Most everyone that follows my blog knows that I am very outspoken when it comes to Equality for Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual and Transgendered persons.. I am a member of the Kansas Equality Coalition which has a mission statement of Ending Discrimination based upon Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.
As a gay man who was embarrassed and guilty of who I was for many many years (just like many of my friends were and yes, still are) I have finally realized after 40 some years of my life that it is OK to be who I am....except for one problem, where I live, I do not have protections from discrimination.
I live in Hutchinson Kansas. Hutchinson currently has protections in place, for it citizens based upon color, race, religion, the disabled, national origin and gender. Like most other cities in Kansas, Hutchinson doesn't have protections for those of us who have struggled with being who we are most of our life.
What does this mean to you, you ask, and why is it important? It means that an employer can decide not to hire you simply based on your actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. That means if the business you are applying to work for is uneducated or misinformed about sexual orientation or gender identity they can refuse to hire you...and its LEGAL... It also means that if an employer hires you and finds out that you are GBLT they can fire you just for that reason. Additionally without protections, GLBT persons can be denied housing by landlords.
You are probably thinking like some of my own family members who say no way- this doesnt happen in this day an age.....Let me tell you, IT HAPPENS MANY TIMES PER MONTH, IN HUCHINSON KS.
What is so unfortunate is that so many think GLBT persons are already protected and once they find out they are not they cannot believe it, they are shocked
I had a back and forth conversation with a Hutchinson landlord on social media who told me I was MISINFORMED when I posted that a friend of mine was kicked out of his apartment because he was attracting "negative" attention at the complex..(his car was being vandalized with spray paint in the complex parking lot) FAG and QUEER were painted on it not once, but twice- so he was evicted. I had another friend who was evicted from her place because she was letting her girlfriend stay over on the weekends and the landlord of her property didn't approve of it.
Don't get me wrong... we have many GREAT people here in Hutchinson...but it is time to hold those who dont believe in Equality and Diversity accountable. EVERYONE deserves the same opportunities in their pursuit of liberty- not just heterosexuals.
I am asking ALL of my family, friends, KEC members and allies to attend the Hutchinson City Council meeting on Tuesday November 1st , when I will be asking them to consider adding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity as protected classes..
It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to have as many people present as possible when I make this request.. Number one, I really want and need your support, secondly, it will send a message to the City Council members that we have many people who care and support this issue.
If you would like to know what this will do and how it would affect the community .. please read my previous blog...You will find out not much will change..it just gves GLBT persons the ability to file a complaint if they feel they have been discriminated against..That is something they cant do now.. the Citys Human Relations Commission cannot hear any cases from a GLBT person because we are not a protected class.. so there is NO WAY or NO ONE to report cases of discrimination to, thats what we want to change....
http://blog462.blogspot.com/2011/09/understanding-sexual-orientation-as.html
WILL YOU JOIN ME AT THIS HISTORIC MEETING??
I hope to see you on TUESDAY NOVEMBER 1st at 845am at the Hutchinsons, City Hall council chambers-- Ave B and Walnut..
Lets have a standing room only crowd...it should be over by 930am
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Understanding Sexual Orientation as a protected class..The facts
Discrimination is the prejudicial treatment of an individual based on their membership in a certain group or category. It involves the actual behaviors towards groups such as excluding or restricting members of one group from opportunities that are available to another group.
Currently, 425 of the Fortune 500 companies include sexual orientation in their anti-discrimination policies. If you want to know why they do this, it is not because they are being good corporate citizens, it is because they do not want to miss out on good talent in the work force. If they didn't offer protections, they could miss out on exceptional employees, both current and future potential employees- who will only work in protected environments. The NFL just last month added employment protections for their players who are/might be gay.
Since the majority of US employees work for smaller companies (60+%) and not the Fortune 500, anti-discrimination protections need to be added at local levels to protect those individuals who work for local and regional employers
Many do not understand what giving a class or group of people protections mean. It is certainly not "special rights" which many who oppose gays and lesbians protections insist. Adding sexual orientation as a protected class allows gay persons ( because they are a group or category as stated above) the right to not be discriminated against when applying for a job, being fired from a job, renting or buying a place to live and public accommodation- local places like stores or restaurants open to the public.
Adding sexual orientation as a protected class allows one thing to happen. It allows for the filing of a complaint with the local or State Human Relations Commission in cases of alleged discrimination.. That's it... PERIOD...Nothing more, nothing less.
Currently there is no one or no agency in Hutchinson that a gay person can report alleged acts of discrimination. That's why there is NO records of alleged acts of discrimination..another point opponents make- "There are no records of discrimination so why add the protections?"
