McCain Myth Buster: John McCain and America's Communities
John McCain says that on his campaign tour this week he is visiting "places that have long been ignored or are losing ground as the global economy forces change" and that "[i]t's time for action" to help those communities. But in reality, John McCain has proven time and again that he would leave these communities behind by vetoing earmarks, which have funded critical programs in these economically struggling areas.
Democrats Carry on Civil Rights Fight in Colleague's Honor
Maryland Democrats introduced legislation last Friday to legalize same-sex marriage in the state, and carrying on the civil rights fight for the late State Senator Gwendolyn Britt (D-Prince George's), who passed away January 12, and had planned to lead the...National Stonewall Democrats Respond to President Bush's State of the Union Address
National Stonewall Democrats Executive Director Jon Hoadley posted a response from the LGBT community to President Bush's final State of the Union Address. For eight years, we’ve heard President Bush report on the progress of his administration. Unfortunately for LGBT...Howard Dean Applauds House Passage of ENDA
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today issued the following statement on the historic passage of H.R. 3685, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act:Back In The USSR: Fred Thompson Hung Up on Soviet Union Again
What decade is this?Statement on National Coming Out Day
Governor Dean and Rick Stafford, chair of the DNC's GLBT Caucus, issued the following statement for National Coming Out Day.DNC Statement on National Coming Out Day
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean and Rick Stafford, chair of the DNC's GLBT Caucus, today issued a statement in honor of National Coming Out Day.NEW VIDEO: For GOP Presidential Contenders, American Dream Excludes Most Americans
The Democratic Party released a new web video highlighting the fact that the leading Republican Presidential candidates have excluded the vast majority of the American people from their vision of the American Dream.Howard Dean Applauds Senate Passage of Hate Crimes Bill
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today applauded the passage of the federal Hate Crimes bill in the U.S. Senate. The bill would provide equal protections for every American by extending the definition of hate crimes under federal law...Senate Democrats Pass Hate Crimes Bill
Senate Democrats passed an important amendment today that expands the definition of a hate crime to include those based on disability, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity.Presidential Candidates Highlight Democratic Party's Commitment to Equal Rights for Every American
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean and Rick Stafford, chair of the DNC's GLBT Caucus, issued the following joint statement after tonight's GLBT Forum sponsored by LOGO and the Human Rights Campaign.It's Not Like Mitt is Married to his Positions...
Mitt Romney is back-and-forth on gay rights.MUST READ: Democrats Take Charge, Make Progress for LGBT Community
An op-ed in the Washington Blade outlines the tremendous progress that Democrats across the country have made since last year’s elections toward promoting equal rights and protections under the law for every American.Governor Dean's Speech to the GLLC
The transcript of Governor Dean's speech on June 21, 2007 to the GLLC.Bush Threatens Veto Against Bill That Funds District of Columbia--Because Bill No Longer Discriminates Against Gay Families
According to a statement on the White House website, President Bush is threatening to veto a bill funding the District of Columbia because Democrats removed language that discriminated against same-sex couples.What a Difference a Year Makes
Rick Stafford, chair of the Democratic Party's LGBT Caucus, today marked PRIDE Month by applauding the strong leadership of Democrats across America.Join DNC Caucus Chairs at the AMP Summit
Governor Dean, along with the DNC Caucus Chairs Bel Leong-Hong, Ramona Martinez, Mame Reiley, Virgie M. Rollins and Rick Stafford, will be hosting the DNC American Majority Partnership Summit on August 23-25, 2007, at the Paris-Bally Hotels in Las Vegas, NV.Romney Ramps Up Rhetoric, But Can’t Hide From Real Record
In the last two days, smooth talking Mitt Romney seems to have ramped up his relentless campaign to convince conservative primary voters to ignore his real record on so-called social issues.Response by DNC Chairman Howard Dean on Massachusetts Marriage Vote
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today issued the following statement on the overwhelming vote in the Massachusetts legislature to defeat a discriminatory, anti-marriage constitutional amendment:