Category: Advocacy & Activism

LGBTQ Brazilian Congressman Jean Wyllys Flees Brazil After Death Threats

January 24, 2019

Anti-LGBTQ forces allied with President Jair Bolsonaro have long-targeted Wyllys – who has resigned and fled Brazil Brazilian Congressman Jean Wyllys – who became the first openly LGBTQ person to serve in the National Congress of Brazil in 2011 – announced he has left the country and will not return because of increasing death threats … More LGBTQ Brazilian Congressman Jean Wyllys Flees Brazil After Death Threats

Danger for Asylum and Children with the Trump-McConnell Bill

January 24, 2019

CGRS Calls on Senate to Reject Trump-McConnell Bill, Reopen Government San Francisco, CA (January 24, 2019) – The Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS) urges the Senate to reject the “End the Shutdown and Secure the Border Act,” which was introduced by President Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell earlier this week. The Trump-McConnell … More Danger for Asylum and Children with the Trump-McConnell Bill

Analysis: SCOTUS Allowing Preliminary Injunctions on Transgender Military Ban to Go into Effect

January 22, 2019

Memo on Today’s Supreme Court Decision to Stay Preliminary Injunctions, Allowing Transgender Military Ban to Go into Effect SAN FRANCISCO, CA– The Palm Center today has released the following memo providing a concise summary of facts on transgender military service and implications of today’s Supreme Court decision suspending a string of preliminary injunctions that had … More Analysis: SCOTUS Allowing Preliminary Injunctions on Transgender Military Ban to Go into Effect

Navigating Spousal and Child Support Court Orders by Federal Workers in Trump Shutdown

January 21, 2019

When insidious politics and reality collide – there is no escaping the serious impact – and the things we could never have imagined having to prepare for! What happens to child support orders in a Government shutdown? An especially pertinent question because there is no precedent for a Federal shutdown that has gone on this … More Navigating Spousal and Child Support Court Orders by Federal Workers in Trump Shutdown

Transgender Woman Files Fed Employment Discrimination Lawsuit Against JB Pritzker for Governor Campaign in Illinois 

January 18, 2019

New York, NY – A former field organizer has filed a federal lawsuit against the campaign of JB Pritzker for Governor in Illinois for her firing on the basis of sex in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Ms. Emma Todd worked in the Springfield, Illinois office of the campaign … More Transgender Woman Files Fed Employment Discrimination Lawsuit Against JB Pritzker for Governor Campaign in Illinois 

Jewish Women Encouraged to proudly express identity and heritage at Women’s March San Francisco

January 17, 2019

I am a Jew, known for my global human rights work and always publicly open about my support for my people’s right to self determination. Since the first Women’s March I have never felt unloved, unwelcome, abandoned or unsafe in my marching or relationship with Women’s March, San Francisco (WMSF)! In fact organizers have reached out to me, … More Jewish Women Encouraged to proudly express identity and heritage at Women’s March San Francisco

Victory: New York Passes Transgender Nondiscrimination Protections

January 15, 2019

After a 16-year battle, New York updates state law to protect transgender New Yorkers, becoming 20th state with explicit and comprehensive nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people NEW YORK – Today the New York legislature passed the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act, providing explicit protections for transgender people from discrimination in employment, housing, public spaces, and education. … More Victory: New York Passes Transgender Nondiscrimination Protections

Republican Governor Mike DeWine Signs Pro-LGBTQ Executive Order

January 15, 2019

Ohio state employees will continue to be protected from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression WASHINGTON, D.C. – On his first day in office, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed an executive order which prohibits discrimination against LGBTQ people in state employment. This executive order extends a previous order signed by … More Republican Governor Mike DeWine Signs Pro-LGBTQ Executive Order

Virginia Lawmakers Advance LGBTQ Protections

January 15, 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Efforts to secure LGBT nondiscrimination protections in Virginia are advancing with bipartisan support. Yesterday, Virginia’s Senate General Laws committee approved bipartisan legislation to protect LGBTQ Virginians from discrimination in housing and public employment. Freedom for All Americans (FFAA) is partnering with Equality Virginia, the state’s LGBTQ advocacy organization, to advance nondiscrimination legislation this … More Virginia Lawmakers Advance LGBTQ Protections

