With the upcoming ENDA vote, we need to be wary of religious right distortions

The main theme they will hit on is that they claim ENDA will force religious employers to hire people they don't want (despite ENDA's religious exemptions), and that religious co-workers may be "persecuted" for speaking their beliefs.

But what constitutes "speaking your beliefs"? Does that include telling your coworker they're a sinner? Blogger BlackTsunami discusses this.

Disclaimer: While I used the phrase "telling your co-worker they're a sinner", there doesn't seem to be evidence in the post that the guy in question said that to her. Though it does seem he used the term "deviant" in his letter describing the incident to his superiors at work.

Update (Nov 7, 2:40P): section of ENDA dealing with religious exemptions, section 6:

"This Act shall not apply to a corporation, association, educational institution or institution of learning, or society that is exempt from the religious discrimination provisions of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 pursuant (42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq.) to section 702(a) or 703(e)(2) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 2000e-1(a), 2000e-2(e)(2))."

Also the Senate had a hearing on ENDA on Nov 5, and Al Franken is on the committee! Third Senator to speak. Enjoy.

A hetero woman's "selfish" reason to support marriage equality

Michelle Bell tells why she wants marriage equality

Health care bill being voted on tomorrow in House

Text, HR 3962

Update, Nov 7, 9:04P: CBO estimate, most recent date, Nov 6

What Scalia said about abortion

His words:

From the subsequent "60 Minutes" Scalia interview transcript:

"My job is to interpret the Constitution accurately. And indeed, there are anti-abortion people who think that the constitution requires a state to prohibit abortion. They say that the Equal Protection Clause requires that you treat a helpless human being that's still in the womb the way you treat other human beings. I think that's wrong. I think when the Constitution says that persons are entitled to equal protection of the laws, I think it clearly means walking-around persons [emphasis mine -BG]. You don't count pregnant women twice."


For whole article quoting this, see Diploid Dave

Have fun on the Google

Equality California asks for petition to President Obama

Check it.

I already signed it.

More alternative perspectives on Maine

Wayne Besen asks us to stop acting like it's training camp: The Civil Likes movement

Maine lost, but the fight goes on...tomorrow!

Everyone who worked hard in Maine deserves our praise, whether or not they feel it themselves.

This was how I found out the news:

Maine voters repeal same-sex marriage laws

And here is one Blender saying we need to keep perspective: You want pity because of Maine? You won't be getting it from me.

The attitude of "keep fighting" is what I get. And here is the next fight: ENDA - The federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

Tomorrow at 10A the Senate will have a hearing on this bill which will protect employees NATIONWIDE from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

This was always meant as the follow up to the hate crimes bill. Well, we WON on hate crimes, now its time to repeat that victory for worker's rights.

Call your Senators

Go to the upper-right corner ("Find your senators" search engine) of the U.S. Senate site to find your Senators contact info, and LOCAL office.

Go to the upper-left corner of the House site and do the same.

**Update (11:05A): Just called my Senators. Both co-sponsors of ENDA. What about yours?

**Update (12:50P): More takes on the day:

Words about Maine and the dying hog of homophobia