After any alleged act of discrimination is reported by a member of a protected class , the Human Relations Commissions hears the complaint. If they determine discrimination exists after a thorough investigation the person discriminated against can then file suit in District Court to pursue damages.
You cannot just file a discrimination law suit anytime you want, you MUST follow the above procedures. Its the law.
Opponents try and deny protections of any protected classes by saying "Kansas is a Right to Work State".. THAT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE. If you as a member of any protected class feel you have been discriminated against you have the right to file a complaint with the Human Relations Commission. The burden of proof is on you to convince the commission you have been discriminated against.
In the 27 states and over 2500 cities that provide protections based on sexual orientation, those jurisdictions saw no more than an increase of 6% in complaints filed after adding sexual orientation. So adding sexual orientation as a protected class will not open the flood gates of claims and law suits, another claim by opponents.
By adding protections for sexual orientation, we are protecting those who identify themselves as gay, lesbian or bi-sexual or for those who may be perceived as being gay, lesbian or bi-sexual.
Lastly, religious organizations and institutions are and have been exempt from abiding by ANY of the current protections. They are allowed to discriminate at will. However, they are protected from being discriminated against, as all religions and their institutions are protected classes.
I hope this provides you with a better understanding of what it means to add Sexual Orientation as a protected class to your cities existing non-discrimination ordinance.
Please support adding sexual orientation as a protected class in your city. Discrimination does exist.. Even if it didn't wouldn't you feel good knowing that your son, daughter, aunt, uncle, cousin, neighbor and friend have protections on the books if they were needed...
Currently, 425 of the Fortune 500 companies include sexual orientation in their anti-discrimination policies. If you want to know why they do this, it is not because they are being good corporate citizens, it is because they do not want to miss out on good talent in the work force. If they didn't offer protections, they could miss out on exceptional employees, both current and future potential employees- who will only work in protected environments. The NFL just last month added employment protections for their players who are/might be gay.
Since the majority of US employees work for smaller companies (60+%) and not the Fortune 500, anti-discrimination protections need to be added at local levels to protect those individuals who work for local and regional employers
Many do not understand what giving a class or group of people protections mean. It is certainly not "special rights" which many who oppose gays and lesbians protections insist. Adding sexual orientation as a protected class allows gay persons ( because they are a group or category as stated above) the right to not be discriminated against when applying for a job, being fired from a job, renting or buying a place to live and public accommodation- local places like stores or restaurants open to the public.
Adding sexual orientation as a protected class allows one thing to happen. It allows for the filing of a complaint with the local or State Human Relations Commission in cases of alleged discrimination.. That's it... PERIOD...Nothing more, nothing less.
Currently there is no one or no agency in Hutchinson that a gay person can report alleged acts of discrimination. That's why there is NO records of alleged acts of discrimination..another point opponents make- "There are no records of discrimination so why add the protections?"
After any alleged act of discrimination is reported by a member of a protected class , the Human Relations Commissions hears the complaint. If they determine discrimination exists after a thorough investigation the person discriminated against can then file suit in District Court to pursue damages.
You cannot just file a discrimination law suit anytime you want, you MUST follow the above procedures. Its the law.
Opponents try and deny protections of any protected classes by saying "Kansas is a Right to Work State".. THAT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE. If you as a member of any protected class feel you have been discriminated against you have the right to file a complaint with the Human Relations Commission. The burden of proof is on you to convince the commission you have been discriminated against.
In the 27 states and over 2500 cities that provide protections based on sexual orientation, those jurisdictions saw no more than an increase of 6% in complaints filed after adding sexual orientation. So adding sexual orientation as a protected class will not open the flood gates of claims and law suits, another claim by opponents.
By adding protections for sexual orientation, we are protecting those who identify themselves as gay, lesbian or bi-sexual or for those who may be perceived as being gay, lesbian or bi-sexual.
Lastly, religious organizations and institutions are and have been exempt from abiding by ANY of the current protections. They are allowed to discriminate at will. However, they are protected from being discriminated against, as all religions and their institutions are protected classes.
I hope this provides you with a better understanding of what it means to add Sexual Orientation as a protected class to your cities existing non-discrimination ordinance.
Please support adding sexual orientation as a protected class in your city. Discrimination does exist.. Even if it didn't wouldn't you feel good knowing that your son, daughter, aunt, uncle, cousin, neighbor and friend have protections on the books if they were needed...
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Jerry Lewis and MDA....no more
This labor day weekend will definately have a different ending for many of us...Its not because of the BEAUTIFUL weather we are enjoying after a record breaking summer, it has to do with MDA and Jerry Lewis..
