Response From the White House

Yesterday I received the following from the White House in response to my letter of January 18th.

Thank you for your message
Wed, January 27, 2010 12:39:11 PMFrom: The White House - Presidential Correspondence

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Friend:

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I appreciate your perspective.

Every American deserves equal protection under our laws, and neither Federal nor state law should discriminate against any American. The issue of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights has all too often been used to divide our country. We must treat all of our citizens with dignity and respect, and stand united
in our protection of equality--a founding principle of our Nation and a moral imperative.

I continue to oppose a Constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and support the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. We must also extend the over 1,100 Federal marital rights and benefits to same-sex couples, because every American should be able to visit a loved one in the hospital, transfer property, and receive equal health insurance and other employment benefits.

My Administration is committed to addressing a full spectrum of issues important to the LGBT community. We can reduce discrimination by strengthening hate crimes statutes; supporting the Employment Non-Discrimination Act; ensuring adoption rights for all couples and individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation; and opposing discrimination in public accommodations. To combat HIV/AIDS, we need policies that support people living with this illness and increased funding for prevention, care, and research. I also support repealing the current Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy in a sensible way that strengthens our Armed Forces and our national security. Please join me online to learn more about my civil rights agenda at: www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/civil_rights.

Together, we can create a more open and tolerant society that
protects and values all people. Thank you again for writing.


Sincerely,

Barack Obama


To be a part of our agenda for change, join us at www.WhiteHouse.gov.

It's better than nothing, surely, although it doesn't address the subject of my letter. Mostly I consider it pap.

From the Office of Speaker Quinn: LGBT Hate Crime in Queens

As a media representative of the office of NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn, I'm passing along the following statement which was released along with the press conference which she gave yesterday on the same subject. You can also view it as a Google document.

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

CITY HALL

NEW YORK, NY 10007

http://council.nyc.gov

(212) 788-7116

**For Immediate Release**

October 12, 2009

Contact: Eunic Ortiz 646-279-1659

PHOTOS: William Alatriste walatriste@council.nyc.gov

Release # 098-2009

Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Local Leaders Denounce LGBT Hate Crime in Queens

College Point, Queens – City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn was joined today by LGBT and community leaders in responding to a recent violent hate attack, which occurred early Friday morning. The victim, Jack Price, is recovering at New York Hospital Queens.

State Senator Tom Duane, Council Member John Liu, and community leaders Daniel Dromm, Jimmy Van Bramer and Kevin Kim stood with Speaker Quinn in denouncing the attack.

Price was attacked by two men for being known as an openly gay man in his community. The assailants were heard making derogatory anti-gay comments at the victim prior to the attack. The incident occurred early Friday morning outside a deli in Price's College Point neighborhood. The NYPD has caught one of two suspects being sought for the crime, Daniel Aleman. He is currently being held in police custody and is charged with assault, aggravated assault as a hate crime, and aggravated harassment.

“When someone is attacked for being who they are, and for being proud of who they are, there is no other explanation for that attack than hatred and bigotry. In response, we will do all in our power as individuals, as a community and as a city to ensure that whoever commits such a vile act of hate is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Speaker Christine C. Quinn. “I know the Queens community is outraged that hate has tainted their streets, and I know they will join with us in helping the local authorities find the second suspect. I applaud the NYPD for taking swift action on this case, and I know they will continue their efforts until justice is served. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Jack Price and I hope and pray for his speedy recovery.”

"I am deeply saddened and angered that yet another hate-motivated crime has occurred in New York City,” said State Senator Thomas Duane. “Hate and prejudice of any kind are unacceptable anywhere and it is deplorable that any person, regardless of their sexual orientation, would be victimized so with such malice and brutality. The New York Police Department should be congratulated for their work in bringing one of the assailants to justice and I am confident that by working together with the Queens community, justice will ultimately be meted out to all who were involved in this hate crime. My deepest sympathy and prayers are now with the Price family."

