Kentucky Gay Civil Rights Leader Elected to the Board of a National Organization

Jordan Palmer, co-founder and president of Kentucky Equality Federation has been unanimously elected to the Board of Directors of Marriage Equality USA. Marriage Equality USA was founded in 1998 and has chapters operating across the nation.

Jordan Palmer, co-founder and president of Kentucky Equality Federation has been unanimously elected to the Board of Directors of Marriage Equality USA. Marriage Equality USA was founded in 1998 and has chapters operating across the nation.

Marriage Equality USA seeks to "secure legally recognized civil marriage for all, at the federal and state level, without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation."

Marriage Equality USA has made headlines in recent years for their fight to legalize equal marriage rights for the LGBT citizens of California, whose case is currently before the California Supreme Court arguing for the equal right for LGBT people to marry in California. Marriage Equality USA is using a 1948 court ruling (Perez v. Sharp) that overturned a law prohibiting interracial marriage, concluding the right to marry the person of your choice is a "fundamental right of citizenship."

Palmer will be working alongside an army of national activists, including celebrities who are members of the Advisory Board to the Board of Directors of Marriage Equality USA, including Jason & Demarco, Ari Gold, and Brian Kent.

Some of Marriage Equality USA's other activities to date include:
  1. The first organization (joint effort with Lambda Legal) to institute a comprehensive grass roots marriage and media training program for activists.
  2. Began the Valentine's Day/Freedom to Marry Day Marriage License Counter demonstrations across the country; same-sex couples ask for marriage licenses from their city hall and county recorder's offices.
  3. Obtained support of our Marriage Declaration from council members, clergy, community boards, mayors, and other key people throughout the United States.
  4. Sponsored the first-ever Same-Sex Wedding Expo in New York, garnering solid support from gay and non-gay businesses.

"I think Kentucky Equality Federation's strategic alliance with Marriage Equality USA, as well as my appointment to their national Board of Directors is the first step toward repealing Kentucky's 2004 anti-gay amendment, as well as garnering additional support for non-discrimination laws, hospital visitation rights for same-sex couples, and other laws to bring complete equality to Kentucky," stated Palmer.

Palmer's appointment to Marriage Equality USA's Board of Directors is for two years. For additional information, visit www.marriageequality.org, or www.kyequality.org.

Healthcare Inequality Strikes Again

Today, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that same-sex partners could not get health benefits in government or public universities because of state’s 2004 constitutional amendment prohibiting gay marriage.

This decision is important to the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s LGBT population because conservative groups and lawmakers in Kentucky have been closely monitoring the Michigan Supreme Court case.

The Michigan Supreme Court’s 5-2 decision affirms a Michigan Court of Appeals ruling. Up to 20 public universities, community colleges, school districts and city governments in Michigan have benefits policies covering at least 375 gay couples. Some of the plans began as far back as the early 1990s.

After the appeals court ruled in February 2007, universities and local governments rewrote their policies to try to comply with the gay marriage ban (similar to what the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville did after the Kentucky Attorney General issued a legal opinion on this issue in 2007).

Former Kentucky Attorney General Greg Stumbo referenced the Michigan court case, in addition to the Michigan Attorney’s General opinion in his 2007 legal opinion.

Michigan’s anti-gay law, which passed 59 percent to 41 percent, says the union between a man and woman is the only agreement recognized as a marriage "or similar union for any purpose."

Many have suggested the Family Foundation of Kentucky decided not to peruse their threat to sue the University of Kentucky and Louisville to stop domestic-partner benefits until the Michigan Supreme Court issued their ruling.

Kentucky and Michigan’s 2004 constitutional amendments against gay marriage are nearly identical, as are their policies toward local governments and public universities.

We will keep you advised of new developments.

Have a moment? Take our official survey's (listed under "Community") to help us improve ourself and know what issues are important to you!

University of Louisville - Office of LGBT Services

Students at the University of Louisville are really excited about establishing the university's Office for LGBT Services and making its new home in the Red Barn on the Belknap Campus. Already, it's becoming a vibrant place where students gather to work on issues and projects and guests can stop in for help or information.

Would you like to help? Their vision includes a working resource library with books, DVDs, and other materials students can check out or use. But, in a time of budget cuts, they have no funds to purchase materials. So here's how you can help...

