE war </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="cj1bn-1-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="cj1bn-1-0"><span data-text="true">HERO</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="cj1bn-2-0"><span data-text="true"> like U.S. Senator </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="cj1bn-3-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="cj1bn-3-0"><span data-text="true">John McCain</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="cj1bn-4-0"><span data-text="true"> (R-Arizona) or a longtime conservative like U.S. Senator </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="cj1bn-5-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="cj1bn-5-0"><span data-text="true">Orrin Hatch</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="cj1bn-6-0"><span data-text="true"> (R-Utah) criticize this sudden and ill-conceived decision towards </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="cj1bn-7-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="cj1bn-7-0"><span data-text="true">Transgender</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="cj1bn-8-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="cj1bn-9-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="cj1bn-9-0"><span data-text="true">soldiers</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="cj1bn-10-0"><span data-text="true">, you have to scratch your head.</span></span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="fem1f-0-0"><span data-text="true">Also, when Trump said "my generals," our </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="fem1f-1-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="fem1f-1-0"><span data-text="true">military</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="fem1f-2-0"><span data-text="true"> is not the private property of the </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="fem1f-3-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="fem1f-3-0"><span data-text="true">temporary</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="fem1f-4-0"><span data-text="true"> occupant of the </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="fem1f-5-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="fem1f-5-0"><span data-text="true">Oval Office</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="fem1f-6-0"><span data-text="true">. </span></span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="fem1f-6-0"><span data-text="true">But,
everything else Trump has tried to do has failed miserably so now he is taking cheap shots in desperation but playing with people's lives and careers not to mention breaking additional campaign promises. </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="fem1f-7-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="fem1f-7-0"><span data-text="true">#Trans</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="fem1f-8-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="fem1f-9-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="fem1f-9-0"><span data-text="true">#WeAreKY - Jordan Palmer, secretary-general</span></span></span></div>
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-> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers.<br />
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The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2Lexington, KY, USA38.0405837 -84.5037164000000337.640337699999996 -85.149163400000035 38.4408297 -83.858269400000026tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965625174346476999.post-66653683949758204562017-07-26T16:47:00.003-04:002017-07-27T11:31:18.772-04:00Trump betrays transgender and gay community #Trump #Trans #US Military #KY #USA<br />
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<span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="5ti8o-0-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="5ti8o-0-0"><span data-text="true">#Trans</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="5ti8o-1-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="5ti8o-2-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="5ti8o-2-0"><span data-text="true">#KY</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="5ti8o-3-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="5ti8o-4-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="5ti8o-4-0"><span data-text="true">#USA</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="5ti8o-5-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="5ti8o-6-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="5ti8o-6-0"><span data-text="true">#USMilitary</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="5ti8o-7-0"><span data-text="true"> President </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="5ti8o-8-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="5ti8o-8-0"><span data-text="true">#Trump</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="5ti8o-9-0"><span data-text="true"> has, once again, betrayed the </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="5ti8o-10-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="5ti8o-10-0"><span data-text="true">#LGBTI</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="5ti8o-11-0"><span data-text="true"> community he claimed to support during his campaign. In a stream of tweets, President Donald Trump announced this morning that he has banned transgender people from the US </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="5ti8o-12-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="5ti8o-12-0"><span data-text="true">#military</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="5ti8o-13-0"><span data-text="true">. Trans people were allowed to serve openly before Trump’s decision to force currently serving military members out of the armed forces.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="a8ubq-0-0"><span data-text="true">--> Please note this decision notes NOT apply to </span></span><span class="_247o" data-offset-key="a8ubq-1-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="a8ubq-1-0"><span data-text="true">State Defense Forces</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a8ubq-2-0"><span data-text="true">, State Militias, or State National Guard units. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="d8dsn-0-0"><span data-text="true">Yesterday, it was reported that Vice President Mike Pence, long a foe of civil rights for LGBT people, was behind the push to discriminate against transgender people. Unsuccessful so far at getting Trump to issue a “religious freedom” executive order reminiscent of his disastrous broad license to discriminate he pushed through as Indiana governor, Pence turned his attention to lobbying for the ban on transgender people in the military.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="72e8p-0-0"><span data-text="true">“Instead of undermining the military, and disgracefully trying to take away necessary health care from soldiers, Vice President </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="72e8p-1-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="72e8p-1-0"><span data-text="true">#Pence</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="72e8p-2-0"><span data-text="true"> should be working to ensure all federal armed forces and their families are getting the support and resources they need and deserve, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Vice President Pence definitely has some unresolved homosexual, transgender, and transsexual issues he needs to come to terms with.” - Secretary-General </span></span><span class="_247o" data-offset-key="72e8p-3-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="72e8p-3-0"><span data-text="true">Jordan Palmer</span></span></span>.<br />
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-> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Lexington, KY, USA38.0405837 -84.5037164000000337.640337699999996 -85.149163400000035 38.4408297 -83.858269400000026tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965625174346476999.post-12982117630577525202014-11-07T13:14:00.004-05:002014-11-07T15:40:04.681-05:00Official Statement on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Decision (Bourke/Love vs. Beshear)This decision is a temporary setback in the march to equality and true justice for the LGBTI community, and we encourage all civil rights activists within the states of the district (Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and Michigan) to continue the fight for equality. At this point, it appears that the issue of marriage equality must addressed by the Supreme Court, which has so far dodged the issue.<br />
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"<a href="http://www.ca6.uscourts.gov/opinions.pdf/14a0275p-06.pdf" target="_blank">The decision</a> is filled with blatantly self-serving and speculative premises and reasoning," said Kentucky Equality President Joshua Koch. "It is extremely callous, ignores the needs of a much-wronged segment of the population, and upholds partisan-tinged, fictional needs of the well-being of the court system over the needs of the populace that supports the courts with its tax dollars. This may be the most blatant recent example of a government institution hiding behind an argument of cowardice to defend its decision not to relieve injustice it is causing. Governor Beshear's legacy as an active oppressor of the LGBTI community in Kentucky has now been solidified by a decision which echoes Chief Justice Taney's rationale for enslaving entire classes of people in the 1857 Dred Scott decision."<br />
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<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".z.$mid=11415365151196=222dda799509f1c1518.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".z.$mid=11415365151196=222dda799509f1c1518.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".z.$mid=11415365151196=222dda799509f1c1518.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">"The
ruling in the 6th Circuit is disappointing," said Kentucky Equality Federation Board Chairman Brandon Combs. "While this will likely
catapult Marriage Equality to the Supreme Court of the U.S., it will
likely be 2016 before the issue will be addressed. In the mean time,
all the loving, committed families effected by this ruling will continue
to have their rights' diminished. We must continue to work towards
developing allies. There is no guarantee SCOTUS will rule in favor of
Marriage Equality."</span></span></span><br />
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Media outlets are encouraged to take note that the U.S. Circuit Court uses similar rationale to pro-slavery Supreme Court opinions in the 1857 Dred Scott case, where the court effectively grants states the protection to remove human rights protections from classes of people, as long as the classes aren't recognized.<br />
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From Chief Justice Taney's statement supporting a pro-slavery verdict in 1857: "The legislation of the States therefore shows, in a manner
not to be mistaken, the inferior and subject condition of that
race at the time the Constitution was adopted, and long
afterwards, throughout the thirteen States by which that
instrument was framed; and it is hardly consistent with the
respect due to these States, to suppose that they regarded at
that time, as fellow-citizens and members of the sovereignty, a
class of beings whom they had thus stigmatized; whom, as we are
bound, out of respect to the State sovereignties, to assume they
had deemed it just and necessary thus to stigmatize, and upon
whom they had impressed such deep and enduring marks of
inferiority and degradation; or, that when they met in convention
to form the Constitution, they looked upon them as a portion of
their constituents, or designed to include them in the provisions
so carefully inserted for the security and protection of the
liberties and rights of their citizens. [<a href="http://www.let.rug.nl/usa/documents/1826-1850/dred-scott-case/chief-justice-taney.php" target="_blank">Source</a>]"<br />
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From the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court opinion denying marriage equality in 2014: "There is another impediment. The Supreme Court has never held that legislative classifications based on sexual orientation receive heightened review and indeed has not recognized a new suspect class in more than four decades. There are ample reasons for staying the course. Courts consider four rough factor s in deciding whether to treat a legislative classification as suspect and presumptively unconstitutional: whether the group has been historically victimized by governmental discrimination; whether it has a defining characteristic that legitimately bears on the classification; whether it exhibits unchanging characteristics that define it as a discrete group; and whether it is politically powerless. See Rodriguez, 411 U.S. at 28.<br />
