Earlier this month Erin Vaughn, a transgender woman, reported that she was mocked and ultimately denied treatment at a Muncie, Ind. hospital. Check out the video below for Vaughn’s full story.

Since the story broke, Ball Memorial Hospital has taken serious steps to ensure that this type of discrimination not be repeated. The facility is working with equality groups to improve its services and, starting in Sept., all hospital employees will be required to go through training on sexual orientation and gender identity. In addition, the hospital has updated the language in its non-discrimination and patient care policies to be explicitly inclusive of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Click here for the full WISH-TV article.

On a daily basis, transgender individuals are denied basic health care, which is why improving transgender Oregonians’ access to health care is a major priority of Basic Rights Oregon. Want to join in on this critical campaign? Click here to volunteer.

-Hana, Communications Intern

Despite encouraging attitude shifts toward marriage equality in the GOP, it is important to remember that loud opposition still exists.

Some members of the far right are enraged by the recent outpour of support for marriage equality by notable conservative figures, including Glenn Beck and Ann Coulter. Many republicans are claiming that these individuals have “betrayed their cause.” Don Feder, conservative columnist, maintains that legalizing same sex marriage would “accelerate the decline of an institution as old as human society,” and that by supporting marriage equality, conservatives are contributing to this decline.

Though these strongly-worded comments are discouraging, it is important to remember that these statements were made as those on the far right were licking their wounds while influential members of their party stepped out to support equal marriage rights.

Click on the following links to read what conservative columnists Don Feder and Joseph Farah have to say about the recent surge in conservative support of marriage equality.

A growing number of Republicans are veering from the party’s traditional stance and publicly declaring their support of marriage equality. Experts believe that the roots of this political shift are grounded not only in demographics, but also in the renewed focus on fiscal conservatism and the desire among GOP strategists to expand the appeal of their party.

A growing number of prominent Republican figures have publicly voiced their support of marriage equality, including Meghan McCain, Elizabeth Hasselbeck, Laura Bush, and Dick Cheney.

Though support for equal marriage rights is growing in the GOP, it is still an issue that divides the party; however, many activists maintain that, “the party would be remiss if it did not consider the changing social trends, particularly among young people, who have leaned democratic.” This statement speaks to the fact that sixty percent of adults under thirty are supportive of marriage equality; if the GOP wants to garner support of this younger, more liberal generation, it must expand its appeal.

This shift in the attitude of the GOP represents an encouraging change in the political climate for the marriage equality movement. Support for same-sex marriage has been consistently growing on the liberal end, and now with growing conservative support we are even closer to achieving equal rights.

-Hana, Communications Intern

Click here to read the full Washington Post article, “Same-sex Marriage Gains GOP Support.”

It seems that the American public has reached a turning point in its feelings towards marriage equality.

Based on an August CNN poll, for the first time a majority of Americans are in support of same-sex marriage. This outstanding statistic demonstrates an enormous leap from 1996, when Congress passed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA); a time when only 25 percent of Americans were in support of equal marriage rights.

Though national support for same-sex marriage is important, it seems that support at the state level may be more vital, especially if states continue to control marriage laws. With this in mind, it is exciting to discover that, since 1996, support for marriage equality has increased in 49 states.

This positive trend is expected to continue as new voters come of age and their older counterparts exit the voting pool. Research shows that, nationally, a majority of people under 30 support same-sex marriage in almost every state. This groundswell is likely to overwhelmingly alter the dynamic of the push for marriage equality in the United States.

Click here For the full New York Times article about the “Gay Marriage Groundswell.”

-Hana, Communications Intern

BRO is proud to offer New Roots Fellowships beginning this October! These paid fellowships are designed to recognize and support the leadership of LGBTQ and allied youth seeking experience in grassroots organizing for social justice.

At Basic Rights Oregon, we recognize that the experiences of LGBTQ and allied youth are unique and important to the movement for equality. We also know that the experiences of many LGBTQ youth have been minimized, including but not limited to LGBTQ youth of color, trans and genderqueer youth, youth who have experienced homelessness and youth with disabilities.

Incoming New Roots Fellows will work with the Youth Organizer to guide QPOWER (Queer Portlanders Organizing and Working for Equal Rights), BRO’s youth leadership and activist team formed in 2008. QPOWER members receive trainings on key issues as well as selecting and enacting projects which have included working on the campaign to defeat local anti-immigrant ballot measures, providing leadership at BRO’s 2009 Day of Action and with the passage of the Oregon Safe Schools Act, and creating videos of coming out stories.

We want you to bring your passion, make change, and work for equality!

