It's a conspiracy: HRC calls NOM's anti-gay bus tour a 'sham'
from Care2.com
...The Summer for Marriage tour has been perceived as going so badly for NOM that some have started to suspect that there may even be an ulterior motive behind it.
Fred Sainz, the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) vice president of communications, alleges in an article on the HRC's website that NOM is actually using the tour to draw out gay rights protesters, hoping therein to use confrontations that may or may not have occurred at the events so that they can add to their alleged nationwide plan to evade public disclosure laws and keep hidden their political activities.
“The bus tour is a total sham, plain and simple,” said Fred Sainz, HRC’s vice president of communications. “NOM’s highly-touted bus tour is less about so-called ‘traditional marriage’ and more about creating an elaborate and cynical stunt. NOM rolled out a summer of nationwide events in order to draw lawful protesters, all so that NOM and its allies can pepper ongoing lawsuits challenging public disclosure laws with made-up stories of harassment. This unprecedented victimization crusade is the lowest denominator of political activism, and it won’t fly.”
Couple almost misses the opportunity to marry
by Gary Swenson and Dean Genth
When we first got together, we decided Iowa was not the place for a gay couple, so in 2003 we decided to move from our Mason City home to a big city where we could melt into the anonymous life that large crowds and big cities afforded.
But when Gary, a physician radiologist, told his medical partners, who knew nothing of our relationship, about his decision to move, they pressed him for a reason. Finally, after much tap dancing around the issue, he simply told them the truth.
The response was amazing: "If you think it matters, it doesn't, so why do you have to move?"
After a lot of soul searching, we decided to stay in Mason City and build a life here. The irony is, if we had moved, we'd be living in Ohio now, wishing we lived in Iowa so we could get married.
We had a holy union ceremony at First Presbyterian Church in 2004, but when civil marriage became an option in 2009, we decided to go all out and have one hell of a Big Fat Gay Wedding.
We rented the Music Man Square in Mason City, and 400 of our friends came to the ceremony on May 31, 2009. Forty members of the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus provided music, and the Reverend Dr. Mel White, founder of SoulForce, flew in from Virginia to perform the ceremony. A florist friend ordered specialty rainbow roses, each petal a different color of the rainbow, from a floral company in Holland.
It was a fabulous day, but nothing prepared us for the feeling of validation our wedding brought. We always felt married, but when we were finally LEGALLY married -- with recognition from the state -- we were overwhelmed with the sense of wholeness that accompanied the event.
Finally, in the eyes of the state of Iowa, we were fully human, allowed to participate in the most basic of human aspirations. Before the marriage we never missed that feeling because we never knew what it felt like. But after the ceremony, the affirmation of full inclusion in society swept over us in unexpected fullness. We feel the lack of federal recognition all the more keenly now that we know what we have in Iowa.
We still have opportunities to educate. When Dean buys flowers for Gary, the store clerk might say, "Your wife is going to love these," and Dean will respond, "I actually have a husband, but yes, he will enjoy these very much."
When the registration clerk at the Family Practice Clinic refers to Gary as Dean's husband without any prompting on our part, we know the concept of marriage equality is taking root and gaining acceptance.
Recently a doctor from California applied for a job with Gary's medical group. As the emails were going back and forth, a careful reading made it evident the doctor was married to a man and had concerns about how they would fit in as residents of rural Iowa. Gary took the opportunity to tell him our story, and reassure him we were treated very well by our community.
Folks still have difficulty understanding Iowa is well ahead of the country on civil rights issues. When they discover the truth, their admiration of our state soars. It's gratifying to be part of that.
We have always been in favor of marriage equality; we simply never thought it would happen in our lifetimes. And we believe marriage equality has changed Iowa for the better. For the most part, people in Iowa want their neighbors to find happiness and joy. It is a grand thing to see.
National Organization for Marriage trying to raise money in Iowa
from The Iowa Independent
Just days before its planned rally at the state Capitol in opposition to same-sex marriage, the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) is robocalling Iowans soliciting donations.
