Minneapolis, Minn. – Continuing its leadership in urging Democrats to take a stand on the freedom to marry in its party platform this election, Freedom to Marry National Director Marc Solomon will testify before the Democratic Party Platform Drafting Committee July 27-28 in Minneapolis, along with Chief Warrant Officer Charlie Morgan of the New Hampshire National Guard, and her wife, Karen.
Recent polling shows that nearly three-fourths of registered Democrats support the freedom to marry, and Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz has said that she expects that it will be voted into the party platform in September. Through its Democrats: Say I Do campaign, Freedom to Marry has secured support for the plank from prominent Democrats across the country, including 22 Democratic Senators, the Chair of this year’s Democratic National Convention, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, four former chairs of the national Democratic Party, Caroline Kennedy and nine other co-chairs of President Obama’s reelection campaign, and more than 40,000 Americans who’ve added their names to its online petition.
But even where same-sex couples can legally marry, federal law ignores those marriages and denies the spouses the benefits of being married.
CW2 Morgan, a member of OutServe, the association of actively serving gay and lesbian service members, is undergoing intravenous chemotherapy in her battle with incurable stage-four breast cancer. She recently returned from a deployment to the Middle East. Though the couple was married in New Hampshire in 2011 after nearly 14 committed years together, they still do not receive the same federal protections as their straight, married peers. Should CW2 Morgan not survive her battle with cancer, her wife would not receive the survivors' benefits she desperately needs to take care of their 5-year-old daughter, Casey Elena.
“The only thing we’ve ever asked is to be treated just like any other family,” said Karen Morgan, who will speak for the couple on Saturday in Minneapolis, as CW2 Morgan's voice has been compromised by a tumor pressing on her vocal chords. “Our relationship is built on love, honor, and commitment through any obstacle life brings. Especially as a military family serving our country, it’s so disheartening in our time of need to be treated like second-class citizens. Now that our commander in chief has taken a stand for the freedom to marry for same-sex couples -- a freedom we enjoy in New Hampshire -- it's time that our nation's decision makers at all levels do the same and ensure that all marriages are recognized by our federal government."
The couple were featured in an online video released last week as part of Freedom to Serve, Freedom to Marry, a joint campaign of Freedom to Marry and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) spotlighting the inequalities forced upon gay and lesbian service members by the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Along with seven other couples, they are plaintiffs in a landmark lawsuit filed by SLDN in October 2011 challenging DOMA and other federal statutes that prevent the military from providing equal recognition and support to same-sex military spouses.
“The Democratic Party has a noble history of fighting for the human and civil rights of all Americans,” said Solomon of Freedom to Marry. “With President Obama’s powerful endorsement for the freedom to marry and the overwhelming support of Democratic voters nationwide, the time has now come for the national party to make a strong stand and once again lead.”
Democratic governors throughout the country – including those in New York, Massachusetts, Washington, Maryland, and New Hampshire – have made the freedom to marry a priority, and more than 250 Democratic mayors have joined Mayors for the Freedom to Marry.
These positions reflect the sentiment of the American public, whose support for the freedom to marry is at historic highs. A May 2012 CNN/ORC International poll found record support: 54 percent of Americans, including 70 percent of Democrats, 60 percent of Independents, and 73 percent of voters between the ages of 18 to 34.
Freedom to Marry will continue to share the stories of same-sex couples, both married and those unable to marry – along with those of parents, children, friends, and allies – to grow the majority for marriage and to show Democrats that it’s time to do the right thing and stand up for the freedom to marry for all.
For more information on Freedom to Serve, Freedom to Marry, visi: twww.freedomtomarry.org/serve.
***
ABOUT FREEDOM TO MARRY: is the campaign to win marriage nationwide. We are pursuing our Roadmap to Victory by working to win the freedom to marry in more states, grow the national majority for marriage, and end federal marriage discrimination. We partner with individuals and organizations across the country to end the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage and the protections, responsibilities, and commitment that marriage brings.
ABOUT SLDN: SLDN is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. Since 1993, our in-house legal team has responded to more than 11,500 requests for assistance.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Veterans and the Risk of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos was widely used in everyday household items and also for industrial use. It was considered a miracle mineral because it was lightweight yet tough and heat resistant. Unfortunately, because of its wide use decades ago, people are now suffering from mesothelioma as a result of the previously unknown side effects of asbestos.
