Trump lied about the reason for banning trans people

When a TRUE war HERO like U.S. Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) or a longtime conservative like U.S. Senator  Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) criticize this sudden and ill-conceived decision towards Transgender soldiers, you have to scratch your head.

Also, when Trump said "my generals," our military is not the private property of the temporary occupant of the Oval Office. 

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. #Trans #WeAreKY - Jordan Palmer, secretary-general

-> 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.

Trump betrays transgender and gay community #Trump #Trans #US Military #KY #USA

#Trans #KY #USA #USMilitary President #Trump has, once again, betrayed the #LGBTI 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 #military. Trans people were allowed to serve openly before Trump’s decision to force currently serving military members out of the armed forces.

--> Please note this decision notes NOT apply to State Defense Forces, State Militias, or State National Guard units.

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.

“Instead of undermining the military, and disgracefully trying to take away necessary health care from soldiers, Vice President #Pence 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 Jordan Palmer.

Official 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.

"The decision 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."

"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."

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.

Kelo in the Bedroom: The Government Thinks of Us As Livestock

One 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.

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.

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:

Whether or not you support LGBTI rights and marriage equality, you should recognize the individual right to determine your own plans for your life.

In Kelo v. City of New London, 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.

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.

-Joshua Koch

-> 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.

Lawmakers: Gay marriage fits Republican values

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

Signed by 7 Republican Representatives.

--> NOTICE: 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.

#KY #KYGA14: Condemnation of Kentucky's federal delegates responses to Bourke v. Beshear

BY: K. Joshua Koch

NOTE: This was originally part of a press release 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

---> 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.

Chair Update: Equality and Political Parties

Letter from the Chairman of the Board
Equality and Political Parties

To my fellow citizens-

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, Kentucky Equality Federation v. Commonwealth of Kentucky, 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.

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 Marriage Equality Kentucky, a member of Kentucky Equality Federation.

Kentucky Attorney General opposes same-sex marriage

Kentucky Attorney General opposes same-sex marriage though the lawsuit remains on-going after months of briefs and motions. In Kentucky Equality Federation v. Commonwealth of Kentucky (for marriage equality), Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway claims a married same-sex couple, "does not have standing to challenge Kentucky's definition of marriage," and that our claim, as well as that of our individual members, does not qualify as an "injury." Likewise, Governor Steve Beshear's attorney asked the Court to "deny that Plaintiffs are entitled to the requested relief or any other relief whatsoever."

Reactions at Kentucky Equality Federation on this ongoing court case are as follows and released by the Department of Policy & Pubic Relations:  

Pride and Politics: The fight for marriage equality in Kentucky

A Halloween Theme!

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.

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.

No suggested donation was made for the event and no donations were solicited from the public.

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.

Pride and Politics provided an opportunity to network with other LGBTI advocates and to meet individuals with varying political perspectives.

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.

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.

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.

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.

--> 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.

In historic vote, Minnesota House approves gay marriage bill; one lawmaker says her heart is broken as a result and cries

Rep. Peggy Scott

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.

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.

The dramatic vote came after a sometimes passionate, three-hour debate that culminated when four Republican members privately wrestling with the issue joined a majority of Democrats to pass the measure 75-59. The debate raged as hundreds of advocates from both sides gathered outside the House gallery chanting, waving signs and praying. A similar situation resulted in gay marriage being legalized in the State of New York.

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.

“My heart breaks for Minnesota,” said a Rep. Peggy Scott, R-Andover.

“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.”

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.

The debate stands to be the most divisive, dramatic and unpredictable at the Capitol this year.

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.

“Justice is knocking,” said Representative Carlos Mariani, DFL-St. Paul. “How often does justice come knocking? Until we open the door.”

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.

“Thinks about what’s best for the children,” Gruenhagen said. “Please vote for the children.”

Representative Kelby Woodard, R-Belle Plaine, said the measure sends a terrible message to Minnesotans who oppose same-sex marriage.

“We are classifying half of Minnesotans as bigots in this bill — and they are not,” Woodard said.

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.”

--> 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.

Kentucky Supreme Court: Students must be mirandized before being questioned

In a victory for youth and students across the Commonwealth, the Kentucky Supreme Court issued two (2) groundbreaking decisions:

Groundbreaking Kentucky Supreme Court ruling: Students must be mirandized before being questioned

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.

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.

The decision sets a bright-line rule for school officials pursuing both disciplinary action as well as possible criminal charges.

Justices Bill Cunningham and Daniel Venters dissented, finding the presence of a school resource officer doesn't turn questions from administrators into an interrogation.


In another victory for youth, the Kentucky Supreme Court orders public release of child abuse records

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.

Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd had ruled that 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.

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.

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.”

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.