Peter Hussman of the Newton Independent (no affiliation with this site) reports that the money will be used to help oust lawmakers and judges who do not oppose same-sex marriages. ...
The New Jersey-based group is planning to rally from 2 to 3 p.m. at the state Capitol in Des Moines on Sunday. Immediately following the rally, LGBT-rights group One Iowa will also rally just a few blocks away at Western Gateway Park. NOM also plans to hold an event in Sioux City a few days later.
At most of NOM’s stops on its 22-city “Summer for Marriage” tour, protesters have been far outnumbered by counter protesters who support legalized same-sex marriage. At it’s rally in Indianapolis, Ind., a sign proclaiming that the “solution for gay marriage” was gay and lesbian people being put to death garnered a lot of attention, prompting the LGBT-rights group Freedom to Marry to immediately called for NOM to disavow the message.
They should just give you rings. Marriage is easy to understand
from Joe Mirabella, Bilerico Project
A single young man, probably in his early 20s, was juggling phones and paperwork when we arrived at the Hertz satellite. "I'll be right with you both," he said smiling. He was giving instructions to a couple in Marion. It sounded like their insurance was going to pay for a car. ...
The young man processed my credit card and driver's license and said, "There is going to be an extra charge to have an additional driver even though you both live in the same apartment."
I always read the fine print before entering into any contracts with companies. I knew that Hertz recognized domestic partnerships and did not charge partners or married couples for additional drivers. I pulled out my Washington State issued Domestic Partnership card and showed it to the young man, "I don't think you will be charging me extra for my partner."
"I am so sorry," he said with a genuine Iowa smile, "I was looking for your rings and didn't see any. We give you rings in Iowa. I won't charge you."
The wonderfully awesome marriage statistics in Iowa
from Change.org
Many of us have heard that tired stereotype proffered by people against marriage equality, who say that allowing gay and lesbian couples to get hitched would result in an attack on traditional marriage. On a basic human level, many of us see right through that statement as just a talking point to deny a group of people their civil rights.
But on a purely statistical level, the "gays as threat to traditional marriage" argument carries absolutely no water, either. The proof is in the numbers. Exhibit A: Iowa.
Last year, the Iowa State Supreme Court ruled that under the state's constitution, gay and lesbian couples should be entitled to the institution of marriage. Iowa became the third state (behind Massachusetts and Connecticut) to recognize marriage equality, and the only state outside of the northeast (this isn't counting California's brief recognition of marriage equality in 2008, obviously).
Now, more than a year later, numbers are coming in about marriage in Iowa. And here's what those numbers say: marriages are up, and divorces are down. ...
It also reminds me of the statistics that broke a year ago, looking at divorce rates nationwide. Guess where divorce rates were the lowest?
Gay marriage-lovin' Massachusetts, which has recognized same-sex marriage for more than half a decade now. In fact, divorce numbers were so low in the Bay State last year, they rivaled statistics stemming all the way back to World War II.
Target CEO defends Minn. donations
from WOI-Des Moines
Target Corp.'s CEO on Tuesday defended the discount retailer's political donations to a Minnesota group helping the state's Republican candidate for governor, telling employees at its Minneapolis headquarters that the company's support of the gay community is "unwavering."
Chief Executive Gregg Steinhafel said gay employees have been raising concerns about the money helping state Rep. Tom Emmer, who opposes gay marriage. Target gave $150,000 to MN Forward, a group staffed by former insiders from outgoing Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty's administration. MN Forward is running TV ads supporting Emmer.
"We rarely endorse all advocated positions of the organizations or candidates we support, and we do not have a political or social agenda," Steinhafel said in an e-mail.
He added: "Let me be very clear, Target's support of the GLBT community is unwavering, and inclusiveness remains a core value of our company."
Emmer is a fiery conservative who lauds Arizona's strict approach to illegal immigration, once advocated chemical castration for sex offenders and wants to lower taxes. His profile contrasts with Target's moderate image in Minnesota, where the company is known for donating to public school programs, food pantries and the annual Twin Cities Gay Pride Festival.
