DISCRIMINATORY ADOPTION, FOSTER CARE MEASURE FILED IN OHIO HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Family Pride has condemned the introduction of House Bill 515 in the Ohio House of Representatives. If passed, the measure would prohibit lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people – and those who live with them – from adopting or serving as foster parents in Ohio.

“Child welfare and respected professional organizations are clear in their opposition to these types of measures,” said Jennifer Chrisler, executive director of Family Pride, the only national nonprofit organization exclusively dedicated to securing equality for LGBT parents and their families. “This measure does nothing to serve the best interests of Ohio children. This bill takes important child welfare decisions out of the hands of professionals, and only brings harm to Ohio children and families. We commend House Speaker Jon Husted’s office for calling this what it is – ‘divisive legislation.’”

There are currently more than 22,000 children in foster care in Ohio.

“Family Pride will continue to work with our partners, including Equality Ohio, to help defeat this anti-LGBT, anti-family measure,” Chrisler said. “Nothing less than the lives of Ohio's most vulnerable children are at stake.”

JOIN CONNECTICUT’S LOVE MAKS A FAMILY IN VALENTINE’S DAY ACTION

Love Makes a Family's Valentine's Lobby Day is happening today, but if you can't make it to the Capitol, you can join in their effort by phone. Call your Representative and Senator and ask them to support marriage equality for same-sex couples.  It only takes a few minutes and is incredibly important! This Valentine's Day, we want legislators to remember that same-sex couples deserve the right to marry!

HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY TO DEFEAT FLORIDA'S ANTI-GAY ADOPTION BAN

Today, Florida's infamous ban on gay and lesbian adoption will be voted on in a committee of our state legislature - for the first time in nearly 30 years. 

The Committee on Children and Families will hold an historic hearing on Senator Nan Rich's bill (SB-172) this Valentine's Day. When passed, this bill will allow judges to bypass the ban and, guided only by the best interest of each child, place children in permanent homes with loving, qualified gay and lesbian parents.

The Coalition for Fair Adoption, of which Family Pride is a member, has worked hard for the past three years to lay the groundwork for this opportunity and we are close to succeeding.

We invite you to be part of a history-making vote that we hope will not only roll back Florida's adoption ban, but also stop this family destroying ban from being introduced in other states.

Write or call the committee members (numbers below) and tell them to put Florida children first and end the adoption ban. To write, go to: http://ga4.org//campaign/adoptionban. 

PHONE NUMBERS FOR COMMITTEE MEMBERS (In order of priority):

Evelyn J. Lynn- 386-676-4000 (Possible Swing Vote)
Durell Peaden, Jr.- 850- 689-0556 (Possible Swing Vote)
Mike Fasano- 727-848-5885 (Possible Swing Vote)
Walter “Skip” Campbell (Chair)- 954-346-2813 (Yes Vote)
Daniel Webster (Vice Chair)- 407-656-0066 (No Vote)
Nan Rich- 954-747-7933 (Bill Sponsor)

SIGN UP TODAY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WHITE HOUSE EASTER EGG ROLL

If you want to help America see the love of your family, if you want to help America become a more equitable place, if you want your children to have all the same legal protections that children of heterosexual couples do, sign up today to participate in this important event. Please join us on April 17 and make a difference in the lives of LGBT families and our country. For more information or to sign up to participate, go to http://www.familypride.org/eggroll today.

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The Family Pride Coalition does not necessarily endorse or encourage participation, and assumes no responsibility for these independent projects. This is an informational service only.

TLC and BBC Seeking 7-11 Year Olds to Tell Their Stories

TLC and BBC networks are creating an innovative documentary series will capture American life through the eyes of 7-11 year olds as they film video diaries of their lives. Production experts will train the kids to use the camera and then give them the freedom to decide what to film!    

We are seeking children of all backgrounds and personalities from across the U.S. Does your child have an interesting story to tell? A wonderful imagination? A unique view of life? Whether your child is shy or outgoing, funny or serious, stubborn or cooperative … we want to meet them!

If you are interested in learning more about this program, please call (212) 974-9050, ext. 221 or e-mail mylifeasachild@bbcnyproduction.com.