Veterans are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma than the general population due to exposure to the substance while in the military. It is estimated that of the 25 million veterans alive today, about 5 to 10 percent are affected by mesothelioma and don't even know it. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lungs in which fluid builds up on the outer lining. This is caused by the development of a malignant tumor that develops in the mesothelium. Once in an advanced stage, it can spread to other parts of the body. Some symptoms of mesothelioma are shortness of breath, dry coughing and chest pain. Some may excuse these symptoms as other medical conditions, which can certainly delay diagnosis and treatment. An early diagnosis means that the patient could live a considerable amount of time with the disease through treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. If the cancer is diagnosed during stages two through four, the focus is on keeping the patient comfortable during the last stages of the disease. Since this disease often isn't diagnosed until the advanced stages, prognosis is poor. Patients can expect to live four to eighteen months after their diagnosis.
All branches of the military used asbestos. It was useful in many military applications and projects because of its unusual qualities. Therefore, most men and women who served in the military during the prevalent use of asbestos suffered some exposure. The unfortunate fact is that it only takes a small amount of exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma to develop. There have been reports of some developing the cancer after only one or two months of exposure.
Asbestos was used extensively in shipyards and in the armed forces between 1940 and 1970 because of its many favorable properties such as its durability and resistance to heat. Since mesothelioma can have a latency period of up to 50 years, it can be difficult to diagnose. Many of the physical symptoms it causes often mimic that of other medical problems that are much less serious. It is because of this latency period of difficult diagnosis that asbestos was used for such a long period of time before its harmful effects were finally recognized. Asbestos was often used in the construction of military housing, which meant that not only was the veteran exposed, but also his or her family would have been exposed.
If you are a veteran and you think you are displaying some physical symptoms of mesothelioma, it is important to see a medical professional right away to receive a proper diagnosis. As a veteran, you may have certain benefits offered to you in the treatment of this disease.
Douglas Karr, USN Veteran
Operations Desert Storm & Desert Shield
www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/doug/
Veterans are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma than the general population due to exposure to the substance while in the military. It is estimated that of the 25 million veterans alive today, about 5 to 10 percent are affected by mesothelioma and don't even know it. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lungs in which fluid builds up on the outer lining. This is caused by the development of a malignant tumor that develops in the mesothelium. Once in an advanced stage, it can spread to other parts of the body. Some symptoms of mesothelioma are shortness of breath, dry coughing and chest pain. Some may excuse these symptoms as other medical conditions, which can certainly delay diagnosis and treatment. An early diagnosis means that the patient could live a considerable amount of time with the disease through treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. If the cancer is diagnosed during stages two through four, the focus is on keeping the patient comfortable during the last stages of the disease. Since this disease often isn't diagnosed until the advanced stages, prognosis is poor. Patients can expect to live four to eighteen months after their diagnosis.
All branches of the military used asbestos. It was useful in many military applications and projects because of its unusual qualities. Therefore, most men and women who served in the military during the prevalent use of asbestos suffered some exposure. The unfortunate fact is that it only takes a small amount of exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma to develop. There have been reports of some developing the cancer after only one or two months of exposure.
Asbestos was used extensively in shipyards and in the armed forces between 1940 and 1970 because of its many favorable properties such as its durability and resistance to heat. Since mesothelioma can have a latency period of up to 50 years, it can be difficult to diagnose. Many of the physical symptoms it causes often mimic that of other medical problems that are much less serious. It is because of this latency period of difficult diagnosis that asbestos was used for such a long period of time before its harmful effects were finally recognized. Asbestos was often used in the construction of military housing, which meant that not only was the veteran exposed, but also his or her family would have been exposed.
If you are a veteran and you think you are displaying some physical symptoms of mesothelioma, it is important to see a medical professional right away to receive a proper diagnosis. As a veteran, you may have certain benefits offered to you in the treatment of this disease.