Sharon Malheiro recognized as a Woman of Influence for 2010
One Iowa Board Chair Sharon Malheiro will be recognized by the Business Record as one of eight Women of Influence 2010 on August 10, 2010, at the Downtown Marriott in Des Moines, Iowa.
"We are so proud to have Sharon as our founder and board president," said One Iowa Executive Director Carolyn Jenison. "The work she's done on behalf of LGBT Iowans has made our state a better place to live and work for everyone, and even influenced our nation."
Malheiro is a senior shareholder and board president of the Davis Brown Law Firm. Sharon practices in the areas of Employment Law, including employment discrimination litigation, EEO/AA, and corporate employment policies and practices, as well as Media and Communications Law. Sharon’s legal work in the Media and Communications Law practice includes open records and open meetings litigation as well as defamation defense actions.
Sharon is the board chair of One Iowa, a state wide organization seeking full equality for LBGT Iowans, and was instrumental in the Varnum v. Brien decision that paved the way for marriage equality in Iowa. She provides pro bono legal counsel for the Aids Project of Central Iowa, and is one of the cooperating attorneys for Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund.
Sharon lives in Des Moines with her spouse Sue Ackerman.
Regional Field Organizer moves to new position
Last week we had to say goodbye one of our great regional organizers, Joe Nydle, who will be lending his regional organizer skills to Planned Parenthood of the Heartland.
“It has been an honor to be a part of One Iowa and their achievements," Joe said in an email. "During the past year I witnessed Iowans come together to make history by rejecting divisive politics and upholding the freedoms of all people. This could not have been possible without our faithful volunteers and fair minded legislators.
"I will continue serving on behalf of Iowans in my new position with Planned Parenthood of the Heartland. I am excited about the new challenges and opportunities with this role and look forward to our future accomplishments.”
Marriages up, divorces down in Iowa
from the Sioux City Journal
Iowa ended a four-year slide in the number of couples getting married last year, but experts say the turnaround could have been aided in part by an April 2009 court ruling that legalized same-sex marriages.
Also, Iowa posted the lowest number of divorces since 1970 with 7,286 dissolutions, according to preliminary statistics issued by the state Department of Public Health. ...
Justin Uebelhor of One Iowa, the state's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocacy organization, said the landmark Iowa court ruling triggered a spike in same-sex marriages as couples with Iowa ties or partners with no previous Iowa connection took advantage of the newly created legal status to tie the knot. "There are quite a few couples that I've seen getting married this summer - your typical wedding season," he added.
Couple finds same-sex weddings a 'spiritual experience'
Mark and Janet Rosenbury have been working for LGBT equality for nearly 20 years. When the couple moved to Des Moines, that effort naturally progressed to marriage equality.
"I think all loving couples should have the same rights," Janet says. "Why should Mark and I have any special rights that gay people don't have? We can't help but think if you don't have the same rights, it's like they are second class citizens."
"At best," Mark adds.
The couple credits Plymouth Congregational Church for solidifying their resolve to keep working and pushing for full LGBT equality. Before moving to Des Moines, Janet says she and Mark belonged to a progressive church group in Sioux City, but the denomination denied LGBT people full participation in the church.
"That's why we're so pleased to be at Plymouth. Two people who love each other make a commitment, so Plymouth will marry them," Mark says. "It's important for these folks to stand up in front of friends and family and say, 'We are a couple.'"
"At Plymouth, it doesn't matter who you are," Janet says. "When we first went and looked around, there were gay couples in leadership positions. For us to be part of a faith group that embraced everyone, that is the best part of being there."
As part of their commitment to equality, Janet volunteers on LGBT organization boards, including One Iowa, and participates in phone banks and lobby days. She says Mark is better at speaking out to people he meets and those he knows from the business community.
"I don't like hearing people say things like, 'I'm not going to associate with "those" people,'" Mark says. "'Those' people are just like me, and I'm just very pleased to associate with them."
