HRC calls on states to abandon ‘license to discriminate’ bills

WASHINGTON – With mounting opposition to Arizona’s so-called “Religious Freedom Restoration Act,” today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) called on other states considering such measures to abandon their own “license to discriminate” bills.  In addition to Arizona, similar bills have been introduced in Georgia, Kansas, Maine, Missouri, Ohio, Oregon (proposed ballot measure), South Dakota and…

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New anti-homosexuality law in Uganda violates basic human rights, stress UN officials

NEW YORK, — Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay have spoken out against the anti-homosexuality law signed into force  in Uganda, saying it violates basic human rights and endangers lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in the country. The law criminalizes and imposes life imprisonment for homosexuality,…

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California Music Educators Association names Kevin Beiser ‘Music Legislator of the Year’

SAN DIEGO – The California Music Educators Association (CMEA) has chosen Kevin Beiser, San Diego Unified School District’s recently elected Board of Trustees president, as the 2013 CMEA Legislative Music Leadership awardee. Beiser had earlier received recognition from the San Diego chapter of the CMEA, which nominated him for the state-wide award. “After receiving the…

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Frida Kahlo exhibition extends stay in San Diego through June 8

Global Entertainment Properties 1, LLC, (GEP) producers of The Complete Frida Kahlo exhibition, today announced an extension of the exhibition in San Diego through June 8. The exhibition, on display at historic NTC at Liberty Station, was originally planned to be in San Diego through Jan. 19, with San Diego being the first stop on…

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Uganda’s president signs anti-gay bill, defies West

Uganda’s president, Yoweri Museveni signed a law imposing harsh penalties for homosexuality today, defying protests from rights groups, criticism from Western donors and a U.S. warning that it will complicate relations. Reuters reported that the new bill strengthened existing punishments for anyone caught having gay sex, imposing jail terms of up to life for “aggravated…

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HRC calls on Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer to veto ‘License to Discriminate Law’

WASHINGTON – Following the Senate passage of Arizona’s so-called “Religious Freedom Restoration Act,” Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin released the following statement: “Religious groups have a long established first amendment ability to operate according to their own beliefs. However, when individuals or businesses go out into the commercial market, they must abide by legal…

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Jason Collins makes history (again) signing with the Brooklyn Nets, becomes the first openly gay athlete in the NBA

After announcing he’s gay back in April, Jason Collins, formerly of the Washington Wizards, signed a short-term, 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets making him the first openly gay player in any of the four major national sports league franchises in North America. The Nets Tweeted Sunday, “Official: The #Nets have signed @jasoncollins34 to a…

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SDWC to share stage with Indigo Girls at Balboa Theatre, May 18

SAN DIEGO – At 7 p.m. Sunday, May 18,  the iconic folk duo the Indigo Girls will join the San Diego Women’s Chorus (SDWC) for an exclusive performance at the Balboa Theatre. This unprecedented concertSongs of Protest, Songs of Peaceis a fundraising event benefiting the newly launched Lesbian Health Initiative of the San Diego Human…

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Coaliton work helps to protect the freedom to marry in New Mexico

NEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO  – New Mexico’s same-sex couples and their families can breathe a sigh of relief: their freedom to marry is secure! Yesterday’s conclusion to the battle for marriage equality in New Mexico may seem anti-climactic, but is a victory none the less. New Mexico’s legislative session ended at noon today without even a…

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