Douglas Karr, USN Veteran
Operations Desert Storm & Desert Shield
www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/doug/
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
As Cancer-Stricken Soldier Fights for Her Life and Her Family's Equality, 30,000+ Petitions Delivered to Congress to Strike Down DOMA
CW2 Charlie Morgan of the New Hampshire National Guard and family featured in new SLDN, Freedom to Marry video
(Washington, DC) – Freedom to Marry and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) today released a new online video featuring Chief Warrant Officer (CW2) Charlie Morgan and her wife, Karen, spotlighting the inequalities forced upon gay and lesbian service members by the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Morgan - who is battling incurable stage four breast cancer - recently returned from a deployment to the Middle East. Should she not survive this battle for her health, her wife would not receive the survivors' benefits she desperately needs to take care of their now five-year-old daughter, Casey Elena.
"In 2008, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy and several rounds of chemotherapy to save my life. In 2010 - declared cancer free by my oncologist - I was deployed to Kuwait for one year in support of Operation New Dawn. I faithfully fulfilled my duty and returned home to my wife and our then four-year old daughter. But last September, we learned the awful truth that my cancer has returned. It is metastatic and incurable. We don't know how long I have," CW2 Morgan said today.
SLDN and Freedom to Marry also announced meetings on Capitol Hill to deliver the petition signed by 30,000 supporters of the Respect for Marriage Act via the Freedom to Serve, Freedom to Marry campaign. The video and petition delivery are the latest initiatives of the national campaign by the two organizations highlighting the stories of military families harmed by DOMA.
“Many people think that our troops are serving freely and fairly alongside each other as a result of the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ but that is not the case,” said Evan Wolfson, founder and President of Freedom to Marry. “There is still a federal ban on treating married service members as what they are: married. The so-called Defense of Marriage Act continues to discriminate against gay and lesbian service members and their families, including the Morgans, by denying them the critical safety-net of protections and responsibilities that come only with marriage. It is time to do what’s right by our military families, end federal marriage discrimination, and give all married service members the same fairness, dignity, and respect.”
The Morgans are plaintiffs in a lawsuit brought by SLDN in October 2011 challenging DOMA and three other federal statutes that prevent the military from providing equal recognition and support to same-sex military spouses. Currently, the Morgans do not receive the same protections as their straight, married peers, and Karen would not be entitled to survivor's benefits upon CW2 Morgan's death.
CW2 Morgan drew national support in February when she visited Capitol Hill to meet with the staff of Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH), tell her personal story, and share how the Speaker's ongoing legal defense of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) via the House Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group (BLAG) harms her family. There, she detailed her battle with incurable stage-four breast cancer and asked the Speaker to drop his legal defense of DOMA. Boehner has ignored her pleas and continues to defend the discriminatory law in court.
"It's unfathomable to me how anyone could look at the Morgan Family and not be moved by this wonderful family and see how they're being treated unfairly. Here's a service member, who has risked her life for our nation overseas and now is fighting for her life here at home. She shouldn't be forced also to fight for her family to be recognized, respected, and provided the same support as any of her peers would receive. It's time to end the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act and treat all service members as first-class Americans," said Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis.
Because of the ‘gay exception’ created by DOMA, America’s legally married gay and lesbian couples are denied more than 1,100 federal responsibilities and protections, including access to military insurance programs, Social Security survivors benefits, equal treatment under U.S. immigration laws, and the opportunity to take leave to care for a spouse.
Freedom to Marry's federal program works to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and make the case for marriage to government officials, opinion-leaders, and political operatives in Washington, DC. Freedom To Marry jointly leads the Respect for Marriage Coalition, a diverse group of nearly 75 organizations working together to repeal DOMA. Since the introduction of the Respect for Marriage Act, the number of cosponsors has increased from 18 to 32 in the Senate, including every Democratic member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and from 108 to 151 in the House of Representatives.
For more information on Freedom to Serve, Freedom to Marry, visit www.freedomtomarry.org/serve.
***
ABOUT FREEDOM TO MARRY: Freedom To Marry is the campaign to win marriage nationwide. We are pursuing our Roadmap to Victory by working to win the freedom to marry in more states, grow the national majority for marriage, and end federal marriage discrimination. We partner with individuals and organizations across the country to end the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage and the protections, responsibilities, and commitment that marriage brings.
