Just had to blog about latest developments from Iowa's Supreme Court ruling released today.
Iowa is not the first Supreme Court in the US to endorse same sex marriage (following Hawaii - overturned by a constitutional amendment- Massachusetts and Connecticut). It is though the first to be a unanimous ruling as well as being outside of the comfort zones of New England and trendy California.
It's also a good read if you like that sort of thing. I find it particularly well written, relating to previous Supreme Court rulings on issues like slavery, segregation and women's equality where Iowa was way in advance of the US Supreme Court. The language of the ruling contains subtle digs at other jurisdictions which have denied marriage equality (New York, Washington) or might be about to (California).
Its logic is faultless and is a delight to read and I'm certain will have a huge impact in years to come. In particular it reflects on the historic aspects of discrimination faced by "gay and lesbian people".
At the same time as all this marriage equality measures are progressing actively in New Hampshire and Vermont (where the Senate carried a bill by 26 - 4, the House by 95 - 52 - though not enough as yet to counteract a planned veto by the state governor).
And from Europe, news that the Swedish Parliament has enacted same sex marriage legislation by 261 votes to 22.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
What a Day, What a Week
I was so completely overwhelmed by Barack Obama's inauguration event I couldn't blog about it. I still struggle to find words to express what I'm (still) feeling. The sight of the crowds, the excitement, a Democrat in the White House, an African American as President of the US....
The inauguration itself had its moments. Rick Warren was as uneventful as predicted and quite emollient in tone. The benediction given by Rev Lowery was uplifting and simply wonderful.
'Praise Song for the Day' was the inaugural poem. Loved it but the delivery was a little odd and am not sure it was ideal for a crowd of 2 million in the freezing cold, but a great and subtle poem that didn't get unanimous praise.
The 'gay inclusion' - the Lesbian couple on the train heading for Washington alongside Obama and Biden, the band marching in the procession and the choice of Gene Robinson to kick off the inauguration week at the Lincoln memorial and his inclusion at other inaugural events.
The first week - steps toward the closure of Guantanamo Bay and the repudiation (thank God) of the practice of torture by the US. Openness to the Arab and Muslim world and a new doctrine of respect toward other countries and the constitutional and human rights order.
All I can say is "Praise Song for the Day".
Reality will of course be a little more complicated.....
The inauguration itself had its moments. Rick Warren was as uneventful as predicted and quite emollient in tone. The benediction given by Rev Lowery was uplifting and simply wonderful.
'Praise Song for the Day' was the inaugural poem. Loved it but the delivery was a little odd and am not sure it was ideal for a crowd of 2 million in the freezing cold, but a great and subtle poem that didn't get unanimous praise.
The 'gay inclusion' - the Lesbian couple on the train heading for Washington alongside Obama and Biden, the band marching in the procession and the choice of Gene Robinson to kick off the inauguration week at the Lincoln memorial and his inclusion at other inaugural events.
The first week - steps toward the closure of Guantanamo Bay and the repudiation (thank God) of the practice of torture by the US. Openness to the Arab and Muslim world and a new doctrine of respect toward other countries and the constitutional and human rights order.
All I can say is "Praise Song for the Day".
Reality will of course be a little more complicated.....
Friday, January 02, 2009
Some more thoughts on Warren
This is the one where Obama has invited an evangelical pastor to do the 'invocation' at the inauguration ceremony.
I think in the long run that getting rid of Don't Ask Don't Tell, federal discrimination legislation and support for moves in the UN to support the ending of the criminalisation of same sex relationships (to give just a few examples) are what we are wanting from Obama over the next 4 years and whether or not he delivers on these is how I will judge him (from an LGBT perspective).
But just what is Warren's position? While opposing same sex marriage he has used language suggesting that it's the word 'marriage' that irks him. He therefore might be amenable to all sorts of legislative action (at a federal level for instance) on same sex partnership rights, possibly even for Civil Unions. And in many states that's potentially an enormous advance - maybe not all of the journey - but a huge step forwards nonetheless. Or maybe it's all a smoke screen - let's put the spotlight on him and ask him what he does support and go for that at an absolute minimum.
It poses a question of how we should relate to religious folk who don't sign off on all our agenda in all its integrity but might be willing to sign up for some of what we want and maybe Warren is an example of that.
I think sometimes we use a kind of litmus test and then having failed it we kind of discard people instead of working out where we need there support and holding them accountable for delivering it.