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The States’ undoubted power over marriage provides an independent basis for reviewing the laws before us with deference rather than with skepticism. An analogy shows why. When a state law targets noncitizens—a group marked by its lack of political power and its history of enduring discrimination—it must in general meet the most demanding of constitutional tests in order to survive a skirmish with a court. But when a federal law targets noncitizens, a mere rational basis will save it from invalidation. This disparity arises because of the Nation’s authority (and the States’ corresponding lack of authority) over international affairs. Mathews v. Diaz , 426 U.S. 67, 84–85 (1976). If federal preeminence in foreign relations requires lenient review of federal immigration classifications, why doesn’t state preeminence in domestic relations call for equally lenient review of state marriage definitions? [<a href="http://www.ca6.uscourts.gov/opinions.pdf/14a0275p-06.pdf" target="_blank">Source</a>]"<br />
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We argue the contrary: No government entity, state or federal, has the authority to deny rights to a class of citizens or people, and no branch of government, when asked to review such a grievance, has the right to hide behind its own self-serving interests as a premise for denying justice. <br />
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-> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.<br />
<br />Joshua Kochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06928317765796832587noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965625174346476999.post-51966607404025066872014-08-20T11:31:00.001-04:002014-08-20T11:31:55.493-04:00Kelo in the Bedroom: The Government Thinks of Us As LivestockOne of the more controversial aspects of the legal fight for marriage equality is that it has forced the government to reveal that it views taxpayers and citizens as a form of livestock. In the name of tax revenue and stabilizing civilization, governments are claiming the right to control breeding, love, and marriage, abridging fundamental individual rights to self determination.<br />
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We agree with the founders: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,
that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Kentucky's Governor Beshear and his legal team disagree.<br />
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The brazenness of Gov. Beshear in phrasing his beliefs on the matter are particularly shocking. This is an excerpt from Kentucky Equality Federation/Hardee v. Steve Beshear:<br />
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Whether or not you support LGBTI rights and marriage equality, you should recognize the individual right to determine your own plans for your life. <br />
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In <i><a href="http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/cert/04-108" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kelo v. City of New London</a></i>, the state demanded the right to confiscate private property (eminent domain) from citizens and give it to big business for "economic development." Kelo was a bad decision, and its rationale that the individual loses property rights when the state can "do better"by giving the property to someone else have an eerie echo in Gov. Beshear's belief that the government can control your life and reproductive organs to force you to create the next generation of taxpayers.<br />
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Beshear's appeals to foreign law make it clear that this argument is stretched very thin, that it violates human decency, and that it violates American values and legal tradition which should and must always defend the rights of the individual. Kentucky Equality Federation believes that your heart and your life are your own, that they are not your state's assets to dispose of as the governor sees fit. We call on the governor to renounce these arguments by his tax-funded private legal team.<br />
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-Joshua Koch<br />
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-> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.<br />
<br />Joshua Kochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06928317765796832587noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965625174346476999.post-79304785534517390622014-03-13T00:27:00.000-04:002014-03-13T03:07:04.077-04:00Lawmakers: Gay marriage fits Republican values<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Young Republican activists are imploring their party to support gay marriage, saying the GOP is destined to continue losing elections if it doesn't get behind an issue that's gaining traction around the country. Some activists say Republican opposition to gay marriage is driving young voters to the Democrats. They made a conservative case for supporting gay marriage, saying the government shouldn't be telling people whom they can marry.<br />
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"As Republicans, we believe in a free market and the freedom to make your own way. Our government certainly has no place defining our families or our marriages. When two people find each other and enter into a committed relationship, we should honor that commitment. In America, freedom means freedom for everyone, including the freedom to marry the person you love.<br />
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We also believe our party is committed to strengthening families. When two people find each other and enter in a committed relationship, we should honor that commitment. The traditions that follow, including the merging of two families and the celebration of the union, give our lives stability and purpose – something we need more of in today’s uncertain world. Family is the foundation of America. But that doesn't mean that all families are the same.<br />
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We strive to teach our children to treat others the way we wish to be treated. And in this case, all loving and committed couples deserve to be treated with respect by members of their community and in the eyes of the law.<br />
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Between us, we represent constituents who have entrusted us to be their voice on issues they care about. Some are struggling to find work. Some are building businesses. And some want their loving and committed relationships to be legally recognized through marriage.<br />
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Nationally, majorities in support of marriage continue to grow. Last week, a group of prominent Republicans – including former U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson – filed an amicus brief in support of the freedom to marry with the 10th Circuit court. <br />
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As arguments begin early next month on a challenge to Utah’s marriage ban, the court’s decision could have a serious impact on all states in the 10th Circuit.<br />
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Public opinion continues to shift, and in an attempt to muddy the waters, opponents are eager to change the conversation to topics that are not relevant. To be clear, we are discussing civil marriage for loving and committed couples. No clergy, church or religious organization will ever be forced to perform a wedding that violates their religious beliefs. We all strive to treat others the way we wish to be treated." <br />
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Signed by 7 Republican Representatives. <br />
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<span style="color: red;">--></span><b> NOTICE: </b>Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965625174346476999.post-92119391957563717532014-02-14T00:50:00.000-05:002014-02-14T06:03:17.653-05:00#KY #KYGA14: Condemnation of Kentucky's federal delegates responses to Bourke v. Beshear<b>BY: </b>K. Joshua Koch<br />
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<b>NOTE: </b>This was originally part of a <a href="http://community.kyequality.org/2014/02/ky-kyga14-special-statement-bourke-v.html"><b>press release</b></a> and moved here as opinion and protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.<br />
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I condemn the responses of Secretary of State Grimes, Candidate Bevin, and Senator McConnell's comments covered in a recent edition of the Courier Journal.<br />
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Secretary Grimes has no right to claim an opinion which she will not support in practice. It is not sufficient for an elected official to allow these injustices to persist as Governor Beshear and Attorney General Jack Conway, allies in her own party, defend these practices in federal court, and then use her position as a bully pulpit to chastise individuals seeking redress of grievance. <br />
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Candidate Bevin cheapens the issue when he uses it to score petty political points against a party rival. This is a case of rights being denied to a significant segment of Kentucky's citizens, not something worthy of such flippant treatment. <br />
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Senator McConnell's statement openly defies the Kentucky Constitution's Bill of Rights, claiming a shield of protection behind the "legislative process." Rights are recognized by legislation, not granted by the state or nation. They are inherent to the individual, whether the legislative process recognizes that or not.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">---></span> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may <u>not</u> be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. <b>The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites</b>.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965625174346476999.post-52341013969597484352013-12-13T20:49:00.003-05:002013-12-13T20:49:45.456-05:00Chair Update: Equality and Political Parties<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Letter from the Chairman of the Board</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Equality and Political Parties</i></span></b></div>
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To my fellow citizens-<br />
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In reviewing several items of interest, I determined it is time for an update from the Office of the Chair. I would like to begin by sending my commendations out to our President, Mr. Jordan Palmer. We have filed a lawsuit, <a href="http://community.kyequality.org/2013/09/kentucky-equality-federation-sues.html">Kentucky Equality Federation v. Commonwealth of Kentucky</a>, which challenges the constitutionality of the amendment banning marriage equality. Behind closed doors I have played witness to the countless hours, triumphs, and misgivings this process has caused. If you get the opportunity, please remember to thank him for his continued efforts in the fight for Equality throughout the Commonwealth.<br />
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Today I want to talk about politics and the fight for Equality. We, at the Kentucky Equality Federation, do not align ourselves with a particular political party. Instead, we aim to build bridges across all parties. It is true that in most states, the Democratic Party has a better track record than Republicans with regards to marriage equality. It is also true that the smaller parties, Libertarians and Modern Whigs, also support marriage equality, and <a href="http://www.marriageequalityky.org/">Marriage Equality Kentucky</a>, a member of Kentucky Equality Federation.<br />
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Our rally in Frankfort (February 2013), had representatives from the Kentucky Young Democrats, Kentuckians Against the War on Women, and MoveOn.org present. Then in October we co-sponsored <a href="http://blog.kyequality.org/2013/10/pride-and-politics-fights-for-marriage.html">Pride and Politics</a>, with GoProud, a gay conservative organization affiliated with the Republican Party. Our members, volunteers, and Administration represent a healthy mix of political party affiliations. This is not a weakness, just the contrary, it is a strength, and a <a href="http://www.kyequality.org/about.htm">core value</a> that unifies Kentucky Equality Federation unconditionally.<br />
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You may be thinking, '<i>why is this important</i>?' I challenge everyone without equality to look in the mirror and practice what we seek. Acceptance. The hyperpolarization of politics is causing an impasse in progress. It is stymying real, pragmatic conversations. Equality is being lost in that fray. <br />
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A <a href="http://community.kyequality.org/2013/10/decision-of-united-way-of-bluegrass-to.html">perfect example</a> of this is when the United Way in Lexington terminated funding for the Boy Scouts. As President Jordan Palmer stated: "<i>The Boy Scouts of America are already facing hostility for their good decision earlier this year to permit openly-gay scouts to join. The Boy Scouts National Council voted in May to allow openly gay youth to join but maintained its ban on gay leaders. Radical social conservatives are undercutting the Boy Scouts of America, terminating affiliations, discontinuing support, and trying to establish homophobic-based competing organizations. Meanwhile, the Boy Scouts of America, having made a positive step in resolving inequality issues, are now receiving attacks from pro-equality forces for not moving fast enough</i>."<br />