NO 24 hour MDA telethon?? WHAT??? This years show will only be a 6 hour mini-version that starts Sunday evening, and without Jerry Lewis...
Jerry Lewis is MDA if you ask me. When we think Labor Day, many of us think about the 24 hour MDA telethon not just about America's Labor movement (something we really should be proud of) As a kid you probably stayed up late a few times watching the telethon and all the great entertainers until you feel asleep and the minute you woke up you couldn't wait to see how much money they raised while you were sleeping.
This last minute parting of the ways by MDA and Lewis should be explained to the Millions of Americans who have been loyal viewers, donors and volunteers for years.....Its ashame that MDA and Lewis parted company on such a bad note as many TV and print outlets tell the story. I fear this could be a big of mistake for MDA. Remember when Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin parted ways, I remember is was a BIG DEAL, don't remember why... but it was definitely talked about by my parents and their friends for a few telethons after the split...
I wonder what happened to the Lewis-MDA relationship, a relationship that had been extremely lucrative for MDA fundraising. A relationship that any other charity would have given their you know what to had been in for 60 plus years..
As a worldwide charity I believe MDA needs to be honest with those people who gave their labor day weekends and countless volunteer hours for so many years to make this the most successful and longest running telethon in the history of the world.. They need to explain themselves, transparency is going to be very important....as it always is in any charity...If they don't come clean, it will lead to outrageous and ridiculous speculation that could hurt them.
If the truth be known, many people who gave their time and money to MDA, gave it not only because of all those who suffer from the dreaded condition......but because of Jerry Lewis' continual asking them for their help and the impressiveness of his real caring and passion he had for those truly suffering....
For me, Jerry Lewis was an incredible fund raiser and story teller.. I trusted him and what he said and cold tell by his action on the telethon and during the year that he really cared and gave it his all in good times and bad- when his health was not good...
He was one of the only men who could make a grown man cry...I know, I did several times prior to calling in my pledge...
HAVE A GREAT LABOR DAY HOLIDAY!!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
A personal update..
I dont know all the in's and out's of the up coming healthcare bill.. I just pray that it will be better than what I and several of my friends have now. A friend with a pre-existing condition ( Breast cancer remission) pays $1200 a month for coverage with a $5000 deductible..
My companies health care provider ended my coverage and REQUIRED me to apply with Medicare after 24 months of my illness. I was shocked, they wanted to cut and run from me when I really needed them. The coverage I have now is comparable except for prescription coverage.. My prescriptions cost me over $1600 per month, or just shy of $20,000 per year, OUT OF MY POCKET....ridiculous huh? Thats not the best of it.. My doc has added a new med she wants me to try --its a newer injectable that will cost me $1400 per month...I can give it a try for a few months..that about it..( at this point I want to try anything I can)- I cant leave any stone unturned..
Speaking of ridiculous, my continued diagnosis of Inflammatory Arthritis, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue is VERY FRUSTRATING.I am coming up on 4 years since this nightmare started. I take over $3000 a month in medicine, with that amount of money you would think I should be able to walk on water..or at least feel like I could...its not working out that way unfortunately..
The Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia absolutely kick my ass. I am a human barometer when it comes to the Fibromyalgia- thats one of the best descriptors I can offer.. I dont know exactly what it is, but weather changes just make me miserable.. You ask me what they are, I cant tell you everything, but I sure have somewhat of an idea..Moisture in the area, pressure changes, High or Low, Hi heat, Hi humidity and fronts of any kind- including vorts moving through at very high levels of the atmosphere.. In the Winter- cold air definately adds to my misery.
My fatigue has been like nothing I have ever experienced over the past 6-8 months..it seems to be progressing instead of getting better.I dont have energy!! I dont sleep well- I go to bed early and it depends on how I sleep that determines when I wake up.. some days it is 3AM when I wake up, some days it is 8 or 9.. The crazy part is I do not know what kind of a day I am going to have for a couple of hours after I wake up..I might have slept for 9 hours and 2 hours after getting up I might be miserably fatigued..crazy huh? Some days I might have energy until the afternoon if I am lucky, but most of the time I struggle..
Along with the incredible fatigue I find my muscles, tendons and joints sore and achy most all the time...some days worse than other.. the bad weather days add to the incredible soreness.
The flu-like feeling I have is the worst- I feel like I have the flu- I ache so bad and all I can do is stay in bed..
My Drs want me to do as much as I can.. so I try and do things around the house- or go to lunch with friends or participate in a KEC meeting or support group .. the problem with that is when I do something.. I PAY FOR IT.. I become very very sore a day or so later and it takes me a while to recover...which seems to be harder and harder.