Getting prominent evangelicals who aren't known for being gay friendly to state they are against criminalising same sex relationships to advocate the position they allegedly espouse can be a big difference in countries where there is a lot of anti-gay discourse (one thinks of Jamaica and Nigeria).
It may be that it's all dishonest posturing and in many cases I am sure it is and that the anti-gay leaders in the UK and US who pretend to be so moderate actually only adopt this position for show to make their prejudices seem more palatable.
But we let them off and give them a free pass. We don't put them to the test. We don't hold them accountable. We effectively let them wriggle away from their own contradictions while in some cases just don't take advantage of those who might be willing to support us in some of our struggles.
I think in the long run that getting rid of Don't Ask Don't Tell, federal discrimination legislation and support for moves in the UN to support the ending of the criminalisation of same sex relationships (to give just a few examples) are what we are wanting from Obama over the next 4 years and whether or not he delivers on these is how I will judge him (from an LGBT perspective).
But just what is Warren's position? While opposing same sex marriage he has used language suggesting that it's the word 'marriage' that irks him. He therefore might be amenable to all sorts of legislative action (at a federal level for instance) on same sex partnership rights, possibly even for Civil Unions. And in many states that's potentially an enormous advance - maybe not all of the journey - but a huge step forwards nonetheless. Or maybe it's all a smoke screen - let's put the spotlight on him and ask him what he does support and go for that at an absolute minimum.
It poses a question of how we should relate to religious folk who don't sign off on all our agenda in all its integrity but might be willing to sign up for some of what we want and maybe Warren is an example of that.
I think sometimes we use a kind of litmus test and then having failed it we kind of discard people instead of working out where we need there support and holding them accountable for delivering it.
Getting prominent evangelicals who aren't known for being gay friendly to state they are against criminalising same sex relationships to advocate the position they allegedly espouse can be a big difference in countries where there is a lot of anti-gay discourse (one thinks of Jamaica and Nigeria).
It may be that it's all dishonest posturing and in many cases I am sure it is and that the anti-gay leaders in the UK and US who pretend to be so moderate actually only adopt this position for show to make their prejudices seem more palatable.
But we let them off and give them a free pass. We don't put them to the test. We don't hold them accountable. We effectively let them wriggle away from their own contradictions while in some cases just don't take advantage of those who might be willing to support us in some of our struggles.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Pope Benedict urges defence of heterosexuality....
I thought that it was doing just fine by itself.
Really there is this paranoid nonsense behind alot of homophobia saying that if we abaondon homophobic beliefs and practices that heterosexuality will collapse.
Evidence appears to be against this supposition and leaving people to their own devices roughly the same number come out straight.
It's basically the idea that homosexuals are the first defectors (for whatever reason) from a universal heterosexual order and that if it's allowed to continue there won't be any heterosexuals left.
This is plain silly.
As for saving the planet, well we're if anything at risk of over population so if anything ......
And of course there's always this thing that LGBT people are trying to bring about the end of the human race by not procreating (ignoring the fact that many do and many more would if they could). And of course there's a notable lack of procreation coming from Catholic priests - though many are of course doing their duty in spite of rules around celibacy.
I think this failure of even the simplest logical steps in thought reflect very badly on the Pope's system of religious thought that needs to vicitimise groups of people in order to maintain its own internal coherence.
Meanwhile this comment from PinkNews - Pope Benedict learns nothing from his time in Hitler Youth.
Really there is this paranoid nonsense behind alot of homophobia saying that if we abaondon homophobic beliefs and practices that heterosexuality will collapse.
Evidence appears to be against this supposition and leaving people to their own devices roughly the same number come out straight.
It's basically the idea that homosexuals are the first defectors (for whatever reason) from a universal heterosexual order and that if it's allowed to continue there won't be any heterosexuals left.
This is plain silly.
As for saving the planet, well we're if anything at risk of over population so if anything ......
And of course there's always this thing that LGBT people are trying to bring about the end of the human race by not procreating (ignoring the fact that many do and many more would if they could). And of course there's a notable lack of procreation coming from Catholic priests - though many are of course doing their duty in spite of rules around celibacy.
I think this failure of even the simplest logical steps in thought reflect very badly on the Pope's system of religious thought that needs to vicitimise groups of people in order to maintain its own internal coherence.
