From New Mexico FBIHOP:State Dems may add gay marriage to party platform

State Dems may add gay marriage to party platform
by: LP
Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 12:01:45 PM MDT

With the recent additions of Iowa and Vermont (not to mention Washington D.C.) to the ranks of states that allow same-sex marriage, some New Mexico Democrats hope the Land of Enchantment joins that short list soon.
Some New Mexico Democrats are pushing for the legalization of same-sex marriage to be added to the Democratic Party platform. In this year's session, domestic partnership failed after a floor vote in the Senate, but Gov. Bill Richardson is open to adding the domestic partnership proposal to a special session later this year.

"If the marriage resolution passed, that should send some message to legislators that action should be taken," Liz Stefanics, a state party central committee member, Santa Fe County commissioner and former state senator, told the Albuquerque Journal.

Full Story Click Here

DANCING ON AIR @ The Rio Grande Theatre Saturday, May 23, 2009

Las Cruces, NM (April 8, 2009) – The spirit of dance, with its graceful simulations of flight, is the essence of a group native to the Mesilla Valley. Project IN Motion brings the world of Modern Dance and Aerial Arts together in a concert that literally defies gravity. Celebrating ten years of Aerial Dance--in which performers climb, twist and tie strips of fabric around their bodies, high above the stage—Project IN Motion’s Professional Dance and Aerial Arts Company has wowed audiences across the country with feats of balletic mid-air poetry. Now they bring their finesse and fabric know-how to the Rio Grande Theatre, on May 23, 2009, at 7:30pm.

In an evening that is sure to keep the audience enthralled, professional dancers Hilary McDaniel-Douglas and Joseph Putman will bring their aerial expertise to the stage through social, political and poetic commentary, uniquely wrapped into seamless aerial fabric performances. El Paso native Sarah Navarrete, now dancing professionally in New York, will lead dancers Alyx Sanchez and Stephan Pohuski in renditions of Project IN Motion aerial and terrestrial dance favorites. The choreography of local physical poet Mei Ling Po McKay and PIM’s Billy Blanken will also be performed.

Come join Project IN Motion’s celebration of a Decade of Dance and Aerial Arts! Tickets are $12 for students & seniors; $15 for adults and are available at the Rio Grande Theatre box office or at the door. Call (575) 523-6403 to purchase by phone. Further information on Project IN Motion can be found on-line at www.projectinmotion.com

NY TIMES: Gay Rights Groups Celebrate Victories in Marriage Push

By ABBY GOODNOUGH
Published: April 7, 2009

MONTPELIER, Vt. — Gay-rights groups say that momentum from back-to-back victories on same-sex marriage in Vermont and Iowa could spill into other states, particularly since at least nine other legislatures are considering measures this year to allow marriage between gay couples.

A crowd gathered in the House chamber on Tuesday to await the outcome of a vote to override the governor’s veto.

The Vermont Legislature on Tuesday overrode Gov. Jim Douglas’s veto of a bill allowing gay couples to marry, mustering one more vote than needed to preserve the measure.

The step makes Vermont the first state to allow same-sex marriage through legislative action instead of a court ruling, and comes less than a week after the Iowa Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriages in that state.

New York, New Jersey, Maine and New Hampshire are among the states where such proposals have gained legislative support in recent months.

“This is a reminder to those legislatures that they should finish the job,” said Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry, a national advocacy group based in New York. “Contrary to the claims made by the opponents of equality, it’s not just judges, it’s not just the coasts, and it’s not just going away.”

Full Story Click Here

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force hails historic Iowa Supreme Court ruling granting the freedom to marry to same-sex couples

WASHINGTON, April 3 — The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force hails today’s Iowa Supreme Court unanimous ruling in Varnum v. Brien saying that same-sex couples are legally entitled to marry. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force was a signatory to a larger amicus brief supporting the marriage equality position. Additionally, Task Force organizers were recently sent to Iowa where they worked with One Iowa’s field staff to grow the group’s volunteer base that was active with One Iowa’s legislative advocacy in support of the freedom to marry.

Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

“This ruling marks another watershed moment in the struggle for full equality. No longer will same-sex couples have their relationships treated as less than equal by the state. The court rightly affirmed that no loving committed couple should be denied marriage and the critical protections only marriage can provide. This ruling also affirms our common humanity by providing same-sex couples with the opportunity to participate in the shared hopes and dreams of making a public commitment to the person they love. We are thrilled that equality has come to Iowa!

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the plaintiffs and groups that made today’s victory possible, especially to Lambda Legal for serving as lead legal counsel, and One Iowa for its statewide public education and advocacy to promote the freedom to marry. We know that many fair-minded Iowans — and fair-minded people across the country — will be celebrating with us in response to today’s decision.”

To learn more about the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, visit www.theTaskForce.org.

Domestic partnerships advance to full Senate Prospects for landmark legislation improve dramatically in one day

By Gwyneth Doland 2/16/09 4:21 PM

SANTA FE — After a dramatic set of votes in the Senate Judiciary Committee, domestic partnership legislation moved toward consideration by the full Senate minutes ago.