I also experience "FLARES"-- they come on without warning and last anywhere from 2-3 days to 10-14 days, which has been the longest one I have experienced. The flares are where I feel flu-like the entire time.. I am just wiped out and it takes me at least as much time as I was down or more to recover and feel somewhat decent..another thing that DRIVES me crazy is what they call "the fog".. I seem to have that sporadically..there are days where I cannot remember things or concentrate well even when I am in mid sentence- or I forget things.. For those who know me well.. thats NOT me.. never has been.. it drives me NUTS.. so some days I feel my intelligence level is not close to what I am capable of.... also another think I deal with frequently is mood swings..just ask my family, and yes some of you, my friends.. I try but I seem to not be able to control any of these things.. so please be patient with me...I need all the friends I canget to help me through this...
Good days are so far apart these days.. I used to have them more often.. The last few months I haven't been as fortunate..
I continue to gain weight - for many reasons apparently--and no, it not because I sit and eat bon bons and watch soap operas- like some early on Drs have accused me of -lol- Weight gain is caused by several factors I have been told, including the meds I take, as well as the etiology of the Chronic fatigue syndrome from many of the articles I have been reading and what I am being told by my new experts it just happens..
I really do appreciate all of the well wishes I get from all my friends.. I am sorry if some days it might seem like I am bitchy or moody..
I have tried everything I can to make me feel better, sometimes 2-3 times, just to see if it works, or I missed something.. to this point I have had no real successes..
Thanks again for checking out my blog...its something I enjoy doing..its been a while since I did one.. just haven't felt like putting one together- after several messages lately asking how I am doing I thought I would let all my friends know..
Hope all is well in your lives...thanks again for all the positive thoughts and prayers..continue to include me!
Jon
My companies health care provider ended my coverage and REQUIRED me to apply with Medicare after 24 months of my illness. I was shocked, they wanted to cut and run from me when I really needed them. The coverage I have now is comparable except for prescription coverage.. My prescriptions cost me over $1600 per month, or just shy of $20,000 per year, OUT OF MY POCKET....ridiculous huh? Thats not the best of it.. My doc has added a new med she wants me to try --its a newer injectable that will cost me $1400 per month...I can give it a try for a few months..that about it..( at this point I want to try anything I can)- I cant leave any stone unturned..
Speaking of ridiculous, my continued diagnosis of Inflammatory Arthritis, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue is VERY FRUSTRATING.I am coming up on 4 years since this nightmare started. I take over $3000 a month in medicine, with that amount of money you would think I should be able to walk on water..or at least feel like I could...its not working out that way unfortunately..
The Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia absolutely kick my ass. I am a human barometer when it comes to the Fibromyalgia- thats one of the best descriptors I can offer.. I dont know exactly what it is, but weather changes just make me miserable.. You ask me what they are, I cant tell you everything, but I sure have somewhat of an idea..Moisture in the area, pressure changes, High or Low, Hi heat, Hi humidity and fronts of any kind- including vorts moving through at very high levels of the atmosphere.. In the Winter- cold air definately adds to my misery.
My fatigue has been like nothing I have ever experienced over the past 6-8 months..it seems to be progressing instead of getting better.I dont have energy!! I dont sleep well- I go to bed early and it depends on how I sleep that determines when I wake up.. some days it is 3AM when I wake up, some days it is 8 or 9.. The crazy part is I do not know what kind of a day I am going to have for a couple of hours after I wake up..I might have slept for 9 hours and 2 hours after getting up I might be miserably fatigued..crazy huh? Some days I might have energy until the afternoon if I am lucky, but most of the time I struggle..
Along with the incredible fatigue I find my muscles, tendons and joints sore and achy most all the time...some days worse than other.. the bad weather days add to the incredible soreness.
The flu-like feeling I have is the worst- I feel like I have the flu- I ache so bad and all I can do is stay in bed..
My Drs want me to do as much as I can.. so I try and do things around the house- or go to lunch with friends or participate in a KEC meeting or support group .. the problem with that is when I do something.. I PAY FOR IT.. I become very very sore a day or so later and it takes me a while to recover...which seems to be harder and harder.
I also experience "FLARES"-- they come on without warning and last anywhere from 2-3 days to 10-14 days, which has been the longest one I have experienced. The flares are where I feel flu-like the entire time.. I am just wiped out and it takes me at least as much time as I was down or more to recover and feel somewhat decent..another thing that DRIVES me crazy is what they call "the fog".. I seem to have that sporadically..there are days where I cannot remember things or concentrate well even when I am in mid sentence- or I forget things.. For those who know me well.. thats NOT me.. never has been.. it drives me NUTS.. so some days I feel my intelligence level is not close to what I am capable of.... also another think I deal with frequently is mood swings..just ask my family, and yes some of you, my friends.. I try but I seem to not be able to control any of these things.. so please be patient with me...I need all the friends I canget to help me through this...