ABOUT SLDN: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. Since 1993, our in-house legal team has responded to more than 11,500 requests for assistance. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members with questions are urged to contact the SLDN hotline to speak with a staff attorney: Call 1-800-538-7418 or 202-328-3244 x100.
(Washington, DC) – Freedom to Marry and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) today released a new online video featuring Chief Warrant Officer (CW2) Charlie Morgan and her wife, Karen, spotlighting the inequalities forced upon gay and lesbian service members by the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Morgan - who is battling incurable stage four breast cancer - recently returned from a deployment to the Middle East. Should she not survive this battle for her health, her wife would not receive the survivors' benefits she desperately needs to take care of their now five-year-old daughter, Casey Elena.
"In 2008, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy and several rounds of chemotherapy to save my life. In 2010 - declared cancer free by my oncologist - I was deployed to Kuwait for one year in support of Operation New Dawn. I faithfully fulfilled my duty and returned home to my wife and our then four-year old daughter. But last September, we learned the awful truth that my cancer has returned. It is metastatic and incurable. We don't know how long I have," CW2 Morgan said today.
SLDN and Freedom to Marry also announced meetings on Capitol Hill to deliver the petition signed by 30,000 supporters of the Respect for Marriage Act via the Freedom to Serve, Freedom to Marry campaign. The video and petition delivery are the latest initiatives of the national campaign by the two organizations highlighting the stories of military families harmed by DOMA.
“Many people think that our troops are serving freely and fairly alongside each other as a result of the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ but that is not the case,” said Evan Wolfson, founder and President of Freedom to Marry. “There is still a federal ban on treating married service members as what they are: married. The so-called Defense of Marriage Act continues to discriminate against gay and lesbian service members and their families, including the Morgans, by denying them the critical safety-net of protections and responsibilities that come only with marriage. It is time to do what’s right by our military families, end federal marriage discrimination, and give all married service members the same fairness, dignity, and respect.”
The Morgans are plaintiffs in a lawsuit brought by SLDN in October 2011 challenging DOMA and three other federal statutes that prevent the military from providing equal recognition and support to same-sex military spouses. Currently, the Morgans do not receive the same protections as their straight, married peers, and Karen would not be entitled to survivor's benefits upon CW2 Morgan's death.
CW2 Morgan drew national support in February when she visited Capitol Hill to meet with the staff of Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH), tell her personal story, and share how the Speaker's ongoing legal defense of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) via the House Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group (BLAG) harms her family. There, she detailed her battle with incurable stage-four breast cancer and asked the Speaker to drop his legal defense of DOMA. Boehner has ignored her pleas and continues to defend the discriminatory law in court.
"It's unfathomable to me how anyone could look at the Morgan Family and not be moved by this wonderful family and see how they're being treated unfairly. Here's a service member, who has risked her life for our nation overseas and now is fighting for her life here at home. She shouldn't be forced also to fight for her family to be recognized, respected, and provided the same support as any of her peers would receive. It's time to end the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act and treat all service members as first-class Americans," said Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis.
Because of the ‘gay exception’ created by DOMA, America’s legally married gay and lesbian couples are denied more than 1,100 federal responsibilities and protections, including access to military insurance programs, Social Security survivors benefits, equal treatment under U.S. immigration laws, and the opportunity to take leave to care for a spouse.
Freedom to Marry's federal program works to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and make the case for marriage to government officials, opinion-leaders, and political operatives in Washington, DC. Freedom To Marry jointly leads the Respect for Marriage Coalition, a diverse group of nearly 75 organizations working together to repeal DOMA. Since the introduction of the Respect for Marriage Act, the number of cosponsors has increased from 18 to 32 in the Senate, including every Democratic member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and from 108 to 151 in the House of Representatives.
For more information on Freedom to Serve, Freedom to Marry, visit www.freedomtomarry.org/serve.
***
ABOUT FREEDOM TO MARRY: Freedom To Marry is the campaign to win marriage nationwide. We are pursuing our Roadmap to Victory by working to win the freedom to marry in more states, grow the national majority for marriage, and end federal marriage discrimination. We partner with individuals and organizations across the country to end the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage and the protections, responsibilities, and commitment that marriage brings.
