More US companies covering transgender surgery
This is a welcome trend, and it indicates the importance that more major employers are giving to inclusion of trans employees in their diversity efforts.
Friday, February 25, 2011
First Civil Unions and Now Fighting for Transgender Employment Protections in Hawaii
First Civil Unions and Now Fighting for Transgender Employment Protections in Hawaii
While many in the trans community have concerns about the Human Rights Campaign, it's important to note that they are working on trans employment rights in several areas of the country.
While many in the trans community have concerns about the Human Rights Campaign, it's important to note that they are working on trans employment rights in several areas of the country.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Your ENDA Ran Over My DOMA
I was trying to come up with a snappy title for this posting on the U.S. Attorney General's announcement that the Obama Administration would no longer defend the Defense of Marriage Act in court. I was reminded about the old joke about the dispute between the Christian and the Buddhist, with the former complaining that "your karma ran over my dogma." Because the Holder DOMA Memo, as I have now dubbed it, is filled with sly, ironic humor, as shall soon be shortly revealed, I thought it only fitting to add some humor of my own.
As I explained yesterday, the Obama Administration's view of DOMA is that it should be subject to "heightened judicial scrutiny" under the equal protection concept embodied in the Fifth Amendment. Under the highest form of judicial scrutiny, known as "strict scrutiny," laws are usually found unconstitutional unless they have a really compelling reason.
Why does the Obama Administration think that DOMA should be subject to the stricter judicial scrutiny, thus making them unconstitutional?
Because of ENDA, among other things. Remember ENDA?
Click here to read more
As I explained yesterday, the Obama Administration's view of DOMA is that it should be subject to "heightened judicial scrutiny" under the equal protection concept embodied in the Fifth Amendment. Under the highest form of judicial scrutiny, known as "strict scrutiny," laws are usually found unconstitutional unless they have a really compelling reason.
Why does the Obama Administration think that DOMA should be subject to the stricter judicial scrutiny, thus making them unconstitutional?
Because of ENDA, among other things. Remember ENDA?
Click here to read more
The Bay Area Reporter Online | Dems may have had votes for ENDA
The Bay Area Reporter Online | Dems may have had votes for ENDA
Not new news, but useful in terms of thinking about strategy for next time. I note that the article tags as controversial the comment by Diego Sanchez, legislative assistant to Rep. Barney Frank, the bill's main sponsor, that the Democrats had the votes for ENDA. I think what Mr. Sanchez meant is that the House of Representatives, where he works, had the votes to pass ENDA. I don't believe he was commenting on the Senate, about which he probably wouldn't have much more knowledge than any informed outsider.
Not new news, but useful in terms of thinking about strategy for next time. I note that the article tags as controversial the comment by Diego Sanchez, legislative assistant to Rep. Barney Frank, the bill's main sponsor, that the Democrats had the votes for ENDA. I think what Mr. Sanchez meant is that the House of Representatives, where he works, had the votes to pass ENDA. I don't believe he was commenting on the Senate, about which he probably wouldn't have much more knowledge than any informed outsider.
Monday, February 21, 2011
California Assemblymember Toni Atkins introduces Gender Nondiscrimination Act | San Diego Gay and Lesbian News
California Assemblymember Toni Atkins introduces Gender Nondiscrimination Act | San Diego Gay and Lesbian News: "California non-discrimination laws already define 'gender' to include a person's gender identity (how they see themselves) and gender expression (how other people see them). AB 887 specifically enumerates gender identity and gender expression in order to simplify compliance with existing legal protections."
California law has long protected transgender people, and this change will make the statute clearer and more out front with the concept of transgender protection. The terms "gender identity" and "gender expresssion" are those ordinarily used in similar laws across the country.
California law has long protected transgender people, and this change will make the statute clearer and more out front with the concept of transgender protection. The terms "gender identity" and "gender expresssion" are those ordinarily used in similar laws across the country.
The Rainbow Times | The Freshest LGBT News in New England
The Rainbow Times | The Freshest LGBT News in New England: "Governor Deval Patrick issued an executive order that prohibits discrimination based on “gender identity or expression,” a move that provides transgender workers in state government with employment protections."
This is particularly good, in light of the apparent inability of the state legislature to pass a bill with such protections because of right-wing opposition that has employed gross distortions about transgender people. It's not a substitute, but it's a start. It will demonstrate that employment protections do not impair the safety of others, a ludicrous notion.
This is particularly good, in light of the apparent inability of the state legislature to pass a bill with such protections because of right-wing opposition that has employed gross distortions about transgender people. It's not a substitute, but it's a start. It will demonstrate that employment protections do not impair the safety of others, a ludicrous notion.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Asheville should recognize rights of all citizens | The Asheville Citizen-Times | citizen-times.com
Asheville should recognize rights of all citizens | The Asheville Citizen-Times | citizen-times.com
"Asheville's [North Carolina] City Council will soon vote on a resolution to affirm and protect the equal rights of all its citizens...Asheville's resolution is, therefore, bold, brave and praiseworthy."
The proposed resolution would include gender identity and expression. http://goqnotes.com/9975/western-asheville-coalition-pushes-for-lgbt-rights/
"Asheville's [North Carolina] City Council will soon vote on a resolution to affirm and protect the equal rights of all its citizens...Asheville's resolution is, therefore, bold, brave and praiseworthy."
The proposed resolution would include gender identity and expression. http://goqnotes.com/9975/western-asheville-coalition-pushes-for-lgbt-rights/
Thursday, February 10, 2011
British Columbia's Transgender Rights Bill Passed
B.C. MP's transgender rights bill passed by House of Commons | Vancouver, Canada | Straight.com: "MP Bill Siksay’s bill to protect transgender people from discrimination was passed by the House of Commons today (February 9).
Members of Parliament voted 143 to 135 to pass Bill C-389 through third reading."
The bill still has to pass the Senate.
Members of Parliament voted 143 to 135 to pass Bill C-389 through third reading."
The bill still has to pass the Senate.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Transgender employee fired by state awaits ruling
Transgender employee fired by state awaits ruling: "On Tuesday, Glenn's attorneys filed papers in the U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, defending a lower court's ruling that their client was a victim of sexual harassment. U.S. District Judge Richard Story ordered Glenn be reinstated with full salary, benefits and seniority; she agreed to stay home pending the state's appeal."
The Eleventh Circuit is not known for its sympathy to employment discrimination cases. I am crossing my fingers for Ms. Glenn.
The Eleventh Circuit is not known for its sympathy to employment discrimination cases. I am crossing my fingers for Ms. Glenn.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Groundbreaking Study Finds Pervasive Discrimination Against Transgender People
Groundbreaking Study Finds Pervasive Discrimination Against Transgender People: "The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) today released a comprehensive new report, “Injustice at Every Turn,” revealing the depth of discrimination against transgender and gender non-conforming people in a wide range of areas, including education, health care, employment, and housing. The study, based on the results from the National Transgender Discrimination Survey (NTDS), was based on responses from over 6,450 participants. The NTDS is the first large-scale national study of discrimination against transgender and gender non-conforming Americans, and paints a more complete picture than any prior research to date."
The findings are not a surprise to anyone working in this field. Studies like this are, however, very useful in understanding the pervasiveness and depth of discrimination out there. The study is definitely worth a thorough read.
The findings are not a surprise to anyone working in this field. Studies like this are, however, very useful in understanding the pervasiveness and depth of discrimination out there. The study is definitely worth a thorough read.
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