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<b>If we want true Equality and acceptance, it must come from people of all backgrounds, generations, life circumstances, and political parties.</b> Look beyond political parties. Build a common thread in equality. We will achieve our Mission by connecting to people on an individual basis. Share your stories and experiences to forge these relationships. Encourage these new allies to contact their state legislators in support of equality. <br />
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In service,<br />
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Col. Brandon Combs, MS<br />
Chairman of the Board
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">--></span></b> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Berea, KY, USA37.568694 -84.29632229999998637.4680425 -84.457683799999984 37.6693455 -84.134960799999988tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965625174346476999.post-78915852331955969682013-12-04T19:07:00.002-05:002014-03-06T00:37:44.392-05:00Kentucky Attorney General opposes same-sex marriage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Kentucky Attorney General opposes same-sex marriage though <b><i>the lawsuit remains on-going after months of briefs and motions</i></b>. In Kentucky Equality Federation v. Commonwealth of Kentucky (for marriage equality), Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway claims a married same-sex couple, "<b><i>does not have standing to challenge Kentucky's definition of marriage</i></b>," and that our claim, as well as that of our individual members, does not qualify as an "<b><i>injury</i></b>." Likewise, Governor Steve Beshear's attorney asked the Court to "<b><i>deny that Plaintiffs are entitled to the requested relief or any other relief whatsoever</i></b>." <br />
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<b>Reactions at Kentucky Equality Federation on this ongoing court case are as follows and <a href="http://blog.kyequality.org/2013/12/kentucky-attorney-general-opposes-same.html#more">released by the Department of Policy & Pubic Relations</a>: </b><br />
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"Attorney General Conway told the news in an unrelated case when a Judge requested his official legal opinion that he was not going to be drawn into the same-sex marriage debate and refused the Judge's request to issue an opinion. Well Mr. Attorney General, you have just inject yourself into the same-sex marriage debate and sadly, you have come out against the LGBTI community.<br />
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With Gregory Bourke and Michael De Leon of Louisville, who were married in Canada nine years ago, the Kentucky Attorney General said the state's same-sex marriage ban should stand but acknowledge overturning it would grant gay couples the same legal protections as straight couples." - <b>Brandon Combs</b>, <i><b>Chairman of the Board </b></i><br />
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"As a Constitutional Officer, Attorney General Conway did NOT have to challenge the court case; he could have declined to file anything and allowed it to go to "Summary Judgment" and continue to permit Kentucky Courts to decide the case without opposition from the head of the commonwealth's Department of Law. I'm not sure how the Attorney General defines "injury," but every citizen and corporation may bring lawsuit against our governments. <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">As a government for the people by the people, we most definitely have the right to challenge any definition or law the Commonwealth burdens her citizens with</span></i></b>." - <b>Jordan Palmer</b>, <i><b>President</b></i><br />
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"For a person aspiring to higher office, such as being, potentially, the next Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, we find this response from Attorney General Conway to be radically immoral, unjust, and out of touch with the current attitude of constituents. Further, this is out of touch with the growing sense of true equality in the Commonwealth, which use to lead the region on civil rights recognition." - <b>Joshua Koch</b>, <b><i>Vice President of Policy & Public Relations</i></b><br />
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"This definitely shows me how much harder we have to continue to work to show people, especially our public servants, that our fight for equality isn't just a passing fad. The reaction of Attorney General Jack Conway is very disappointing." - <b>Charley Wolford</b>, <b><i>Western Kentucky Regional Director</i></b><br />
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In 2010, Attorney General Jack Conway publicly opposed same-sex marriage to the Lexington Herald-Leader, and additionally, a 2010 The Courier-Journal review of Conway's public statements over the last decade found that while he does have liberal views on some issues such as abortion rights and health-care reform, his outlook is conservative or moderate on others, including the death penalty and gay marriage.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">--> </span></b>Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965625174346476999.post-91107380567519404572013-10-21T19:45:00.001-04:002013-10-21T20:11:03.945-04:00Pride and Politics: The fight for marriage equality in Kentucky<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Halloween Theme!</td></tr>
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The Kentucky Equality Federation, GoProud, Marriage Equality Kentucky, and special guest Libertarian Girl enjoyed a very successful event on the 2nd Floor of Lexington's Soundbar on Friday, October 18th to voice support for marriage equality in Kentucky. <br />
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The goal of this event was to raise awareness that Kentucky is still one of the 37 states where the freedom to marry is not guaranteed to all citizens. Kentucky Equality Federation Vice President of Legal Jillian Hall, Esq., and President Jordan Palmer also spoke about Kentucky Equality Federation's lawsuit against Kentucky for marriage equality in Kentucky Equality Federation v. Commonwealth of Kentucky.<br />
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No suggested donation was made for the event and no donations were solicited from the public.<br />
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Marriage freedom is becoming more socially embraced every day and it is time to act upon this social movement to repeal Kentucky’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. The fight for marriage equality is a movement in this county that has great potential to unite Republicans, Democrats, and Libertarians, while encouraging partisan unity in this time of political gridlock.<br />
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Pride and Politics provided an opportunity to network with other LGBTI advocates and to meet individuals with varying political perspectives.<br />
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Kentucky Equality Federation officials who attended the event included the heads of two (2) of the three (3) primary organs of Kentucky Equality Federation, though the third (3rd) was represented. The head of Administration, President Jordan Palmer [in a somewhat rare public appearance] arrived with the head of the Board of Directors, Chairman Brandon Combs. <br />
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Sherri Davis also attended representing Official Membership, the third (3rd) organ of the Kentucky Equality Federation whose members appoint the president and the board of directors. Official Membership or an interim committee created to act for them has "supreme authority" over the organization.<br />
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Vice President of Legal Jillian Hall, Esq., Vice President of Policy & Public Relations Joshua Koch, and Board Secretary Fran Everage rounded out the officials representing Kentucky Equality Federation and its members or component organizations.<br />
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During his speech Kentucky Equality Federation President Col. Jordan Palmer thanked GoProud and Party Polling. Palmer asked the crown what they wanted, "regardless of political affiliation." The crowd shouted. Palmer responded, saying "I wouldn't say no to that, but I think we can do better," and the crowd shouted their goal even louder. The goal? Equality.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">--></span></b> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Lexington, KY, USA38.0405837 -84.5037164000000337.640337699999996 -85.149163400000035 38.4408297 -83.858269400000026tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965625174346476999.post-57049304472761249432013-05-11T00:52:00.002-04:002013-05-11T00:53:35.447-04:00In historic vote, Minnesota House approves gay marriage bill; one lawmaker says her heart is broken as a result and cries<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rep. Peggy Scott</td></tr>
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The Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party passes gay marriage bill in the State of Minnesota. "All Minnesotans deserve the freedom to marry the person they love and we are proud to take this historic vote to ensure same-sex couples have that right," said House Speaker Paul Thissen, DFL-Minneapolis.<br />
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A bipartisan coalition in the Minnesota House passed a measure Thursday to legalize same sex-marriage, setting in motion what could be a historic turning point for gay and lesbian rights in the State of Minnesota.<br />
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The dramatic vote came after a sometimes passionate, three-hour debate that culminated when <b><u>four Republican members privately wrestling with the issue joined a majority of Democrats to pass the measure 75-59</u></b>. The debate raged as hundreds of advocates from both sides gathered outside the House gallery chanting, waving signs and praying. <b>A similar situation resulted in gay marriage being legalized in the State of New York</b>.<br />
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Opponents failed in their last-minute push to persuade a crucial few legislators that the DFL-controlled (Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party) Legislature is going against the wishes of a majority of Minnesotans. They are now regrouping to convince Senators that marriage is a union between one man and one woman ordained by God, not any state or federal law. A final Senate vote comes Monday.<br />
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“My heart breaks for Minnesota,” said a Rep. Peggy Scott, R-Andover.<br />
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“It’s a divisive issue that divides our state,” she said, wiping tears from her eyes as she stood on the House floor after the vote. “It’s not what we needed to be doing at this time. We want to come together for the state of Minnesota, we don’t want to divide it.”<br />
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The issue is undergoing a remarkable transformation in the state. Just two years ago, Republicans who then controlled the Legislature put a measure on the ballot that would have inserted into the Constitution a ban on same-sex marriage. Voters defeated the measure, sending one of the first faint signals in what is becoming a profound national shift on the issue. Within months, advocates from the other side returned to the Capitol to press legislators to make Minnesota the 12th state to legalize same-sex marriage.<br />
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The debate stands to be the most divisive, dramatic and unpredictable at the Capitol this year.<br />
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In the days after the vote was announced, same-sex opponents pounded Thissen’s office with calls, at the rate of one a minute. Minnesotans United, which is pushing for same-sex marriage, kept up its relentless lobbying effort on uncommitted lawmakers.<br />
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“Justice is knocking,” said Representative Carlos Mariani, DFL-St. Paul. “How often does justice come knocking? Until we open the door.”<br />
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Same-sex marriage opponents renewed their calls to leave marriage as it is.
Representative Glenn Gruenhagen, R-Glencoe, said he fears that schools will eventually be forced to teach students about homosexuality in sex education classes, normalizing what he considers deviant behavior.<br />
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“Thinks about what’s best for the children,” Gruenhagen said. “Please vote for the children.”<br />
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Representative Kelby Woodard, R-Belle Plaine, said the measure sends a terrible message to Minnesotans who oppose same-sex marriage.<br />
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“We are classifying half of Minnesotans as bigots in this bill — and they are not,” Woodard said.<br />
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Representative Tony Cornish, R-Vernon Center, said he was raised by a mother and a father and continues to believe that is best for children, but “I am not a homophobe or a Neanderthal or a hater.”