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers Signs Pro-LGBTQ Executive Order

January 7, 2019

Evers’s order will provide nondiscrimination protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression WASHINGTON, D.C. – On his first day in office, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed an executive order which prohibits discrimination against LGBTQ people in state employment and state contracting. Gov. Evers is the fourth governor to issue an executive … More Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers Signs Pro-LGBTQ Executive Order

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer Signs Pro-LGBTQ Executive Order

January 7, 2019

Whitmer’s order will provide nondiscrimination protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression WASHINGTON, D.C. – Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order this morning which prohibits discrimination against LGBTQ people in state employment, public services, and state contracting. Employees of Michigan’s executive branch and state contractors are now protected on … More Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer Signs Pro-LGBTQ Executive Order

Marin County Wins Settlement in Consumer Protection Case

January 3, 2019

District Attorney’s Office pursues accuracy in retail packaging San Rafael, CA — Marin County District Attorney Edward S. Berberian, along with two other California district attorneys, announced that Marin County Superior Court Judge Roy O. Chernus has ordered Bausch & Lomb Incorporated to pay $135,000 as part of a settlement of a civil consumer protection … More Marin County Wins Settlement in Consumer Protection Case

Marin County Successful in Environmental Protection Case

January 3, 2019

Property Demolitions and Renovations Were Performed Throughout California Without Fully Complying with Asbestos-related Laws San Rafael, CA — Marin County District Attorney Edward S. Berberian, along with nine other California District Attorneys, announced today that Monterey County Superior Court Judge Marla O. Anderson has ordered the Chicago-based Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc., and their related companies … More Marin County Successful in Environmental Protection Case

Speaker Pelosi Says “We Will Make America Fair by Passing the EQUALITY ACT for LGBT Americans”

January 3, 2019

Speaker Nancy Pelosi Says “We Will Make America Fair by Passing the EQUALITY ACT for LGBT Americans.   Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the San Francisco Representative, has been elected today as speaker of the House of Representatives for the second time, cementing her legacy as one of the most effective female legislators in American history. Democrats … More Speaker Pelosi Says “We Will Make America Fair by Passing the EQUALITY ACT for LGBT Americans”

Chief Justice Roberts Votes with Liberal Justices on SCOTUS Asylum Case

December 21, 2018

Conservative appointee, Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. joined the U.S. Supreme Court’s liberal wing Friday in refusing to block a California judge’s ruling against enforcement of new policies that restrict asylum-seekers along the southern border. The high court, 5-4, refused to stay a nationwide injunction. Several former government lawyers—including Carter Phillips and Peter Keisler of Sidley Austin, … More Chief Justice Roberts Votes with Liberal Justices on SCOTUS Asylum Case

Condemnation of New Illegal Migration Protection Protocols

December 20, 2018

San Francisco, CA (December 20, 2018) – The Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS) denounces the new Migration Protection Protocols (MPP) announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) this morning. Under this new policy, asylum seekers arriving at the United States’ southern border will be forced to wait in Mexico for the duration … More Condemnation of New Illegal Migration Protection Protocols

Historic: Republican Governor Kasich Signs Pro-LGBTQ Executive Order

December 19, 2018

Ohio state employees will now be protected from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ohio Governor John Kasich has signed an historic executive order protecting LGBTQ state employees from discrimination. In what will be a defining element of Governor Kasich’s legacy, he will be the first Republican … More Historic: Republican Governor Kasich Signs Pro-LGBTQ Executive Order

Court Rules Trump Policies Denying Asylum Protections to People Fleeing Domestic and Gang Violence Are Illegal

December 19, 2018

Washington, D.C. (December 19, 2018) – A federal court has struck down Trump administration policies that sought to gut asylum protections for immigrants fleeing domestic violence and gang brutality. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS) challenged the administration’s new “expedited removal” policies when they were put forth by then-Attorney General … More Court Rules Trump Policies Denying Asylum Protections to People Fleeing Domestic and Gang Violence Are Illegal

