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.
Good morning, and thanks for tuning in to Equally Speaking, your morning dose of GLBT news from the Human Rights Campaign for Monday, June 2. I’m Sarah Birnie.
And I’m John Lake… First up, news from HRC:
HRC hosted the latest Camp Equality event in Phoenix, Arizona this past weekend. Camp Equality, a part of HRC's Year To Win initiative to help elect fair-minded candidates and defeat discriminatory ballot measures, is a 2-day campaign training being held in 13 states. To learn more about dates, locations and how to register for Camp Equality, visit HRC.org/campequality.
GLBT rights activists held protests in Moscow yesterday after city officials refused to grant them permission to hold parades or demonstrations. In the past, activists have repeatedly tried to hold parades and rallies in Moscow in the past to call attention to GLBT rights. The city’s mayor denied protestors permission and has said that homosexuality is, “satanic.”
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is set to become the largest university with an openly gay leader with the expected appointment of Carolyn Martin as chancellor. Martin, who goes by Biddy, is among a handful of openly gay college presidents and chancellors, most of whom oversee smaller colleges and universities. Wisconsin at Madison has over 40,000 students.
Last week, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed legislation that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in housing, public accommodations, credit transactions, juror service, and other areas. In 2007, Colorado passed laws prohibiting employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity and providing for second parent adoption.
Ten states are urging the California Supreme Court to delay the final ruling to legalize same-sex marriage. The attorneys general of Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, South Carolina, South Dakota and Utah are asking the court to stay its ruling until after the November election, when voters will likely decide whether to amend the state constitution to ban marriage for gay and lesbian couples. California Attorney General Jerry Brown is urging the court not to grant the stay.
In commendation of California’s landmark ruling allowing marriage for gay and lesbian couples, Macy’s has taken out a full-page ad to attract the business of same-sex couples planning their nuptials. The ad reads, “First comes love. Then comes marriage. And now it’s a milestone every couple in California can celebrate.”
That’s the news from us today. Thanks for tuning in to Equally Speaking.
Have a great day, and we’ll see you back here again tomorrow morning.