ABOUT SLDN: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. Since 1993, our in-house legal team has responded to more than 11,500 requests for assistance. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members with questions are urged to contact the SLDN hotline to speak with a staff attorney: Call 1-800-538-7418 or 202-328-3244 x100.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
SLDN, OutServe Boards Announce Intent to Combine Organizations, Share Leadership
Magee, Heinze, Seefried, Walrod: "We are stronger together."
(New York, NY) The boards of directors of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) and OutServe today announced the intent to combine the two organizations into a single organization by October 2012 with a new name and a newly configured board of directors led by a representative from each existing organization. In the intervening period, the boards and staff of both organizations will focus on unifying the two administratively, financially, and organizationally.
"SLDN has enjoyed a close working relationship with OutServe and its leaders from the beginning. Indeed, their voices, though anonymous at the time, were an integral part of the fight to repeal the discriminatory 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law. Since repeal, we've worked even more closely together and in doing so, it has become more and more clear that our shared mission - representing actively serving military and veterans, as well as fighting to achieve full LGBT equality in the military - is better accomplished by uniting the two organizations and working together as one on behalf of the brave men and women of our armed forces," said SLDN Board of Directors Co-Chair Mike Magee.
OutServe rose to prominence after it began as an underground network of LGBT service members connected via Facebook that now boasts more than 5,500 members worldwide. During the fight to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT), the group facilitated telling the stories of active duty service members in the media and at the Pentagon, becoming a key link for the Comprehensive Review Working Group that allowed the voices of those who were serving in silence to be heard. Just a few weeks after DADT repeal, OutServe hosted the first-ever conference of active duty LGBT service members.
"This comes down to mission first, just as it always is in the military. Both of these organizations recognize that they are stronger and more effective together. It is a great day for both organizations and for the LGBT service members and veterans around the world, who need a strong, unified voice speaking for them at the White House, on Capitol Hill, at the Pentagon, and among the American people. What began as a simple effort to tell our stories has grown into something we could never have imagined, and today's announcement that OutServe and SLDN will combine represents the next step in that evolution. Each organization brings its own strengths to the fight for full LGBT military equality, and we are stronger together," said Josh Seefried, co-founder and co-director of OutServe.
Under the terms of the agreement reached on Saturday by the two boards of directors, the transaction will close when specific contingencies are removed, which include outstanding legal, financial, and structural elements. The close is expected at the next board meetings of the two groups, scheduled to take place October 26-28 in Orlando, FL.
“We are enthusiastic about the combination of these two vibrant and effective organizations and looking forward to working together to provide the best representation and services for the LGBT service members and veterans, who have made so many sacrifices to serve our great nation,” said SLDN Board of Directors Co-Chair April Heinze.
"The leadership of OutServe and SLDN have come together in an unprecedented way to move the ball forward on the mission of full LGBT military equality, and we couldn't be more proud of this combined effort to serve the brave LGBT men and women in our armed forces," said OutServe co-founder and co-director Ty Walrod.
ABOUT SLDN: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members with questions are urged to contact the SLDN hotline to speak with a staff attorney: Call 1-800-538-7418 or 202-328-3244 x100.
ABOUT OUTSERVE: OutServe is the association of actively-serving LGBT military personnel. With more than 5,500 members and 50+ chapters worldwide, it is one of the largest LGBT employee resource groups in the world. OutServe works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity.
(New York, NY) The boards of directors of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) and OutServe today announced the intent to combine the two organizations into a single organization by October 2012 with a new name and a newly configured board of directors led by a representative from each existing organization. In the intervening period, the boards and staff of both organizations will focus on unifying the two administratively, financially, and organizationally.
"SLDN has enjoyed a close working relationship with OutServe and its leaders from the beginning. Indeed, their voices, though anonymous at the time, were an integral part of the fight to repeal the discriminatory 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law. Since repeal, we've worked even more closely together and in doing so, it has become more and more clear that our shared mission - representing actively serving military and veterans, as well as fighting to achieve full LGBT equality in the military - is better accomplished by uniting the two organizations and working together as one on behalf of the brave men and women of our armed forces," said SLDN Board of Directors Co-Chair Mike Magee.