  • Would you consider donating anything from your own library that you aren't using anymore? Books you've already read, movies you've watched a hundred times, etc? Anything LGBT-themed that would be useful to students or even just entertaining.
To make it easier to deliver any donations, the university's Human Resources Department has offered to serve as a drop-off site.

For directions to HR, go here: http://louisville.edu/hr/contact/directions.html

Strategic Coalition with the Libertarian Party of Kentucky

Lexington, KY April 10, 2008 -- The Kentucky Equality Federation is pleased to announce the formation of a strategic coalition alliance with the Libertarian Party of Kentucky to bring equality and fairness to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The Libertarian Party is the largest of the Third Political Parties in the United States, claiming more than 200,000 registered voters and more than 600 people in public office, including mayors, county executives, county-council members, school-board members and other local officials. It has more people in office than all other third parties combined.

“We can work together to promote equality in Kentucky, we definitely have a long road [ahead],” stated Libertarian Party of Kentucky Chairman Ken Moellman.

“We’re very proud and honored to be working with the Libertarian Party of Kentucky,” stated Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer.

Kentucky Equality Federation is also in negations with the Kentucky Log Cabin Republicans, and well as the Kentucky Stonewall Democrats.

Come Together Kentucky (CTK) 2008

Kentucky Equality Federation today announced all online donations made to Kentucky Equality until April 10, 2008 will benefit Come Together Kentucky.


Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer initially made the cutoff date April 04, 2008, but extended it until April 10, 2008 because of Come Together Kentucky’s dire need for funds. Kentucky Equality Federation has raised $368.00 of the $2,000.00 requested since April 01, 2008.

The goal of Come Together Kentucky 2008 is to facilitate learning and dialogue between the different secondary education institutes in Kentucky (and since it is at Northern Kentucky University this year, Cincinnati schools will be invited as well). Come Together Kentucky's workshops and speakers aim to promote diversity and understanding of others.

Come Together Kentucky was started 1996, and this is the fist year it is held at Northern Kentucky University. Programming for this event will be in the areas of: Cultural, Service, Education and Leadership.

"Education and exposure to diversity in non-threatening environments promotes tolerance; it is critical this occur during high-school and college, when individual minds are significantly more open to social diversity." - Jordan Palmer

Countdown! Make your stand!

We need your urgent help to kill a bill in the Kentucky House of Representatives that will redefine domestic-partner to exclude same-sex couples (House Bill 118 and Senate Bill 112).

Anti-gay activists want to strip away domestic-partner benefits for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people at Kentucky universities.

Earlier this month, Kentucky Equality Federation management had meetings with House Leadership to kill SB 112 and HB 118. Both bills died in Committee (thanks to your emails and support). However, some lawmakers are trying to go around the Committee on Health and Welfare and bring the killed bill to the floor (called a “discharge”) for a vote. If Democrats in the House get enough votes for a discharge, we’ve been advised the bill will pass if the entire House is permitted to vote on it.

Join Kentucky Equality in urging all members of the Kentucky House of Representatives to stop these hateful attacks Kentucky’s LGBT population.

Click here to sign the petition.

Thank you for helping Kentucky Equality Federation stop unfair attacks on our equality.

Protect Kentucky Families – Fight the Healthcare Inequality Bill.

January 31, 2008 - House of Representatives Bill 118 is the House version of Senate Bill 112 that passed 30-5 on January 30, 3008. House Bill 118 was condemned by Kentucky Equality Federation as a sneak attack (story) by House Democrats on Healthcare Equality.

Public universities and other government agencies would not be allowed to offer health insurance to the unmarried domestic partners of their employees should this bill become law.

House Bill 118 hamstrings University of Kentucky President Lee Todd and University of Louisville President Jim Ramsey in managing their institutions, which allow health insurance for domestic partners. "We continue to hope that the legislature will allow universities to make health-care decisions that affect their employees," said UK spokesman Jay Blanton.

Senator Vernie McGaha, the official who introduced SB 112 (passed in the Senate on January 30, 2008) stated: "That marriage is between a man and a woman. I do not recognize domestic partnership as being a correct thing. My Bible teaches against it.”

Click here to sign our Action Alert and ask the Kentucky House of Representatives to reject House Bill 118. Please be sure to sign any other Action Alerts you haven't signed.

Help spread the word! Forward this action alert to your friends and family!

Kentucky Senate Passes Ban on DP's / Rally for Equality and Fairness.