Sen. Bernadette Sanchez, an Albuquerque Democrat, cast the critical vote allowing the bill to proceed.

Read the full New Mexico Independent story at the link below:

http://newmexicoindependent.com/18774/domestic-partnerships-move-to-full-senate

Albuquerque Pride Seeks Volunteer Pageant Director

Are you a highly motivated, results-oriented team player looking for an opportunity to use your creativity and planning skills in an exciting non-profit organization?

Albuquerque Pride, INC is a non-profit organization dedicated to(insert mission statement). We are looking for a talented volunteer to direct our annual Pride Pageant.

Job Description:
Each year Albuquerque Pride, INC produces our Pride Pageant in order to crown royalty for the annual Pride Festival. T his year, the Pride Pageant will be held May 8th and 9th at the Radisson Hotel, in Albuquerque. The successful candidate would be responsible for staging and directing the pageant.

Education and Training:
High school; art, design, entertainment, and/or business backgrounds

Required:
This position requires creativity and innovation; exceptional leadership, organizational, planning and tracking skills, superior attention to detail; outstanding interpersonal and collaboration skills; excellent written and verbal communication skills; and strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Individual must be comfortable working in a close knit team environment.
Typical activities include:
· Creating a script/staging pageant competition
· Selecting and recruiting volunteers for crews, performers, musicians, etc.
· Managing time and organizing people and space
· Attending production meetings with producers
· Conducting rehearsals
· Communicating and liaising with all parties involved, including contestants, the creative team, the production team and producers

Desired:
Candidate should have an interest in Albuquerque Pride, INC and be dedicated to assisting us in accomplishing our goals and missions. Previous experience in pageant directing is highly desired. Prior employment as a director or assistant director is highly desired. An understanding of basic lighting and sound requirements is preferred. Previous20choreography experience is beneficial.

Applicants must submit a resume to abqpride@aol.com no later than March 4th to be considered for the position.




Albuquerque Pride June 11-13, 2009
2009 International Theme:
" Your rights, Our Rights, Human Rights"

House Committee Appointments Announced! Some Positive Signs.

Austin, Texas (February 12, 2009) - The new Speaker of the Texas House, Rep. Joe Straus of San Antonio, has just announced standing committee appointments for the 81st Legislative Session. Straus, who is generally considered to be a moderate Republican, ascended to the Speakership with the support of the majority of Democratic house members. Naming the committee appointments was widely believed to be the first real test of Straus’ leadership and his bipartisanship.

Equality Texas is encouraged by the Speaker's appointments.

Straus has named several ardent pro-equality advocates as chair or vice-chair of legislative committees likely to review equality legislation. These include: Rep. Senfronia Thompson as Chair of Local & Consent Calendars, Rep. Pete Gallego as Chair of Criminal Jurisprudence, Rep. Elliott Naishtat as Vice-Chair of Public Health, Rep. Patrick Rose as Chair of Human Services, Rep. Mark Strama as Chair of Technology, Economic Development & Workforce; and Rep. Scott Hochberg as Vice-Chair of Public Education.

Other pro-equality advocates were appointed chair or vice-chair of committees that are unlikely to see bills in our legislative agenda. These include: Rep. Garnet Coleman as Chair of County Affairs, Rep. Donna Howard as Vice-Chair of Culture, Recreation & Tourism; Rep. Allen Vaught as Vice-Chair of Defense & Veterans Affairs, Rep. Jessica Farrar as Vice-Chair of Land & Resource Management, Rep. Rafael Anchia as Vice-Chair of Pension, Investments & Financial Services; Rep. Mike Villarreal as Vice-Chair of Redistricting, and Rep. Yvonne Davis as Chair of Urban Affairs.

While many of our well-qualified legislative supporters are absent from the places we’d like to see them, it was unreasonable to expect that the Speaker would rule based only on a pro-equality agenda. However, in most of those committees which will likely review equality-related legislation, we are confident that Equality Texas can work with those committee chairs to receive fair, reasonable, and timely hearings on our legislative agenda.

We have renewed hope for the chances of several bills in our legislative agenda (some filed, some yet to be filed). In a few cases, we have more concern about the prospects of a bill's success. However, it can easily be stated that committee appointments are no worse than the last several sessions, and likely a great deal better. Speaker Straus has stated that he has no taste for the wedge issue politics that have marked the last several legislative sessions. His list of committee chairs mostly reflects this.

Some of the committees have supportive membership, but historically non-supportive chairs - as in the case of Higher Education Chair Rep. Dan Branch. Branch's Dallas district is one of several house districts which defeated the 2005 marriage amendment, however Branch's voting record has been out-of-step with his district on legislation related to equality issues. It is conceivable that one of our legislative agenda bills, HB 861 providing for competitive insurance benefits for employees of the University of Texas and Texas A&M University Systems, could come before Branch's committee. If it does, it will be necessary to educate Rep. Branch and change his mind about the importance of equality to his constituents.

This is just one example of the importance of constituents coming to Equality Texas Lobby Day. Rep. Branch needs to see that his constituents support equality for all Texans. Every State Representative needs to see constituent support for equality. Lobby Day is on March 2, 2009.