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.

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.

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.

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.