The Senate Judiciary Committee is meeting today to hear testimony from opposing sides on the question of whether to extend the freedom to marry to same-sex couples by way of the Marriage Equality Act. Deja Vu. This time around, it appears that Democrats will be almost universally on the side of equal rights. (Yey!)
But, the big question, today and throughout this year's debates in the Senate and the Assembly, will be: where are the Republicans? Here's hoping enough Republicans will join us on the right side of this issue, the right side of history, and the right side of their own friends and family members - sons, daughters, nephews, nieces, grandchildren - who are aching for equality.
Because, as I said two years ago, "We're never ever going away. We'll be back year after year, year after year, until we are treated as equals." And today, we're back. So, I say to Governor Christie and legislators, Republican and Democratic: Let's put an end to this. Let's treat all New Jerseyans with the dignity and respect they deserve. Make marriage equality the law of the state. And do it now. You have the power.:
(Video courtesy of my fellow discriminatee, Jay Lassiter, with an assist from our friend, Lori Braunstein, who is a wizard at this kind of thing. Thanks Jay and Lori!)
The Star Ledger, typically a friendly voice on the subject of marriage equality, went off the rails today in an editorial suggesting the state consider a referendum on "Gay Marriage." I could not disagree more.
As an initial matter, I wish once and for all that educated people would stop referring to the issue of marriage equality as the right to "gay marriage." They may as well call it "schmarriage" (as some have). There is no such thing as a right to "Italian marriage" or "Black marriage" or "Hindu marriage" or "Second marriage" - and, it's insulting in 2012 for the Star Ledger to still be framing the issue that way. Same-sex couples are not seeking a special right to engage in some subset of actual marriage - we are seeking equality in the freedom to marry our partners and have those marriages recognized by the state, no more and no less. Labels matter.
In a powerful op-ed in favor of marriage equality, which appeared in yesterday's Star Ledger, Sen. Bob Menendez pledged his support for the Federal Respect for Marriage Act, a bill that would repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). And in doing so, Sen. Menendez spoke in no uncertain terms about the injustice that continues to face same-sex couples who wish to marry in New Jersey and elsewhere:
[F]or me, this comes down to an issue of fundamental fairness. For me, this comes down to the principles I learned as the child of immigrants and that I cherish as an American: that we believe in equality for all people under the law.
Perhaps what is most compelling is the fact, which Sen. Menendez acknowledges in his op-ed, that he voted 15 years ago for DOMA, along with an overwhelming number of his colleagues. But following that vote, the Senator notes: "like tens of millions of Americans, [he has] reflected deeply and frequently about this issue." That is what has been happening in America, at kitchen tables, holiday meals, community events, and more. And it is something to be applauded. That's how progress happens.
Menendez became the 32nd U.S. Senator to publicly announce support for the bill, which is also sponsored by 134 members of the House. Indeed, in New Jersey, support from our Democratic Congressional delegation is nearly unanimous. Yet, despite those solid and growing numbers, support for the bill here (and nationally) continues, regrettably, to be primarily from the Democratic side of the aisle.
Today, Sunday Nov. 20, is the annual international Transgender Day of Remembrance. We just got word that Garden State Equality will observe the day with a virtual town hall meeting on its Facebook page.
Around the world, organizations are participating in events of all kinds to remember transgender sisters and brothers murdered because of their gender identity or expression. Transgender Day of Remembrance will be observed at Princeton University Chapel, and GSE's facebook page will carry a live post from there in real-time.
We have transgender people in our readership, and among our friends and neighbors. I encourage you to stop in to GSE's Facebook page and participate if you can, and leave a message of of friendship.
Note: Since I wrote this diary, reports have surfaced that Viki Knox indeed brought her views into the classroom on several occasions, likely violating the district policies and state law in the process. Worse, she violated a student's First Amendment rights by kicking the student out of class for wearing a rainbow bracelet.
Viki Knox's illegal conduct in the classroom raises substantial doubts about her fitness as a teacher. She ought to be fired. At the very least, she should be suspended for a prolonged period of time and must not set foot in another classroom until she understands that she needs to set her personal views aside and follow the laws of New Jersey, the policies of her school district, and the instructions of her superiors.
