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Headlines
Out & About: A Success!
November 15, 2009
The KFA Board of Directors wants to thank everyone that attended and/or supported this year's Out & About gala held last night in Elizabethtown. Your continued support is very much appreciated as we plan for a busy 2010. Photos from the event are coming soon.
Read the E-Town News Enterprise's story on Out & About!
ENDA is Moving
November 3, 2009
The word coming from Washington is that the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) is moving. The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions will hold a hearing on the measure this Thursday.
If you haven't shared your thoughts on ENDA with your Representative or Senators, please do so today!
Inclusive Hate Crimes Legislation
October 23, 2009
Today, the U.S. Senate passed inclusive hate crimes legislation marking a historic day in our nation’s struggle for fairness in public policy and practice.
“The passage of an inclusive hate crimes bill by the U.S. Congress is a great step for fairness across our country. President Obama should move quickly to sign this historic legislation and make it the law of the land,” said Jody Cofer, Kentucky Fairness Alliance Board member. “While Kentucky hate crimes law references orientation, a portion of the LGBT community is passed over. This federal legislation brings our transgender brothers and sisters into the tent. Sadly, prejudices still sometimes lead to awful criminal acts - it’s time for federal statute to acknowledge and curb that.
HUD to Ensure Fairness in Federal Housing Matters
October 22, 2009
According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Wednesday, HUD is working to ensure fairness on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
"The evidence is clear that some are denied the opportunity to make housing choices in our nation based on who they are and that must end," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "President Obama and I are determined that a qualified individual and family will not be denied housing choice based on sexual orientation or gender identity."
The proposed changes to HUD rules will include, among other things, 1) clarify the term "family" and 2) ensure that any FHA-insured mortgage loans be based on credit-related factors on not linked to orientation or gender identity.
2009 Statewide Fairness Awards
October 14, 2009
Kentucky Fairness Alliance has selected the 2009 fairness award recipients to be presented at the annual statewide fairness gala, Out & About.
David Tachau
"Amper&and" Award
Kentucky Commission on Human Rights
Community Service Award
Find out more information here.
Fairness Before the KY Supreme Court
September 25, 2009
On Thursday, Sept. 24, KFA and other fair-minded organizations and individuals defended our case for fairness in public funding before the KY Supreme Court.
“Our biggest issue is that taking taxpayer dollars and funding private institutions is not legal,” said Michael Handley, vice-chair. “As a member of the LGBT community, I don’t want the state to use my tax dollars to discriminate against me.”
Checkout the Bluegrass Politics blog from the Herald Leader for more information.
Fair-Minded Organizations Join KFA to Urge KY's Congressional Delegation on ENDA
September 11, 2009
Kentucky Fairness Alliance (KFA) and seventeen other fair-minded organizations released a letter to members of Kentucky’s Congressional delegation urging the passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).
View the letter here.
The Labor & Education Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to hear ENDA on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Stay tuned for more information.
Help Pass Healthcare Reform
September 10, 2009
Like all Americans, LGBT people have seen health care costs skyrocket and insurance get priced beyond the reach of many working people. Even people who can afford insurance can wake up to find that they're no longer covered by huge companies who only care about the bottom line.
Please contact your Senators and Representatives in Congress to tell them that you want to see health care reform that makes a difference for all of us.
Kentucky Hate Crimes
July 22, 2009
The Kentucky Statistical Analysis Center released today their 2007 Hate Crimes Report. It found that sexual orientation was the 2nd highest category for such activities in our state. Read the report here.
NEA Supports LGBT Fairness
July 13, 2009
Last week, the National Education Association (NEA) passed a resolution through their General Assembly opposing discrimination of same-sex couples and supporting "obtaining, preserving, and strengthening basic civil and human rights under law."
Further, the resolution states, "NEA will support its affiliates seeking to enact state legislation that guarantees to same-sex couples the right to enter into a legally recognized relationship pursuant to which they have the same rights and benefits as similarly-situated heterosexual couples, including, without limitation, rights and benefits with regard to medical decisions, taxes, inheritance, adoption, and immigration."
KFA applauds NEA's leadership on these issues in the education community and we call on Kentucky's educators to do see same (read here).