"Iowa has really brought this to us," Janet says. "Some of our relatives in Indiana can't comprehend what we're doing. They claim they don't know anyone who's gay, but I don't know where they're living."
Whether or not the Iowa Supreme Court decision changed Iowa, depends on your point of view says Mark.
"I don't think it's changed at all, and that's the amazing thing," Mark says. "People have just gone on with their lives and I haven't seen any opposite-sex couples get divorced because gays can marry.
But if I were a gay person, I'd say it changed a lot. I know gay couples who are so happy. Like that couple from Texas featured on the site, they cherished the vows they took in Iowa. It has had an effect."
Mark says the importance of the marriage ceremony itself surprised and inspired him.
"I always thought rights for same-sex couples to marry was really because they deserve the legal benefits," Mark says. "And I thought the couples were only getting half a loaf because the federal government does not yet recognize their marriages.
"Then last year, when we attended a few same-sex weddings, I realized for these folks to stand up in front of friends and family and say, 'We are a loving couple committed to be together for life,' was the most important thing."
"We've been to many same-sex ceremonies, and it's a spiritual experience," Janet adds. "These weddings are great celebrations of marriage, with many supporting friends and family members attending. And we get to go to another one tonight."
'Standing on Higher Ground' events at UNI
In an effort to improve campus life for students, staff and faculty, the University of Northern Iowa is hosting a series of events in September and October called "Standing on Higher Ground: LGBT Dialogue & Reflection around Civility". The events include award-winning LGBT-themed movies, panel discussions and an appearance by Judy Shepard.
The Rainbow Reception
Sept. 1, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
The Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center (GBPAC) Lobby, UNI
The Rainbow Reception is an event to welcome LGBT and ally students, faculty and staff back to campus. Join us for an evening of information sharing, networking, fellowship, and dessert.
Movie: The Laramie Project
Sept. 13, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
University Book & Supply, Cedar Falls
Moisés Kaufman and members of New York's Tectonic Theater Project went to Laramie, Wyoming, after the murder of Matthew Shepard. This is a film version of the play they wrote based on more than 200 interviews they conducted in Laramie. It mixes real news reports with actors portraying friends, family, cops, killers, and other Laramie residents in their own words. It opened the 2002 Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for four Emmys.
Lecture: Judy Shepard
Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m.
GBPAC, UNI
Free for UNI students
In October 1998, Judy and Dennis Shepard lost their 21-year-old son Matthew to a murder motivated by anti-gay hate. Determined to prevent others from suffering their son’s fate, Judy and Dennis decided to turn their grief into action and established the Matthew Shepard Foundation to carry on Matthew’s legacy. In her continuing role as board president, she travels across the nation speaking to audiences about what they can do as individuals and communities to make this world a more accepting place for everyone, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression, or sexual orientation. Speaking from a mother’s perspective, Judy also authored a 2009 memoir, “The Meaning of Matthew.”
Panel Discussion: The Politics of Gay Marriage in Iowa
Sept. 21, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Waterloo Center for the Arts
Join us for an evening of dialogue, presented by One Iowa, with panelists representing legal, religious, PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and same-sex couples.
Safety & Learning: Optimal School Environments for LGBT Students, moderated by Dr. Nick Pace
Sept. 27, 4 p.m.-5 p.m.
Center for Multicultural Education, UNI
Join a panel of educators and students for sharing of experiences and suggestions on how we can collaboratively ensure optimal learning environments for LGBT students.
Life-Long University Course, with Scott Cawelti
Oct. 4-6, 10 a.m.-noon
Fee: $20; To register: call 319-273-5141
This course is an analysis and discussion of the 2002 film "The Laramie Project," a 97-minute feature employing 53 actors, many of them well known (Christina Ricci, Steve Buscemi, Laura Linney, Michael Emerson, Peter Fonda, Janeane Garofalo, Dylan Baker, Joshua Jackson, Amy Madigan, Camryn Manheim) to play the parts of the investigators and citizens of Laramie. Essentially, they perform the stage version on screen. Yet it's not the same; this class will focus on how it's necessarily different, and how those differences affect viewers' perceptions. We will watch the first half on Monday and the second on Wednesday, discussing sequences and their implications from the DVD version.