October, as many Blue Jersey readers know, is LGBT history month. To commemorate the occassion, Union Township High School set up a photo display featuring several famous gay and lesbian celebrities and historical figures.
Yet, this evening, Garden State Equality has organized dozens to protest a meeting of the Union Public School District Board of Education. GSE is not satisfied with school's affirming message to gay and lesbian students. It wants the district to fire a schoolteacher who responded to the display with homophobic Facebook posts of the sort that one would expect from, say, the Westboro Baptist Church.
Make no mistake, Union Township High School special education teacher Viki Knox's comments were reprehensible; Ms. Knox calls homosexuality a "perverted spirit" and compares it to cancer and alcoholism. But there are at least two problems with Garden State Equality's impulsive response to these posts. First, in its hasty reaction to the teacher's posts, the organization stubbornly refuses to acknowledge the competing values at stake. Second, GSE is doing a disservice to gay and lesbian students at Union Townshsip High School and across the state by passing up more effective responses to this controversy.
The First Amendment gives Viki Knox the right to express her opinions, asinine and offensive as they may be. As I will show below the fold, whether the school district may fire or otherwise discipline her is a close question that will probably turn on facts to be uncovered by investigation.
In just two days - this Saturday, September 24th at 5:00 p.m. - Team Blue Jersey is going to take a walk with a bunch of our friends to raise money for marriage equality. There's still time to join us!
We're taking part in Equality Walk 2011 - Garden State Equality's low-dollar per person fundraiser that allows everyone to participate - there's no required minimum amount for you to raise. And, the beauty of this grassroots approach is that small contributions really add up. Take Team Blue Jersey for example - we set a modest goal of raising $500, and quickly surpassed it. Then we bumped it to $750, and passed it. Then $1,000, ... check.
In fact, thanks to the efforts of Blue Jersey readers and friends, we're closing in on being one of GSE's Top 5 Fundraising teams for the event! So now, we need your help to get to Team Blue Jersey's new goal of reaching $1,500 for Garden State Equality's 2011 Equality Walk by the time the walk kicks off Saturday at 5pm. So we've got 48 Hours left. Let's do it!
And even if you can't join us on Saturday, you can help by joining our team and raising money, or by just contributing directly to Team Blue Jersey. Thank you all, and hope to see you Saturday! :)
You might remember the exhilarating feeling earlier this year when New York passed its marriage equality law. I know I do, just as I know I am looking forward to the day when we in New Jersey get a taste of that delicious equality on this side of the Hudson.
And that day will come - whether it happens soon after Gov. Christie is tossed from office in 2013, or sooner when we muster a veto-proof majority for marriage equality - it will come. And Blue Jersey will be there, alongside Garden State Equality, as it always has been, fighting to make that day come sooner rather than later.
That's why I'm so proud to announce that Blue Jersey is sponsoring a team in GSE's September 24th Equality Walk:
The fight for marriage equality in New Jersey has long been waged not by the LGBT community alone, but by the progressive community - LGBT and straight - seeking justice for all. Let's show our strength in numbers, energy and dollars as we look forward to the day when the exhilaration will be ours to enjoy.
Background: Henry Velandia and Josh Vandiver were married in Connecticut and now live in New Jersey. Vandiver has filed a petition seeking a marriage-based green card for Henry, who is originally from Venezuela. However, current U.S. law, which permits citizens to sponsor their opposite-sex spouses, does not afford same-sex couples that same right.
So, Henry faces deportation - essentially for being gay.
But, following an 11th-hour signal from Attorney General Eric Holder late yesterday, there was cause for hope going into today's rally and deportation hearing. Specifically, and in furtherance of the Obama Administration's shift against the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), Holder vacated a Board of Immigration Appeals decision in another case involving a same-sex couple.
Today, a boisterous crowd gathered outside the Federal Building in Newark, to send a message that it's time to start treating same-sex couples as equals, and to end the discrimination against same-sex couples like Josh and Henry. And, shortly thereafter, the Immigration Judge in Newark "agreed to adjourn the case" til December of this year.
Happy ending?: So Henry gets to stay. For now. It's great personal news for this one couple. But, the idea that a lawfully married couple is still forced to endure the agony of wondering whether, and for how long, they will be allowed to remain together is hideous.