Meanwhile this comment from PinkNews - Pope Benedict learns nothing from his time in Hitler Youth.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Obama disappoints
News from the US is that Barack Obama has chosen Rick Warren (evangelical right wing pastor who has compared same-sex marriage to pedophilia and incest and actively camapaigned in favour of Proposition 8 in California) to give the invocation or prayer at his inauguration.
The prayer will probably last 60 seconds and say nice heart warming things but the sense of sadness and loss that the inauguration itself (for Americans the inauguration is a really big deal like a combination of the State Opening of Parliament and the finals of Strictly and X factor all combined) will not be a truly inclusive event that all Americans (and onlookers all over the world) can feel a part of.
I am sure that Obama's tenure in office will witness some important social and legislative changes, many of them with his blessing and possibly even at his bidding. But this really isn't the way to start your Presidency, by casting LGBT people as outsiders whose feelings don't really matter, while at the same time giving the evangelical right some prime time promo.
For LGBT equality we seem to be quickly moving from the audacity of hope to the anatomy of despair.
Now, as I said, this is a 60 second prayer that will soon be over. But one reflects that there's only one invocation and this is who Obama chose for it.
If any American gets to read this blog (not very likely in itself but you never know) my advice is to treat Obama in the same way we treated Tony Blair who did great things for LGBT rights in the UK. He did however need to be pushed, cajoled, manipulated and persuaded using allies and supporters inside and outside the Cabinet.
Yes, of course we all crave a leader who 'gets it' and instinctively does the right thing. We don't often get that and have to work with what we're given - which if we're lucky is someone whose heart is basically in the right place but still needs pressure and encouragement to do the right thing.
I think (until persuaded to the contrary) that Obama'selection was a good thing, for many different reasons. It would be great if electing Obama was all there was to do and we can take a well earned rest now. The right leaders are usually the ones who are open to social movements to advance their causes and move opinion - they (we) still have to do a lot of the work themselves.
(Oh yes, and I secretly hope for some good ol' fashioned protestin' at the inauguration).
The prayer will probably last 60 seconds and say nice heart warming things but the sense of sadness and loss that the inauguration itself (for Americans the inauguration is a really big deal like a combination of the State Opening of Parliament and the finals of Strictly and X factor all combined) will not be a truly inclusive event that all Americans (and onlookers all over the world) can feel a part of.
I am sure that Obama's tenure in office will witness some important social and legislative changes, many of them with his blessing and possibly even at his bidding. But this really isn't the way to start your Presidency, by casting LGBT people as outsiders whose feelings don't really matter, while at the same time giving the evangelical right some prime time promo.
For LGBT equality we seem to be quickly moving from the audacity of hope to the anatomy of despair.
Now, as I said, this is a 60 second prayer that will soon be over. But one reflects that there's only one invocation and this is who Obama chose for it.
If any American gets to read this blog (not very likely in itself but you never know) my advice is to treat Obama in the same way we treated Tony Blair who did great things for LGBT rights in the UK. He did however need to be pushed, cajoled, manipulated and persuaded using allies and supporters inside and outside the Cabinet.
Yes, of course we all crave a leader who 'gets it' and instinctively does the right thing. We don't often get that and have to work with what we're given - which if we're lucky is someone whose heart is basically in the right place but still needs pressure and encouragement to do the right thing.
I think (until persuaded to the contrary) that Obama'selection was a good thing, for many different reasons. It would be great if electing Obama was all there was to do and we can take a well earned rest now. The right leaders are usually the ones who are open to social movements to advance their causes and move opinion - they (we) still have to do a lot of the work themselves.
(Oh yes, and I secretly hope for some good ol' fashioned protestin' at the inauguration).
Friday, December 19, 2008
Employment Appeals Tribunal overturns 'Ladele' Employment Tribunal
News in today, causing much relief as the original ET ruling was a complete nightmare. There is no doubt that the original judgment was at the very least badly written (and in parts incomprehensible).
If upheld it would have led to chaos in many employers as employees religious scruples would presumably have to have been given effect by employers irrespective of the core business of the employer in question which would in effect have completely up-ended the traditional set up of our system of employment law.
Quite good coverage can be had from Pink News and the good ol' Christian Institute (who had backed the case).
The full ruling can be obtained from the above sites and totally demolishes the original ET case in almost every aspect and makes for a very interesting read for the substance of its analysis.
The ruling is a great Christmas present and the occasion of much relief that proper equality protections for all people (without a 'trump card' for the religious) have been re-established by the Employment Appeals Tribunal.