Workshop: “That’s So Gay” in partnership with Iowa Safe Schools
Oct. 7, 4:45 p.m.-7:15 p.m.
AEA267, Cedar Falls
Oct. 8, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Center for Multicultural Education, UNI
That's so gay, no homo, fag, and dyke are heard countless times in our schools. But how do you stop students from saying these hurtful words and phrases? Bullying and harassment of LGBT students can and must be stopped. This session is designed to create awareness of bullying and harassment facing LGBT students, and offer proven solutions to ending bullying and harassment.
Movie: Milk
Oct. 9, 2 p.m.
GBPAC, UNI
This is a powerful and inspiring story of California's first openly gay elected official Harvey Milk. In 1977, Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, becoming the first openly gay man to be voted into major public office in America. His victory was not just a victory for gay rights, he forged coalitions across the political spectrum. From senior citizens to union workers, Harvey Milk changed the very nature of what it means to be a fighter for human rights and became, before his untimely death in 1978, a hero for all Americans. Join us for a brief discussion afterward.
Movie: Out in the Silence
Oct. 9, 7 p.m.
GBPAC, UNI
Out in the Silence captures the remarkable chain of events that unfold when the announcement of filmmaker Joe Wilson’s wedding to another man ignites a firestorm of controversy in his small Pennsylvania hometown. Drawn back by a plea for help from the mother of a gay teen being tormented at school, Wilson’s journey dramatically illustrates the universal challenges of being an outsider in a conservative environment and the transformation that is possible when those who have long been constrained by a traditional code of silence summon the courage to break it. Join us for a brief discussion afterward.
Performance: The Laramie Project, by Tectonic Theatre Project
Oct 13 and 14, 7:30pm
In October 1998, Matthew Shepard was kidnapped, severely beaten and left to die, tied to a fence on the outskirts of Laramie, Wyoming. Five weeks later, Moisés Kaufman and fellow members of the Tectonic Theater Project went to Laramie, and over the course of the next year, conducted more than 200 interviews with people of the town. From these interviews they wrote the play The Laramie Project, a chronicle of the life of the town of Laramie in the year after the murder. The Epilogue was written ten years later when the same company revisited Laramie.
Talk Back & Interview with Tectonic Theatre Project Company Members
Oct. 15, 3 p.m.-4 p.m.
Center for Multicultural Education, UNI
Join members of the company for post performances discussion and learn about the process of interviewing and how to craft into a stage play. Come with questions you’d like to ask Tectonic Theatre Project Company members!
And look for these events coming soon!
Workshops by the justice department
Workshops provided for area law enforcement and our students considering careers in law enforcement. Part of a Federal Department of Justice project, law enforcement agencies are provided training on the new Hate Crimes Legislation passed in Matthew’s memory and issues of enforcement and diversity relating to that enforcement.
Bookclubs, Discussion and a Movie showing at University Book and Supply
Rose Lorenz and UBS are fully behind the project and will be adding the play and Judy Shepard’s book to their book club groups. Additionally they will host a showing of the Laramie project film and discussion lead by emeritus faculty Scott Cawalti.
Participation by national Matthew Shepard foundation and Iowa’s Eychaner Foundation
Students on campus who have received the Matthew Shepard scholarship and alumni who also did talk in a moderated forum about what it is and was like to be LGBT at UNI/in Cedar Falls.
One Iowa to rally next month in support of same-sex marriage
from The Iowa Independent
One Iowa, the state’s largest LGBT-rights organization, has announced a series of rallies around the state designed to counter the gatherings planned by anti-gay group National Organization for Marriage (NOM).
NOM announced in June that it would hold rallies in 22 states around the country to build public opposition to same-sex marriage. The group will be in Des Moines Aug. 1 and Sioux City Aug. 3. One Iowa plans to hold counter rallies in both cities, and additionally will organize events in Davenport, Waterloo and Iowa City.