OutServe rose to prominence after it began as an underground network of LGBT service members connected via Facebook that now boasts more than 5,500 members worldwide. During the fight to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT), the group facilitated telling the stories of active duty service members in the media and at the Pentagon, becoming a key link for the Comprehensive Review Working Group that allowed the voices of those who were serving in silence to be heard. Just a few weeks after DADT repeal, OutServe hosted the first-ever conference of active duty LGBT service members.
"This comes down to mission first, just as it always is in the military. Both of these organizations recognize that they are stronger and more effective together. It is a great day for both organizations and for the LGBT service members and veterans around the world, who need a strong, unified voice speaking for them at the White House, on Capitol Hill, at the Pentagon, and among the American people. What began as a simple effort to tell our stories has grown into something we could never have imagined, and today's announcement that OutServe and SLDN will combine represents the next step in that evolution. Each organization brings its own strengths to the fight for full LGBT military equality, and we are stronger together," said Josh Seefried, co-founder and co-director of OutServe.
Under the terms of the agreement reached on Saturday by the two boards of directors, the transaction will close when specific contingencies are removed, which include outstanding legal, financial, and structural elements. The close is expected at the next board meetings of the two groups, scheduled to take place October 26-28 in Orlando, FL.
“We are enthusiastic about the combination of these two vibrant and effective organizations and looking forward to working together to provide the best representation and services for the LGBT service members and veterans, who have made so many sacrifices to serve our great nation,” said SLDN Board of Directors Co-Chair April Heinze.
"The leadership of OutServe and SLDN have come together in an unprecedented way to move the ball forward on the mission of full LGBT military equality, and we couldn't be more proud of this combined effort to serve the brave LGBT men and women in our armed forces," said OutServe co-founder and co-director Ty Walrod.
ABOUT SLDN: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members with questions are urged to contact the SLDN hotline to speak with a staff attorney: Call 1-800-538-7418 or 202-328-3244 x100.
ABOUT OUTSERVE: OutServe is the association of actively-serving LGBT military personnel. With more than 5,500 members and 50+ chapters worldwide, it is one of the largest LGBT employee resource groups in the world. OutServe works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Booed Soldier and Husband Join National Marriage Campaign
Couple featured in latest online video released by SLDN, Freedom To Marry
(Washington, DC) – Freedom To Marry and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) today released a new online video featuring Army Captain Stephen Hill and his husband, Joshua Snyder, spotlighting the inequalities forced upon gay and lesbian service members by the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Hill - who drew national support when he was booed during a Republican presidential debate after asking a question via video regarding repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) - recently returned from a deployment to the Middle East.
"Steve's deployment brought home to us the stark realities that gay and lesbian families face because of the Defense of Marriage Act. If something happened to me, Steve would not have been able to take emergency leave, because the military cannot recognize our relationship. If something terrible happened to him, I would not be considered the next-of-kin. Service members and their families making the kind of sacrifices that are required to serve this country shouldn't be treated as second-class citizens and their marriages shouldn’t be treated as second-class marriages,” said Snyder.
Hill and Snyder are also plaintiffs in landmark litigation filed in October 2011 by SLDN on behalf of eight married gay and lesbian service members and veterans challenging DOMA and other federal statutes that are being used to prevent the military from providing the same protections and support to all families.
"This lawsuit is about one thing, plain and simple. It's about equal recognition, respect, and support for all service members and their families who put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms," said Army veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis.
The video released today is the latest piece of the new Freedom to Serve, Freedom to Marry national campaign highlighting the stories of military families harmed by DOMA. In addition, SLDN and Freedom to Marry have launched a petition calling on Congress to end marriage discrimination against service members and veterans. The petition builds support for repealing so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and passing the Respect for Marriage Act.
“Gay and lesbian service members put their lives on the line every day to ensure the safety of Americans back home, even while the federal government continues to deny their marriages respect and their families the protections marriage brings,” said Evan Wolfson, founder and President of Freedom To Marry. “It is time to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and do right by all American families, including those serving our country.”
Because of the ‘gay exception’ created by DOMA, America’s legally married gay and lesbian couples are denied more than 1,100 federal responsibilities and protections, including access to military insurance programs, Social Security survivors benefits, equal treatment under U.S. immigration laws, and the opportunity to take leave to care for a spouse.
