Statement by the President on UN Accreditation of the ILGHRC:

I welcome this important step forward for human rights, as the International Lesbian and Gay Human Rights Commission (ILGHRC) will take its rightful seat at the table of the United Nations. The UN was founded on the premise that only through mutual respect, diversity, and dialogue can the international community effectively pursue justice and equality. Today, with the more full inclusion of the International Lesbian and Gay Human Rights Commission, the United Nations is closer to the ideals on which it was founded, and to values of inclusion and equality to which the United States is deeply committed.

This development comes on the heels of changes at the State Department that ease restrictions against transgendered Americans who are trying to get a passport, changes at the Labor Department that expand rights to LGBT families under the Family Medical Leave Act, and a new report by the Interagency Council of Homelessness that highlights the problem of LGBT youth homelessness.

You can find out more about HUD’s new guidelines here.

The event was an opportunity for the more than 100 participants—including grassroots activists, volunteers and community leaders—to hear from Democratic Party leaders, organizers, and elected officials. Participants heard from DNC Chairman Tim Kaine and Executive Director Jen O’Malley Dillon on the party’s LGBT outreach and strategy for November’s elections, and got an update from Senators Al Franken, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Sherrod Brown on important legislation that impacts the LGBT community. And they got a briefing on the DNC’s Pride Month efforts to collect feedback and listen to members of the LGBT community about the issues that matter to them.

Check out some of the photos from Tuesday’s event:

We want to thank everyone who joined us for this week’s Day of Pride. It was just another step in our upcoming efforts to connect with the LGBT community, and we look forward to continuing the conversation into November and beyond. To keep the discussion going, you can join our new LGBT Democrats Facebook page—and check back often to share your thoughts, watch videos, and get updates as we continue our work toward LGBT equality.

Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis, commented on the change by saying, “"No one who loves and nurtures a child day-in and day-out should be unable to care for that child when he or she falls ill. No one who steps in to parent a child when that child's biological parents are absent or incapacitated should be denied leave by an employer because he or she is not the legal guardian. No one who intends to raise a child should be denied the opportunity to be present when that child is born simply because the state or an employer fails to recognize his or her relationship with the biological parent. These are just a few of many possible scenarios. The Labor Department's action today sends a clear message to workers and employers alike: All families, including LGBT families, are protected by the FMLA."

US Department of Labor clarifies FMLA definition of ‘son and daughter’
Interpretation is a win for all families no matter what they look like

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today clarified the definition of "son and daughter" under the Family and Medical Leave Act to ensure that an employee who assumes the role of caring for a child receives parental rights to family leave regardless of the legal or biological relationship.

The FMLA allows workers to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period to care for loved ones or themselves. The 1993 law also allows employees to take time off for the adoption or the birth of a child. The administrator interpretation issued by Nancy J. Leppink, deputy administrator of the department's Wage and Hour Division, clarifies that these rights, which provide work-family balance, extend to the various parenting relationships that exist in today's world. This action is a victory for many non-traditional families, including families in the lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender community, who often in the past have been denied leave to care for their loved ones.

"No one who loves and nurtures a child day-in and day-out should be unable to care for that child when he or she falls ill," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "No one who steps in to parent a child when that child's biological parents are absent or incapacitated should be denied leave by an employer because he or she is not the legal guardian. No one who intends to raise a child should be denied the opportunity to be present when that child is born simply because the state or an employer fails to recognize his or her relationship with the biological parent. These are just a few of many possible scenarios. The Labor Department's action today sends a clear message to workers and employers alike: All families, including LGBT families, are protected by the FMLA."

As the interpretation makes clear, an uncle who is caring for his young niece and nephew when their single parent has been called to active military duty may exercise his right to family leave. Likewise, a grandmother who assumes responsibility for her sick grandchild when her own child is debilitated will be able to seek family and medical leave from her employer. And an employee who intends to share in the parenting of a child with his or her same sex partner will be able to exercise the right to FMLA leave to bond with that child.

"This is a critical step in ensuring that children have the support and care they need from the persons who have assumed that responsibility," said Leppink. "Nothing in the statute or regulations suggests that we should restrict the rights of various individuals who take on that very important role."

The administrator interpretation provides guidance to employers in applying the FMLA's provisions in the workplace and ensures that employees are aware of their rights. Under the act, covered employers must grant eligible employees up to 12 workweeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period for the birth and care of a newborn child; to adopt or assume care for a foster child; to care for an immediate family member (spouse, child or parent) with a serious health condition; or to take medical leave due to a serious health condition.

New Policy on Gender Change in Passports Announced

Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
June 9, 2010
________________________________

The U.S. Department of State is pleased to use the occasion of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Month to announce its new policy guidelines regarding gender change in passports and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad.

Beginning June 10, when a passport applicant presents a certification from an attending medical physician that the applicant has undergone appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition, the passport will reflect the new gender. The guidelines include detailed information about what information the certification must include. It is also possible to obtain a limited-validity passport if the physician’s statement shows the applicant is in the process of gender transition. No additional medical records are required. Sexual reassignment surgery is no longer a prerequisite for passport issuance. A Consular Report of Birth Abroad can also be amended with the new gender.