Good days are so far apart these days.. I used to have them more often.. The last few months I haven't been as fortunate..
I continue to gain weight - for many reasons apparently--and no, it not because I sit and eat bon bons and watch soap operas- like some early on Drs have accused me of -lol- Weight gain is caused by several factors I have been told, including the meds I take, as well as the etiology of the Chronic fatigue syndrome from many of the articles I have been reading and what I am being told by my new experts it just happens..
I really do appreciate all of the well wishes I get from all my friends.. I am sorry if some days it might seem like I am bitchy or moody..
I have tried everything I can to make me feel better, sometimes 2-3 times, just to see if it works, or I missed something.. to this point I have had no real successes..
Thanks again for checking out my blog...its something I enjoy doing..its been a while since I did one.. just haven't felt like putting one together- after several messages lately asking how I am doing I thought I would let all my friends know..
Hope all is well in your lives...thanks again for all the positive thoughts and prayers..continue to include me!
Jon
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Kansas Legislature gives Supreme Court the finger.....
Governor Brownback promised during his campaign to clean up old and outdated legislation.
He actually followed through with this pledge and created the "Office of the Repealer". Groups can schedule meetings with this office to go over out dated Kansas Laws..
The Kansas Equality Coalition, an LGBT Equality group with 11 chapter statewide and a full time lobbyist saw an opportunity to get some discriminatory and UNCONSTITUTIONAL laws off the Kansas statutes.
Specifically the same sex sodomy laws, which were struck down back in 2003 by the Supreme Court of the United States in a case Lawrence v Texas.
After meeting with Gov Brownbacks office of the Repealer we knew that our request would most likely be lost or denied for some off the wall reason- you can tell the staff member taking our request was incredibly uncomfortable...
After hearing nothing the KEC decided to get a Repeal Bill started in the House and Senate..
The Bill was voted out of a Senate Committee to be heard and voted on, on the Senate floor- no Vote has taken place...
A similar House Bill was making its way through a committee this week when 2 of the committee members decided that this outdated and UNCONSTITUTIONAL law didn't need to be repealed...at least that is what their excuse it- so they amended the Bill and stripped the repeal language out...WHY is the question at hand...
Well we have a pretty good idea- they say that this UNCONSTITUTIONAL law repeal would have possibly slowed down other more pertinent legislation it was attached too... REALLY??? IT IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL--how in the world could it have slowed down other Bills???
Oh yes-- I know-- because it was a law that had to do with GAYS..
What a sickening excuse that was given by Jan Pauls-- DEM of Hutchinson KS--Yes-- I said DEMOCRAT. Mrs Pauls - an attorney and former Judge knows the law inside and out-- she knows this was an UNCONSTITUTIONAL Law- she didn't want to REPEAL it- she wants it left on the books..WHY YOU ASK??
Because she has a problem with LGBT persons.. anytime she can she refuses to help on LGBT issues in the name of religion.
Pauls is the ONLY legislator that goes out of her way to testify AGAINST LGBT non discrimination laws anytime they are brought up in the Kansas Legislature which has been every year in the last five years.. According to her testimony- having protections for LGBT people is not necessary--as people don't know you are GAY unless you tell someone- so the GAYS need to keep their mouths shut...She understands that African Americans and people of color need protections because they cant change the color of their skin, but the gays-- they need to keep quiet and no one will every know and then they won't discriminate....she doesn't like having business owners, landlords having to hire/rent to LGBT persons because it could infringe on their religious principals.....AMAZING HUH????
Not repealing an UNCONSTITUTIONAL LAW, one that has been deemed that way for EIGHT years is nothing more that spitting in the faces of those on the Supreme Court.
Kansans need to say we have had enough...
If they are willing to not risk a false arrest or unconstitutional prosectution due to an outdated law being on the books - that is nothing but malfeasance of office- she is NOT supporting the KANSAS and US Constitution....
The law was on its way being repealed and they took the time to STOP the process.....
Doesnt sound to me like they want the law off the books to me.....
To learn more about this and other LGBT issues please go to http://www.facebook.com.kechutch/ or http://www.kansasequalitycoalition.org/
Thanks for reading.....
He actually followed through with this pledge and created the "Office of the Repealer". Groups can schedule meetings with this office to go over out dated Kansas Laws..
The Kansas Equality Coalition, an LGBT Equality group with 11 chapter statewide and a full time lobbyist saw an opportunity to get some discriminatory and UNCONSTITUTIONAL laws off the Kansas statutes.