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>--></b></span> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965625174346476999.post-47101946928376997042013-04-29T01:52:00.003-04:002013-04-29T01:52:39.513-04:00Kentucky Supreme Court: Students must be mirandized before being questioned<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In a victory for youth and students across the Commonwealth, the Kentucky Supreme Court issued two (2) groundbreaking decisions: </div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Groundbreaking Kentucky Supreme Court ruling: Students must be mirandized before being questioned</span></span><br />
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<b>In a national groundbreaking decision, a deeply divided Kentucky Supreme Court has ruled that school administrators and school resource officers cannot question students without first reading the student his rights.</b><br />
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The high court's decision Thursday came in a case from Nelson County. The court threw out a student's confession to bringing hydrocodone to school and sharing it with a classmate. Justice Mary Noble concluded the student was not informed of the possible criminal implications of speaking with an assistant principal and school resource officer until after admitting to the offense and being arrested.<br />
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<b>The decision sets a bright-line rule for school officials pursuing both disciplinary action as well as possible criminal charges.</b><br />
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Justices Bill Cunningham and Daniel Venters dissented, finding the presence of a school resource officer doesn't turn questions from administrators into an interrogation.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">In another victory for youth, the Kentucky Supreme Court orders public release of child abuse records</span></span><br />
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The justices voted 3-3 on whether to grant a stay of a lower court’s order that the Cabinet for Health and Family Services open the cases. Because the court was evenly split, a previous decision by the appeals court denying the stay was upheld.<br />
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Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd had ruled that <b>The Courier-Journal and the Lexington Herald-Leader should be allowed access to internal reviews of cases in which children died or were seriously injured from abuse or neglect.</b><br />
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That means the cabinet must provide case files following a protocol set out by Shepherd spelling out what information can be redacted by the cabinet and ordering the cabinet to explain each redaction.<br />
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Shepherd had ruled that previous redactions were overly broad, making it impossible to assess how effectively the cabinet did its job protecting children.
Despite asking for the stay, cabinet officials have released some case files with redactions that officials describe as “minimal.”<br />
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Cabinet spokeswoman Jill Midkiff responded to the Supreme Court decision, saying Thursday that the cabinet has never attempted to protect the names of social workers involved in the cases and has only made redactions to protect the privacy of some parties involved. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965625174346476999.post-82139978094443218332013-02-26T07:30:00.000-05:002013-02-27T18:31:33.524-05:00Legal discrimination based on religious beliefs?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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A proposal that would strengthen people’s ability to ignore Kentucky regulations or laws that violate their religious beliefs cleared a House panel Monday. The bill is based on a similar 1993 federal law, said Rep. Bob Damron (D-Nicholasville). However, most states decided similar measures were necessary to deal with challenges to state laws.<br />
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The Republican-led Senate approved a proposed constitutional amendment last year that contained similar language regarding religious freedoms. The measure, which would have required voter approval, died in the Democratic-led House.<br />
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Damron said Monday he doesn't believe a constitutional amendment is needed to enact the religious freedom protections outlined in HB 279. The legislation is being pushed by the Catholic Conference.<br />
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<i>"<a href="http://www.lrc.ky.gov/legresou/constitu/005.htm" target="_blank">Section V of the Kentucky Constitution</a> gives us freedom of religion, and no additional legislation is necessary. This legislation has broad, overreaching government infringement on civil rights</i>," said Kentucky Equality Federation president Jordan Palmer. "<b><i><a href="http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/13RS/HB279.htm" target="_blank">House Bill 279</a> is nothing short of freedom to discriminate based on religious beliefs which could by definition, mean anything</i></b>. <i>What about my civil right to not be inflicted by the religious beliefs of another person? The last time I checked, neither the commonwealth of Kentucky or the United States are religious states. <b>While Kentucky Equality Federation believes people may practice whatever religion they prefer, it cannot give them the right to deny fundamental civil rights to another person simply because they do not share the same religious beliefs</b></i>.<i>"</i> <br />
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<b>City Equality Ordinances:</b><br />
The measure might allow a landlord to use her religious beliefs to refuse to rent to a lesbian couple in a community where local ordinances ban discrimination based on sexual orientation.<br />
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<b>Women's Rights:</b><br />
The measure might also permit a landlord to use their religious beliefs to refuse to rent to a single, divorced, or unmarried couples. This is the case in the state of New York with in 2007 a Catholic landlord refused rental to a divorced, single mother.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>House Bill 279 will easily pass the House of Representatives with nearly 50 co-sponsors (half the House) with support from both Democratic and Republican parties. </b></span> The bill even has support from gay rights as well as Women's rights allies such as Representative Susan Westrom (D-Lexinton) and former Speaker of the House, Representative Jody Richards (D-Bowling Green).<br />
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House Bill 279 text:
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:
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SECTION 1. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 446 IS CREATED TO READ AS FOLLOWS:
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<blockquote>
Government shall not burden a person's or religious organization's freedom of religion. The right to act or refuse to act in a manner motivated by a sincerely held religious belief may not be burdened unless the government proves by clear and convincing evidence that it has a compelling governmental interest in infringing the specific act or refusal to act and has used the least restrictive means to further that interest. A "burden" shall include indirect burdens such as withholding benefits, assessing penalties, or an exclusion from programs or access to facilities.</blockquote>
Join our mailing list by clicking <b><a href="http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001aPD3euvAc-K1ytGuMX5wgA%3D%3D" target="_blank">here</a></b>, or <u><b>Text KEF to 22828</b></u> <br />
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-> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965625174346476999.post-57982425823062693942013-02-23T07:30:00.000-05:002013-02-23T07:30:00.463-05:00Don't Miss Equality Rally 2013 - Today at 3:00 PM!Don't miss Equality Rally 2013 with Kentucky Equality Federation, Marriage Equality Kentucky, Kentuckians Against the War on Women, and MoveOn.org. Will you stand united for equality?<br />
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RSVP: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/kef2013" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/kef2013</a><br />
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-> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Frankfort, KY 40601, USA38.2009055 -84.87328350000001438.101071 -85.034645000000012 38.30074 -84.711922000000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965625174346476999.post-84855972528346477792013-02-18T18:18:00.001-05:002013-02-18T19:17:44.029-05:00Equality 2013 - Kentucky Rallies for Equality<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Kentucky Equality Federation, and some of its member organizations, including Marriage Equality Kentucky, will be holding a rally at the Kentucky Capitol on Saturday, February 23, 2013 beginning at 3:00 PM.<br />
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Please <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/139606722871881/" target="_blank">RSVP using the Facebook Event Page</a></b>.<br />
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If you do not have a Facebook account, please <b><a href="http://www.kyequality.org/membership/contact_us.htm" target="_blank">contact us</a></b> to let us know you will be attending and how many people you will be bringing! Kentucky Equality Federation is also joined by <i><b>Kentuckians Against the War on Women</b></i> for this fundamental civil rights rally. <br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Saturday was chosen so that students and people who are normally at work during the week can attend and have your voice heard! </b></span><br />
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If you are unable to attend Kentucky Equality Federation's rally on Saturday, February 23, 2013, perhaps you can join the <a href="http://fairness.org/" target="_blank">Louisville Fairness Campaign</a> on Wednesday, February 20, 2013. Click <a href="http://fairness.org/" target="_blank">here</a> for additional information.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Kentucky Equality Federation hopes you will be able to make one or BOTH of the rallies! We need your support! </b></span><br />
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Click <b><a href="http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001aPD3euvAc-K1ytGuMX5wgA%3D%3D" target="_blank">here</a></b> to join our mailing list!<br />
<ul>
<li>David Jones, <i>Special Assistant to the President and Social Media Editor </i></li>
</ul>
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<b>POSTED UNDER DIRECT INSTRUCTION FROM KENTUCKY EQUALITY FEDERATION PRESIDENT JORDAN PALMER</b></div>
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-> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965625174346476999.post-894337276712745102013-02-05T16:29:00.000-05:002013-02-05T17:08:30.744-05:00United Kingdom Parliament moves to approve gay marriage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The United Kingdom moved today to approve gay marriage. The bill will still have to receive line-by-line scrutiny in the Commons, and then it will have to get through the Lords, but the size of the majority, and the fact that the leaders of all three main parties are in favor, suggest that it is now inevitable that gay marriage will become law after Royal Assent from Queen Elizabeth II. The Monarch can legally refuse it and it will not become law; in practice, the Monarch follows the votes of her Government's elected officials: <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/site-information/glossary/royal-assent/" target="_blank">http://www.parliament.uk/site-information/glossary/royal-assent/</a><br />