“Marriage is the ultimate expression of a couple’s love, commitment, and responsibility for one another,” said One Iowa Executive Director Carolyn Jenison. “The freedom to marry in Iowa allows all committed couples to celebrate the promise they make to each other – together with family, friends, neighbors, and their community. We’re not about to let an out-of-touch, out-of-state extremist group change that. We’re confident Iowans will reject NOM’s divisive message at the polls this November and will embrace a forward-thinking agenda that includes all families.”
NOM spent nearly $100,000 into an Iowa House special election in September and announced last year that it would launch a new initiative called The Reclaim Iowa Project. The group aims to force Iowans to pass a state constitutional amendment reversing the unanimous ruling of the Iowa Supreme Court that the state’s Defense of Marriage Act was unconstitutional. U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, has pledged his support for the initiative and lent his voice to a robocall for the organization.
Summer for Marriage Equality!
The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) is spreading hate and inequality across the country right now, and when they come to Iowa, we will be ready with our message of love and marriage for all committed couples.
NOM will be in Des Moines on Aug. 1 and Sioux City on Aug. 3, and we'll be hosting separate gatherings in both places, as well as in other towns in Iowa. As a kickoff to our "Stand Proud, Vote Proud" project, we will get together to affirm our commitment to equality and gather strength and inspiration from each other.
Each gathering will feature couples, clergy, elected officials and volunteers speaking about how the freedom to marry has affected their family, neighbors and community. Our voices are strong when we join together, and we can send a positive message that all families are welcome and celebrated in Iowa.
Des Moines
Sunday, August 1, 3:00 p.m.
Western Gateway Park
12th Street, between Grand and Locust, Des Moines
Save your spot!
Quad Cities
Monday, August 2, 11 a.m.
Davenport Police Department Community Room
416 Harrison Street, Davenport
Save your spot!
Sioux City
Tuesday, August 3, 11 a.m.
Anderson Dance Pavilion
401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City
Save your spot!
Waterloo/Cedar Falls
Wednesday, August 4, 11 a.m.
Waterloo Public Library
415 Commercial Street, Waterloo
Save your spot!
Iowa City
Thursday, August 5, 11 a.m.
Iowa City Public Library
123 South Linn Street, Iowa City
Save your spot!
US gay rights group gets UN accreditation
from WOI-Des Moines
The U.N. Economic and Social Council voted Monday to accredit the U.S.-based International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission after strong lobbying by the Obama administration.
Obama, in a statement issued by the White House, welcomed the vote as an "important step forward for human rights." With the group's inclusion, he said "the United Nations is closer to the ideals on which it was founded, and to values of inclusion and equality to which the United States is deeply committed."
The group will now be able to attend U.N. meetings, submit statements and collaborate with both government and U.N. agencies on human rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, commission officials said.
The 54-member council, known as ECOSOC, approved the U.S.-based group's application for consultative status by a vote of 23-13 with 13 abstentions. Many of those voting "no" - including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Russia and China - cited procedural reasons.
Reynolds visits Grundy County
from the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier
... Earlier this month, [Branstad running mate Kim] Reynolds attracted attention when she told the Iowa Independent that the state could "take a look at civil unions," but not marriage.
On Monday, Reynolds said she was mistaken when she said that, and she fully supported a vote defining marriage as between one man and one woman. She also said she didn't approve of civil unions.
"I think that's in opposition to the marriage amendment," Reynolds said. "Family is the cornerstone of society, and we need to do everything we can to protect it."
Reynolds also pointed out she was among the 18 Republican senators who backed an effort over the last two sessions to get a bill on the constitutional amendment onto the Senate floor for a vote.
Reynolds said she's also been reaching out to supporters of Sioux City business consultant Bob Vander Plaats, who came in second in the primary. Republican chances look good this fall, she said, but the party needs to stick together.
"We need to be united," she said. "This is an important election."
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