“Once again, in Queens, a gay man has been brutally beaten simply because of who he is. This is deplorable. All righteous people - gay and non-gay - must speak out loudly against hate crimes because it is the only way to combat this type of violence,” said Daniel Dromm of Queens. “This is the fourth time in 19 years that a gay man in Queens lies near death, or actually died, because he was beaten for being gay. Enough is enough. My thoughts and prayers are with Jack Price as he struggles for life in NY Hospital of Queens. One can't imagine how devastating an attack of this type must be to the Price family. I offer my support and help to Mr. Price and his family.”

“This tragic and senseless incident is yet another reminder of how far we have to go toward making our City one that is free of hatred and violence at all times and for all people,” said Jimmy Van Bramer of Queens. “My thoughts and prayers are with the victim, his family and friends.”

From the Office of Speaker Quinn: National Equality March

As a media representative of the office of NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn, I received two notices during the last few days about this weekend's National Equality March in Washington, D.C.

Speaker Christine C. Quinn urged New Yorkers in her weekly podcast to sign up and get on a bus to DC on October 11th for the National Equality March. Speaker Quinn has sponsored several buses for Sunday's trip - to see a list of her and other NYC to DC buses for the 11th visit www.nycgomarch-cq.eventbrite.com. The Speaker will travel from NYC to DC on the 11th on one of her buses and march. She will also be speaking during the ceremonies immediately following the National Equality March.

See the video below of Speaker Quinn promoting the march.


The media advisory below came yesterday. You can also view it as a Google document here.

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

CITY HALL

NEW YORK, NY 10007

(212) 788-7116
http://council.nyc.gov

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY

Contact: Eunic Ortiz 646-279-1659

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn Addresses the ‘National Equality March’ in Washington D.C.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2009

New York City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn will travel to Washington D.C. Sunday to march with thousands of New Yorkers and tens of thousands of Americans in support of full equality for LGBT people.

5:30 AM Greets New Yorkers and embarks on a bus to D.C.

MANHATTAN - 16 W. 22nd Street between 5th & 6th Avenues

Buses depart at 6 AM

10:30 AM Arrives in D.C. along with thousands of New Yorkers

WASHINGTON D.C. - Union Station

12:00 PM Marches in the National Equality March

WASHINGTON D.C. - Corner of K Street and 15^th Street

Route: http://bit.ly/45vsUl

2:45 PM Addresses the National Equality March in front of The Capitol

WASHINGTON D.C. - Corner of 1^st Street and Maryland Avenue (Capitol, West Lawn)

**All media requests please contact Eunic Ortiz at 646-279-1659 or email her at eortiz@council.nyc.gov

From the office of Speaker Quinn: City Council Votes on Affordable Housing Resolution For Low-Income New Yorkers With HIV/AIDS

As a media contact for the office of CNY Council Speaker Christine Quinn, I'm passing along the following.

Below is the release from today's rally for the 30% rent cap bill - the Council is slated to vote on its resolution (a bill supporting state bills) today at 1 PM. I can send you that tally when it becomes available.

Here is a link to the Speaker's remarks at the rally: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgZCCwAVrqE

City Council Votes on Affordable Housing Resolution For Low-Income New Yorkers With HIV/AIDS

Resolution Sends Strong Signal To Albany To Pass Legislation That Would Prevent 11,000 New Yorkers From Losing Their Homes

New York – People with HIV/AIDS and housing providers joined elected officials on the steps of City Hall today to call on state leaders to pass affordable housing legislation that would help prevent nearly 11,000 New Yorkers from losing their homes. Speaker Christine and Council Member Rosie Mendez introduced a formal resolution (Res 2145-2009) supporting the legislation that will be voted on later today. "This piece of legislation will not only save money for our state, but it will save money for the thousands of HASA clients and provide some vital relief for their pocketbooks. I urge Speaker Sheldon Silver and Governor David Paterson to support this bill so we can take action towards making HASA clients' lives easier and more affordable," said Speaker Christine Quinn.

"The New York State legislature must act to correct this blatant injustice. Why should people with AIDS be the only group required to pay more than 30% of income for subsidized housing? People with AIDS can not maintain their health when they are in constant threat of losing their homes. Passage of this legislation is the humane and the fiscally prudent thing to do," said Council Member Rosie Mendez. The legislation, introduced by Senator Tom Duane and Assembly Member Deborah Glick (S.2464/A.2565), would ensure clients of NYC's HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA) pay no more than 30 percent of their income towards rent. According to an independent cost study, the bill would save the city and state $12 million annually by reducing emergency shelter costs.