January 30, 2008 - The Kentucky Senate passed SB-112 today to ban domestic-partner benefits at all Kentucky public facilities (all political subdivisions of the Commonwealth). Senate Bill 112 passing was no surprise; the real battle is yet in come….. in the Kentucky House of Representatives.

With more than 560,000 of Kentucky’s 4,173,405 citizens living without health insurance, taking coverage out of anyone’s reach indicates health insurance is only a commodity for the rich.

“Every Kentuckian knows when a bill is filed to stop universities from offering domestic-partner benefits, it is actually a bill to discriminate against a specific group of people – gays. Even the question of denying them is homophobic.” - Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer.

Bluegrass Fairness of Central Kentucky and the Kentucky Equality Federation are sponsoring the first LGBT lobby day of this session on February 12; Equality. Fairness. Nothing more, nothing less. This shall be the day we take the fight for equality and fairness directly to our Capitol.

We need your support as the opposition has the voices and numbers that we fail to get to the Capitol. Pro and/or friendly LGBT policies are the minority, but we need to drum enough support to seem like the majority.

We have two exciting events planned for you; you may register for one or both events:

We plan on having many guest speakers; including Senator Ernesto Scorsone, and Representative Kathy W. Stein.

Why do we need you to stand with us on February 12th? Look at what we are fighting! This comments are from your elected officials!

It's OK to fire someone if they're gay. Historically, homosexuals haven't suffered. - Representative Joseph Fischer (October 2006)Homosexuality is aberrant behavior. - Senate President David Williams (January 2008)

The University of the Cumberlands stands for what is positive . - Senate President David Williams (August 2006)I don't want to entice any of those people into our state. Those are the wrong kind of people. – Senator Dick Roeding (July 2006)

The Log Cabin Republican Club of Kentucky, a gay GOP group, "are nothing but a bunch of queers." - Senator Dick Roeding (July 2006)

I wouldn't think that there would be a lot of support in the General Assembly for giving benefits to people that were involved in same-sex relationships. Doing so would be bad public policy. - Senate President David Williams (July 2006)

I am committed to protecting traditional marriage. I proudly supported the Same-Sex Marriage Amendment proposal in Kentucky in 2004 and was pleased to see it pass with 74% of the vote. - U.S. Representative Geoff Davis [part of Kentucky’s Congressional delegation] (July 2006)

Support Senate Bill 55 - LGBT Non-Discrimination Bill.

January 11, 2008 - Senator Ernesto Scorsone had filed Senate Bill 55 to "to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity." This non discrimination bill would bar discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in employment, housing public accommodations, insurance coverage, and credit (if passed into law).

No one should lose a job, a home, or a seat in a restaurant due to LGBT prejudice!

Click here to Support Senate Bill 55! Please forward this to your friends, family, etc. for action!

Senate Bill 55 Text: Amend KRS 344.010 to include definitions for "sexual orientation" and "gender identity"; amend KRS 344.020, relating to the purpose of the Kentucky's civil rights chapter, to include a prohibition on discrimination because of sexual orientation and gender identity; amend KRS 344.040, 344.050, 344.060, 344.070, and 344.080, relating to prohibited discrimination in various labor and employment practices, to include sexual orientation and gender identity; amend KRS 344.025, 344.100, 344.110, and KRS 18A.095, relating to the same, to conform; amend KRS 344.120 and 342.140, relating to prohibited discrimination in places of public accommodation and advertisements therefor, to include sexual orientation and gender identity; amend KRS 344.170, 344.180, 344.190, 344.300, and 344.310, relating to the state and local human rights commissions, to include prohi bition of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in the scope of their powers and duties; amend KRS 344.360, 344.680, 344.370, and 344.380, relating to prohibited discrimination in certain housing, real estate, and other financial transactions, to include sexual orientation and gender identity; amend KRS 344.367, relating to prohibited discrimination in certain insurance sales, to include sexual orientation and gender identity; amend KRS 344.400, relating to prohibited discrimination in certain credit transactions, to include sexual orientation and gender identity; and make various technical amendments.

Bring in the new year by promoting tolerance in Southern Kentucky!

Bring in the new year by promoting tolerance in Southern Kentucky! This message is sent on behalf of Mr. James-Clifton Spires. James-Clifton Spires and his partner, Robert Cox, live in Middlesboro, KY. He is a retired professional journalist and currently is a freelance writer and employee of a private contractor that handles federal contracts. James is the father of two sons --- and serves Kentucky Equality Federation as political advisor to the president, and is a member of the General Advisory Council.

