Equally Speaking
The following is a transcript of HRC’s morning news webcast "Equally Speaking." To view the current videos visit the main Equally Speaking page.
Hello and thanks for tuning in to Equally Speaking, your daily does of LGBT news from the Human Rights Campaign for Thursday, October 29th. I’m Adam Marquez.
And I’m Alison Delpercio. First up, President Obama signs the Shepard and Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
The LGBT community celebrated a major victory yesterday as President Barack Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law. The new statute gives the Justice Department the ability to investigate and prosecute bias-motivated violence towards victims due to their race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. The act also provides assistance and grants to state and local communities to combat any violent hate crime. HRC President Joe Solomenese stated, “This law honors our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters whose lives were cut short because of hate.”
In an update on ENDA, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, a hearing is scheduled in the Senate for November 5th. The act would prohibit employers from firing or refusing to hire any employee due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. ENDA was introduced by Sen. Jeff Merekly of Oregon in August, and now has 41 co-sponsors.
“Milk” screen writer Dustin Lance Black was barred from speaking at a Michigan college on the topic of sexuality. Robert Frost, the dean of students at Hope College, stated, “in the past, speakers with strong opinions on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans- issues have caused problems among students.” Students disappointed by the college’s decision will still hold a screening of “Milk,” as well as a discussion with Black at a local cinema.
Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter, has reversed his opinion on the Defense of Marriage Act, for which he voted in 1996. Specter says he wants to see DOMA repealed, "don't ask, don't tell" lifted and reaffirmed his support for the Employment Non Discrimination Act.
In international news, six more British youths have been arrested for the assault on 22-year-old James Parker. Up to 20 people had attacked Parker on Sunday night near a bar in Liverpool. Out of the six boys arrested, two of them were 13, another two were 15, and two were 16. As officers still continue to investigate the hate crime, family members and friends of Parker have organized a candle light vigil at the scene of the crime.
With the election less than a week away and critical issues on the ballots in Maine, Washington state and Michigan, people concerned with these issues can get involved. Visit HRCBackstory.org and learn about the 3-2-1 Countdown to Equality campaign to get involved no matter where you live.
That’s the news from us today, thanks for watching.
We’ll see you back here again tomorrow.