In a scarcely less significant case, the Court of Appeal ruled 2-1 in favour of the case taken against Sanderson blinds by someone experiencing homophobic harassment even though he wasn't gay himself (BBC news report). This is an important ruling in the attempt to create workplaces without homophobic harassment, irrespective of whether an employee is gay themselves.
If upheld it would have led to chaos in many employers as employees religious scruples would presumably have to have been given effect by employers irrespective of the core business of the employer in question which would in effect have completely up-ended the traditional set up of our system of employment law.
Quite good coverage can be had from Pink News and the good ol' Christian Institute (who had backed the case).
The full ruling can be obtained from the above sites and totally demolishes the original ET case in almost every aspect and makes for a very interesting read for the substance of its analysis.
The ruling is a great Christmas present and the occasion of much relief that proper equality protections for all people (without a 'trump card' for the religious) have been re-established by the Employment Appeals Tribunal.
In a scarcely less significant case, the Court of Appeal ruled 2-1 in favour of the case taken against Sanderson blinds by someone experiencing homophobic harassment even though he wasn't gay himself (BBC news report). This is an important ruling in the attempt to create workplaces without homophobic harassment, irrespective of whether an employee is gay themselves.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Historic day at the United Nations
A ground breaking day today at the UN as first of all an amendment to remove sexual orientation from a resolution on extra judicial killings was defeated 60 - 76.
Secondly, 66 countries from 5 continents had signed up to a statement read out by Argentina on sexual orientation, gender identity and human rights. This was followed up by a high level side event with a number of impressive speakers (and one singer - though whether that was planned I'm not sure).
In particular great to hear from Sunil Plant, an out gay MP in Nepal (one of the countries supporting the statement).
This follows up on a number of high profile initiatives, including previous attempts at statements by a number and the Yogyakarta principles and initiatives by the Council of Europe and the Organisation of American States.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Human Rights at 60
Just a brief mention of the 60th anniversary of that fantastic document, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights text here and presented in a great animation on Youtube.
Obviously the declaration came out of the terrible realisation of the depths that humanity can descend to but also ways that human rights are violated in smaller ways as well that tend to undermine the rule of law and equity between human beings.
The UDHR is a document well worth celebrating and has spawned a number of human rights frameworks and initiatives (regional and national human rights laws for instance including the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights).
And amidst all the talk of the need to include responsibilities as well as rights it is instructive to note they are referenced at different points in the Declaration.
Lots of stuff on the 60 anniversary of the UDHR on the EHRC's website including a speech by Gordon Brown.
After 60 years we are only just starting to put human rights into practice.
Obviously the declaration came out of the terrible realisation of the depths that humanity can descend to but also ways that human rights are violated in smaller ways as well that tend to undermine the rule of law and equity between human beings.
The UDHR is a document well worth celebrating and has spawned a number of human rights frameworks and initiatives (regional and national human rights laws for instance including the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights).
And amidst all the talk of the need to include responsibilities as well as rights it is instructive to note they are referenced at different points in the Declaration.
Lots of stuff on the 60 anniversary of the UDHR on the EHRC's website including a speech by Gordon Brown.
After 60 years we are only just starting to put human rights into practice.
Recovering from the UNISON LGBT Conference
Complete exhaustion after UNISON's annual LGBT Conference is my excuse as to an absence of blogging.
The database of Conference decisions can be found here (at the time of checking it lacked composites and motions carried for National Delegate Conference).
Most people there thought it was a really great Conference and although I was really tired at the end one of the most enjoyable ones I have attended.
Started with a fantastic civic reception with various civic speakers, notably including Dawn Primarolo who gave a great barnstorming political speech.
Ceri Goddard of the British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) gave a powerful address on the importance of human rights in every day life and making them a reality without going to Court (especially in public services).
There was just the right balance of controversial debates (boring if evrything goes through 'on the nod') with passionate debates on a wide range of issues such as male rape, the availability of Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and a wide variety of motions from Homophobria in sport, marriage equality to Pride is a protest and motions calling for International Solidarity and work within the Commonwealth.
The database of Conference decisions can be found here (at the time of checking it lacked composites and motions carried for National Delegate Conference).
Most people there thought it was a really great Conference and although I was really tired at the end one of the most enjoyable ones I have attended.
Started with a fantastic civic reception with various civic speakers, notably including Dawn Primarolo who gave a great barnstorming political speech.
