Vermont lawmakers give ok to gay marriage

It is unprecedented - historic - a day for rejoicing and celebration for all GLBT, progressives and allies across the country.

As a writer, I try really hard to be objective, but this decision takes on personal significance for me. My regular readers and friends know that I was married for 15 years to a person who was gay - we remain close friends, but the bottom line is simple: Had gay marriage been an option, we likely would not have spent 15 years spinning our proverbial wheels, trying to fit a square peg into a round hole - no pun intended. I have so many friends and associates who are gay and have become an ally for GLBT causes.

I was recently encouraged to see Mayor Bloomberg endorse gay marriage again. I hope to attend a day of lobbying in Albany in April to address GLBT issues and the gay marriage issue as well.

Here is an excerpt of the article that rang true to me - it is why I ultimately, and with deep sadness, had to make the painful decision to leave my religion (The Mormon/LDS Church) of some 20 plus years: "Opponents of the measure spoke of their respect for its advocates. One, Rep. Albert "Sonny" Audette, expressed sadness at having concluded he was required by his church to vote no.

"I am a devout Catholic," Audette said. "My religion at this point would not want me to vote for this. I wish that I could and I hope for the best and I congratulate the people who are trying to get this through."

What would Jesus do in a case like this? What would he have done about slavery, or the Nazi occupation, or the Rwanda genocide or the massacre in Darfur?

This is a civil rights issue and again, equal means everyone - when one of us is marginalized, we are all lesser people.

Here is the link to the entire story as posted on USA Today: http://sprint.usatoday.mlogic3g.com/236583/news/

Equality and Justice Day in Albany

Our GLBT friends continue to be under fire. Equal is right and it is time that the NY legislature heard it loud and clear.

On April 28, I shall take my first ever trip to Albany. I am not new to lobbying, given that I was a political appointee in Utah, and spent many hours lobbying at the capitol for various causes, including GLBT issues.

I received the following email from the ACLU in New York asking me to attend this event and I plan to take my first vacation day from my job in order to have my voice be heard:


In the historic movement for LGBT rights, New York has become the new national battleground.
A democratic majority rules our State Senate for the first time in decades. And this year, we have a real chance to secure marriage fairness, transgender rights, and safe schools for LGBT youth. The nation has its eyes on us, and we can make history.

Will you join the NYCLU and hundreds of New Yorkers in Albany on Tuesday, April 28 in this powerful show of force?

Register now for Equality and Justice Day.
Last year more than 1,200 people from all across New York descended upon Albany on Equality & Justice Day to tell their elected officials that all families deserve fairness and protection. With the passage of Prop 8, LGBT rights in California have been stripped. Now we must step up and tell our elected officials: All New Yorkers’ Deserve Equality.

There will be a huge rally, lobby visits, workshops, an NYCLU reception, food and more!
NYCLU is sponsoring buses to Albany on Equality & Justice Day. Register now! Buses leave from all over the state. Registration Deadline is Wednesday, April 8. We cannot guarantee a bus seat or scheduled lobby visits after this date.

Contact Erica for more information at 212-607-3361 or e-mail ebraudy@nyclu.org. Equality and Justice Day is sponsored by the Empire State Pride Agenda.