Tag: POLITICS

Democracy For America Statement on Elizabeth Warren 2020

December 31, 2018

Earlier this morning, Senator Elizabeth Warren became one of the first major candidates to launch a 2020 campaign for President. SEE VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=rbH0RU4GcVo Democracy for America’s Executive Director, Charles Chamberlain, issued the following statement following Warren’s announcement: “Our country needs a 2020 Democratic nominee defined by bold, inclusive populist ideas and a vision for the future … More Democracy For America Statement on Elizabeth Warren 2020

Why this Progressive Liberal Endorses and Will Vote for Senator Dianne Feinstein

February 26, 2018

California Democrats rebuked Sen. Dianne Feinstein at their annual convention this weekend, denying her the party’s endorsement in this year’s Senate race, and giving a majority of their votes to her apparently more liberal primary challenger, Kevin de León. While many may slot Feinstein in the ‘moderate’ zone, I have seen her, through the years, as … More Why this Progressive Liberal Endorses and Will Vote for Senator Dianne Feinstein

To Bernie Supporters Who Say They Will Vote for Jill Stein

July 26, 2016

Please check your privilege – and consider voting with those who have none  – At the beginning of this presidential campaign and for several months thereafter, I was undecided whether to support Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders. It was Bernie’s progressive platform that captivated me and I vied for the revolution. He won. He shifted … More To Bernie Supporters Who Say They Will Vote for Jill Stein

Two of US Most Anti-LGBT Lawmakers Toppled in Primary Battles

June 29, 2016

Voters in CO and UT also make history, handing victories to two transgender candidates for Congress    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two of the nation’s most virulently anti-LGBT legislators lost their primary elections on Tuesday night. South Carolina state Senator Lee Bright’s 52-48 loss in a runoff election with former Representative Scott Talley comes after he introduced legislation that … More Two of US Most Anti-LGBT Lawmakers Toppled in Primary Battles

HRC Now Accepts Religious Liberty Bigotry

January 11, 2015

by Cathy Kristofferson, January 11, 2015 Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) received their first lump of coal from Santa for 2015. Deliverers of Santa’s naughty list and coal at Christmastime, 1angryoldlesbian.org, returned barely two weeks into the new year following Thursday’s Washington Post article in which HRC’s vice president Fred Sainz gushed over presidential hopeful Jeb Bush’s new … More HRC Now Accepts Religious Liberty Bigotry

One Step Closer for MA Homeless Queer Youth

December 31, 2014

As the Commonwealth enacts law to improve housing and services for homeless youth… By Cathy Kristofferson, December 31, 2014. Two years ago, on January 1st 2013, I posted here on OBLOGDEE about the ongoing plight of homeless queer youth. Every now and then that post gets renewed interest when someone quotes and/or links to it. That happened again … More One Step Closer for MA Homeless Queer Youth

On Santa’s Naughty List HRC Gets Coal Delivery

December 24, 2014

…and the letter from Santa tells Chad why! 12/24/2014 By Cathy Kristofferson. Santa Claus asked the members of 1AngryOldLesbian.org (1AOL) if they wouldn’t mind delivering a letter to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), and they merrily agreed. Though the weather outside was frightful, their spirits were high as they donned their rainbow Santa hats while listening to the … More On Santa’s Naughty List HRC Gets Coal Delivery

Uganda President Persecutes LGBTQ People For Political Power

February 17, 2014

Political Research Organization Talks About the Bahati-Kadaga-Museveni Anti-Homosexuality Bill By Political Research Associates, on February 17, 2014 Uganda President Yoweri Museveni is walking a political tightrope on the backs of LGBT Ugandans. In declaring that he will sign Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill, Museveni seeks to solidify his crumbling political power while putting the blame for Uganda’s … More Uganda President Persecutes LGBTQ People For Political Power

Museveni will rely on quackary to sign Anti-Gay Bill

February 14, 2014

As Uganda and the President perpetuate the lies that underpin the Law By Melanie Nathan February 14,  2014. It is clear that Ugandan President  Museveni has pandered to the popularity of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill amongst the Ugandan MPs of his ruling NRM Party, to the detriment of Uganda’s LGBT community, as it is reported he … More Museveni will rely on quackary to sign Anti-Gay Bill