Legal discrimination based on religious beliefs?

Our QR Code, scan it now!

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.

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.

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.

"Section V of the Kentucky Constitution gives us freedom of religion, and no additional legislation is necessary. This legislation has broad, overreaching government infringement on civil rights," said Kentucky Equality Federation president Jordan Palmer. "House Bill 279 is nothing short of freedom to discriminate based on religious beliefs which could by definition, mean anything. 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.  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."

City Equality Ordinances:
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.

Women's Rights:
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.

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. 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).

House Bill 279 text:

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:

SECTION 1. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 446 IS CREATED TO READ AS FOLLOWS:

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.

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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.

Don'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?

RSVP: http://tinyurl.com/kef2013

-> 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.

Equality 2013 - Kentucky Rallies for Equality

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.

Please RSVP using the Facebook Event Page.

If you do not have a Facebook account, please contact us to let us know you will be attending and how many people you will be bringing!  Kentucky Equality Federation is also joined by Kentuckians Against the War on Women for this fundamental civil rights rally. 

Saturday was chosen so that students and people who are normally at work during the week can attend and have your voice heard! 

If you are unable to attend Kentucky Equality Federation's rally on Saturday, February 23, 2013, perhaps you can join the Louisville Fairness Campaign on Wednesday, February 20, 2013. Click here for additional information.

Kentucky Equality Federation hopes you will be able to make one or BOTH of the rallies! We need your support!

Click here to join our mailing list!

• David Jones, Special Assistant to the President and Social Media Editor

POSTED UNDER DIRECT INSTRUCTION FROM KENTUCKY EQUALITY FEDERATION PRESIDENT JORDAN PALMER

-> 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.

United Kingdom Parliament moves to approve gay marriage

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: http://www.parliament.uk/site-information/glossary/royal-assent/

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.

Kentucky doesn't even have a statewide equality law yet, much mess gender-neutral marriage!"

--> 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.

Logan County superintendent Marshall Kemp admits guilt; religious preference given

Logan County superintendent Marshall Kemp admits guilt with "One was handed to each child." Again, Kentucky Equality Federation is not anti-religion as the newspaper pointed out.

Kentucky Equality Federation believes in everyone's constitutional rights to freedom of religion as provided in Section 5 of the Kentucky Constitution: "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."

It is noteworthy that the Superintendent refused a television interview with Kentucky Equality Federation's President, but not a newspaper interview, for which no one at Kentucky Equality Federation was called for comment.

Newspaper Clip:

“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.”

Post Press Statement:

"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."

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."

"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.

"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.

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.

--> 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.

100 years to wait for equality in Kentucky

Office of the Chairman of the Board
Brandon Combs, Chairman
Gary Fowler, Vice Chair

With 120 counties, and 15 major 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.

This is why we must continue to fight Frankfort.

Please read: Special Rights for Some; Kentucky House of Representatives continues to stall Statewide Equality Law.

--> 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.

Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20th)

KENTUCKY EQUALITY FEDERATION
UNITED NATIONS

WORLDWIDE OPERATIONS

Marlene Bennedeck Dumont
Office of the Secretary-General
ILGA Trans Secretariat

Jordan Palmer
Office of the President
President

Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20th)

"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.

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."

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.

"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 Kentucky Equality Federation 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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

Presbyterian Church rules AGAINST biblical authority in gay marriage case

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.

The Presbyterian court, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, chose not 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.

"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.

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.

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.

"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.

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."

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.

The Family Foundation of Kentucky and the American Family Association of Kentucky are probably very disappointed!

-> 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.

Why we do not eat

By: Jordan Palmer

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."

Well, I don't agree with Mr. Mohler's assessment, but over the past month Kentucky Equality Federation has received a lot of complaints, especially from LGBTI people seeing other LGBTI people and campus gay-straight alliance leaders eating at Chick-Fil-A locations.

I have reluctantly, not in the best of health, taken the position of president of Kentucky Equality Federation again, and, by doing so, became the ex officio president of Marriage Equality Kentucky and the Kentucky HIV/AIDS Advocacy Campaign. As a founder of Kentucky Equality Federation and its president again (only until Mr. Joshua Koch returns from his pending military deployment), I feel the need to clarify our position as well as the position of our component member organizations.

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.

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, even 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.

Regardless of the petty "cliques" that already divide Kentucky’s LGBTI community, I say to all, take a step back and clear your heads.

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."

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. 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.

This incident also revealed yet another secret Washington, D.C., group, "The Family," which several U.S. Congressman wrote to Kentucky Equality Federation (view) 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.

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.

Is this "superior morality?" No. Kentucky Equality Federation first donated to Kentucky's homeless youth in April 2009 (press release). 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.

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.

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. (source)

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.

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.

---> 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.