Inclusive ENDA Introduced! Ask your Representative to Become a Cosponsor!

This week, Representative Barney Frank, joined by Reps. Tammy Baldwin and Jared Polis, introduced an inclusive version of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) - which would extend the existing federal law prohibiting employment discrimination to protect people on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.   

The bill was introduced by a group of bi-partisan Representatives and it is important that you contact your legislator to become a cosponsor as well. Becoming a cosponsor shows that the Representative will stand firm with our community and helps build momentum for the bill’s passage.

In DC, make their phone ring!

Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and have them connect you to your Representative (based on your zip code). Tell them:

I am a constituent and I would like you to please tell Representative _______ that I would like him/her to become a cosponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. ENDA would ban discrimination against all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the workplace. Can you tell me whether or not Representative _______has cosponsored the bill?

 

Let us know you took action, email info@equalityarizona.org after you’ve made the call.

You can also email your representative by clicking here.

For more information please visit www.unitedenda.org

Knowledge is power, never be at a loss about what to say at the water cooler again!

Equality Arizona has unveiled its newest program the “Arizona Education and Research Project” (AERP). This enhanced online series of reports, articles and web link provides current local, national, and international data regarding a wide range of LGBT topics. As an educational resource, the AERP has been developed for the purpose of promoting informed and pro-active conversation, debate, and activism on behalf of the LGBT people.

The AERP is comprised of 3 components: 1) Results of local LGBT research studies conducted by Equality Arizona and other organizations; 2) In-depth research summaries of LGBT topics that present research facts and dispel distortions of research by anti-LGBT forces; and 3) Web links to additional training modules, coming soon.

This educational and research project will cover a wide variety of issues including, but not limited to, same-sex marriage, adoption, the “ex-gay” movement, hate crimes, same-sex parenting, employment discrimination and transgender issues. The extensive research summaries review findings of over 100 scientific studies. Additionally, the research summaries provide examples of how particular research results are distorted by the religious right and/or the media, and they provide “talking points” as suggestions for accurate discussion.

To find out more about this project, and empower yourself with knowledge follow this link: http://www.education.equalityarizona.org/ProgramsServices/ArizonaEducationResearchProject/tabid/85/Default.aspx

For the Bible Tells Me So

Equality Arizona is teaming up with First Run Features and faith organizations from across the state to bring award winning documentary "For the Bible Tells Me So" to Arizona through out the Spring.

Can the love between two people ever be an abomination? Is the chasm separating gays and lesbians and Christianity too wide to cross? Is the Bible an excuse to hate? The film notes, most Christians no longer feel it is necessary to kill anyone who works on the Sabbath or eats shrimp though the Bible still reads that way. "For the Bible Tells Me So" allows viewers to discover how insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child by walking them through the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families.

The opening presentation of For the Bible Tells me So will be held at the Church of Beatitudes on Tuesday, February 10th starting at 7:00pm. The film will be followed by an open and frank discussion with faith and community leaders about the impact and implications of the film and how this divide between the religious and lgbt community might be bridged in Arizona. All are welcome with an open mind and a $5 suggested donation.

Click here for more information and to RSVP.