As with all passport applicants, passport issuing officers at embassies and consulates abroad and domestic passport agencies and centers will only ask appropriate questions to obtain information necessary to determine citizenship and identity.

The new policy and procedures are based on standards and recommendations of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), recognized by the American Medical Association as the authority in this field.

“This month… we renew our commitment to the struggle for equal rights for LGBT Americans and to ending prejudice and injustice wherever it exists.”

In a memorandum released Wednesday evening, President Obama directed federal agencies to extend new benefits to the same-sex partners and families of federal LGBT employees. While full equality for LGBT federal employees can only be achieved through legislation, the steps taken by the President represent the fullest extension of benefits that can be extended under existing law, as identified through a year-long process ordered by the President last June.

The new benefits include family assistance services, hardship transfers, and relocation expenses for same-sex domestic partners, and they make it clear that the children of same-sex domestic partners qualify as family members eligible for benefits. In addition, the President’s memorandum directed federal agencies to extend any new benefits made available to heterosexual married couples to same-sex partners to the extent permitted by law.

Following the announcement of the extension of benefits, the President called for the continued forward march of change, saying:

“While this Memorandum is an important step on the path to equality, my Administration continues to be prevented by existing Federal law from providing same-sex domestic partners with the full range of benefits enjoyed by heterosexual married couples. That is why, today, I renew my call for swift passage of an important piece of legislation pending in both Houses of Congress—the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act. This legislation…would extend to the same-sex domestic partners of Federal employees the full range of benefits currently enjoyed by Federal employees’ opposite-sex spouses. I look forward to signing it into law.”

Today marks the beginning of Pride Month -- a time not just to remember the brave Americans who stood up to hate and discrimination at the Stonewall Inn 41 years ago, but a time to stand with those who are committed to that same fight today.

LGBT Americans have helped build the Democratic Party into what it is today. And, as a leader of the party, I'm proud of our role in the struggle for equality.

That's why it's important to me -- and to the future of this party -- that we hear from you.

Take a moment to share your thoughts with us this Pride Month.

At times the pace of progress has not been as fast as some -- myself included -- would like. And, while equality cannot be achieved overnight, the President and our Democratic leaders in Congress have made important strides over the past 16 months to address barriers that LGBT Americans face.

-- Last year, we passed the Matthew Shepherd & James Byrd, Jr., Federal Hate Crimes Act -- which expanded the definition of hate crimes to include sexual orientation and gender identity and became the first federal law to provide protections for transgender Americans.

-- In April, the President issued a directive, making critical changes to federal regulations and allowing gay and lesbian Americans to make medical decisions on behalf of their partners.

-- And now we are on the verge of living up to President Obama's pledge to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." The House just passed historic legislation to end this discriminatory policy, and the full Senate is getting ready to vote in the coming months.

But we are not satisfied. And we are not finished.

Repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is just the start. We must also pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act to prohibit workplace discrimination against LGBT Americans. And we must remain committed to making greater strides toward the fundamental American principle of equality.

Make your voice heard:

http://my.democrats.org/PrideMonthVoices

Thanks, and happy Pride Month,

Governor Tim Kaine
Chairman

Over the last year and a half, President Obama and Democrats in Congress have made significant strides on behalf of LGBT Americans. They enacted hate crimes prevention legislation strengthening federal protections against crimes based on gender identity or sexual orientation. They took unprecedented steps to ensure that LGBT Americans would have the ability to visit or to be visited by a loved-one in the hospital, and to make medical decisions on their behalf. They included LGBT families in the Census for the first time in American history. And so much more.

But while this progress is worthy of celebration, there is still a long way to go. In a proclamation on the occasion, President Obama acknowledged the work still to be done:

“This month, as we recognize the immeasurable contributions of LGBT Americans, we renew our commitment to the struggle for equal rights for LGBT Americans and to ending prejudice and injustice wherever it exists…

“Thanks to those who came before us -- the brave men and women who marched, stood up to injustice, and brought change through acts of compassion or defiance -- we have made enormous progress and continue to strive for a more perfect union…

“[But] much work remains to fulfill our Nation's promise of equal justice under law for LGBT Americans. That is why we must give committed gay couples the same rights and responsibilities afforded to any married couple, and repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. We must protect the rights of LGBT families by securing their adoption rights, ending employment discrimination against LGBT Americans, and ensuring Federal employees receive equal benefits. We must create safer schools so all our children may learn in a supportive environment. I am also committed to ending "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" so patriotic LGBT Americans can serve openly in our military, and I am working with the Congress and our military leadership to accomplish that goal.

“As we honor the LGBT Americans who have given so much to our Nation, let us remember that if one of us is unable to realize full equality, we all fall short of our founding principles. Our Nation draws its strength from our diversity, with each of us contributing to the greater whole. By affirming these rights and values, each American benefits from the further advancement of liberty and justice for all.”