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Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer noted: "It is truly sad that our former motherland is so far ahead of us socially. We broke off to have religious freedom, equality, freedom from taxation without Representation, etc. 'We, the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky........... do ordain and establish this Constitution.' Well, we have fallen so far behind them in Kentucky, as has our entire Union and it is going to take a lot of advocacy and government reform to catch-up.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">Kentucky doesn't even have a statewide equality law yet, much mess gender-neutral marriage!</span></b>"<br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">--></span></b> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965625174346476999.post-6742100820837286172013-02-05T00:04:00.000-05:002013-02-05T00:07:38.018-05:00Logan County superintendent Marshall Kemp admits guilt; religious preference given<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UGNydK6kz1xGuBwfBXVM84g9GbBStCzV-2YsgEQqlxGOBjBlPtKTHNN1KkVay9TfBJfBz21HLG7qj0iKTi6UrabPED_0N6ufxWw-1YX1FqcNrMIFWDm5YqdWb-jpwplUX8o5Rv_fxIEk/s1600/religion-in-kentucky-schools.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UGNydK6kz1xGuBwfBXVM84g9GbBStCzV-2YsgEQqlxGOBjBlPtKTHNN1KkVay9TfBJfBz21HLG7qj0iKTi6UrabPED_0N6ufxWw-1YX1FqcNrMIFWDm5YqdWb-jpwplUX8o5Rv_fxIEk/s1600/religion-in-kentucky-schools.png" /></a></div>
Logan County superintendent Marshall Kemp admits guilt with "One was handed to each child." Again, Kentucky Equality Federation is <u>not</u> anti-religion as the <a href="http://www.newsdemocratleader.com/view/full_story/21608644/article-Logan-schools-asked-to-stop-Gideons?" target="_blank">newspaper pointed out</a>. <br />
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<b>Kentucky Equality Federation believes in everyone's constitutional rights to freedom of religion as provided in <a href="http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/legresou/constitu/005.htm" target="_blank">Section 5 of the Kentucky Constitution</a>:</b> "<i>No preference shall ever be given by law to any religious sect, society or denomination; nor to any particular creed, mode of worship or system of ecclesiastical polity.......... the civil rights, privileges or capacities of no person shall be taken away, or in anywise diminished or enlarged, on account of his belief or disbelief of any religious tenet, dogma or teaching</i>." <br />
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It is noteworthy that the Superintendent <a href="http://youtu.be/CtUW_kqbPwQ" target="_blank">refused a television interview</a> with Kentucky Equality Federation's President, but not a newspaper interview, for which no one at Kentucky Equality Federation was called for comment. <br />
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<b>Newspaper Clip:</b><br />
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“I believe in God and I know God loves all people. I am a practicing Christian, and I also practice Taoism. However, a public school is not the proper venue to distribute religious materials of any type,” Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer said in a news release. “This practice will cease immediately or I will instruct our legal department to sue the Logan County School District. I will teach my children about religion at home. We again are notifying the Kentucky Department of Education and the Office of Kentucky Education Secretary, Mr. Joseph U. Meyer.”<br />
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<b>Post Press Statement: </b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Allowing one religious publican opens to the door (legally) to Islam, Paganism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Judaism, Scientology, etc., stated Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer. "You cannot have it both ways. Children may also be sent to private religious schools and not public schools."<br />
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Kentucky Equality Federation's Religious Outreach Director, Minister Edith Baker, Ph.D. stated: "Here is the foundation of this matter; if Christians are 'allowed to pass out Bibles,’ then all other religion and non religious groups, including the 'Church of Satan' will have this right. As a Christian believer since childhood, and an ordained minister, I believe we have enough homes, churches and other public venues to provide this service."<br />
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"As a practicing Christian, I agree with the comments made by our Religious Outreach Director, Kentucky Supreme Court rulings, and U.S. Supreme Court rulings," stated Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer.<br />
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"Individuals or groups cannot be permitted on public school property to distribute religious publicans to students without proper authorization by parents, but this would still violate court rulings and the Kentucky Constitution," stated Board Chairman Brandon Combs.<br />
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The U.S. Supreme Court was also clear when it ordered the 10 Commandments removed from government buildings and classrooms. The Commonwealth of Kentucky and the United States are not religious institutions: Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt (among others) are, but not in Kentucky and not in the United States.
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>--> </b></span>Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.<br />
<br />Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744673711731433868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965625174346476999.post-39432924964112862862013-01-17T15:22:00.000-05:002013-01-17T19:55:17.746-05:00100 years to wait for equality in KentuckyOffice of the Chairman of the Board<br />
Brandon Combs, Chairman<br />
Gary Fowler, Vice Chair<br />
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With 120 counties, and 15 <b><u>major</u></b> cities in Kentucky, if we get one local equality ordinance a year, it will take over a century to achieve equality, but this doesn't include smaller cities and unincorporated areas of the Commonwealth.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">This is why we must continue to fight Frankfort.</span></b><br />
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<b>Please read:</b> <a href="http://community.kyequality.org/2013/01/special-rights-for-some-kentucky-house.html" target="_blank">Special Rights for Some; Kentucky House of Representatives continues to stall Statewide Equality Law</a>.<br />
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<b>--></b> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965625174346476999.post-6180603462921539842012-11-20T00:47:00.001-05:002012-11-20T00:47:08.752-05:00Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20th)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>KENTUCKY EQUALITY FEDERATION</b><br />
<b>UNITED NATIONS</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>WORLDWIDE OPERATIONS</b><br />
<br />
<b>Marlene Bennedeck Dumont</b><br />
Office of the Secretary-General <br />
<i>ILGA Trans Secretariat</i><br />
<br />
<b>Jordan Palmer</b><br />
Office of the President<br />
<i>President </i><br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20th)
</b></span><br />
<br />
"Even today, a high price is still paid for transgressing the gender that society imposes according to the person’s biological sex and for breaking the rules imposed by the majority," said ILGA Trans Secretariat Marlene Bennedect Dumont. For a few years now, the Transgender Day of Remembrance has been commemorated on November 20th. In this date, we remember the comrades of all genders who have passed away due to the irrational hatred of those who believe that disruption of gender boundaries must be punished with death.<br />
<br />
We have adopted officially this day in order to remember the death of Rita Hester, which led the following year to the creation of the website "Remembering our dead”, a project that also included a candlelight vigil in 1999 in San Francisco, USA. Since then, this event is held in many cities worldwide."<br />
<br />
This date is important to give visibility to the consequences that exclusion and discrimination imposed by the social majority can have on a trans person (transgender, transvestites, transsexuals, cross-dressers and other gender dissidents), marking her or him with stigma. The organizations representing these people and asking for respect for their human rights should continue denouncing this situation, benefiting from this Day to express demands to their States, and to increase the visibility of problems affecting trans people. In most cases, these persons are forced to become sex workers, an activity which renders them vulnerable to Hiv/Aids and which exposes them to becoming victims of violence – often resulting in loss of lives as a result of hate crimes.<br />
<br />
"When we speak out for full equality and protections under law, we send a message to everybody, including the bullies and our lawmakers, that we are all human," said <a href="http://www.kyequality.org/" target="_blank">Kentucky Equality Federation</a> President Jordan Palmer. "Violence against LGBTI people has increased by nearly 15%; minorities and transgender women were more likely to be targeted. Of those killed, 70% were minorities and an alarming 44% were transgender women."<br />
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These hate crimes on the basis of the gender identity assumed by trans people (transgender, transvestites, transsexuals, cross-dressers and other gender dissidents) are happening everywhere in the world. Today, Trans organizations committed to the defense of the rights of their collective, denounce these deaths through alerts and reports. These are collected in the Handbook of Intolerance kept by the ILGA Trans Secretariat and in the "Trans Murder Monitoring Project” of the European Union Trans Conference (TGEU). In such a way we can inform the world about global social practices that must be eradicated everywhere, since they undermine all values and dignity of the person, says Belissa Andía, of Instituto Runa de Desarrollo y Estudios sobre Genero in Peru. <br />
<br />
The situation experienced by these persons worldwide is indeed alarming. They are excluded from education, employment, justice, health services, etc. These spaces and services, to which they are entitled as human beings and citizens, are denied to them due to transphobia. Even when they can access them in some cases, they are subject to discrimination, because they are different from the majority, because they allegedly violate the rules established by the rest of the society. This discrimination is often imposed by religious beliefs that condemn diversity.<br />
<br />
Nowadays several international groups are advocating for the removal of the term "transsexual" from the next version of the World Health Organization (WHO) catalogue of mental illnesses. They request that this condition be recognized as part of the complex sexual identity of human beings. Any trans person –so as many non-trans persons– can attest that being trans is not something that needs psychiatric treatment: it is the process whereby a person self defines his or her gender.<br />
<br />
According to feminist activist Silvia Buendía "Homosexuality is a sexual orientation, a person who is sexually attracted to someone of the same sex. The transsexual or transgender condition is totally different: it concerns a person born with a certain biological sex, but who starts a process of identification to another gender when growing up.<br />
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The price that is paid for breaking the barriers of sex and gender is way too high. We must all do something to stop this. <br />
<br />
SIGN NOW:<br />
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-> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Lexington, KY, USA38.0405837 -84.503716437.8404992 -84.8195734 38.2406682 -84.187859400000008tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965625174346476999.post-85458402970180316312012-11-02T00:20:00.000-04:002012-11-02T00:20:20.628-04:00Presbyterian Church rules AGAINST biblical authority in gay marriage case <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The highest judicial commission of the Presbyterian Church (USA) published a final decision this week in an internal disciplinary case holding that the Rev. Laurie McNeill did not commit any offense by "marrying" her same-sex partner.<br />