Freedom To Marry's federal program works to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and make the case for marriage to government officials, opinion-leaders, and political operatives in Washington, DC. Freedom To Marry jointly leads the Respect for Marriage Coalition, a diverse group of nearly 75 organizations working together to repeal DOMA. Since the introduction of the Respect for Marriage Act, the number of cosponsors has increased from 18 to 32 in the Senate, including every Democratic member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and from 108 to 147 in the House of Representatives.
For more information on Freedom to Serve, Freedom to Marry, visit www.freedomtomarry.org/serve.
***
ABOUT FREEDOM TO MARRY: Freedom To Marry is the campaign to win marriage nationwide. We are pursuing our Roadmap to Victory by working to win the freedom to marry in more states, grow the national majority for marriage, and end federal marriage discrimination. We partner with individuals and organizations across the country to end the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage and the protections, responsibilities, and commitment that marriage brings.
ABOUT SLDN: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. Since 1993, our in-house legal team has responded to more than 11,500 requests for assistance. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members with questions are urged to contact the SLDN hotline to speak with a staff attorney: Call 1-800-538-7418 or 202-328-3244 x100.
(Washington, DC) – Freedom To Marry and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) today released a new online video featuring Army Captain Stephen Hill and his husband, Joshua Snyder, spotlighting the inequalities forced upon gay and lesbian service members by the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Hill - who drew national support when he was booed during a Republican presidential debate after asking a question via video regarding repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) - recently returned from a deployment to the Middle East.
"Steve's deployment brought home to us the stark realities that gay and lesbian families face because of the Defense of Marriage Act. If something happened to me, Steve would not have been able to take emergency leave, because the military cannot recognize our relationship. If something terrible happened to him, I would not be considered the next-of-kin. Service members and their families making the kind of sacrifices that are required to serve this country shouldn't be treated as second-class citizens and their marriages shouldn’t be treated as second-class marriages,” said Snyder.
Hill and Snyder are also plaintiffs in landmark litigation filed in October 2011 by SLDN on behalf of eight married gay and lesbian service members and veterans challenging DOMA and other federal statutes that are being used to prevent the military from providing the same protections and support to all families.
"This lawsuit is about one thing, plain and simple. It's about equal recognition, respect, and support for all service members and their families who put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms," said Army veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis.
The video released today is the latest piece of the new Freedom to Serve, Freedom to Marry national campaign highlighting the stories of military families harmed by DOMA. In addition, SLDN and Freedom to Marry have launched a petition calling on Congress to end marriage discrimination against service members and veterans. The petition builds support for repealing so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and passing the Respect for Marriage Act.
“Gay and lesbian service members put their lives on the line every day to ensure the safety of Americans back home, even while the federal government continues to deny their marriages respect and their families the protections marriage brings,” said Evan Wolfson, founder and President of Freedom To Marry. “It is time to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and do right by all American families, including those serving our country.”
Because of the ‘gay exception’ created by DOMA, America’s legally married gay and lesbian couples are denied more than 1,100 federal responsibilities and protections, including access to military insurance programs, Social Security survivors benefits, equal treatment under U.S. immigration laws, and the opportunity to take leave to care for a spouse.
Freedom To Marry's federal program works to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and make the case for marriage to government officials, opinion-leaders, and political operatives in Washington, DC. Freedom To Marry jointly leads the Respect for Marriage Coalition, a diverse group of nearly 75 organizations working together to repeal DOMA. Since the introduction of the Respect for Marriage Act, the number of cosponsors has increased from 18 to 32 in the Senate, including every Democratic member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and from 108 to 147 in the House of Representatives.
For more information on Freedom to Serve, Freedom to Marry, visit www.freedomtomarry.org/serve.
***
ABOUT FREEDOM TO MARRY: Freedom To Marry is the campaign to win marriage nationwide. We are pursuing our Roadmap to Victory by working to win the freedom to marry in more states, grow the national majority for marriage, and end federal marriage discrimination. We partner with individuals and organizations across the country to end the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage and the protections, responsibilities, and commitment that marriage brings.
ABOUT SLDN: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. Since 1993, our in-house legal team has responded to more than 11,500 requests for assistance. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members with questions are urged to contact the SLDN hotline to speak with a staff attorney: Call 1-800-538-7418 or 202-328-3244 x100.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)