Although it passed the Senate in a near unanimous vote on July 16, 2009, it remains bottled up in the Assembly Ways & Means Committee. Advocates say that unless Assembly Speaker Silver and Governor Paterson support the bill, thousands of New Yorkers with HIV/AIDS could lose their homes over the next year.

"In a time of economic crisis, we want Speaker Silver and Governor Paterson to recognize this legislation for what it is – an opportunity to save money for our government and save homes for low-income New Yorkers," said Gustavo Pedroza, campaign leader with the NYC AIDS Housing Network (NYCAHN) who pays 67% of his Social Security Disability (SSD) check towards rent each month. HASA's rental assistance program is the state's only disability housing program that does not cap the tenant's rent contribution at 30 percent of income. Instead, nearly 11,000 clients are required to contribute all but $344 of their income towards rent each month, leaving them with about $11 per day for all other expenses. This policy forces HASA clients to make difficult trade-offs foregoing basic necessities to pay rent each month, while many fall behind in arrears and lose their homes.

"HASA's rental assistance program doesn't leave me with enough money to clothe myself, get toiletries or make co-payments when I have medical appointments. Sometimes I even have to cancel primary care appointments because I can't afford to get there," said Wanda Hernandez, a NYCAHN campaign leader who pays 71% of her SSD check towards rent each month.

From the Office of Speaker Quinn: Anti-LGBT Attack Response Sheet

A second e-mail was sent today from CNY Council Speaker Christine Quinn's office. It contained the following additions to the first one.

Attached is a sheet outlining steps that you can take if you or someone you know is the victim of an anti-LGBT attack. For more information, please contact my LGBT Community Liaison, Erik Bottcher, at (212) 788-5646. You can also e-mail me directly at the following link:

http://council.nyc.gov/html/members/contact_the_speaker.shtml

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Christine C. Quinn

Speaker

New York City Council

From the Office of Speaker Quinn: Anti-gay attack in Hell's Kitchen

As a media contact for the office of NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn, I'm passing along the following release from this morning.

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

Statement by Speaker Christine C. Quinn

Re: Reports of Anti-gay attack in Hell's Kitchen

Early Saturday morning there was a report of an anti-LGBT attack in Hell's Kitchen in which two individuals were the victims of a physical assault.  I am obviously outraged by news that another bias attack has occurred in our city.  But I am also deeply concerned by reports from the victims that NYPD officers responding to the scene did not appropriately recognize the seriousness of the incident.  In fact, it has been reported that they failed to attempt to apprehend or even to collect contact information from the alleged assailant.  If these reports are true, the behavior of the police officers involved was also outrageous and merits swift action by the police department.

In response I have spoken to Police Commissioner Kelly's office. They have agreed to conduct an investigation of these reports, and to have police officials meet personally with the victims this week.  I am very gratified that the police department has agreed to my requests, and urge them to complete a swift and thorough investigation.

One of the most significant tools that have helped us to combat hate crimes here in New York City is having a strong police response to incidents when they occur.  There was a time in our city when victims of hate crimes did not feel that the police were their allies.  Any time a crime of this nature occurs, victims need to know they will be taken seriously.

To their credit, the NYPD have demonstrated that they normally respond aggressively and appropriately to such crimes.  But even one such failure can begin to undermine all of our collaborative and historic efforts.  In addition, every victim deserves to have their incident taken as seriously as any other.   I will continue to work with advocates and the NYPD to increase and expand training when needed, so police officers have the tools they need to respond appropriately to bias attacks.

From the Office of Speaker Quinn

NYPD to Reactivate LGBT Advisory Committee

As a media contact for New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn's office, I received the following message today

August 14, 2009

Dear New Yorker, 

This week I spoke with Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly about re-constituting an LGBT advisory committee to the New York City Police Department (NYPD).  Commissioner Kelly agreed that this committee is of vital importance to the NYPD, the City and the continued safety of LGBT New Yorkers across the five boroughs.  Commissioner Kelly directed the police officer assigned to his office as LGBT liaison to reactivate the committee. 

