KFA IN BRIEF

Anti-Marriage Amendment Fails Both Congressional Chambers

Public domain photo courtesy of Dr. William J. Ball's Teaching Politics

In June, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) made good on his threat to try again to amend the U.S. Constitution and deny marriage rights to millions of committed same-sex couples. In July, the U.S. House of Representatives followed with its own attempt.

None of Kentucky's Senators or Representatives voted against this divisive attack on LGBT families. This despite over 600 messages from KFA supporters to Sens. Mitch McConnell and Jim Bunning, and over 300 messages to our Representatives (in less than 24 hours!).

The proposed anti-marriage amendment received a majority of the votes in both chambers (49-48 in the Senate, 236-187 in the House). However, the amendment again failed to win the two-thirds of the votes required to advance a Constitutional amendment. More encouraging, it won more "no" votes than the last time it was considered in 2004.

Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese had this to say: "More and more Americans are beginning to understand that same-sex couples and their children deserve to be treated equally under our nation’s Constitution, nothing more and nothing less. Congress has defeated this discriminatory amendment on four separate occasions now, while the American people’s support for equality has continued to grow. The message is clear: get to the work of protecting families, not threatening them with prejudice."

Our thanks to all our supporters who have done an outstanding job of delivering that message to our elected officials.

KFA Executive Director Christina Gilgor Represents Fairness on KET's Kentucky Tonight

During the week of the Senate's vote on the anti-marriage amendment to the U.S. Constitution, Kentucky Tonight host Bill Goodman invited our own Christina Gilgor to join a panel discussion on the issue of same-sex marriage. State Senator and fairness champion Ernesto Scorsone joined her in defending equality for all committed couples. Representative Joe Fischer (R-Fort Thomas) and Family Foundation of Kentucky director Kent Ostrander carried the banner for marriage discrimination. Watch the video online.

Next Monday, August 7, Christina will make another appearance on Kentucky Tonight. Be sure to tune in (8:00 p.m. Eastern/7:00 p.m. Central time) for a discussion of the University of Louisville's wise decision to offer domestic partner benefits to its faculty and staff.

Southern Empowerment Project Brings Community Organizing School to Ashland

Thanks to our friends at the Southern Empowerment Project and Kentucky Jobs with Justice, community organizer education came to Ashland, Kentucky in July. "Community Organizing Beyond the Basics: Building Power and Overcoming Oppression" brought together activists from several states to learn about issues in organizing. Trainers emphasized the ways in which systems of oppression based on age, race, class, sexual orientation, and gender identity intersect and interact, and talked about strategies for building coalitions and reaching across boundaries.

KFA Community Organizer/Legislative Liaison Wes Wright participated in the event as both a trainer and a student. "This organizing school was a great opportunity to learn from activists who are working to end the '-isms' such as sexism, racism, classism, ageism and heterosexism." Wes said.

He added, "I  gained a deeper understanding of 'systems of privilege,' which automatically give some people privilege and power and others obstacles, and what I might do to work against oppression. I encourage anyone who wants to work to make the world a better place to attend this organizing school when it's presented again."

The Southern Empowerment Project is a not-for-profit organization that supports the struggle for justice in the South. Kentucky Jobs with Justice is dedicated to protecting the rights of working people and supporting community struggles to build a more just society.

KFA Board of Directors Member Jim Dickinson Wins 2006 Wasson Award

On July 3, KFA Board of Directors member Jim Dickinson received the 2006 Wasson Award for his significant contributions to improving the lives of gay Kentuckians. The award is named for Jeffrey Wasson, the defendant in the case that overturned Kentucky's same-sex only sodomy law (Commonwealth v. Wasson). For standing up for privacy and civil rights, Wasson lost two jobs and received death threats. He was the first recipient of this award.

Jim was honored for his work toward building a Fair Kentucky through our Bluegrass Chapter and its Steering Committe, the KFA statewide Board of Directors, and his service with Lexington's Rainbow Bowling League.

Past winners include KFA supporters Jeff Jones (1997), Jennifer Crossen (2000), and state Senator Ernesto Scorsone (2003).

New Website Brings New Opportunities

June 1 marked the official launch of the new and improved Kentucky Fairness Alliance Website. Responding to user feedback, we re-vamped the look for easier readability, and re-structured the content for easier navigation. We've undergone major technological changes in the past year, not the least of which is our one-click advocacy system that puts you just an e-mail away from contact with your elected officials. We're also very proud of our streamlined online donation capability, and our Member's Center (login required) which lets you manage your communication and volunteer work with KFA.

Coming soon: Look for the launch of the Kentucky Fairness Alliance online store, where you can support the work of building a fair Kentucky, while you share the message of fairness with others. Featuring the Ampersand and Unbridled Pride logos, a wide range of KFA gear means you're sure to find something perfect for yourself, your home, your car - even your 4-legged friend!