WELCOME TO THE SEIU LAVENDER CAUCUS
Gay marriage and the governor's race
(February 24, 2010)
State Senator Bill Brady, the Republican gubernatorial nominee-in-waiting, recently proposed five amendments to the Illinois Constitution. Four of them address fiscal and ethical matters, while the fifth would hereafter ban both gay marriage and civil unions in the state.
Brady obviously eyes this amendment as a means of galvanizing conservative support for his candidacy and serving as a wedge issue between him and Governor Quinn heading into the November election.
Read the full article at huffingtonpost.com
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Will 2010 be the year for civil unions in Illinois? (progressillinois.com)
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STATE OF THE UNION: Obama pledges to repeal 'DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL'
The president says the ban on gays in the military will end this year.
Supporters of the idea want to see details, and quickly
Read more at losangelestimes.com
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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!!!
Click here for more information about the SEIU Lavender Caucus
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DID YOU KNOW ... that SEIU LOCAL 73 OFFERS DOMESTIC PARTNER BENEFITS TO MEMBERS OF ITS STAFF? CONTACT THE LAVENDER CAUCUS OR THE HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
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WE ARE AN INCLUSIVE CAUCUS AND WELCOME PARTICIPATION BY EVERYONE --- LESBIAN, GAY, STRAIGHT, BISEXUAL or TRANSGENDER.
WE ALSO WELCOME ALLIANCES WITH OUR SISTERS AND BROTHERS FROM OTHER SEIU LOCALS AND OTHER CHICAGO-AREA UNIONS.
UNITED WE STAND -- DIVIDED WE FALL
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Hired as a man, Fired as a Woman
Read the full story by clicking on this link
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Common Questions About Illinois Anti-Discrimination Bill SB3186
What is SB3186?
Senate Bill 3186 protects all Illinois residents against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It assures fair and equal treatment for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transsexuals in housing, credit, employment and public accommodations.
What Do We Mean by Sexual Orientation?
Sexual orientation is an individual’s sexual interest in the opposite sex (heterosexuality), both sexes (bisexuality), same sex (homosexuality) or gender identity. Orientation is not determined by any particular behavior or sexual act.
Does This Legislation Confer “Special Rights” or “Special Privileges” on Homosexuals?
No. Gay and lesbian people seek equitable treatment based on the same rights and opportunities afforded all Illinois citizens. “Open housing” or “equal employment” are not “special privileges” for gays and lesbians just as civil rights protections for other minorities are not viewed as such. Lesbians and gays simply want a fair opportunity to live, work and be productive members of their communities.
What SB3186 DOES:
SB3186 PROHIBITS the firing of workers solely on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
SB3186 PROHIBITS an employer from refusing to hire or promote a qualified candidate solely on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
SB3186 RECOGNIZES that all citizens of Illinois share the same fundamental rights.
SB3186 PROTECTS all citizens of Illinois whatever their sexual orientation.
What SB3186 DOES NOT do:
SB3186 DOES NOT promote, endorse or condone any lifestyle. The bill DOES NOT give special privileges or special rights to any individual, group, or community.
SB3186 DOES NOT supersede a religious institution's First Amendment right to hire and fire according to the tenets of its religion.
SB3186 DOES NOT permit same-sex marriages.
SB3186 DOES NOT force an employer to provide insurance benefits to partners of gay employees.
What Other States Include Sexual Orientation in Their Anti-Discrimination Code?
As of July 2008, the following states ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity: California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.
The following states ban discrimination on sexual orientation only: Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont.
Also, more than 200 cities, counties and other municipalities nationwide include sexual orientation in local ordinances.
Click here to read the full text of SB3186
Click here to read a Windy City Times article on the passage of SB3186
Click here for more information about the SEIU Lavender Caucus
or call SEIU Local 73's Jonathan Labe at 773-612-6906
Click here for photos of Local 73 at the 2009 Chicago Pride Parade
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