From James-Clifton Spires: As you probably know, gay rights and gay culture is an important interest in my life. In the year and a half Robert and I have been living together in Middlesboro, Kentucky, we have been fortunate to make many friends who are either gay or gay-supportive. Some of you who are receiving this may identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered. Some of you have beloved family members who fall into one of these categories, and still others identify as just plain gay supportive, or "friends of the family."

In my life before moving to Middlesboro, I was involved in several different branches of PFLAG, a nationally recognized support group with an acronym that stands for Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. After giving the matter some thought and prayer, and after discussing it with Robert, I have come to believe it is time that a Middlesboro/Cumberland Gap Region chapter of PFLAG was started to serve the diverse GLBT people of this area and their families and friends.

According to PFLAG's mission statement, the organization "PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity."

I am hoping that some members of Kentucky Equality Federation may be interested (or know people who may be interested) in helping organize a local PFLAG group in or around Middlesboro, KY.

The PFLAG - Berea Chapter assisted Kentucky Equality Federation during our community reception for the Soulforce/Equality Ride visit to the University of the Cumberlands on March 27, 2007 (pictures). Kentucky Equality Federation sponsored the Soulforce - Kentucky visit, and paid for their lodging.

To send James an email, click here, or copy/paste his email address: jamescliftonspires@commonwealth-equality.org.

Wal-Mart folds; Conservative Christian Groups Victorious

November 22, 2006

A group of protestors converged earlier this week on the Wal-Mart in Richmond, KY to protest the company's fair and equal treatment of homosexuals. Wal-Mart has been under increasing pressure from conservative Christians, especially after they expanded their diversity program in a deal with the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

Kentucky Equality Federation's Alliance Manager, Clarence Wallace, began receiving reports about the protest within hours of its development. The Federation also received approximately 21 emails from concerned members and citizens.

In electronic communication with Wal-Mart's corporate offices, Kentucky Equality Federation General Counsel Paige D. Marks asked Wal-Mart for guidance about the prospect of counter demonstrations.

"It is disrespectful and un-American that protests are being held so close to Thanksgiving [and scheduled for Black Friday], a day we commemorate the feast held at Plymouth in 1621 by the Pilgrim colonists and members of the Wampanoag people and marked by the giving of thanks to God for harvest and health," stated Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer. "It is also unreasonable to think that companies don't want to do business with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender ("LGBT") community; our money is as green as anyone's."

However, Wal-Mart folded yesterday!

A conservative group that had called on supporters to boycott Wal-Mart's post-Thanksgiving day sales to protest the retailer's support of gay-rights groups withdrew its objections Tuesday, saying the company had agreed to stay away from controversial causes.

The American Family Association, which had been asking supporters to stay away from Wal-Mart on Friday and Saturday – two of the busiest shopping days of the year – said it was pleased by a statement the company issued Tuesday.

While stressing its commitment to diversity and equality, Wal-Mart said in its statement that it "will not make corporate contributions to support or oppose highly controversial issues unless they directly relate to our ability to serve our customers."

Mona Williams, Wal-Mart's vice president of communications, said in a telephone interview that the company would continue working with the Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and other gay-rights groups on specific issues such as workplace equality. "Going forward, we would partner with them on specific initiatives. ...As to opposed to just giving blanket support to their general operating budget," she said.

The corporate actions that had triggered the protest plans were little different from those taken by scores of major companies in recent years – Wal-Mart paid $25,000 this summer to become a member of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and donated $60,000 to Out and Equal, which promotes gay-rights advances in the workplace.

However, some conservative activists depicted Wal-Mart's engagement as endorsement of same-sex marriage and a pledge to give gay-owned businesses preferential treatment – assertions Wal-Mart denied in its statement Tuesday.

Conservative leaders had viewed Wal-Mart's actions as a betrayal of its own traditions, which have included efforts to weed out magazines with racy covers and CDs with explicit lyrics.

"This has been Christian families' favorite store – and now they're giving in, sliding down the slippery slope so many other corporations have gone down," said the Rev. Flip Benham of Operation Save America. "They're all being extorted by the radical homosexual agenda."

Justin Nelson, president of the Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, said earlier Tuesday that conservative activists had misrepresented his business-oriented group as a leading advocate of gay marriage in order to tarnish Wal-Mart.