It's situations like this that I'm reminded of when people throw phrases around like "one-issue candidate" or "big picture" or "moderate republican." The continued discrimination against same-sex couples in America should no longer be acceptable. It's not okay. Case closed.
Well, it has been 10 days since I came up short in my pursuit of the Bergen County endorsement for 38th District Assembly. And while on the one hand, I feel like I've been thanking people non-stop ever since; on the other hand, I feel like I have barely begun to thank all the people who made my experience as a candidate so positive.
So, since I started my campaign with an announcement on Blue Jersey, I thought I'd say one big final thank you here to finish the campaign.
Thank you Blue Jersey!
Together with DFA, Garden State Equality, Paterson Grassroots for Change, BlueAmericaPAC, NJ Stonewall Dems, and of course the amazing Democrats for Hawthorne, your support throughout (and not just the incredibly successful Money Bomb) helped make the campaign the success that it was. And special thanks to the party leaders and elected officials who loudly supported me for the 38th District seat, and to those who quietly supported me in the 35th (bless you, you know who you are).
I am very proud of what we accomplished - our efforts were a victory for progressives in New Jersey and around the nation. We sent a clear message to incumbents everywhere that they will be held accountable for their votes and their conduct in office, and that progressives are up to that challenge. In that regard, the campaign was indeed a huge success, and I am forever grateful.
As a token of my appreciation, I want to invite you to a Thank You party next Tuesday, April 26th at 7:30 p.m. in Hawthorne. Whether you donated money, time, energy, or all of the above - please join us at 7:30p at the Llewellyn Ave. Firehouse, 10 Llewellyn Ave., Hawthorne, NJ. You'll meet our campaign staff, our incredible Hawthorne Democrats, and members of our 38th District Legislative team for a fun evening of food, friends and celebration. Feel free to let us know you're coming in the comments.
Now, it's time to turn our attention to upcoming races around the state - School Board Elections next week, Primary Elections in many Districts, and ultimately the big prize in November, when we see just how "Democratic" this new map really turns out to be. And, importantly, how "Democratic" our elected democrats turn out to be (ahem, I think you know who you are too).
So, thank you again for the donations, the hours spent volunteering, and the words of advice - they did not go unnoticed. As they say, the cause endures. I plan to continue fighting for a stronger Democratic Party and a better New Jersey, and I'm counting on you to join me.
This week, I had the pleasure of being on the floor of the Assembly (and later the Senate) as they quickly debated and passed the most comprehensive anti-bullying law in the nation, which now awaits Gov. Christie's signature. It was a win for anyone who has ever been bullied in school. A great win. And it felt really good.
But, one quote stuck out for me when I heard it, and has been sticking with me all week. When Assemblywoman Valerie Vanieri Huttle spoke of the need for the bill in the Assembly, she told of students who said to her, "I used to love going to school, and now I hate it." That sounded familiar from my own childhood, for sure. But, it also resonated on a totally different level. Politically. Today.
I think too many of my friends and fellow activists from the progressive community, LGBT and straight, have acted this way for the last year - like they used to love being involved in politics, and now they hated it. It's like they've been bullied - whether by the loss of the marriage equality bill earlier this year in NJ, or the continued failure to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell in DC, or the overexposure of the Tea Party in the media, or the "bullying" by Governor Christie of not just the NJEA, but Democrats and progressives across the board.
Whatever it was, it seems like there's no time like the present to fight back. Time to start standing up to the bullies: whether it's our Governor, a biased media, the overreaching GOP or anti-progressive elements within the Democratic party. And time to call out the bullies where we see them.
We were reminded with the passage of the anti-bullying bill this week - winning feels way better than losing. Thank goodness. So, let's get our love for politics back - the passion so many of us felt in 2008 for Obama, if not like in 2004 for Dean. And, let's start winning some more.
What events in NJ attract a crowd of over 600,000 people? Izod Arena holds 23,000 and Meadowlands stadium holds over 60,000. One of the few event I can think of is a result of intensive training, winnowing of candidates, incredible guts, supreme determination, laser-like focus, and the highest level of professionalism. Unfortunately it's not our NJ politicians. It's the air force Thunderbirds and colleagues - a total of 80 pilots who flew in the Atlantic City Air Show on Wednesday dazzling us with their skills, death-defying aerobatics, and precision teamwork.
