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 Tuesday, July 29th. I’m Betsy Pursell.
And I’m Shelena Williams. First up, news from HRC’s San Francisco Dinner.
WordPerfect co-founder Bruce Bastian donated 1 million dollars for the campaign against Proposition 8 at HRC’s San Francisco Dinner this past weekend. HRC president Joe Solmonese says Bastian has worked closely with the organization in the past and holds an annual fundraiser at his home in Orem, Utah. So far, HRC has raised more than 570,000 dollars toward the fight against the California ballot initiative that could take away marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples in the state.
The California secretary of state has changed language in the ballot initiative that would ban marriage for same-sex couples in California. The new language says that the initiative changes the California Constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry, replacing old language that defined marriage as being between a man and a woman. Some activists say the change could help to defeat the measure, citing poll results that show denoting the removal of rights can add up to 10 percentage points to “no” votes.
Advertisements for Nike and Mars, Incorporated’s Snickers chocolate bars have been pulled after negotiations with HRC regarding the insensitive and homophobic nature of the ads. Nike has received a 100 percent rating on the Corporate Equality Index and HRC earlier in the year convinced Mars, Incorporated to drop a similar offensive ad. HRC applauds these groups for taking swift and appropriate action in removing these ads and renewing their respect for GLBT Americans.
President Bush announced his plans to sign the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which would triple money to fight AIDS worldwide and repeal a ban on HIV-positive people from traveling or immigrating the U.S. President Bush thanked members of Congress during his weekly radio address and said he would be honored to sign the legislation into law this week. The House voted 303 to 115 to approve the bill late last week.
An investigation is underway in Knoxville, Tennessee, as to the motive of a gunman who opened fire on a Unitarian Universalist congregation, leaving two dead and seven in critical condition. Witnesses report that the gunman entered the church, shouting hateful words. The Unitarian Universalist Church promotes progressive social work and advocates for the rights of women and GLBT people. A vigil attended by HRC Religion & Faith Director Harry Knox was held last night by local Unitarian Universalists.
A federal judge in Florida has criticized former Ponce de Leon High School Principal David Davis for his relentless crusade against GLBT students at the school. The judge accuses Davis of orchestrating a “witch hunt” by banning the wearing of buttons, stickers or clothing that supported LGBT civil rights, saying such free speech would “likely be disruptive.” The American Civil Liberties Union represented a student in the discrimination case, which has cost the school district three hundred and twenty five thousand dollars.
That’s the news from us today. Thanks for tuning in to Equally Speaking.
Thanks for watching, and we’ll see you back here again tomorrow morning