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 LGBT news from the Human Rights Campaign for Monday, October 6th. I’m James Servino.
And I’m Jonathan Monteith. First up, news from HRC.
HRC’s Twelfth Annual National Dinner was held this weekend, celebrating the best and brightest in the LGBT community. Financial guru Suze Orman was honored as well as two members of the HRC Board of Directors, Bruce Bastian and Terry Bean. Bastian was awarded the National Leadership Award for his work to promote marriage equality and Bean was given the National Legacy Award, celebrating one of HRC’s most enduring and committed leaders.
Honoree Suze Orman was presented with the National Equality Award at the dinner on Saturday. In her acceptance speech, Orman told the audience that to effectively make progress toward equality, we must secure our own financial power. She also described how her life and career had benefitted from being honest and open about her sexuality.
Senator Joe Biden was slated to deliver featured remarks at Saturday's dinner but canceled due to the worsening health of his mother-in-law. Senator Hillary Clinton graciously offered to appear live by satellite from California, offering remarks in his place. Senator Biden's mother-in-law, Bonny Jean Jacobs, passed away yesterday at the age of 78. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Senator Biden and his family.
In other news, GLBT rights were showcased in Thursday's vice presidential debate. Moderator Gwen Ifill pointed out Governor Palin's opposition to domestic partner benefits. Although neither candidate supports marriage equality, Senator Biden indicated that he supports benefits and protections, while Palin said that she opposes benefits that "lead to marriage."
Meanwhile, a woman in Montana is appealing a district court opinion last week that gave parental and visitation rights to her former partner. Barbara Maniaci adopted two children while still with then-partner Michelle Kulstad, but when the couple parted ways in 2006, Kulstad had no legal parental rights over the children. The previous court ruling said that it was in the children’s best interest that Kulstad be granted parental rights and allowed to play an active role in their lives. Maniaci is appealing the case to the Montana Supreme Court.
Finally this morning, a minister who performed a marriage ceremony for a lesbian couple in 2005 was found not guilty of violating the constitution of the U.S. Presbyterian Church. Reverend Janet Edwards went on trial for the same ceremony in 2006 but the charges were dropped due to a technicality. At least three other Presbyterian ministers have been investigated or charged for officiating over weddings for gay and lesbian couples.
That’s the news from us today. Thanks for tuning in to Equally Speaking.
Thanks for watching, have a great day.