"Their campaign has not been to educate, but to mislead," he said.

Tim Wildmon, the American Family Association's president, said Wal-Mart had been responsive to conservative pressure on a different issue, approving use of the word "Christmas" in advertising and employee greetings this season after shifting to a "happy holidays" phrasing last year.

Another major corporation, Ford Motor Co., already is the target of an American Family Association boycott because it advertises in gay publications and supports gay-rights groups.

The Tupelo, Miss.-based AFA says 550,000 people have signed a pledge to boycott Ford and it takes partial credit for the company's financial problems. Ford spokesman Oscar Suris declined comment; an industry analyst, University of Detroit professor Michael Bernacchi, was doubtful the boycott was having much impact.

Former Kentucky Gay Health Leader Murdered


November 16, 2006

Commonwealth of Kentucky -- Dr. Emery Lane, the former president of Community Health Trust, which focused on Louisville's LGBT community and People with AIDS has been found beaten to death in his home.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. Lane, 75, was found by his housekeeper. He had been beaten with a blunt instrument police said. Cash, other items and his Jaguar were stolen.

Police in the commonwealth's largest city arrested two men in connection with the murder.

Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer called the murder a sad day for the commonwealth's LGBT community. "Dr. Lane shined much needed light on health issues that Kentucky's LGBT community faces. His dedication and compassion set an example for us all," stated Palmer.

Police have charged Gene Raymond Miller, 39, who they said knew Lane, and Bennett Shaw Bilbrey, 42, with murder, burglary, robbery and theft of Lane’s car, a Jaguar, according to Louisville Metro Police spokesman Dwight Mitchell.

Mitchell, reading from the arrest report, said the two men “unlawfully entered” Lane’s home on University Avenue, assaulted Lane, who lived alone, with a blunt object and left with an undetermined amount of cash.

Dr. Emery Lane knew his accused killer well — he wrote to Gene Miller in prison and provided money to care for Miller’s children. “Emery had definitely provided for (Miller’s) family. They considered him like family,” said Ken Plotnik, Lane’s attorney and friend.

In 1996, before leaving Community Health Lane presided at the unveiling of an AIDS memorial. In an interview at the time with the Louisville Courier-Journal he said that "Gays and lesbians have been invisible."

"More times than not, they have been driven to live in the dark. Some did live in the open, but they were received in contempt. Some have tried to mask who they really are by getting married … This memorial honors those people," he told the paper.

SOS

November 06, 2006

Tomorrow is an important day....instead of giving someone a Christmas gift this year, give them a gift that will help them for the rest of their life. VOTE TOMORROW! In order for us to move forward, we must change our elected representatives!

Who is running? Who do I vote for?

The Kentucky Secretary of State is the principal executive who supervises the Kentucky Department of State. The Secretary of State, an elected constitutional officer, serves as the Chief Election Official of the Commonwealth. The Secretary of State is the filing official for all candidates seeking an office to be voted for by the electors of more than one (1) county, members of Congress, members of the General Assembly and for all candidates seeking an office of the Court of Justice.

- Kentucky Registrar (provides names and information on everyone except Commonwealth's Attorneys, County Attorneys, and local officials)

- Kentucky House & Senate Voting Records (find out what legislation your current official has supported, sponsored, or endorsed)

Where do you vote? Visit the Kentucky Voter Information Center; type in the required information and it will tell you where to go.

How do I know who to vote for? After you visit the Secretary's website and find out who's running for office, look at your current officials voting record using the link provided. If you don't like the legislation your current official (assuming they are running for re-election) has proposed, supported, sponsored, or endorsed, vote for their opponent!

Help swing the election in House District 68 away from Joe Fischer.

October 28, 2006

In light of Representative Fischer's (R) biased, uneducated comments about homosexuality, Kentucky Equality Federation is asking all members in the Northern Kentucky region to donate time to helping his opponent, Linda Klembara (D) win the election. Anyone may volunteer to donate time to work in the telephone banks in the Northern Kentucky area.

"Please understand that Kentucky Equality is a non-partisan Federation of individuals, corporations, and organizations united in a common mission. However, when a candidate openly attacks our culture, Mission Statement, Core Values, or our Statement of Values, we must work to remove them from office regardless of their political affiliation. Representative Fischer has been a big supporter of anti-gay legislation, and will continue to be until we send a message to Frankfort that this will no longer be tolerated." - Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer "I encourage and implore each of you with any amount of available time to assist in swinging this election in favor of his opponent."