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<b>The Presbyterian court, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky</b>, chose <b>not</b> to use definitions of marriage in Scripture, the Confessions, or the Presbyterian Directory of Worship when affirming her continued leadership position as Teaching Elder or Minister. Despite stipulated evidence that Rev. McNeill had "married" her same sex partner and was living with her in New York, the PCUSA court officials determined that because there was no direct evidence of sexual activity (pictures or a witness), there was no proof of a sexual relationship.<br />
<br />
"The fact of a woman marrying another woman isn't enough to offend Biblical values -- now we need pictures or videos of sex?" said Attorney Whit Brisky. "This is not the first time I have found judicial commissions shying away from deciding cases on the basis of Scripture." Brisky represented the Newark Presbytery's prosecuting committee in this case and has assisted in defending Biblical doctrine in the Presbyterian Church for over a decade.<br />
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In 2009, the Rev. Laurie McNeill "married" her same-sex partner while on vacation in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She returned to announce her union to the church in which she held leadership and the Presbytery of which she was a part. At her ordination, Rev. McNeill vowed to fulfill her office in obedience to the Scriptures and to be instructed by the Presbyterian Confessions. In 2009, she gave statements to the press that she was aware that the PCUSA did not recognize her marriage, and that "marrying" her partner in Massachusetts would likely result in disciplinary charges being brought against her. As she anticipated, charges were brought against her in the Presbytery of Newark for participating in a same-sex ceremony, which violated the denomination's constitution.<br />
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Rev. McNeill moved to dismiss the charges in the Presbytery PJC claiming that the Directory of Worship only governed what happened in Presbyterian worship services. In response, the prosecution argued that Presbyterian worship, service, and witness are inextricably connected and, citing Scripture and the Confessions, that the Directory of Worship therefore governs the worship of Presbyterians in any context.<br />
<br />
"Another implication of this decision is that since the Commission has limited the Directory of Worship, including its definition of marriage, to Presbyterian worship services only, Presbyterian Teaching Elders can now freely conduct same-sex 'weddings' in UCC or Episcopal worship services, can bless weddings in the name of Allah rather than that of the Triune God, and can depart from the baptismal formula of 'Father, Son, and Holy Spirit' as long as it is not in a Presbyterian worship service," said Brisky.<br />
<br />
To the PCUSA, Brisky said, "It was an honor to represent the faithful Presbyterians who brought this charge. As a Christian attorney, I look to Scripture to find God's truth. Unfortunately, many orthodox Presbyterians have left the denomination, giving the Progressives who are left more influence. I see my responsibility as first, standing up for the truth of Scripture, and second, supporting those orthodox who still remain."<br />
<br />
Brisky published a report on the progression of the case and arguments presented to the presiding PCUSA court officials. These can be viewed at Mauck & Baker Presbyterian Church Biblical Values. He is a Member of the Mauck & Baker law firm, which is nationally known for representing religious institutions, businesses, and individuals in zoning, religious freedom, real estate, and litigation matters. Because of their Biblical orientation as a law firm, these values are acted out in the cases they take on.<br />
<br />
The Family Foundation of Kentucky and the American Family Association of Kentucky are probably very disappointed!<br />
<br />
-> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Louisville, KY, USA38.2526647 -85.758455738.053160199999994 -86.0743127 38.4521692 -85.4425987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965625174346476999.post-24545250827779671102012-08-21T17:37:00.003-04:002012-08-29T00:48:20.517-04:00Why we do not eat<b>By:</b> Jordan Palmer<br />
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The Chick-Fil-A controversy is creating a rift within the LGBTI community in Kentucky, and according to a Baptist blogger for CNN, R. Albert Mohler Jr., "[this is] a clear sign that religious liberty is at risk and that this nation has reached the brink of tyrannical intolerance." <br />
<br />
Well, I don't agree with Mr. Mohler's assessment, but over the past month Kentucky Equality Federation has received a lot of <a href="http://www.kyequality.org/membership/contact_us.htm" target="_blank">complaints</a>, <b>especially from LGBTI people seeing other LGBTI people and campus gay-straight alliance leaders eating at Chick-Fil-A locations</b>. <br />
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I have <u>reluctantly</u>, not in the best of health, taken the position of president of Kentucky Equality Federation again, and, by doing so, became the <i>ex officio</i> president of <a href="http://www.marriageequalityky.org/" target="_blank">Marriage Equality Kentucky</a> and the <a href="http://www.kentuckyaids.org/" target="_blank">Kentucky HIV/AIDS Advocacy Campaign</a>. As a founder of Kentucky Equality Federation and its president again <i>(only until Mr. Joshua Koch returns from his pending military deployment)</i>, I feel the need to clarify our position as well as the position of our component member organizations. <br />
<br />
On August 15th, a former volunteer for a LBGTI center shot a security guard at a Family Research Council office while apparently trying to gain access to their senior staff, volunteers, interns, or their president. <br />
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Kentucky Equality Federation condemns violence in all forms. We must not sink to their level, and we will not condone any violence against opposing non-profits or non-government organizations, <u>even</u> if said organization is a hate group. As someone who receives their fair share of death threats and discussing them with U.S. Attorney Kerry Harvey, as he indicated to me, the people who make threats are not the ones you must fear. Rather, it is the ones who do not make threats you must worry about because they carry out these attacks. <br />
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Regardless of the petty "cliques" that already divide Kentucky’s LGBTI community, I say to all, take a step back and clear your heads. <br />
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Chick-Fil-A donates to the Family Research Council. The Southern Poverty Law Center classifies the Family Research Council as a hate group and Kentucky Equality Federation agrees with their classification. As Senior Fellow Mark Potok stated: "The council [Family Research Council] earned the designation for spreading false propaganda about the gay community, not for its opposition to same-sex marriage. They routinely push out demonizing claims that gay people are child molesters and worse - claims that are provably false." <br />
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The Family Research Council was actually started by Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family, another anti-equality hate group. Though Kentucky Equality Federation does not agree with violence, the Family Research Council and Focus on the Family have no remorse for the legislation they stop to bring equality to communities, and they are absolutely certain they are correct in their destructive courses of action because they honestly believe they have superior morality. <b><span style="color: #990000;">When you consider, however, that Chick-Fil-A, as well as the Family Research Council, could have fed over 5,000 homeless Kentuckians or other citizens across America for the $25,000.00 they spent lobbying the U.S. Congress not to condemn or interfere in the republic of Uganda’s “kill the gays legislation,” which would have legalized and encouraged a common everyday occurrence in the Middle East, African nation-states, Russia, and South America. They have a right to speak what they will, but we take issue when they provide moral cover for sexual genocide</span></b>. <br />
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This incident also revealed yet another secret Washington, D.C., group, "The Family," which several U.S. Congressman wrote to Kentucky Equality Federation <a href="http://unitedwestandky.com/2010/01/u-s-rep-denies-being-part-of-secret-society-and-supporting-ugandas-proposed-kill-the-gays-law-to-kentucky-gay-rights-organization/" target="_blank"><b>(view)</b></a> about because we are a member of the International Lesbian, Gay, Trans and Intersex Organization, "ILGA," and a United Nations non-government observer with consultative status. Kentucky Equality Federation, along with ILGA expressed its outrage to the U.S. Congress, the United Nations, and Queen Elizabeth II, the head of the Commonwealth of Nations. <br />
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U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton acted, as did United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, by pulling HIV/AIDS relief efforts from those nation-states since the United Nations employs LGBTI people. Ban Ki-moon, as the leader of the United Nations, also warned member-states about the treatment of their LGBTI populations, reminding them that LGBTI people are protected by the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights. <br />
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<b>Is this "superior morality?"</b> No. Kentucky Equality Federation first donated to Kentucky's homeless youth in April 2009 <a href="http://community.kyequality.org/2009/04/kentucky-equality-federation-gives-back.html" target="_blank"><b>(press release)</b></a>. As far as being a hate group, the Family Research Council is "guilty as charged," and so is Chick-Fil-A, as their president indicated. <br />
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As president of Kentucky Equality Federation, I personally urge you not to eat at a Chick-Fil-A location. By eating at Chick-Fil-A, you give additional royalties to a restaurant chain that donates to a group that that uses propaganda, misinformation, and lobbyists to place obstacles in our path and rally against our very right to exist. They are even willing to spend money to eradicate us, as if we were some sort of plague.<br />
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Though Chick-Fil-A publically announced their religious beliefs, other companies that share their beliefs include Forever 21, Tyson Foods, Hobby Lobby, ServiceMaster, Interstate Batteries, and Walmart. <a href="http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/07/24/7-religious-companies-besides-chick-fil-a/" target="_blank"><b>(source)</b></a><br />
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I am not straight, gay, bisexual, transgender, Black, White, intersex, lesbian, or any other word someone would choose to label or define me. I am human. For some, though I will never understand how, it is easy to dismiss other humans and deny their fundamental civil liberties by placing a label on them. <br />
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The choice of eating at a Chick-Fil-A location is ultimately the decision of each person based on their conscience, but those who do, in my opinion, have lost perspective as to why we are boycotting Chick-Fil-A. Be aware that any money spent with such enablers is being spent to support the killing and increased misery of our allies here and around the world.