Specifically the same sex sodomy laws, which were struck down back in 2003 by the Supreme Court of the United States in a case Lawrence v Texas.
After meeting with Gov Brownbacks office of the Repealer we knew that our request would most likely be lost or denied for some off the wall reason- you can tell the staff member taking our request was incredibly uncomfortable...
After hearing nothing the KEC decided to get a Repeal Bill started in the House and Senate..
The Bill was voted out of a Senate Committee to be heard and voted on, on the Senate floor- no Vote has taken place...
A similar House Bill was making its way through a committee this week when 2 of the committee members decided that this outdated and UNCONSTITUTIONAL law didn't need to be repealed...at least that is what their excuse it- so they amended the Bill and stripped the repeal language out...WHY is the question at hand...
Well we have a pretty good idea- they say that this UNCONSTITUTIONAL law repeal would have possibly slowed down other more pertinent legislation it was attached too... REALLY??? IT IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL--how in the world could it have slowed down other Bills???
Oh yes-- I know-- because it was a law that had to do with GAYS..
What a sickening excuse that was given by Jan Pauls-- DEM of Hutchinson KS--Yes-- I said DEMOCRAT. Mrs Pauls - an attorney and former Judge knows the law inside and out-- she knows this was an UNCONSTITUTIONAL Law- she didn't want to REPEAL it- she wants it left on the books..WHY YOU ASK??
Because she has a problem with LGBT persons.. anytime she can she refuses to help on LGBT issues in the name of religion.
Pauls is the ONLY legislator that goes out of her way to testify AGAINST LGBT non discrimination laws anytime they are brought up in the Kansas Legislature which has been every year in the last five years.. According to her testimony- having protections for LGBT people is not necessary--as people don't know you are GAY unless you tell someone- so the GAYS need to keep their mouths shut...She understands that African Americans and people of color need protections because they cant change the color of their skin, but the gays-- they need to keep quiet and no one will every know and then they won't discriminate....she doesn't like having business owners, landlords having to hire/rent to LGBT persons because it could infringe on their religious principals.....AMAZING HUH????
Not repealing an UNCONSTITUTIONAL LAW, one that has been deemed that way for EIGHT years is nothing more that spitting in the faces of those on the Supreme Court.
Kansans need to say we have had enough...
If they are willing to not risk a false arrest or unconstitutional prosectution due to an outdated law being on the books - that is nothing but malfeasance of office- she is NOT supporting the KANSAS and US Constitution....
The law was on its way being repealed and they took the time to STOP the process.....
Doesnt sound to me like they want the law off the books to me.....
To learn more about this and other LGBT issues please go to http://www.facebook.com.kechutch/ or http://www.kansasequalitycoalition.org/
Thanks for reading.....
Will Kansans ever say ENOUGH is ENOUGH??
Many Kansans do not understand that it is LEGAL to DISCRIMINATE!!??!!!
Some do, and apparently want it to continue....
Kansas House member Jan Pauls, Democrat of Hutchinson, is one that obviously wants DISCRIMINATION to CONTINUE.
Paul's, an 8 term Legislator, is the ONLY Representative to CONTINUALLY-year after year- testify AGAINST any NON-DISCRIMINATION Law that is introduced in the Kansas Legislature that would make discriminating against GLBT Kansans illegal.
The gist of her testimony is that employers and landlords as well as business owners should be able to hire, rent or provide services to who they want to without repercussion. She doesn't want employers and business owners "religious beliefs" being burdened by having to hire someone GAY...That is DISCRIMINATION at its best and when it infringes on peoples rights it is time to say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH Kansas- lets keep religion and politics seperate...
Discrimination is discrimination, plan and simple.. It needs to END and it needs to END NOW. If you continue to allow it- you might as well join the Phelps and help spread there vile rhetoric.
Where are all of the MODERATE/CENTRIST Kansans that say they are fiscally conservative but socially welcoming?
WE NEED YOU!
Help my friends and I end this ridiculousness...
Please consider donating your time, energy and money over the next several months so we can pass a NON- DISCRIMINATION LAW in KANSAS, or in our local cities. One way or the other we want protections--NOTHING SPECIAL as the opposition says we want-- just the Rights everyone else has.
As a GAY man, I loathe the idea that an employer has a right not to hire me or one of my intelligent friends or a landlord does not have to lease to us just because our sexual orientation...Come on Kansas...ISN'T IT WAY PAST TIME??? EQUALITY FOR ALL!!!
Close to 90% of Kansans personally know someone who is GAY or LESBIAN. They are our brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, mothers, fathers, nieces, nephews, co-workers, neighbors and friends.