Kentuckians Remember Stonewall
July 3, 2009
From WKMS 91.3's website: One week before the Fourth of July, when we as a nation celebrate our independence, an American minority group commemorates another declaration of freedom. 40 years ago this week, gay men took a stand at New York City's Stonewall Inn, planting the seed for the American gay rights movement. Western Kentuckians and people across the nation celebrated Pride Day in remembrance of Stonewall. Jacque Day talks with three generations of area residents about what it means to them. Listen here .
Examples of Discrimination by State or Local Government
June 30, 2009
If you are a state or local government employee and have experienced discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity/expression, we need to hear from you! We are assisting the Williams Institute at UCLA collect this information. It is important that during the upcoming debate over the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), that a case be made that discrimination does impact state and local government employees too!
If you have a story to share, please send us the following information:
1) State vs. local government (city/county);
2)
Type of job (police, school teacher, university employee, etc.);
3)
Was the discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity/expression;
4)
Years discrimination occurred;
5) Type of discrimination (failed to hire, fired, verbal harassment);
6)
1-2 paragraphs about what happened;
7)
Was a complaint or grievance filed;
8)
If so, what happened (result in settlement, action);
9)
If not filed, why not?; and
10)
Contact information (let us know if we can share it or not).
Shoot this info to us before August!
Inclusive ENDA Filed!
June 24, 2009
This week, Representative Barney Frank, joined by Reps. Tammy Baldwin and Jared Polis, introduced an inclusive version of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) - which would extend the existing federal law prohibiting employment discrimination to protect people on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
“The introduction of an inclusive ENDA is great news for fair-minded Kentuckians,” said Travis Myles, KFA Board Chairperson. "It is time for Kentuckians to speak collectively and timely to our Congressional delegation to say ‘Fairness is a Kentucky Value’."
Ask your Kentucky Congressman to sign-on as a co-sponsor of ENDA. Click here!
Senate Hearing on Matthew Shepard Act
June 21, 2009
The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled a hearing on the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act for Thursday, June 25, 2009, so your Senators need to hear from you now (Click here) !
UPDATE (July 13): The Senate is likely to act on this legislation this week. If you have not shared your thoughts on this legislation with our Senators, please use the link above.
KY Commission Hosts Public Hearing
June 9, 2009
On June 17 , the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights (KCHR) will host the first ever educational program by a Kentucky government agency on sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination. This public hearing will be held in Richmond where local efforts are underway to pass Kentucky’s fourth local fairness ordinance. Ordinances are already on the books in Lexington/Fayette County, Louisville/Jefferson County, and the City of Covington.
A Fair Future For Kentucky:
A Call For An End To Discrimination
on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
June 17, 2009 – 6:00 p.m. (EST)
City Hall Commission Chamber - Richmond, KY
The KCHR is conducting a series of advocacy hearings across the state. Each hearing focuses on a particular group that is protected under the Kentucky Civil Rights Act. While the Act has not yet been amended to include protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, KCHR unanimously endorsed the passage of a statewide fairness law through formal resolution last year.
The hearing will include invited panelists/speakers Jody Cofer of Murray, Jennifer Crossen of Lexington, Rev. Don Smith of Covington, and Carla Wallace of Louisville. The program will also include brief remarks by KCHR Executive Director John Johnson.
The program will be filmed and broadcast on local access television in Richmond.
Please make plans to join us and other fair-minded Kentuckians for this historic program.
Support the Reuniting Families Act
June 1, 2009
This month, U.S. Congressman Mike Honda will introduce The Reuniting Families Act (H.R. 6938), a landmark immigration bill that ends harmful practices - such as long visa wait times and discrimination against LGBT families - that prevent loving families from being together.
In an historic move, Congressman Honda has included lesbian and gay people as part of this remarkable legislation . . . marking the first time in Congressional history that lesbian and gay couples have been included as part of a multi-issue immigration bill.
Urge your Kentucky Congressman to co-sponsor this legislation.
Fairness in Public Funding
May 28, 2009
In 2006, Kentucky Fairness Alliance (KFA) initiated a legal challenge, involving $11 million in state funds being appropriated to a private, religion-based institution, University of the Cumberlands, that is on-going today. This case continues to move forward and will ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court of Kentucky!