Putin frees Pussy Riot in Sochi Games schmooze

December 19, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, December 19, 2013 In an act claimed to have nothing to do with who is currently behind bars, nor the upcoming Sochi Olympic Games, or Russia’s abysmal human rights record, Vladimir Putin and his Duma yesterday suddenly decided to create a new law that will allow for the pardon of those currently imprisoned … More Putin frees Pussy Riot in Sochi Games schmooze

APB put out on ENDA

November 20, 2013

Boehner buries ENDA, where is the Executive Order Obama? By Cathy Kristofferson and Ellen Sturtz, November 20, 2013 After the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) passed the Senate with bi-partisan support, all eyes turned to the House. It seems when we looked there, the Bill had been buried in four different committees and House Speaker John Boehner … More APB put out on ENDA

Republican amendments further water down ENDA protections

November 5, 2013

What is the point of ENDA now? By Cathy Kristofferson, November 5, 2013 Republicans have introduced two amendments to the already highly contentious religious exemption of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013 (ENDA), further watering down the bill’s protections. With all Democrats already committed to vote Yes and only 59 votes secured, supporting Senators Claire McCaskill (D-MO) … More Republican amendments further water down ENDA protections

Cut from 50th Anniversary Dream Defenders want your 2 minutes

August 31, 2013

Our March Campaign Will Not Be Silenced By Cathy Kristofferson, August 30, 2013 At Wednesday’s 50th anniversary March on Washington celebration Dream Defender’s Philip Agnew and United We Dream’s Sofia Campos were denied their opportunity to speak at the last minute. The excuse given?  Officials said they had “run out of time.”  This follows the … More Cut from 50th Anniversary Dream Defenders want your 2 minutes

Over a thousand attend London’s UK Supports LGBT Russia protest

August 10, 2013

“Stephen Fry has called on athletes … to make a symbol at the Games to display their objection to new anti-gay laws.” By Cathy Kristofferson, August 10, 2013 Today’s “UK Supports LGBT Russia” protest in London against Russia’s anti-gay laws and rising homophobia drew an early estimate of 1,100 attending the over 3 hour event.  The … More Over a thousand attend London’s UK Supports LGBT Russia protest

Bradley Manning now facing 136 years raises questions

July 31, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, July 31, 2013 Bradley Manning was charged in a 22 count indictment for releasing classified intelligence information to WikiLeaks. Yesterday the judge found Manning innocent of the most serious charge of ‘aiding the enemy’ and just one of the charges of violating the WW1 era Espionage Act.  For the remaining 20 charges, … More Bradley Manning now facing 136 years raises questions

Why UK PM Cameron’s pro-gay remark is pure irresponsibility

July 26, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, July 25, 2013 British Prime Minister David Cameron declared last night that he wanted to “EXPORT” marriage equality “around the world”.  Mr. Cameron was speaking at a garden party to celebrate the recent passage of ‘his’ Marriage Equality Act for England and Wales. This is the headline in today’s UK Telegraph: The article … More Why UK PM Cameron’s pro-gay remark is pure irresponsibility

Dutch tourists accused of gay propaganda freed

July 22, 2013

“They were discussing human rights when suddenly the police and migration officers burst inside.” By Cathy Kristofferson, July 22, 2013 Today a court hearing scheduled in Murmansk, Russia for the Dutch tourists arrested on ‘gay propaganda’ charges. It would seem that the judge did not hear the matter but rather “returned the case materials for … More Dutch tourists accused of gay propaganda freed

Moldova secretly adopts anti-propaganda law

July 18, 2013

“Politicians specifically sought to avoid debating the bill in public.” By Cathy Kristofferson, July 18, 2013 An article introduced in the Parliament of Moldova on May 23rd titled “Public activities with negative impact on minors” has now been secretly passed and adopted.  Today, the European Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBT Rights is reporting that “A new … More Moldova secretly adopts anti-propaganda law

Baltic Pride 2013 advertising ranked detrimental as alcohol and tobacco

July 13, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, July 13, 2013 Baltic Pride 2013, while still battling Lithuanian authorities to hold the July 27th Parade in the capital Vilnius’ main avenue, has their advertising ‘deemed detrimental to minors’ in the same way as advertising alcohol or tobacco. Lithuania’s national broadcaster, The Lithuanian National Radio and Televison (LRT), has decided that the PSAs can … More Baltic Pride 2013 advertising ranked detrimental as alcohol and tobacco

Is Belarus following Russia’s footsteps to ban ‘gay propaganda’?