Ceri Goddard of the British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) gave a powerful address on the importance of human rights in every day life and making them a reality without going to Court (especially in public services).
There was just the right balance of controversial debates (boring if evrything goes through 'on the nod') with passionate debates on a wide range of issues such as male rape, the availability of Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and a wide variety of motions from Homophobria in sport, marriage equality to Pride is a protest and motions calling for International Solidarity and work within the Commonwealth.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Yo Glenrothes!
Fantastic news of the Labour Party winning a by election (singular). Majority of 6,700!
This (alongside some council election gains) is phenomenal and denotes renewed confidence in the Labour government (as opposed to the dire abject despair).
We are going into a very deep recession and we desperately need the government to cushion the fall at a time when the unfettered free market has failed us.
Whatever the beauty contest of politics between the parties we need, desperately need, a government that supports the economy rather than plunge us head on into deep, deep wasting recession.
Never have wild unfettered get rich quick markets been so out of failure and the message of moderate social democrats (Keynes and all) been more needed. Only the Labour party can deliver.
This (alongside some council election gains) is phenomenal and denotes renewed confidence in the Labour government (as opposed to the dire abject despair).
We are going into a very deep recession and we desperately need the government to cushion the fall at a time when the unfettered free market has failed us.
Whatever the beauty contest of politics between the parties we need, desperately need, a government that supports the economy rather than plunge us head on into deep, deep wasting recession.
Never have wild unfettered get rich quick markets been so out of failure and the message of moderate social democrats (Keynes and all) been more needed. Only the Labour party can deliver.
Joy on Obama; sadness on Prop 8
Obama wins big in the all important electoral college - picking the so called lock of the Republican's "Southern Strategy". Dems have struggled hard in all elections for the presidency since the passage of civil rights sparked all the politics of resentment that have coralled a Southern erstwhile Democratic stronghold for the Republicans.
Noticably the thinking has been the need for the Dems to do something to attract the South - Carter from Georgia, Clinton Governor of Arkansas, Gore Senator from Tennesee, Edwards from North Carolina....
Not anymore. Obama a left leaning liberal, black lawyer from Chicago as well as a Veep from Delaware carrying North Carolina, Virginia, Missouri being split (SPLIT!), Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Floriday.
I am sure Obama is the right person for the job at this point and at some deep level the US and the world needed this renewal even though on one level not much is going to change - but we'll see.
Just the fact of how far we have come when we have gone from the Civil Rights fights (to vote, not have to sit on a separate part of a bus, segregation in both church and state) to a black person being elected as President. Just to see tears in so many faces - including Jesse Jackson.
On the other hand, sadness that Proposition 8 was carried by a small majority.
Many have speculated on the reasons for this failure.
I think the No campaign had serious shortcomings with poor ads. And our own community has probably been prone to some hubris - if we celebrate our victory loudly enough no-one will be so cruel as to reverse it.
Well they can. And did.
Having schoolchildren attend their school teacher's same sex wedding when school teaching, children and religion were at the core of the Yes on 8 campaign.
Gavin Newsom triumphally stating that you're going to get same sex marriage whether you like it or not; that there's no way of turning back. Voters thought otherwise.
So it was a sad day but great to see there was an opposition of 48% with so much support from trade unions, young voters, church groups. These networks should be built on and nurtured as a way of building up support for LGBT people.
I think that same sex marriage will proceed in its own way in many states of the US as well as other countries in the world (the latest being the statement that Sweden's centre right government is likely to introduce same sex marriage legislation by 2009).
All is not so negative. Connecticut having recently commenced same sex marriage in a similar court ruling and voted against calling a Constitutional Convention and the Dems got majorities in many state legislatures.
Progress marches on, though sometimes via a winding road.
Noticably the thinking has been the need for the Dems to do something to attract the South - Carter from Georgia, Clinton Governor of Arkansas, Gore Senator from Tennesee, Edwards from North Carolina....
Not anymore. Obama a left leaning liberal, black lawyer from Chicago as well as a Veep from Delaware carrying North Carolina, Virginia, Missouri being split (SPLIT!), Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Floriday.
I am sure Obama is the right person for the job at this point and at some deep level the US and the world needed this renewal even though on one level not much is going to change - but we'll see.
Just the fact of how far we have come when we have gone from the Civil Rights fights (to vote, not have to sit on a separate part of a bus, segregation in both church and state) to a black person being elected as President. Just to see tears in so many faces - including Jesse Jackson.
