Pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act

Though it seems like discrimination based on sexual orientation should be ancient history in the workplace, a bill that was first introduced in Congress in 1994--the Employment Non-Discrimination Act-- may finally pass in 2010. The bill would protect individuals from being fired or denied jobs or promotions based on their sexual orientation and now includes a provision to protect transgender people as well.
Hard to believe, isn't it. Yet there is still opposition to the bill.
Fortunately, my congressman, Harry Mitchell, D-Ariz, who is co-sponsor of the bill, sees it as an issue of fairness. Arizona is one of 29 states where employees can still be fired for their sexual orientation, he said. Unbelievable, I say.
"Why would you want to exclude anybody who is industrious, smart and could do the job? That's just crazy," he said.
President Obama has promised to sign the bill, which is expected to reach a vote in the first quarter of this year.
Fortunately, I have never seen discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation and can't imagine how heartbreaking it would be. Pass the bill--finally.

The gay gene

So, what genetic link in your family is responsible for your child or children being gay? We've all wondered about it. The other night I had this discussion with a visiting relative who refuses to believe that her side of the family could harbor any gay genes. Her denial irked me in a way that made me furious and defensive. Then I calmed down and thought--who cares! Why does it have to be a blame game? I firmly believe sexual orientation is an inherited trait and am merely curious about the genetic link--not accusational. What is she so afraid of?
Maybe someday we will be able to claim family credit for the gay gene the same way we take credit for the genetic link to I.Q., creativity, talent and more. So there!

Lesbian lawmaker a surrogate mother

In of all places--Utah--Rep. Christine Johnson, D-Salt Lake City, announced she is carrying a baby for two gay men. Even though the men were married in California when gay marriage was legal, they were unable to adopt in Utah. Johnson offered to become artificially impregnated with sperm from one of the men, and the baby is due on June 21. She did this at no cost. Usually, hiring a surrogate costs as much as $100,000, though the men will pick up all medical costs. She predicts they will be wonderful parents.
Johnson, 41, who has a 17-year-old daughter from a two-year marriage said she empathized with their desire to become parents. "I'm immeasurably grateful to be a mother," she said.

Portugal to become sixth country in Europe to permit gay marriage

Portugal--a predominantly Catholic country-- passed a bill last week to allow gay marriage. Though the bill was supported by parties on the left, their conservative president is expected to ratify it. The first gay marriage ceremonies could take place as early as April.
Oops, that's just a month before Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled for his official visit.

Ages and ages and attitude changes

My open support of gay rights recently led to a discussion with a couple from the older generation of lesbian women whose own mothers either ignored or did not acknowledge their gayness. As a matter of fact, one felt her own flesh-and-blood mother was embarrassed of her and simply denied the fact that she was gay in order to protect her social position or image--or whatever. How sad, ridiculous and hurtful. Her mother never even talked with her about her being gay. Hiding or ignoring is the biggest sin mothers or fathers of gay children can commit. What kind of scars do many older gay people carry with them--silently accepting their anguished position. How can you allow some fake societal expectation to perpetuate your own feelings toward your child.
I certainly hope we have changed through the years and now offer strength and acceptance to the younger generation of gays. We should honor the older generation who have unfairly endured the burden of silence and discrimination--yet led wonderful and productive lives with their partners in spite of it. They are the examples of commitment that helped to power the ongoing efforts toward same-sex marriage, and we thank them.

Gay and lesbian chambers of commerce

I wasn't aware of the many gay and lesbian chambers of commerce around the country until I read about the local Phoenix chamber in my morning newspaper and researched the many groups across the country--including the national organization.
Today's Arizona Republic read: "The Greater Phoenix Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce donated $30,000 in toys to Phoenix Children's Hospital's child-life program. The chamber collected more than 2,500 toys from its members, area retailers and other donors during its holiday drive, organizers said." That's great!
These organizations are an asset to many communities and surely have a respected voice in the quest for same-sex marriage.

Movement underway to ban divorce in California

To fight the hypocrisy of California's Proposition 8, John Marcotte, a Sacramento web designer, has started a campaign to make divorce illegal in California.
So, all those who vowed "Til death do us part," would be stuck with each other!
Since Proposition 8 supposedly protects the sanctity of traditional marriage, Marcotte thinks voters should have no issue with banning divorce. Such irony. This is a seriously satirical undertaking that makes Proposition 8 look even more nonsensical.
Marcotte, a 38-year-old married, Catholic, Democrat and father of two (who voted against Proposition 8) needs 694,354 signatures by March 22 to make this happen. At a recent "ban divorce" rally he held in Sacramento, some people sported signs that read, "You too can vote to take away civil rights from someone."
Currently, the U.S. divorce rate is almost 50 percent, but oddly enough, California is one of the six states that doesn't report divorce rates. Wonder why? How high could they be?
California has always been a progressive state, and "for better or worse" Proposition 8 makes them look ridiculous.
So, here's to "Til death do us part," California! No more divorce for you!
Oh, I forgot. You can always get annulments like the Catholics. That's enough hypocrisy for one day!