All tag results for 'human rights campaign'

Thank you, Mr. President!

Currently in New York, supporters looking to have marriage equality in their state are pushing for a vote this legislative session, which ends in June. The Human Rights Campaign is doing all they can to prove to the state Senate that this is truly something that the citizens of New York are after and something that the gay community of the state deserves to have.

In an attempt to achieve more of a positive response from the governing board, President Bill Clinton has come forward in support of the marriage equality legislation and has released the following statement:

"Our nation's permanent mission is to form a ‘more perfect union’ - deepening the meaning of freedom, broadening the reach of opportunity, strengthening the bonds of community. That mission has inspired and empowered us to extend rights to people previously denied them. Every time we have done that, it has strengthened our nation. Now we should do it again, in New York, with marriage equality. For more than a century, our Statue of Liberty has welcomed all kinds of people from all over the world yearning to be free. In the 21st century, I believe New York's welcome must include marriage equality."

Very well said! Very, VERY well said!

It's true - every generation has to bring about a change that coincides with the changes in their communities. Every person living in this nation deserves to be treated equally and fairly and really, that's all we're really asking for!

Equality for all! Get it done, NYC!

[Image via WENN.]

Tags: community, gay marriage, human rights campaign, new york, new yorkers for marriage equality, president, statement

This is a such a cute and great idea.

Marc Jacobs has personally invited the people of New York to support the HRC'a "New Yorkers for Marriage Equality Campaign".

The invitation is printed on the designer's Manhattan store window, with a springtime wedding going on in the background.

If you're not in New York you can still join the fight for equality by purchasing one of the t-shirts Marc designed for the organization.

[Image courtesy of the HRC.]

Tags: hrc, human rights campaign, marc jacobs for the human rights campaign, new yorkers for marriage equality campaign

Marc Jacobs has joined the fight for marriage equality by designing an exclusive t-shirt for the Human Rights Campaign.

The 500 limited edition tees feature an illustration of a lesbian couple and their kid with the words "I pay my taxes, I want my RIGHTS".

Net proceeds from MJ's $35 design will be go toward the HRC's fight for equality.

CLICK HERE to get yours!

Tags: fight for equality, human rights campaign, i pay my taxes i want my rights, limited edition, marc jacobs for the human rights campaign

Such a powerful message!

Check out Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons declaring his support for same-sex marriage, as part of the HRC's New Yorkers for Marriage Equality (above)!

Amazing! Thanks for speaking out and taking a stand!

EQUAL RIGHTS FOR ALL!

Tags: co-founder, def jam, equal rights, gay rights, hrc, human rights campaign, inspiration, new yorkers for marriage equality, russell simmons, support

We're VERY happy to hear this!

The Justice Department has just announced that President Obama believes the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional, and he refuses to continue defending it.

Based on Obama's new stance on the act, his administration won't defend ongoing suits in two federal Appeal Courts relating to the act, and he'll "leave it to Congress to defend the law, known as DOMA, against those challenges."

For those unfamiliar, the DOMA law "allows states not to recognize same-sex marriages preformed in other states and provides a federal definition for 'marriage' that excludes same-sex couples."

Here's what Attorney General Eric Holder had to say about Obama's decision:

“After careful consideration, including a review of my recommendation, the president has concluded that, given a number of factors, including a documented history of discrimination, classifications based on sexual orientation should be subject to a more heightened standard of scrutiny.”

More from Holder about Obama's views on Section 3 of DOMA, which defines “spouse” as a member of the opposite sex:

“[Section 3 of DOMA] fails to meet that standard and is therefore unconstitutional. Given that conclusion, the president has instructed the department not to defend the statute in such cases. I fully concur with the president’s determination.”

The DOMA law has not been overturned by Obama's new stance on it, but it's a MAJOR step in the right direction.

Here's what Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese had to say about it:

“This is a monumental decision for the thousands of same-sex couples and their families who want nothing more than the same rights and dignity afforded to other married couples. As the president has stated previously, DOMA unfairly discriminates against Americans and we applaud him for fulfilling his oath to defend critical constitutional principles.”

Thank you, Obama! Next, let's get DOMA overturned!!!

Thoughts???

[Image via WENN.]

Tags: defense of marriage act, doma, eric holder, human rights campaign, joe solmonese, justice department, same sex marriage, unconstitutional

Tell 'em sister!

Joan Rivers is the latest celeb to lend her voice to New York's ongoing fight for marriage equality.

Check out this short, but sweet video she filmed for the cause! (above)

We love ya, Joan!

Equality for all!

Tags: gay rights, human rights campaign, marriage, new york

No, not THAT Barbara Bush, but she is named after her.

Daughter of Former President George W Bush, Barbara has just released an ad with the HRC's NYers for Marriage Equality. Check out the short, but important video above!

Amazing!

We're so proud to have a voice like hers support the cause. Perhaps she could convince her father to do the same!

Equality for all!

Tags: barbara bush, equality, gay marriage, george w, human rights campaign, marriage, new yorkers for marriage equality