On the other hand, sadness that Proposition 8 was carried by a small majority.
Many have speculated on the reasons for this failure.
I think the No campaign had serious shortcomings with poor ads. And our own community has probably been prone to some hubris - if we celebrate our victory loudly enough no-one will be so cruel as to reverse it.
Well they can. And did.
Having schoolchildren attend their school teacher's same sex wedding when school teaching, children and religion were at the core of the Yes on 8 campaign.
Gavin Newsom triumphally stating that you're going to get same sex marriage whether you like it or not; that there's no way of turning back. Voters thought otherwise.
So it was a sad day but great to see there was an opposition of 48% with so much support from trade unions, young voters, church groups. These networks should be built on and nurtured as a way of building up support for LGBT people.
I think that same sex marriage will proceed in its own way in many states of the US as well as other countries in the world (the latest being the statement that Sweden's centre right government is likely to introduce same sex marriage legislation by 2009).
All is not so negative. Connecticut having recently commenced same sex marriage in a similar court ruling and voted against calling a Constitutional Convention and the Dems got majorities in many state legislatures.
Progress marches on, though sometimes via a winding road.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Obama's grief
From Andrew Sullivan.....
Madelyn Payne Dunham RIP
Obama was so right to make sure he spent time with her before she passed on. But what an emotional blow on election eve for the candidate from Illinois. He has survived this campaign with remarkable emotional maturity and self-control. I just wish this didn't have to add to it. None of his parents will witness tomorrow. But somewhere my faith teaches me: they know already. Maybe Toot couldn't wait for the actual results. Maybe she's now a few steps ahead even of Chuck Todd. May she rest in peace. She did good.
The US election
Apart from a clear ideological preference for the Democrats, Obama is quite clearly the better candidate - calm, cool, not a hothead or erratic, a strategist rather than a tactician and a powerful orator.
He is quite clearly what the US and the world needs from this election.
He would also be (so far as I can tell) the first country in the developed world to elect a leader from a minority ethnic grouping, which given the US' troubled history with slavery, segregation and discrimination is important - again not just for the US but for the world.
It appears there has been some tightening in some states such as Pensylvania but if Obama doesn't win it will be the most incredible electoral upset (either that or the 'voting machines' are churning out Republican voting surpluses).
Either way, not long to wait now.
He is quite clearly what the US and the world needs from this election.
He would also be (so far as I can tell) the first country in the developed world to elect a leader from a minority ethnic grouping, which given the US' troubled history with slavery, segregation and discrimination is important - again not just for the US but for the world.
It appears there has been some tightening in some states such as Pensylvania but if Obama doesn't win it will be the most incredible electoral upset (either that or the 'voting machines' are churning out Republican voting surpluses).
Either way, not long to wait now.
An early election result
Ahead of tomorrow's excitement....
Congratulations to UNISON and Louise in getting elected to the ILGA Europe board. It has only 10 members and covers the whole of Europe not just the EU, so getting elected at the first attempt is a real achievement.
Congratulations to UNISON and Louise in getting elected to the ILGA Europe board. It has only 10 members and covers the whole of Europe not just the EU, so getting elected at the first attempt is a real achievement.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
HFEB passes Third Reading
Passed by 335 to 129 votes.
Any Commons amendments will need to be agreed by the Lords prior to Royal Assent.
I do though regret that it has not been possible to improve the regime for access to abortion services and that Westminster has not been able to legislate to help women in Northern Ireland.
Any Commons amendments will need to be agreed by the Lords prior to Royal Assent.
I do though regret that it has not been possible to improve the regime for access to abortion services and that Westminster has not been able to legislate to help women in Northern Ireland.
Some things I am waiting for
The outcome of the US Presidential election (According to electoral-vote.com Obama has a steady projected lead - however we all remember the last 2 contests and the Republicans are playing dirty - no surprises there). I am getting most of my up to date info from Sullivan's Daily Dish (pro Obama blog).
The outcome of the vote on Prop 8 in California (see previous)
The outcome of the Indian Court case over the constitutionality of India's retention of laws criminalising homosexual acts from the British Empire.
The outcome of the vote on Prop 8 in California (see previous)
The outcome of the Indian Court case over the constitutionality of India's retention of laws criminalising homosexual acts from the British Empire.