The University of the Cumberlands expelled honor student Jason Johnson in April of 2006, simply because he is gay. Shortly after Jason's story broke, our allies in the legislature alerted us to the multi-million dollar recurring appropriation, tucked quietly into the 2006 state budget.
The timeline going forward could place oral arguments, if allowed by the Court, in mid-to-late fall.
Your support of KFA remains crucial as we say that state-subsidized discrimination is wrong!
David Tachau, Louisville attorney of Tachau Meek PLC, continues to represent KFA, Christina Gilgor, Rev. Dr. Pennybacker, Rev. Dr. Simmons, and the Jefferson County Teachers Association in this case. Tachau Meek PLC is handling this case pro-bono.
KFA says, “The General Assembly’s proposed Pharmacy School Building and Pharmacy Scholarship Program appropriations are prohibited under sections 5, 171, and 189 of Kentucky’s Constitution...” (Brief of Appellees, May, 2009).
Film Series Kickoff Gala: June 4, 2009
May 4, 2009
The Kentucky Fairness Alliance Foundation is proud to present the 2nd Annual Gay & Lesbian Film Series, coming to Louisville's Village 8 Theaters during June!
Join us for the KFA Kickoff Gala, a casual reception with music provided by Night Owl DJ.
June 4, 7:00 -10:00 p.m. (EST)
Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center
Louisville
Admission is free!
Sign-up to attend by clicking here!
Sponsorship opportunities are also available and start at just $100. Click on the "sign-up" link above.
Sponsors include:
G3 of Louisville
producing sponsor
Darren Branham and Jeff Hormann
Brian Buford, University of Louisville's LGBT Services
David Corbett
Mike Handley & Mark England
Chad S. Hundley, Craven Corner Enterprises
Jessica Loving & Sheryl Snyder
Sam Marcosson
Travis Myles & Scott Burchett
Carla Wallace
Nick Wilkerson
star sponsor(s)
Act Now to Repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell
March 9, 2009
Last week, Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-CA) introduced legislation to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and ensure that all qualified Americans can serve openly in the military regardless of sexual orientation. The Military Readiness Enhancement Act will replace the current law with new provisions prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation. Help make sure the Military Readiness Enhancement Act passes through Congress and reaches the President's desk. Write to your representative now and ask him or her to co-sponsor it by clicking here!
UPDATE: Congressman John Yarmuth has signed on as a co-sponsor of repealing DADT. KFA sends a big thank you to the Congressman for thinking about fairness!
KY Senate Judiciary Committee Approves SB 68 and Gov. Beshear's Office Speaks Out
March 5, 2009, updated March 6, 2009
Sadly, the Committee passed the "Divisive Child Welfare Bill" favorably after hearing testimony only from the bill's sponsor, Sen. Tapp, and a representative of the Family Foundation of Kentucky. Please act now. You should CALL the Legislative Message Line at 800-372-7181 and LEAVE YOUR MESSAGE OF OPPOSITION TO SB 68 for your Senator AND Senate Leadership. This is painless and takes only a few minutes.
According to Page One Kentucky, Gov. Beshear's office has issued the following statement on the proposed legislation: "The governor believes our current laws are appropriate and don’t need to be changed with respect to adoption. The courts review adoptions on a case-by-case basis and act in the best interests of the child. That’s as it should be. That’s how it should remain."
What do the medical and social service professionals say about gay couples adopting? Here it is DIRECTLY from THEM!
UCLA's Williams Institute Releases Cost Study on KY SB 68 (a.k.a. the Divisive Child Welfare Shift)
February 24, 2009
The report estimates that SB 68 would cost the State over $5.3 million in the first year. “The bulk of the costs are associated with placing children in congregate care facilities, which are more costly than in-home foster care,” noted study co-author Naomi Goldberg, the Peter J. Cooper Public Policy Fellow at The Williams Institute. Additional costs cited in the report include the recruitment of new foster and adoptive parents.
Read the full report here.
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The Ampersand symbolizes the solidarity we are building through Friends & Family, and suggests the inclusiveness we are working toward. It reflects the idea that no one individual, legislator, organization, or city can carry all the water for equality. Our success lies in our solidarity. 
