FAMILY PRIDE IN THE MEDIA

Hear Jennifer Chrisler, Family Pride’s executive director, on the following two programs:

KFAI “Fresh Fruit” hosted by Abigail Garner
http://damnstraight.oversampled.net/index.php/2006/02/24/kfai-guests-chrisler-esera/

Gay Parenting Show hosted by Scott Sherman
http://gayparenting.thepodcastnetwork.com/index.php?p=98

LGBT FAMILY ISSUES IN THE NEWS

Ohio Bill Would Block Republicans from Adopting Children

(Akron, Ohio) An Ohio Democrat is proposing legislation that would prevent Republicans from adopting children, a move aimed at embarrassing the GOP over moves to block gay adoptions.

State Sen. Robert Hagan (D-Youngstown) admits his bill is purely "tongue-in-cheek" but says that the message is anything but a joke. In an email sent to fellow legislators, and obtained by Knight Ridder Newspapers, Hagan says he's looking for co-sponsors to "introduce legislation in the near future that would ban households with one or more Republican voters from adopting children or acting as foster parents."

Earlier this month a bill to ban gays, bisexuals, and transgenderds from adopting was proposed by 10 far-right Republicans. It was introduced in the House this month by state Rep. Ron Hood (R-Ashville). "We need to see what we are doing," said Hagan, who called Hood's proposed bill blatantly discriminatory and "homophobic."

When Hood introduced his gay adoption ban he said that, "Studies have shown that the optimal setting to raise children in is a traditional setting with a mom and a dad." Hood claims that children raised in gay households are at "increased risk" of physical and emotional problem.

In Hagan's email to fellow lawmaker's he skewers Hood's assertions, offering his own "credible research" shows that adopted children raised in Republican households are more at risk for developing "emotional problems, social stigmas, inflated egos, and alarming lack of tolerance for others they deem different than themselves and an air of overconfidence to mask their insecurities."

Hagan knows his mock bill has no chance of getting to the floor for a vote let alone passing.  And, Hood's bill appears to be headed for a similar fate.

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/02/022406gopAdopt.htm

DISCRIMINATORY MEASURE PASSES IN UTAH HOUSE – TAKE ACTION NOW!
A discriminatory and harmful piece of legislation has been passed in the Utah House of Representatives. If House Bill 148-1st Substitute Parent and Child Amendments is enacted, a court will no longer be permitted to grant caretaking rights to non-biological parents. Also, children being raised by non-biological parents may lose their rights to continued financial and emotional support. This could happen if the biological parent dies or if the child’s parents break-up and the biological parent chooses to cut off the other parent. Some lawmakers worry that the visitation bill could possibly effect grandparents and/or step-parents as well.

The bill was sponsored by Rep. LaVar Christensen (R-Draper) who also sponsored Utah's constitutional amendment to ban marriage for same-sex couples. This bill codifies the definition on in loco parentis, which is a common law concept meaning "in the place of a parent."

This bill in no way serves the best interest of Utah's children. Family Pride and Equality Utah ask that you take action now! Please e-mail the members of the Senate Rules committee below and the Senate majority leaders telling them to hold or to please oppose HB148-1st Substitute Parent and Child Amendments.
Family Pride will continue to work in close partnership with Equality Utah to educate legislators and stop this anti-LGBT, anti-family measure. To take action on this measure, click here  to go to Family Pride’s “Current Legislation” page.

FAMILY PRIDE’S DIRECTOR TO GIVE KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THIRD ANNUAL ‘VALUING OUR FAMILIES’ CONFERENCE IN FLORIDA
Family Pride is proud to again partner with SunServe, Fort Lauderdale’s gay and lesbian social services agency, to present the third annual “Valuing Our Families” conference on Sat., April 1, 2006. This gathering of families and allies will take place at the Metropolitan Community Church’s Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

This year’s conference will focus on changing the social and political climate for LGBT families. Jennifer Chrisler, executive director of Family Pride, will provide the keynote address. The day will close with a celebration featuring two very special honorees, Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) and author Armistead Maupin, and will include special guest and previous “Valuing Our Families” honoree Sharon Gless (“Queer as Folk”). Local honorees will include Karen Doering of the National Center for Lesbian Rights and Michael G. of South Florida Family Pride.

This year’s conference will include workshops for the full range of our families, including conversations for teens about coming out, relationship enhancement workshops for adults, working to make schools more safe and inclusive, as well as fun activities for the younger children.

On Sun., April 2, there will be a Family Outing from 11am-2pm at Westlake Park in Hollywood, Florida. This event – presented by South Florida Family Pride -- will include a family picnic, and outdoor games and activities. For more information on the conference or to register, go to www.sunserve.org or call (954) 764-5150.

HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY TO DEFEAT FLORIDA'S ANTI-GAY ADOPTION BAN
On February 14, an historic hearing was held on Florida's infamous ban on adoption by lesbians and gay men. Passionate and informed testimony was given by our families, allies, child welfare advocates and adoption experts and demonstrated the universal opposition to the ban. No action was taken at the hearing, but Rep. Bill Galvano, the chairman of the committee has announced that after hearing this compelling testimony and talking to the bill's sponsor, he is considering scheduling a vote on this important legislation!

This week could be a major turning point in our quest to overturn an antiquated adoption ban of almost 30 years! Go to www.familypride.org for more information on how you can take action today!

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.


JOIN CALIFORNIA'S EQUALITY FOR ALL RAPID RESPONSE TEAM
Thanks to everyone's hard work, we stopped radical conservatives from qualifying a ban on recognition of same-sex relationships for the June ballot in California. While that's great news, an urgent threat still remains. With a last-minute push, our opponents could easily qualify for the November 2006 ballot, requiring us to quickly ramp up campgain activities. That's why we need you to stay tuned in, stay alert and join the Equality for All Rapid Response Team. Rapid Response Team members pledge to take action if we learn that the opposition is making a serious run for the November ballot.

If our opponents suddenly surface with six-figure donations or a huge under-the-radar push for petitions, Rapid Response Team members like you will be the first to know. If this happens, you will receive an urgent e-mail alerting you to the danger and asking you to fulfill your pledge to act. Please visit the Equality for All Web site and sign up to take action against discrimination.