UNHCR Calls out the Violent Kenyan Police Attack on LGBT Refugees

December 13, 2018

African HRC and other advocates have been requesting UNHCR plan for the safe protection and humane living conditions for LGBTQ refugees in Kakuma Refugee Camp for several years, with only slight ad hoc and ultimately ineffective results. The harsh conditions and insecurities led to a protest this week and an attack by Kenyan police on … More UNHCR Calls out the Violent Kenyan Police Attack on LGBT Refugees

What Marin County Learned About Local Election Results

December 12, 2018

Canvass of votes is ratified by Board of Supervisors San Rafael, CA – Following the Marin County Board of Supervisors’ ratification of the local November 6 Statewide General Election results, there are a few statistics about voter tendencies that stand out. The Board accepted the canvass of votes offered by Register of Voters Lynda Roberts … More What Marin County Learned About Local Election Results

LGBT Refugee Peaceful Protest Turns Violent at UNHCR Compound in Kenya

December 11, 2018

Kenya is a hostile host to LGBTI refugees:– Thirty LGBTI Refugees in Kakuma Camp, Kenya, mostly Ugandans participating in an approved peaceful demonstration, tried to deliver a document to UNHCR, but after being refused entry into the compound were viciously attacked by police.  I have reached out to UNHCR for comment and will update accordingly. The conditions … More LGBT Refugee Peaceful Protest Turns Violent at UNHCR Compound in Kenya

Botswana’s New President Groundbreaking Support for LGBTI Rights

December 11, 2018

The recently appointed President of Botswana has been applauded for publicly speaking out in support of LGBTI people. Now he should take the step to promote repeal of Botswana’s criminalizing laws In April Botswana’s new President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, took office, heralding hope for the furthering of human and civil rights in the country.  Launching the country’s … More Botswana’s New President Groundbreaking Support for LGBTI Rights

70th UDHR Anniversary and Deplorable Treatment of Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Africa

December 10, 2018

Call Outs on the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights SOUTH AFRICA:  On this the day we celebrate the 70th year of the #UDHR South Africa should take a hard look at its deplorable treatment of African asylum seekers and #refugees from Northern countries. People, including mothers with babies on their backs, are … More 70th UDHR Anniversary and Deplorable Treatment of Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Africa

Passionate Residents call on Marin BOS for County Sanctuary at TRUTH Forum

December 7, 2018

The Truth Act, signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown in September 2016, requires local governing bodies in which local law enforcement has provided ICE access to an individual to hold a community forum to receive and consider public comment. Last night the Marin County Board of Supervisors held such a forum at the Civic … More Passionate Residents call on Marin BOS for County Sanctuary at TRUTH Forum

South African Parliament votes to approve Civil Union Amendment for Full Marriage Equality

December 6, 2018

By Melanie Nathan- Last month we reported a victory for LGBTQI equality and same-sex couples in South Africa, when the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs in Parliament adopted a Civil Union Amendment Bill that could lead to full marriage equality for South Africa’s same-sex community. Now that journey to becoming law is one step closer to … More South African Parliament votes to approve Civil Union Amendment for Full Marriage Equality

Botswana Africa’s Next Hope for Decriminalization of Homosexuality

December 6, 2018

The Botswana High Court has announced that it will finally hear a case on the decriminalization of homosexuality next year:  According to our friends at Mamba Online, the full bench of the court ordered that a hearing challenging the constitutionality of sections 164(a), 164(c) and 167 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes same-sex sexual activities … More Botswana Africa’s Next Hope for Decriminalization of Homosexuality

One Man’s Protest Highlights Texas Internment Camp for Thousands of Detained Children

December 5, 2018

For over two months Joshua Rubin from New York has been camped near a Trump internment camp for detained migrant children, in protest and spreading awareness into what he can see as the day to day happenings of the camp. A documentary team has been on the ground in Tornillo, Texas reporting the story, through regular … More One Man’s Protest Highlights Texas Internment Camp for Thousands of Detained Children