Equally Speaking
Equally Speaking
Monday, May 14, 2007
In our top story today on HRC's daily webcast, an openly gay sailor who was asked to re-enlist in the Navy has now been fired a second time. Last week, we told you about Jason Knight, who was discharged from the military two years ago for being gay. Knight was called back into service recently, but now that he’s gone public with his story, the Navy has fired him again. To hear from Knight about this new turn of events, tune in to tonight’s episode of "The Agenda with Joe Solmonese" on XM Satellite Radio channel 120 from 6 to 8 p.m. Eastern.
Today, we’re entering a landmark week in the movement for transgender rights. More than 100 advocates are now on their way to Washington, D.C., to lobby Congress for transgender equality. These leaders will urge the Senate to pass the trans-inclusive hate crimes bill as well as a workplace fairness law. For more information, go to www.nctequality.org.
Connecticut’s Legislature will not hold a vote this year on marriage rights for same-sex couples. The marriage bill’s sponsors said it will have a better chance of passage in 2008 or 2009. Meanwhile, today, Connecticut’s highest court will hear arguments in a major marriage equality case.
An Anglican priest in Canada has resigned after being ordered not to perform same-sex wedding ceremonies. The Reverend Shawn Sanford Beck has spoken out in support for marriage equality. He said he found his denomination’s ban on the ceremonies to be "theologically problematic and fundamentally unjust." His resignation comes in the midst of worldwide conflict in the Anglican church over GLBT issues.
A lesbian parent has received visitation rights for the children she raised with her former partner. Nancy SooHoo and Marilyn Johnson of Minneapolis adopted two daughters from China during their relationship. But because China does not allow same-sex couples to adopt, only Johnson was named as a legal parent. In allowing SooHoo visitation rights, the judge noted that the girls had referred to both women as "Mommy."
An openly transgender woman has been elected president of the San Francisco Police Commission. Theresa Sparks has advocated extensively for transgender rights during her three years with the commission. Her election makes Sparks San Francisco’s highest-ranking transgender official.