It's not that we haven't had great political leaders in New Jersey. Today a person like Senator Loretta Weinberg who started as Assistant Administrator to the County of Bergen, and then went on to become a Teaneck Councilwoman, Assemblywoman, Senator and LG candidate is an example to emulate. Our own Jeff Gardner first spent time learning the craft and then mobilized Democrats in his town to take over the Democratic committee.
Politics, above the introductory level, should be a vocation not an avocation. People with huge sums of money and zero political experience should not assume they are qualified for a high position. Those who are idolized only as a sports hero lack the training. Those who hold multiple positions lack the focus and are subject to conflicts of interest. They also need to understand what they do not know and avoid micromanagement, like thinking their office has the skills to direct the rewrite of a complex grant. As in all professions, politics requires training and ongoing education. Starting at a local level is an important step. Mastering new media is a virtual requirement today. Working smart and total immersion are necessary. A variety of groups including DFA provide the nuts and bolts for beginners. Garden State Equality recently offered a seminar to its constituency.
I don't particularly want a Thunderbird pilot as a NJ governor or legislator. But I sure would like politicians to receive more training and education before assuming midlevel or high positions and then to display more professionalism, focus, dedication and teamwork. If such were to happen maybe our leaders would have a higher voter approval, more voter turn out at the polls, and a level of enthusiasm, interest, and respect somewhat closer to what the Thunderbirds receive. And it's up to all of us to insist on higher standards.
The National Organization for Marriage clowncar juggernaut was inTrenton today. The notoriously well-funded, (anti-gay) N.O.M crew is on tour spreading rancor from state to state.
The good folks at Garden State Equality (I'm a member) did a great job of showing up our angry rivals, although I grudgingly concede the style points to their tricked-out Winnebago festooned with stock photos of faux families.
The real action was inside, where we had /real/ families!
Senator Frank Lautenberg spoke at last night's Garden State Equality Legends Dinner. While he looked fantastic from the video, the news he delivered that he has overcome his battle with Lymphoma was even better: (h/t to Juan Melli for the video)
If you're in Collingswood anytime soon, go check out the library. Then glance up and marvel at the craftsmanship and dedication that went into the shiny brand new ceiling. And then spare a thought for the people who made that progress happen: the members of Garden State Equality, whose south Jersey headquarters is located a few short block away.
In light of Governor Chris Christie's drastic budget cuts to libraries, it's up to the community to "step up" and fill the gap caused by an administration whose values and priorities do not include things like local libraries or food banks. (Click the link. I dare you.)
In this photo, members of the gay rights group Garden State Equality give their our weekends to community service projects that recognize Gov. Christie's neglectful ways.
Trenton was buzzing today after the press conference announcing the latest twist in the gay marriage equality debate. Here's a highlight reel, see for yourself.
You've read the stories, seen the photos, and watched the video. Now, find out just what went down in Trenton yesterday, and what's going down in the days ahead during this crunchtime for marriage.
As always, we'll be LIVE, and happy to take your calls during the show. To join in the commentary with your own opinions - or your experiences in Trenton yesterday - give us a call tonight at: 646-652-2773.
In this morning's news roundup, we linked to a story about how marriage equality activists crowded into the gallery to keep watch on one of the issues prime opponents as he was sworn in, my freshly-minted new Senator Mike Doherty. - - promoted by Rosi. Well-played, Mr. Goldstein.
When hundreds of us packed the Senate gallery yesterday to see the swearing in of Senator Michael Doherty, instead of our EQUALITY The American Dream t-shirts, we should all have worn:
As Day One of the state legislature's lame duck session continues, there are more than 300 pro-equality people who showed up at the statehouse today - fired up and ready to lobby - compared to less than 75 anti-equality advocates, peddling that garbage. Listen up, Senators and Assemblymen. Stakes are high and we're going to remember how this turned out - for years, and elections to come. Photos were just sent in by Joey Novick, who's down there lobbying and snapping pictures right next to Jay Lassiter (whose photos are here).
Joey's pix:
3 lonely rabbis and a camera. Turnout's light for the anti-equality crowd
Rev. Bruce Davidson & religious leaders speaking for equality