“As we enter June, I join Democrats across the country in celebrating Pride Month and the important strides LGBT Americans have made toward equality while also acknowledging the long way our country must still go to ensure equality for all Americans.

“The voices of LGBT Americans are an integral part of the fabric of our nation and of the Democratic Party, and they play a critical role in our efforts to move our country forward. President Obama and Democrats in Congress have heard the concerns of LGBT Americans and have worked hard over the past year to address barriers LGBT Americans continue to face. We know that at times the pace of change has not been as fast as some would like; however, while progress cannot be achieved overnight, the President and our Democratic leaders are committed to overcoming barriers to equality.

“Since taking office, President Obama has taken a number of important steps along this path – signing historic hate crimes legislation which extends protections to LGBT Americans, guaranteeing LGBT families the right to visit and make medical decisions for a partner in America’s hospitals, lifting the ban on HIV/AIDS individuals entering the United States, honoring the life and legacy of Harvey Milk, and including LGBT families in the Census for the first time in history, among others. And as a result of this Administration’s efforts and the efforts of committed Democrats in Congress, our country is finally on the verge of repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ – so that the most dedicated and able Americans are defending and securing our nation every American without regard to sexual orientation.

“Forty one years ago, patriotic LGBT Americans fought against unjust discrimination at the Stonewall Inn. Today, LGBT Americans continue to work for a better future for all Americans. This Pride Month, I hope all Democrats will join me in expressing my sincere wish that we bring about such a future as soon as possible.”

Following the House vote, President Obama released the following statement:

I have long advocated that we repeal ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’, and I am pleased that both the House of Representatives and the Senate Armed Services Committee took important bipartisan steps toward repeal tonight.  Key to successful repeal will be the ongoing Defense Department review, and as such I am grateful that the amendments offered by Representative Patrick Murphy and Senators Joseph Lieberman and Carl Levin that passed today will ensure that the Department of Defense can complete that comprehensive review that will allow our military and their families the opportunity to inform and shape the implementation process.  Our military is made up of the best and bravest men and women in our nation, and my greatest honor is leading them as Commander-in-Chief. This legislation will help make our Armed Forces even stronger and more inclusive by allowing gay and lesbian soldiers to serve honestly and with integrity.

Last night lawmakers and the Defense Department came to an agreement on moving forward, and White House Budget Director Peter Orszag made it clear that the administration is behind the compromise.

The Los Angeles Times reported that the House could take up repeal as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act as early as Thursday:

President Obama reached a deal with key Democrats on Monday that could repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" policy governing gays and lesbians in the military — assuming Congress signs on.

The proposal would let lawmakers vote now to repeal the law and allow people who are openly gay to serve, once the president and top military leaders certify that the repeal wouldn't threaten the military's "readiness, effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention," according to documents the sponsors sent to the administration.

The White House replied that the proposal "meets the concerns" raised by the Pentagon and that the Obama administration supported it....

Obama has long pledged to do away with the ban on openly gay service members. Several military leaders, including Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, have said they agree with ending the ban. But legislation had been elusive until now.

The lead sponsors of the repeal measure, Rep. Patrick J. Murphy (D-Pa.) and Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), pledged to work on both sides of the aisle to pass the proposal.

"It is our firm belief that it is time to repeal this discriminatory policy that not only dishonors those who are willing to give their lives in service to their country but also prevents capable men and women with vital skills from serving in the armed forces at a time when our nation is fighting two wars," Murphy and Lieberman said in a statement late Monday.

In a letter to the White House, Murphy, Lieberman and Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), chairman of the Armed Services Committee, outlined their plan to repeal the policy pending certification of readiness by the president and top military officials.

White House Budget Director Peter R. Orszag replied in writing that, although it would be "ideal" if Congress waited for the Pentagon readiness review before taking action, the administration found the plan acceptable.

The proposal "recognizes the critical need to allow our military and their families the full opportunity to inform and shape the implementation process," Orszag wrote. "The administration therefore supports the proposed amendment."

If approved, repeal would take effect after the Pentagon finishes a study about its impact on troops and readiness, which is due to Congress on December 1st.

The United States strongly condemns the conviction and harsh sentencing of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga in Malawi. The criminalization of sexual orientation and gender identity is unconscionable, and this case mars the human rights record of Malawi. We urge Malawi and all countries to stop using sexual orientation or gender identity as the basis for arrest, detention, or execution.

"The President's commitment to repealing "don't ask, don't tell" is unequivocal. This is not a question of if, but how. That's why we've said that the implementation of any congressional repeal will be delayed until the DOD study of how best to implement that repeal is completed. The President is committed to getting this done both soon and right."

More on the subject can be read at The Advocate.

“Discharging over 13,000 soldiers because of their sexuality is in violation of the principles of this nation, as is forcing thousands of other service members to keep their sexuality secret. In the interests of human rights and furthering the most capable military in the world the College Democrats of America will continue to support President Obama's agenda for an end to ‘Don't Ask Don't Tell.’”