Advocacy

As awareness of the size of the LGBT community has grown so has the conversation about LGBT issues. As a result many different legislative solutions are put forth on a regular and ongoing time line. We will attempt to give you a brief over view of pending legislation that will affect LGBT individuals and families.

The Military Readiness Enhancement Act

Introduced in the House as H.R.1283 by Representative Ellen Tauscher D (CA-10) on March 3rd, 2009 - this bill has yet to be introduced in the Senate.

The Military Readiness Enhancement Act would amend Title 10 of the United States Code by repealing the current discriminatory military Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) policy and replacing it with a military policy of non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. The legislation would not only end discrimination in the armed forces and strengthen our national security by utilizing the patriotism and talents of all who wish to serve, but it would save the military and the taxpayers millions of dollars that could be put to better use.

Note: this legislation has been passed by the United States House of Representatives.

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act

Introduced in the House as H.R. 3017 by Representative Barney Frank, D (MA-4) on June 24, 2009 and introduced in the Senate as S. 1584 by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) on August 5, 2009.

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act will prohibit discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Currently, in 30 states, an employer may legally fire someone based on his or her sexual orientation, and in 38 states an employer may legally fire someone because of their gender identity or gender expression.

Every Child Deserves a Family Act

Introduced in the House as H.R. 4806 by Representative Pete Stark (D-CA) on March 12, 2010.

This bill would prohibit discrimination in adoption or foster care placements based on the sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status of any prospective adoptive or foster parent.

(Repeal) The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)

Became law during the George W. Bush Administration. It remains the biggest obstacle on the Federal level to LGBT couples from obtaining marriage equality.

Every year, social conservatives find a new name for the marriage amendment. This year it is the "Marriage Protection Amendment." No matter what conservatives choose to name the amendment we should always refer to it with its original name, the "Federal Marriage Amendment." By using this title we reject the oppositions’ way of framing of the issue and we consistently remind our elected officials that this is, above all things, an amendment to the federal constitution.

We can work against the discriminatory DOMA by doing a few simple things when talking to conservatives:

·         Remind them that DOMA is a direct affront to the principle of state-rights in matters concerning Family Law. Allowing the federal government

to mandate how a family should live is against the most basic conservative principles

·         There is no need to alter the constitution to achieve an end that is already in effect by other legislation already passed into law.

·         It is not the job of the federal government to interfere with the most basic of personal agreements between any two individuals.

Don’t write discrimination into the U.S. Constitution. Even though the country has periodically struggled with the question of marriage — the last law prohibiting people of different races from marrying was overturned only 35 years ago — we have never taken the step of amending the Constitution to define marriage. Now is not the time to begin to use the Constitution as a tool for discrimination and political grandstanding.

Our Mission Statement

Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Persons promotes the equality and well-being of LGBT people, their families, and their friends through:

· Support to cope with an adverse society

· Education to enlighten an ill-informed public

· Advocacy to end discrimination and secure equal civil rights.

Read more: Our Mission Statement

Education

Education is a big part of what PFLAG does:

The National PFLAG Organization supports the more than 500 different chapters with traing in many topics:

Safe Schools - cultivating respect to end bullying.

Bringing The Message Home - Everyday citizens cn become agents of change by learning how to effectively lobby local elected officials

PFLAG Diversity Network - reaching out to ethnically diverse individuals

Straight For Equality - How to become a straight ally

Welcoming Faith Communities - Building relationship between LGBT members, their families and their Faith Communities.