July 10, 2013

‘Protecting children from the “advancement and promotion of homosexuality, especially among minors.”‘ By Cathy Kristofferson, July 09, 2013 A few weeks ago rumor had it that Belarus was looking to be the first country in Europe to re-criminalize homosexuality by amending its Criminal Code, to punish gays with up to 10 years imprisonment and confiscation of their … More Is Belarus following Russia’s footsteps to ban ‘gay propaganda’?

ENDA passes out of committee push underway for 60 votes

July 10, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, July 10, 2013 Today in a wham bam no discussion just majority and minority opening statements hearing, Senate Bill 815, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) was passed out of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions (HELP) in a 15-7 vote. All Democrats voted in favor joined by 3 Republicans – … More ENDA passes out of committee push underway for 60 votes

MA Bill for Equal Access in Public Accommodations gets public hearing

July 8, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, July 07, 2013 This Tuesday July 9th, a hearing will be held for the Massachusetts Equal Access in Public Accommodations bill – officially (H.1589/S.643)  An Act Relative to Equal Access in Hospitals, Public Transportation, Nursing Homes, Supermarkets, Retail Establishments, and all other places open to the public – in front of the Joint … More MA Bill for Equal Access in Public Accommodations gets public hearing

Same gender couples risking arrest apply for Marriage Licenses in Russia

June 28, 2013

by Cathy Kristofferson, June 28, 2013 Today 5 same-gender couples applied for marriage licenses in the registry office in the Admiralty Side, a district of St. Petersburg, Russia.  Officials at the registry explained that the licenses are only intended for couples of opposite gender and sent them on their way.  This is a bold move in … More Same gender couples risking arrest apply for Marriage Licenses in Russia

President Obama Must Speak for Gay Rights in Africa

June 27, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, June 26, 2013 President Obama’s comments about LGBT equality which he made today following the Supreme Court marriage equaity rulings challenges him to “walk the walk”— while on his week-long three country tour of Africa.  Today he commented after the Supreme Court of the United States ruled DOMA unconstitutional: “We are a … More President Obama Must Speak for Gay Rights in Africa

Call to Boycott Olympics in homophobic Russia reminds of Apartheid South Africa

June 19, 2013

“If they feel strongly about human rights they should boycott the Olympics in Sochi.” By Cathy Kristofferson, June 18, 2013 RUSA LGBT, a Russian-Speaking American LGBTQ group in New York City, is calling for a boycott of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. The lower house of the Russian Duma  last week unanimously passed their … More Call to Boycott Olympics in homophobic Russia reminds of Apartheid South Africa

Idaho GOP resolves to reverse gay rights

June 16, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, June 16,2013 Idaho, like other states, has gained some protections for its LGBT community through municipal ordinances banning discrimination in housing and employment.  It seems the Idaho State GOP just can’t stand that fact!  Yesterday at their annual Central Committee summer meeting the Republican Party leaders of Idaho passed a non-binding resolution … More Idaho GOP resolves to reverse gay rights

Julian Bond gives powerful statement opposing ENDA’s religious exemptions

June 14, 2013

“Religious liberty, contrary to what opponents of racial equality argued then and LGBT equality argue now, is not a license to use religion to discriminate.” By Cathy Kristofferson, June 14, 2013 Back in April when the 2013 version of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) was introduced into Congress we posted here and here on OBLOGDEE … More Julian Bond gives powerful statement opposing ENDA’s religious exemptions

Protests and arrests as Russia’s State Duma passes anti-gay promotion bill unanimously

June 11, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, June 10, 2013 Update 6/30: President Putin today signed this bill into law. Proponents argue it is for the protection of children, but critics still allege it part of a broad crackdown on Russia’s LGBT community.  For his part Mr. Putin tells international critics “We ask you not to interfere in our … More Protests and arrests as Russia’s State Duma passes anti-gay promotion bill unanimously

Turkey’s ruling party says LGBTs ‘immoral’

June 1, 2013

“Isn’t there a place in Turkey for LGBT’s?” By Cathy Kristofferson, June 1, 2013 Just before Turkey exploded onto the international news scene with the current uprising in Taskim Square now labeled #OccupyGezi , we received a request to publicize the police suppression of this year’s Istanbul Gay Pride March which we did here.  While … More Turkey’s ruling party says LGBTs ‘immoral’