Same sex marriage losing in California
Latest polls show homophobic Proposition 8, restricting marriage to heterosexual couples and intending to upend a Constitutional provision of non-discrimination enacted by the Supreme Court of California (albeit recently).
Stripping people of constitutional protections and measures affording equality and fairness for all is a grave and serious step to take.
I am not sure what happens if it passes, given there are now tens of thousands of same sex couples who have married. Maybe it all becomes null and void, but the equal protection clause of the California Constitution is still operative as is the Supreme Court's analysis of sexual orientation as being a suspect or quasi suspect category (in like manner as the Supreme Court of Connecticut which has also recently provided for gender neutrality) given the overwhelming animus toward LGBT people over recent US history and difficulty in gaining equality using the usual political channels - a point that is rather reinforced if Prop 8 passes.
Maybe California will adopt a UK style Civil Partnership provision.
This all remains to be seen.
Again, were it to pass, the only way for civil marriage to be afforded with full equality is for a future amendment to the Constitution. And while it may be several years before such an amendment to be carried it is worth campaigning for, even though the LGBT community be heavily outspent by religious bodies.
Although to date the campaign against Prop 8 looks weak and dire (and is being heavily criticised though it may be they have a game plan for the final 2 weeks) a lot of the work is already being done in trade unions, newspaper editorials and supportive churches.
This work will no doubt continue as well, perhaps, some telling questions of the Democratic hierarchy who haven't come out too visibly against the amendment (at all in fact - maybe they are biding their time). There may well be a broader day of reckoning for this who offer warm words and sympathy when they ought to know better.
Stripping people of constitutional protections and measures affording equality and fairness for all is a grave and serious step to take.
I am not sure what happens if it passes, given there are now tens of thousands of same sex couples who have married. Maybe it all becomes null and void, but the equal protection clause of the California Constitution is still operative as is the Supreme Court's analysis of sexual orientation as being a suspect or quasi suspect category (in like manner as the Supreme Court of Connecticut which has also recently provided for gender neutrality) given the overwhelming animus toward LGBT people over recent US history and difficulty in gaining equality using the usual political channels - a point that is rather reinforced if Prop 8 passes.
Maybe California will adopt a UK style Civil Partnership provision.
This all remains to be seen.
Again, were it to pass, the only way for civil marriage to be afforded with full equality is for a future amendment to the Constitution. And while it may be several years before such an amendment to be carried it is worth campaigning for, even though the LGBT community be heavily outspent by religious bodies.
Although to date the campaign against Prop 8 looks weak and dire (and is being heavily criticised though it may be they have a game plan for the final 2 weeks) a lot of the work is already being done in trade unions, newspaper editorials and supportive churches.
This work will no doubt continue as well, perhaps, some telling questions of the Democratic hierarchy who haven't come out too visibly against the amendment (at all in fact - maybe they are biding their time). There may well be a broader day of reckoning for this who offer warm words and sympathy when they ought to know better.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Sarah Palin murders the English language
There are two theories here.
One is that she isn't verbally articulate in that her command of vocabulary and expression (fluent use of English constructions) and can't construct moderately complex sentences 'on the hoof'. She just isn't good at speaking.
The other theory is that she can't express herself because she hasn't gained the content to talk fluently about.
She has been a good debater in past campaigns in Alaska - she just hasn't grappled with the complexities of policy.
The reason can be seen in videos of her church. She's a born again Christian with certainty and faith. She doesn't need to know about things because she prays and reads the Bible and has God behind her.
So I think her extreme lack of fluency is because she's having to come to terms with policy issues she's never thought about before, while trying consciously to make sure that she doesn't contradict McCain (she probably doesn't known the full suite of his policy positions and their evolution and context).
The upshpot is she isn't ready and that her extreme faith based politics are a significant hurdle to learning.
One is that she isn't verbally articulate in that her command of vocabulary and expression (fluent use of English constructions) and can't construct moderately complex sentences 'on the hoof'. She just isn't good at speaking.
The other theory is that she can't express herself because she hasn't gained the content to talk fluently about.
She has been a good debater in past campaigns in Alaska - she just hasn't grappled with the complexities of policy.
The reason can be seen in videos of her church. She's a born again Christian with certainty and faith. She doesn't need to know about things because she prays and reads the Bible and has God behind her.
So I think her extreme lack of fluency is because she's having to come to terms with policy issues she's never thought about before, while trying consciously to make sure that she doesn't contradict McCain (she probably doesn't known the full suite of his policy positions and their evolution and context).