Download the full description and application here:

Applications are due by 5:00 PM Friday, September 10th.

For more information contact tash shatz, Trans Justice and Youth Organizer by emailing tash at basicrights dot org or calling 503-222-6151 extension 110.

Dear Eugene Supporters,

This Saturday, I plan to travel to Eugene for our annual summer Garden Party!  I’m looking forward to seeing friends, new and old, and enjoying the afternoon in a lovely garden. Please join me:

2pm-5pm Saturday, August 21st
at the home of
Amy Beller and Kate MacQueen
1270 W 10th Ave., Eugene
Suggested Donation of $25

Click here to purchase your tickets now!

It’s been an exciting summer for LGBT equality. In the past few weeks, we’ve seen encouraging decisions from courts in both Massachusetts and California, and here in Oregon we just concluded our first statewide television advertising campaign since 2004.

The movement for equality is growing, and on Saturday, I plan to update everyone on the steps that we can take together to secure youth justice, trans justice, and marriage equality in our state!

Click here to get your tickets now!

I’m looking forward to seeing you on Saturday.

Best,

Jeana Frazzini
Executive Director

Presenting Sponsor:
SkinnerLopata Harris, LLC

Food, Beverage & Silent Auction Sponsors:
Actors Cabaret of Eugene, Chuck Bader & Lois Safdie, Eric Leaf Design, Golden Realty, Firesteed Wines, New Day Bakery, Ninkasi Brewery, Patricia Atkins of Windermere Realty, Red Agave, Ring of Fire, Sharon & Rebecca Flynn, Smith Family Bookstore, Sundance Natural Foods, Sweet Life, Territorial Wines & Unique Eugene

Host Committee:
Amy Beller, Bruce Carlson, Dena Zaldua-Hilkene, Eric Leaf, James Leaf, Jet Harris, Jett Johnson, Kate MacQueen, Matt Friday, Patricia Atkins & Ron Burley

Californian will have to wait for marriage equality as a federal appeals court has frozen a federal judge’s overturning of the state ban on marriage between same-sex couples.

U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker ruled Aug. 4 that the state’s ban, made law after voters narrowly approved Proposition 8 in 2008, was unconstitutional.

He held off the start date of his decision until Aug. 18, giving time for the ban’s supporters to get the delay to stick pending review. But he also noted that the state – by either the governor or attorney general – had not defended the ban and he didn’t think those who had argued for it had the standing for an appeal.

On Aug. 23, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the delay would continue but fast-tracked bringing the case to the court for the week of Dec. 6.

And notably, the appeals court also directed the appellants to show “why this appeal should not be dismissed for lack of Article III standing.”

In the midst of last week’s thrilling Proposition 8 ruling, exciting news from back east was lost in the hubbub: Judge Joseph Tauro on Tuesday issued his final rulings in the two Massachusetts cases challenging the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA): Gill v. Office of Personnel Management and Massachusetts v. Department of Health and Human Services.

The decisions, initially reached early last month, found the DOMA to be unconstitutional and in violation of the 5th Amendment, which guarantees equal protection under the law.

Now that Judge Tauro has made his decisions, the federal government will have the opportunity to appeal the rulings. However, hopes remain high for marriage equality in a state that has consistently stood at the forefront of the movement for LGBT equality.

Today, a federal judge lifted the temporary stay in the Prop 8 case, allowing for same-sex couples to marry starting Aug. 18. We are overjoyed for loving and committed couples in California who will now have the freedom to marry and for their family and friends who will celebrate with them. We are also encouraged that a fundamental constitutional freedom has been restored.

To learn more: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/13/us/13prop.html?_r=1&hp

To read complete coverage of the case so far and what’s next: www.365gay.com

We’re excited about this advance toward the freedom to marry and the growing momentum in our own state as more and more Oregonians take up the call to share their support for marriage equality with the people in their own lives.

What a great moment we can all share,

Jeana Frazzini
Executive Director

Proponents of Proposition 8 are doing their best to snuff out support of marriage equality, both by preventing supporters of marriage equality from entering into positions of power and by questioning the motives of the judge who overturned Proposition 8.

President Obama has made his selection for the ninth Circuit Court of Appeals—Goodwin Liu, a 39-year-old law professor at UC Berkeley. Liu is a known supporter of marriage equality. Should Liu obtain this position, he would likely have a great deal of influence on the appeal of the Proposition 8 decision as well as marriage equality laws affecting Oregon and many other states.

Senate Republicans have blocked confirmation votes on Liu’s nomination and have returned it to the White House; however, Obama is expected to resubmit the nomination when Congress returns from recess next month.