As a community, we must remain united and check our personal opinions and attitudes at the door. Until we can do this and fight united, the equality and fairness that is denied to us shall always elude us, visible in appearance, but always just shy of our grasp.
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">---></span></b> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Frankfort, KY 40601, USA38.2009055 -84.873283538.150993 -84.9522475 38.250817999999995 -84.7943195tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965625174346476999.post-70081007444872163132012-07-31T18:28:00.000-04:002012-07-31T18:29:23.053-04:00Lexington anti-gay and anti-abortion Billboard ordered removed by the owner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Months ago, Kentucky Equality Federation began an extensive search for the owner of the Billboard on Lexington's New Circle Road.<br />
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Kentucky Equality Federation founder and Board member Jordan Palmer contacted Viacom Outdoor as well as Bluegrass Community and Technical College. Kentucky Equality Federation Chairman of the Board Brandon Combs contacted the Fayette County PVA, the Kentucky Department of Revenue and other agencies to find the owner.<br />
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Initially, tax records revealed nothing, but the owner was found. They ordered the removal of the Billboard with an apology:<br />
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<b>Kentucky Equality Federation:
</b><br />
<blockquote>
Ms. Mcdowell-
I'm am reaching out to you on behalf of the Kentucky Equality Federation Board of Directors. I was direct to you by Ms. Jo Southworth with RJ Corman.<br />
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There is a billboard that, according to Ms. Southworth, CSX owns in Lexington Kentucky. It is off of New Circle Road, near Opportunity Way. It is leased, by you, to Kentucky Outdoor Advertising, Inc. out of Bowling Green, KY.<br />
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Essentially, I want this billboard's current advertisement removed. It states: "Homosexuality is an abomination [and] Abortion is murder" with Biblical references under each statement.<br />
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According to CSX's own webpage, they are committed to non-discrimination against both gender and sexual orientation.<br />
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Attached are some pictures so you can locate the information and agreements you need, of the advertisement, etc. Please contact me at the below listed cell phone. I would like to discuss this matter as soon as possible.<br />
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Here is the original news story:<br />
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http://www.lex18.com/news/some-upset-by-controversial-billboard-along-new-circle-road-in-lexington/<br />
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If you follow the story, you will see that the billboard was put in place, stolen, and replaced. It has caused a media frenzy, and nothing has been done to correct the problem.<br />
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__________________________________<br />
Brandon Combs, MS:SSEM, ASHM<br />
Board of Directors, Chairman<br />
Kentucky Equality Federation</blockquote>
<b>CSX Responds:</b><br />
<blockquote>
Dear Mr. Combs,
This has reference to your email of July 24, 2012 to Ms. Ana McDowell on behalf of the Kentucky Equality Federation Board of Directors regarding a billboard located on CSX Transportation, Inc. property in Lexington, Kentucky.<br />
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CSX is very proud of its reputation and takes matters such as this serious. CBS Outdoor Systems, Inc., a third party, manages signboards for CSX across our system and under our agreement with them, they are to remove any offensive advertisements within thirty (30) days of being notified. CBS contacted the signboard owner immediately, <b><u>who in turn has now removed the advertisement</u></b>. <br />
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<b>We apologize for the offensive message and certainly appreciate it being brought to our attention. </b><br />
<br />
Karen P. Clarke <br />
Manager – Leasing</blockquote>
<b><span style="color: #990000;">Official Kentucky Equality Federation Statements: </span></b><br />
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<b>July 05, 2012: </b><a href="http://community.kyequality.org/2012/07/kentucky-equality-federation-responds.html" target="_blank">Kentucky Equality Federation responds to the return of the Lexington homophobic billboard. Lexington's Billboard Controversy Continues.</a><br />
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<b>May 26, 2012: </b><a href="http://community.kyequality.org/2012/05/lexingtons-billboard-homosexuality-and.html" target="_blank">Lexington's billboard - homosexuality is a sin; abortion is murder</a><br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">--></span></b> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Lexington, KY, USA38.0405837 -84.503716437.8404992 -84.8195734 38.2406682 -84.187859400000008tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965625174346476999.post-74711205334136775382012-07-19T20:39:00.000-04:002012-07-19T20:39:30.950-04:00Fast-food chain Chick-Fil-A opposes gay marriage and funds anti-gay organizations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1phLB_DMVCP0Sd-iOLNG6w6xciOB1Kp7sC5IsE_FeUo937Jrg8asq02adAPE316HXDRLJ6yXrhHmimR-oJcISbq85uoEMthUP-y9vQw8FKKGfIU4BT1dERiAsSL3FlfcPcWBLfn4fmWM/s1600/380px-Chick-fil.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1phLB_DMVCP0Sd-iOLNG6w6xciOB1Kp7sC5IsE_FeUo937Jrg8asq02adAPE316HXDRLJ6yXrhHmimR-oJcISbq85uoEMthUP-y9vQw8FKKGfIU4BT1dERiAsSL3FlfcPcWBLfn4fmWM/s1600/380px-Chick-fil.gif" /></a></div>
Fast-food chain Chick-Fil-A no longer backs gay marriage, the company says it's backing out of gay marriage debate after president's candid comments.<br />
<br />
A post Thursday on the official Chick-Fil-A Facebook page said, 'Going forward, our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena.'<br />
<br />
The official statement follows backlash from president Dan Cathy’s admission that the company is “guilty as charged” when it comes to opposing gay marriage.<br />
<br />
Dan Cathy oversees one of the country's most successful businesses. As
president and chief operating officer of Chick-fil-A, Cathy leads a
business with 1,608 restaurants that had sales of more than $4 billion
dollars last year. <b>They sell chicken and train employees to focus on
values rooted in the Bible</b>.<br />
<br />
In an interview with the Baptist Press this week, Cathy said Chick-Fil-A is “<i><b>very much supportive of the family - the biblical definition of the family unit</b></i>.”<br />
<br />
To that end, the company has donated millions of dollars to organizations such as<b> Focus on the Family</b> and the <b>Marriage & Family Foundation</b>, which fight against gay marriage.
<br />
<br />
"We don't claim to be a Christian business," Cathy said in a recent
visit to the State of North Carolina. He attended a business leadership conference
many years ago where he heard Christian businessman Fred Roach say,
"There is no such thing as a Christian business." <br />
<br />
"That got my attention," Cathy said. Roach went on to say, "Christ never died for a corporation. He died for you and me."<br />
<br />
"All throughout the New Testament there is an evangelism strategy
related to our performance in the workplace. ... Our work should be an
act of worship. Our work should be our mission field. As long as we are
stateside, let's don't think we have to go on mission trips by getting a
passport. ... If you're obedient to God you are going to be
evangelistic in the quality of the work you do, using that as a portal
to share [Christ]," he said.<br />
<br />
When asked if Chick-fil-A's success
is attributed to biblical values, Cathy quickly said, "I think they're
inseparable. God wants to give us wisdom to make good decisions and
choices." Quoting James 1:5, he spoke of how often he asks God for
wisdom.<br />
<br />
"Frequently Jesus challenged us to just ask ... we're
simply not asking as often as we should. We need to be more faithful to
depend on a God who does love us and wants to have a relationship with
us, and wants to give us the desires of our hearts."<br />
<br />
When questioned about Chick-Fil-A's "Closed on Sunday" policy Cathy
responded, "It was not an issue in 1946 when we opened up our first
restaurant. But as living standards changed and lifestyles changed,
people came to be more active on Sundays."<br />
<br />
The policy has not changed over the years as malls began changing their policies by opening on Sundays. <br />
<br />
"We've
always put in our lease that we will be closed on Sundays," Cathy said.