If you want to help, please join the Kansas Equality Coalition . We welcome EVERY law abiding, non discriminating Kansan who believes in diversity!! We appreciate your memberships and donations! Our opposition is well financed and very organized...you can help us by joining and getting involved.
Another way to HELP is to share this with everyone you know...Lets make Kansas known for EQUALITY instead of being the home to the Phelps clan...
Find our KEC Chapter on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kechutch .
Thanks for listening...
Remember......please don't be silent....
SILENCE = ACCEPTANCE
Some do, and apparently want it to continue....
Kansas House member Jan Pauls, Democrat of Hutchinson, is one that obviously wants DISCRIMINATION to CONTINUE.
Paul's, an 8 term Legislator, is the ONLY Representative to CONTINUALLY-year after year- testify AGAINST any NON-DISCRIMINATION Law that is introduced in the Kansas Legislature that would make discriminating against GLBT Kansans illegal.
The gist of her testimony is that employers and landlords as well as business owners should be able to hire, rent or provide services to who they want to without repercussion. She doesn't want employers and business owners "religious beliefs" being burdened by having to hire someone GAY...That is DISCRIMINATION at its best and when it infringes on peoples rights it is time to say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH Kansas- lets keep religion and politics seperate...
Discrimination is discrimination, plan and simple.. It needs to END and it needs to END NOW. If you continue to allow it- you might as well join the Phelps and help spread there vile rhetoric.
Where are all of the MODERATE/CENTRIST Kansans that say they are fiscally conservative but socially welcoming?
WE NEED YOU!
Help my friends and I end this ridiculousness...
Please consider donating your time, energy and money over the next several months so we can pass a NON- DISCRIMINATION LAW in KANSAS, or in our local cities. One way or the other we want protections--NOTHING SPECIAL as the opposition says we want-- just the Rights everyone else has.
As a GAY man, I loathe the idea that an employer has a right not to hire me or one of my intelligent friends or a landlord does not have to lease to us just because our sexual orientation...Come on Kansas...ISN'T IT WAY PAST TIME??? EQUALITY FOR ALL!!!
Close to 90% of Kansans personally know someone who is GAY or LESBIAN. They are our brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, mothers, fathers, nieces, nephews, co-workers, neighbors and friends.
If you want to help, please join the Kansas Equality Coalition . We welcome EVERY law abiding, non discriminating Kansan who believes in diversity!! We appreciate your memberships and donations! Our opposition is well financed and very organized...you can help us by joining and getting involved.
Another way to HELP is to share this with everyone you know...Lets make Kansas known for EQUALITY instead of being the home to the Phelps clan...
Find our KEC Chapter on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kechutch .
Thanks for listening...
Remember......please don't be silent....
SILENCE = ACCEPTANCE
Saturday, February 19, 2011
The Kansas Preservation of Religious Freedom Act aka State sponsored BIGOTRY and HATE
The Kansas State Legislature Judiciary Committee has introduced a Bill- HB2260 that is called the "Kansas Preservation of Religion Act". This Bill has been introduced by social conservatives, which seem to be most of the Kansas legislative contingent, since the slaughter in Nov 2010. Moderates on the Right were more reliable in many instances than Conservative Democrats, but they are gone, voted out, or have had to move farther Right in order to protect their office -- I bet you never thought we would use those two words together describing one person....crazy huh??
HB2260 would create the "Kansas Preservation of Religious Freedom Act." The bill would prohibit state and local governments from substantially burdening a person’s religious exercise unless the government can prove that the burden is advancing a compelling government interest and is the least restrictive way of advancing the interest. A person who has been burdened or is substantially likely to be burdened under this Act, could file a judicial proceeding and a court could grant remedies described in the bill. The bill would apply to all government actions including but not limited to all state and local laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and policies, including the implementation no matter when it was enacted or adopted.
From a GLBT perspective- if this Bill gets passed ,we are, to put it bluntly, screwed...
This law would prevent GLBT activists from working with local municipalities trying to pass non-discrimination ordinances, something that many groups around the country have started doing since State and Federal lawmakers have become so afraid of the powerful well funded, well organized, Religious Right.
The Bill also allows for "remedies" - against the group who is burdening the Religious folks. The remedies range from basic injunctive relief to significant financial awards.
Any current non discrimination ordinances on the books are in jeopardy if this passes.
If you haven't figured out the impact of this Bill yet- think about this....
This Bills intent was to STOP local LGBT ordinances where cities decide to add sexual orientation and gender identity- perceived or otherwise as a protected class- such as Race, Color, Natural Origin, Religion, Sex, Age and Disability Physical already are. None of the current protected classes place a burden on someones religion but sexual orientation does--it apparently PISSES OFF another protected class- some persons religious view..especially FRED PHELPS...