In addition, many opponents of marriage equality are citing Judge Walker’s sexual orientation as an ulterior motive for his repeal of Prop 8. Since the overturn, rumors have been circulating regarding Walker’s sexual orientation, and many opponents believe that this deems him unfit to make an unbiased decision regarding same-sex marriage. This claim is unfounded, however, because the same argument could be made whether the decision-maker was gay or straight.

As stated by Steven Petrow of the Huffington Post, “What we’re looking for in judges — gay or straight, black or white, male or female — is an intellectual understanding of the law, the ability to be fair, and a willingness to put aside personal beliefs and perspectives when it comes to deciding cases. Judge Walker’s long-standing record of being independent-minded, if not outright unpredictable, suggests he’s that kind of judge.”

-Hana, Communications Intern

Following last week’s monumental decision that Proposition 8 was unconstitutional, many gay and lesbian couples feel that they should be allowed to legally wed as the case moves toward appeal.

The author of an LA Times editorial maintains that the moment U.S. District Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker issued his ruling, gay and lesbian marriages became constitutionally protected and should be treated as such until a higher court decides otherwise.

In his ruling, Walker declares that “the process of allowing same-sex couples to marry is straightforward, and no evidence suggests that the state needs any significant lead time to integrate same-sex couples into marriage.” In accordance with Walker’s decision, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Atty. Gen Jerry Brown endorsed the immediate resumption of same-sex weddings last Friday.

Though getting married in this period of uncertainty poses and legal and emotional threats to gay and lesbian couples, the author says that those who choose to get married at this time are aware of the risks and are willing to take the leap.

Click here to read the full LA Times Article.

-Hana, Communications Intern

This past week Latin America has been buzzing with news about marriage equality. Check out the stories below to stay informed about exciting new marriage laws outside of the United States.

Mexico – On Tuesday, the Mexican Supreme Court mandated that each of Mexico’s 31 states must recognize gay and lesbian marriages registered in Mexico City. This ruling has the potential to grant full marriage equality to same-sex couples throughout the entire country. Though there is still uncertainty as to which specific rights must be recognized by individual state governments, this is a huge step forward. Click here to read the full New York Times article.

Costa Rica – Costa Rica’s top court on Tuesday blocked the electoral tribunal from holding a referendum, scheduled for Dec. 5, that would have allowed voters to decide on the legality of same-sex civil unions in their country. The court’s 5-2 decision was reached on the basis that such a referendum would put homosexuals, considered a minority group and targets of discrimination, at a disadvantage as Costa Rica is a predominately Roman Catholic society. Click here to read the full Associated Press article.

Chile – Senator Fulvio Rossi, president of Chile’s Socialist Party, on Tuesday introduced a bill that proposes removing the “man and woman” clause from Chile’s marriage law. The success of this bill would signify a huge win for marriage equality in a traditionally conservative country. Though it is likely to be met with heavy opposition by the Chilean government, this bold move forward signifies a desire by many for equality and change.Click here to read the full New York Times article.

Breaking News: Today, a federal judge ruled that Prop 8 is unconstitutional. The ruling in the federal trial challenging California’s ban on marriage for same-sex couples held that it’s unconstitutional to have one set of laws for some Californians and another for others. While we join in feeling encouraged by such progress, we know that there is far to go for the freedom to marry; the ruling is expected to be held up on appeal for some time.

Here in Oregon, we’re making progress every single day by encouraging conversations one Oregonian to another about why marriage matters. Volunteers are already leading the way, talking about the issue at public events, on the doorstep, over kitchen tables, at church picnics and more.

And for the first time since 2004 we are running ads across the state aimed at building support for the freedom to marry. Take a look at the ads here – share them with the people in your life and ask them to sign the freedom to marry pledge today!

We have already seen that when Oregonians engage in these conversations outside the heat of a political campaign, or even a court case, that they embrace the idea that treating others as one would want to be treated includes allowing civil marriage for same-sex couples. It’s as basic as the Golden Rule.

The people you know are waiting to hear from you . It’s time for you to tell them why marriage matters to you. It’s time to raise your voice and speak up. Share the ads and spread the word: now is the time to sign the Freedom to Marry pledge and take a stand for fairness!

We have long known that regardless of what happens in the courts – our work must not let up. We have to achieve equal access to civil marriage in Oregon. Marriage is a lifelong promise of love and responsibility with the recognition and accountability of family, friends and the greater community. Our state will be stronger when all committed couples – gay and straight – can marry the person they love.

Oregonians can join together to make history for ourselves by bringing marriage equality home.

Let’s make it happen,

Jeana Frazzini
Executive Director