  • Northern Kentucky Chapter President Nick Herweck has agreed to volunteer!
    Secretary of the Federation Nancy Couch has agreed to volunteer!
  • Federation President Jordan Palmer has agreed to volunteer!

STATEMENTS:

Fischer:

  • I think it's OK to fire someone for being gay.
  • I favor the present law as it exists, I don't favor extending special civil rights beyond the traditional protected classes.
  • Homosexuals have not experienced the same type of "insidious discrimination in housing and employment" as blacks and women.

Klembara:

  • I don't ever remember consciously saying, "I'm going to be a heterosexual." I think we're all born who we are.
  • My faith would not allow me to condone prejudice against anyone.
  • I do not believe employers should be able to fire people just for being gay.

Forget about political party affiliations and ask yourself.....who will best represent my interests?

REPRESENTATIVE FISCHER / PROTEST RALLY AT NKU

October 24, 2006

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY October 24, 2006 -- Kentucky Equality Federation condemns comments by Representative Joseph Fischer (R-Fort Thomas)related to people being able to “change their sexuality” in an on-going debate with his opponent Linda Klembara (D-Fort Thomas).

Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer stated “Representative Fischer stating “It's OK to fire someone if they're gay,” reminds me of something you’d read that someone said in a previous century; forced segregation, unequal pay for women, elitism, and sexism was also said to be “OK.” We live in a republic founded on tolerance and the embracement of diversity; the comments made by Representative Fischer are a slap in the face to the people who lay their lives on the line everyday to protect the ideals the founders of our nation had.”

Representative Fischer also stated "Historically, homosexuals haven't been discriminated against like women and blacks. They haven't suffered.”

During World War II the deaths of 15,000 gay men in concentration camps are officially documented, though unofficial numbers reach as high as 600,000. German soldiers were known to use gay men for target practice, aiming their weapons at the pink triangles their human targets were forced to wear.

“Representative Fischer obviously has no clue what he’s talking about,” stated Palmer. “Does Representative Fischer know who Timothy Blair, Charles Poynter, Blaine Thackery, Jesse James Valencia, Guinn Phillips, or Barry Winchell are? They are native Kentuckians or people who where in Kentucky and murdered for their born sexual orientation. I’d really like to know Representative Fisher’s definition of ‘suffer,’” stated Palmer. “By Representative Fisher stating the gay community hasn’t suffered he is in fact stating the gay community hasn’t suffered enough; I’d like Representative Fisher to provide us with a number of exactly how many people need to suffer before he will acknowledge it.”

Representative Fischer also stated “Obviously, people can change their sexual orientation, some psychologists have said so." In response, Kentucky Equality Federation challenges Representative Fischer to change his sexual orientation to homosexual for the next 48 hours.

The American Psychological Association in its Resolution on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation, which is also endorsed by the National Association of School Psychologists, states: That the American Psychological Association opposes portrayals of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth and adults as mentally ill due to their sexual orientation and supports the dissemination of accurate information about sexual orientation, and mental health, and appropriate interventions in order to counteract bias that is based in ignorance or unfounded beliefs about sexual orientation.

###########
ACTIVIST QUOTES:
“Gay and lesbian people have families, and their families should have legal protection, whether by marriage or civil union. I still hear people say that I should not be talking about the rights of lesbian and gay people and I should stick to the issue of racial justice. But I hasten to remind them that Martin Luther King Jr. said, 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.' I appeal to everyone who believes in Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream to make room at the table of brother- and sisterhood for lesbian and gay people. Homophobia is like racism and anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry in that it seeks to dehumanize a large group of people, to deny their humanity, their dignity and personhood. This sets the stage for further repression and violence that spread all too easily to victimize the next minority group. I've always felt that homophobic attitudes and policies were unjust and unworthy of a free society and must be opposed by all Americans who believe in democracy." - Coretta Scott King (1927 - 2006), Activist and Widow of Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr.

“You know, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender - people are people.” - Judith Light

“As anyone who is gay will confirm, being that way is not something you become, it is a set of emotional and physical responses that just are.” - Lance Loud

“The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.” - Bertrand Russell (1872 - 1970)

“The marvel of all history is the patience with which men and women submit to burdens unnecessarily laid upon them by their governments.” - William H. Borah

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