My point is this-- this proposed law STRENGTHENS the Phelps cause-- strengthens his hate--no bones about it- HE HATES.. Now, this law would allow him to SUE every city or county that would try and pass a LGBT non DISCRIMINATION ordinance because its places an "undue burden" on "his religion".
Any Religious organization who favors this-and there are MANY, are no better than the crazy man PHELPS - who PROMOTES HATE AND BIGOTRY all in the name of Religion...
The attorney for the Kansas Equality Coalition said it best last week when testifying in front of the Kansas Senate.. Bigotry wrapped in Prayer is still Bigotry...Amen Pedro...you hit the nail on the head!
If you are as offended as I am about this Bill- HB2260- please don't think there is nothing that can be done- your voice can and needs to be heard...
Please click the link below - call and email everyone of these legislators listed and tell them to VOTE AGAINST HB226O-- Religion is already a protected class- and Being GAY is STILL ILLEGAL in Kansas..IT MUST STOP!!!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7832129234#!/topic.php?uid=7832129234&topic=20347
Lastly- at a Democratic function this evening in Hutchinson- I had the opportunity to visit with Jan Paul's- Democratic House member from Hutchinson. I introduced myself and asked Mrs Paul's to vote against this Bill as it want nothing but a Bill making HATE legal. She told me she hasn't studied it a lot but that she was MOST LIKELY going to vote IN FAVOR of the Bill as employers should not be required to hire someone that conflicts with the employers religious beliefs....ABSOLUTELY AMAZING...
Are we in IRAN or are we in KANSAS????????????????????????
HB2260 would create the "Kansas Preservation of Religious Freedom Act." The bill would prohibit state and local governments from substantially burdening a person’s religious exercise unless the government can prove that the burden is advancing a compelling government interest and is the least restrictive way of advancing the interest. A person who has been burdened or is substantially likely to be burdened under this Act, could file a judicial proceeding and a court could grant remedies described in the bill. The bill would apply to all government actions including but not limited to all state and local laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and policies, including the implementation no matter when it was enacted or adopted.
From a GLBT perspective- if this Bill gets passed ,we are, to put it bluntly, screwed...
This law would prevent GLBT activists from working with local municipalities trying to pass non-discrimination ordinances, something that many groups around the country have started doing since State and Federal lawmakers have become so afraid of the powerful well funded, well organized, Religious Right.
The Bill also allows for "remedies" - against the group who is burdening the Religious folks. The remedies range from basic injunctive relief to significant financial awards.
Any current non discrimination ordinances on the books are in jeopardy if this passes.
If you haven't figured out the impact of this Bill yet- think about this....
This Bills intent was to STOP local LGBT ordinances where cities decide to add sexual orientation and gender identity- perceived or otherwise as a protected class- such as Race, Color, Natural Origin, Religion, Sex, Age and Disability Physical already are. None of the current protected classes place a burden on someones religion but sexual orientation does--it apparently PISSES OFF another protected class- some persons religious view..especially FRED PHELPS...
My point is this-- this proposed law STRENGTHENS the Phelps cause-- strengthens his hate--no bones about it- HE HATES.. Now, this law would allow him to SUE every city or county that would try and pass a LGBT non DISCRIMINATION ordinance because its places an "undue burden" on "his religion".
Any Religious organization who favors this-and there are MANY, are no better than the crazy man PHELPS - who PROMOTES HATE AND BIGOTRY all in the name of Religion...
The attorney for the Kansas Equality Coalition said it best last week when testifying in front of the Kansas Senate.. Bigotry wrapped in Prayer is still Bigotry...Amen Pedro...you hit the nail on the head!
If you are as offended as I am about this Bill- HB2260- please don't think there is nothing that can be done- your voice can and needs to be heard...
Please click the link below - call and email everyone of these legislators listed and tell them to VOTE AGAINST HB226O-- Religion is already a protected class- and Being GAY is STILL ILLEGAL in Kansas..IT MUST STOP!!!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7832129234#!/topic.php?uid=7832129234&topic=20347
Lastly- at a Democratic function this evening in Hutchinson- I had the opportunity to visit with Jan Paul's- Democratic House member from Hutchinson. I introduced myself and asked Mrs Paul's to vote against this Bill as it want nothing but a Bill making HATE legal. She told me she hasn't studied it a lot but that she was MOST LIKELY going to vote IN FAVOR of the Bill as employers should not be required to hire someone that conflicts with the employers religious beliefs....ABSOLUTELY AMAZING...
Are we in IRAN or are we in KANSAS????????????????????????
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