The upshpot is she isn't ready and that her extreme faith based politics are a significant hurdle to learning.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Party Conferences
I didn't pick up much from the LibDems, though Vince Cable gave a great speech. I didn't rate Nick Clegg much though.
I was at the Labour Conference as delegate for LGBT Labour as an affiliated socialist society, mainly to move a rules debate to add gender identity to the rule book.
The mood of the Conference was best described as 'grisly'. I think that, with some remove, it did its job of stabilising the government (inspite of the bizarre story about Ruth Kelly leaving the government being 'released' at 3am after Gordon Brown's speech).
Brown is much safer in his job now. First because he gave a good and well received speech and also because David Miliband got photographed holding a banana. So things are much calmer - no doubt there'll be trouble ahead, but for now things are a bit more stable.
Not the least of my worries was to work out the procedural rules of moving a rule change. This was not as straightforward as one might think if you're not a Party Conference afficianado. Anyway the rule change was all but unanimously passed, making Labour the only one of the three main political parties to explicitly include gender identity.
In addition the National Policy Forum Report contained several important areas of commitment to LGBT equality (health, education, international issues) and commitment to progress the Equality Bill.
The Tories' Conference is now well underway. I cannot believe how insubstantial and shallow Conservative responses to the current dificutlies that is making Gordon Brown look competent and effective by comparison - though I am biased.
I was at the Labour Conference as delegate for LGBT Labour as an affiliated socialist society, mainly to move a rules debate to add gender identity to the rule book.
The mood of the Conference was best described as 'grisly'. I think that, with some remove, it did its job of stabilising the government (inspite of the bizarre story about Ruth Kelly leaving the government being 'released' at 3am after Gordon Brown's speech).
Brown is much safer in his job now. First because he gave a good and well received speech and also because David Miliband got photographed holding a banana. So things are much calmer - no doubt there'll be trouble ahead, but for now things are a bit more stable.
Not the least of my worries was to work out the procedural rules of moving a rule change. This was not as straightforward as one might think if you're not a Party Conference afficianado. Anyway the rule change was all but unanimously passed, making Labour the only one of the three main political parties to explicitly include gender identity.
In addition the National Policy Forum Report contained several important areas of commitment to LGBT equality (health, education, international issues) and commitment to progress the Equality Bill.
The Tories' Conference is now well underway. I cannot believe how insubstantial and shallow Conservative responses to the current dificutlies that is making Gordon Brown look competent and effective by comparison - though I am biased.
Back to blogging .....
After a prolonged summer break (according to my view summer really ends after the close of the Labour Party Conference) I thought I'd get back to blogging.
Not much has happened in the intervening period - Western capitalism has been teetering on the edge of collapse, Gordon Brown has faced a rebellion in the Parliamentary Party (if by no more than a handful of MP's), the American Conventions happened (the highlight for me was the wonderful moment of the roll call at the Democratic Convention - especially the moment that the Massachusetts delegation profiled their commitment as the first State to allow same sex marriage), McCain unleashed the phenomena that is Sarah Pailin upon the world (a persona surely beyond parody), Russia invaded Georgia, more banks failing or getting nationalised (so much for Thatcherite free markets), South Africa lost its President while Zimbabwe has gained the beginnings of a power share deal.
So, not much has happened.
In one sense the world has speeded up so that events are happening too fast for blogging and in another we're slowing down - revisiting the hubris of past decades.
Now some of the dust is settling around us we can start to work out what kind of world we're living in.
Not much has happened in the intervening period - Western capitalism has been teetering on the edge of collapse, Gordon Brown has faced a rebellion in the Parliamentary Party (if by no more than a handful of MP's), the American Conventions happened (the highlight for me was the wonderful moment of the roll call at the Democratic Convention - especially the moment that the Massachusetts delegation profiled their commitment as the first State to allow same sex marriage), McCain unleashed the phenomena that is Sarah Pailin upon the world (a persona surely beyond parody), Russia invaded Georgia, more banks failing or getting nationalised (so much for Thatcherite free markets), South Africa lost its President while Zimbabwe has gained the beginnings of a power share deal.
So, not much has happened.
In one sense the world has speeded up so that events are happening too fast for blogging and in another we're slowing down - revisiting the hubris of past decades.
Now some of the dust is settling around us we can start to work out what kind of world we're living in.
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