"We've had a track record that we were generating more business in six
days than the other tenants were generating in seven [days]."<br />
<br />
"While
developers had no identity whatsoever with our corporate purpose to
'glorify God and be a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us
and have a positive influence on all that come in contact with
Chick-fil-A,' they did identify with the rent checks that we wrote to
the mall, that were based on our sales.<br />
<br />
Facebook Post: <br />
<blockquote>
The Chick-fil-A culture and service tradition in our restaurants is to treat every person with honor, dignity and respect – regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender. We will continue this tradition in the over 1,600 Restaurants run by independent Owner/Operators. Going forward, our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena.<br />
<br />
Chick-fil-A is a family-owned and family-led company serving the communities in which it operates. From the day Truett Cathy started the company, he began applying biblically-based principles to managing his business. For example, we believe that closing on Sundays, operating debt-free and devoting a percentage of our profits back to our communities are what make us a stronger company and Chick-fil-A family.<br />
<br />
Our mission is simple: to serve great food, provide genuine hospitality and have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.</blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">--></span></b> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965625174346476999.post-49796515938209089212012-07-19T11:41:00.000-04:002012-07-19T11:42:20.624-04:00AIDS risk higher for gay, bisexual black men according to expertsThe Washington Times published the following today, at first glance the article appears to be prejudice until you realize they are only giving statistical facts and urging additional education, testing, and treatment for the Black community. The items in block-quotes are additions and did not appear in The Washington Times article:<br />
<br />
Black men who are gay or bisexual are "at the center" of the U.S. HIV/AIDS epidemic and should be a primary focus of testing, service and treatment efforts, a federal official and advocates said Wednesday.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
<a href="http://blog.commonwealth-equality.org/2008/07/4-out-of-10-gay-men-are-not-out-to.html" target="_blank">In 2008, a study in New York City said 4 out of 10 gay men are not out to their doctors about their sexuality - meaning they are far less likely to get tested for HIV</a>. Several years ago, The Kentucky Channel had a special report about the Black community and AIDS in Kentucky.<br />
<br />
<b>2006 <a href="http://blog.commonwealth-equality.org/2006/11/world-aids-day-2006-december-1st.html" target="_blank">Kentucky Report - Aids in Kentucky</a>:</b><br />
- 47% of HIV positive people are not aware of their status and continue to have multiple sexual partners.<br />
- Nearly 85% of all AIDS cases in the commonwealth are within the Bluegrass Region including Covington, Frankfort, Florence, Georgetown, Lexington, Louisville, Richmond, and Winchester.</blockquote>
<br />
Black men who have sex with men (MSM) account for one in four new HIV infections, even though they represent only one in 500 Americans, the Black AIDS Institute said in its new report, "Back of the Line: The State of AIDS Among Black Gay Men in America 2012."<br />
<br />
This infection rate climbs quickly with age for these men: The odds of a black MSM becoming infected with HIV is about 8 percent at age 20 and nearly 60 percent by age 40.<br />
<br />
Moreover, unless they receive treatment, black MSM "are significantly less likely to be alive three years after testing HIV-positive," when compared to white MSM, said the report.<br />
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Black MSM “continue to be first in line when it comes to need, but remain at the back of the line when it comes to assistance," said Phill Wilson, founder and executive director of the Black AIDS Institute.<br />
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“We need a new mindset,” Dr. Kevin Fenton, director of the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told a media briefing at the Kaiser Family Foundation in the District.
Black MSM “are not simply a fringe group in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” said Dr. Fenton. “They are, in fact, at the center of the nation’s epidemic, and we cannot achieve an AIDS-free generation, or the end of AIDS in the United States, unless we make major inroads in the fight against HIV among black gay men.”
Panelists talked about stigma, homophobia and other heightened risk factors for black MSM.<br />
<br />
Research indicates that black MSM “are no more likely to engage in HIV-related risk behaviors than other MSM,” said Ernest Hopkins, chairman of the National Black Gay Men’s Advocacy Coalition and director of legislative affairs at the San Franciso AIDS Foundation.<br />
<br />
But they are associated with risk factors such as early sexual experience, having older sex partners, being molested as a child, being incarcerated, growing up in poverty, homelessness and suffering discrimination, said Mr. Hopkins.<br />
<br />
Read the entire story at <a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/jul/18/black-gay-men-first-line-need-aids-treatment/" target="_blank">The Washington Times</a>.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #660000;">--> </span></b>Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965625174346476999.post-53879163232268627632012-05-17T13:41:00.000-04:002012-07-19T11:42:15.832-04:00Rand Paul Humiliates Kentucky AgainBy: Joshua Koch, <i>Temporary President & sitting Vice President of Policy & Public Relations</i><br />
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Senator Rand Paul has an unenviable penchant for embarrassing Kentucky on a semi-regular basis. Having changed his tune on a number of issues since he became affiliated with the Republican Party of Kentucky as a candidate in 2009, his latest foray into the issue of marriage equality is a source of shame for the Commonwealth.<br />
<br />
According to various news sources, <a href="http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120514/NEWS01/305140059/Sen-Rand-Paul-rebuked-saying-he-didn-t-think-President-Barack-Obama-s-marriage-policy-could-get-any-gayer-" target="_blank">Rand Paul recently visited the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition last Friday</a>. There, among his social conservative friends, he decided to chime in on President Obama's recent shift on Marriage Equality.<br />
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“The president recently weighed in on marriage and you know he said his
views were evolving on marriage,” Paul said.
“Call me cynical, but I wasn’t sure his views on marriage could get any
gayer.”<br />
<br />
Paul has now been criticized by <a href="http://slatest.slate.com/posts/2012/05/14/rand_paul_s_gayer_comment_draws_heat_from_family_research_council.html" target="_blank">equality opponents</a> and LGBTI groups, alike. It speaks volumes that even the Republican National Committee and the Family Research Council, historic opponents of equality, cannot support his remarks publicly. This is a public relations disaster for them because it reveals the sort of bumper-sticker sloganeering they employ to attack equality and enforce unthinking conformity among their faithful followers. <br />
<br />
Senator Paul's remarks are juvenile and beneath the dignity of his office, but they reveal a sinister undertone among the anti-equality forces marshaling their forces around the country to ban marriage equality and so-called "gay adoption" in states around the United States, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/08/amendment-one-north-carolina_n_1501308.html" target="_blank">most recently in North Carolina</a>. This "quip" is just the tip of the iceberg, when considering the culture of hate and inequality as a whole.<br />
<br />
Having grown up in an anti-gay fundamentalist family myself, I heard this sort of line all the time. The sad part is that this insulting language is part of a non-rational culture which believes that any tactic is justified in defense of the ideals of the social conservative ideal. It has a devastating impact on children raised in the movement, on the targets of the speech, and on the ability of the social conservative movement to process any issue rationally. I know this because it did the same thing to me as a teen and young adult, until I was confronted on it by LGBTI friends, who forced me to examine my own anti-equality sentiments.<br />
<br />
Senator Paul is an embarrassment to Kentucky and his allies, but he has exposed a major problem with the social conservative extremists: <b> This is the way they think and communicate on equality issues that we hold dear.</b> This is the way they speak when they think no one else is listening. This is the sort of thing they say in churches and organizations to convince their followers to bully opponents. While it is easy to lose focus on this comment, it is a symptom of a "conservative" subculture which fosters and indoctrinates the next generation in xenophobia and homophobia behind the closed walls of its own cloistered gatherings.<br />
<br />
In Kentucky, we need to learn from this, rather than just be ashamed of it. When people we know use this sort of slogan-spewing against equality around us, we need to confront it for the unthinking nonsense that it is. This sort of thing seems silly and banal, until one realizes that this is the sort of thing that replaces rational thought for a great many adherents to the social conservative "traditional" dogma because this is all they are exposed to from a young age. This is a form of intellectual abuse, now spouted blithely by a sitting US Senator.<br />
<br />
When such empty jokes replace critical thought for such a large portion of our population, is it any wonder that they refuse to see the wisdom of equality and justice?<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">--></span></b> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.<br />
<br />Joshua Kochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06928317765796832587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5965625174346476999.post-10768299022089545982012-03-15T01:33:00.001-04:002012-03-15T01:38:12.624-04:00Kentucky House Bill 336 and the Family Foundation of Kentucky<b>By:</b> Will Taylor, <i>Southeastern Kentucky Regional Director</i><br />
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This <a href="http://vereloqui.blogspot.com/2012/03/ky-gay-rights-group-says-current.html" target="_blank">post from the Family Foundation of Kentucky</a> is hardly worth our attention, but apparently the Family Foundation of Kentucky is taking Kentucky Equality Federation talking points since our press release was first. <br />
<br />
To be clear, Kentucky Equality Federation supports Sr. Representative Ruth Ann Palumbo and any Represenative who tries to protect Kentucky children. <a href="http://blog.ruthannpalumbo.com/2012/03/statement-about-house-bill-336-making.html" target="_blank">We agree with Representative Palumbo's statement</a>.<br />
<br />
However, as we reported, after receiving multiple school bullying reports across the commonwealth and contacting the schools, they knew nothing about EXISTING Kentucky School Bullying laws. So Kentucky Equality Federation's Discrimination, Hate Crimes, and School Bullying Committee decided to act with the full support of our legal representation, President Palmer, and Vice President Koch.<br />
<br />
School bullying laws need to be stronger, we have lost too many children to suicide and anyone who would dispute that is an idiot. However, the Kentucky Education Cabinet needs to educate principals and school officials on the current law which was the point of <a href="http://community.kyequality.org/2012/03/kentucky-equality-federation-warns.html" target="_blank">our warning to several schools</a>.<br />
<br />
Kentucky Equality Federation will ensure Kentucky School Bullying laws are enforced or we will sue to schools in question. So far, cooperation from the schools has been wonderful. In addition, I guess the Family Foundation of Kentucky missed the article today about people being arrested by the FBI for hate crimes. We have a new U.S. Attorney who will not tolerate hate crimes. <br />
<br />
My region of Kentucky Equality Federation does not take marching from the Louisville Fairness Campaign as suggested; we will assist them, we support them, but the marching orders for my region come from legal representation, Policy (<i>Vice President Joshua Koch</i>), the President (<i>Jordan Palmer</i>), the Board of Directors, or as <u>I deem appropriate</u>. <br />
<br />
As the Regional Director for Southeastern Kentucky, I have broad discretionary authority to act without seeking permission from anyone. <br />
<br />
How desperate and sad the Family Foundation of Kentucky must be to try to play Kentucky Equality Federation against Louisville Fairness.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">--></span></b> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0