This important step taken by the Commissioner will allow for the public safety concerns of LGBT New Yorkers to be registered fairly and thoroughly at the highest levels of the Department.  The NYPD LGBT advisory committee will discuss public safety issues that affect our community throughout the city.  Working with the NYPD's LGBT Community Liaison, I believe that this committee will help strengthen the working relationship between the NYPD and the LGBT community and help ensure the safety of all New Yorkers.

I encourage you to raise any concerns you may have about the safety of a particular individual or members of the LGBT community with the LGBT advisory committee or the LGBT Community Liaison.

To communicate any comments or concerns to the LGBT advisory committee, please contact the NYPD's LGBT Community Liaison Tim Duffy at (646) 610-6017 or timothy.duffy@nypd.org.  You may also contact my LGBT Community Liaison, Erik Bottcher, at (212) 788-5646 or ebottcher@council.nyc.gov. 

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Christine C. Quinn

Speaker

New York City Council 

Dangerous Emotions Over Emancipation

Two hours ago I was at the New York Historical Society standing in front of an original copy of the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by Lincoln. Seth Kaller, Inc. has an article with a good image of what I saw. Here's the text.

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By the President of the United States of America:

A Proclamation.

Whereas, on the twenty-second day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, a proclamation was issued by the President of the United States, containing, among other things, the following, to wit:

"That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free; and the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons, and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom.

"That the Executive will, on the first day of January aforesaid, by proclamation, designate the States and parts of States, if any, in which the people thereof, respectively, shall then be in rebellion against the United States; and the fact that any State, or the people thereof, shall on that day be, in good faith, represented in the Congress of the United States by members chosen thereto at elections wherein a majority of the qualified voters of such State shall have participated, shall, in the absence of strong countervailing testimony, be deemed conclusive evidence that such State, and the people thereof, are not then in rebellion against the United States."

Now, therefore I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, by virtue of the power in me vested as Commander-in-Chief, of the Army and Navy of the United States in time of actual armed rebellion against the authority and government of the United States, and as a fit and necessary war measure for suppressing said rebellion, do, on this first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and in accordance with my purpose so to do publicly proclaimed for the full period of one hundred days, from the day first above mentioned, order and designate as the States and parts of States wherein the people thereof respectively, are this day in rebellion against the United States, the following, to wit:

Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, (except the Parishes of St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Jefferson, St. John, St. Charles, St. James Ascension, Assumption, Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Mary, St. Martin, and Orleans, including the City of New Orleans) Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, (except the forty-eight counties designated as West Virginia, and also the counties of Berkley, Accomac, Northampton, Elizabeth City, York, Princess Ann, and Norfolk, including the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth[)], and which excepted parts, are for the present, left precisely as if this proclamation were not issued.

And by virtue of the power, and for the purpose aforesaid, I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States, and parts of States, are, and henceforward shall be free; and that the Executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons.

And I hereby enjoin upon the people so declared to be free to abstain from all violence, unless in necessary self-defence; and I recommend to them that, in all cases when allowed, they labor faithfully for reasonable wages.

And I further declare and make known, that such persons of suitable condition, will be received into the armed service of the United States to garrison forts, positions, stations, and other places, and to man vessels of all sorts in said service.

And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, warranted by the Constitution, upon military necessity, I invoke the considerate judgment of mankind, and the gracious favor of Almighty God.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the eighty-seventh.

By the President: ABRAHAM LINCOLN
WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.

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The placard had this to say.

This copy of the Emancipation Proclamation is one of only twenty four signed by Lincoln known to exist. It originally sold for $10 at the Great Central Sanitary Fair in Philadelphia, one of a series of fundraisers the proceeds of which went to care for sick and wounded soldiers. The Philadelphia fair at which this document was sold in June 1864 was the only event of its kind that President Lincoln actually attended. The emotional response of his audience that day persuaded his advisors it would be too dangerous for Lincoln to attend another.

Emotional response. Too dangerous. It all sounds familiar, doesn't it? What kind of emotional response would you have if President Obama decreed that homosexuals would no longer be denied the 1,138 benefits, rights and protections provided on the basis of marital status in Federal law?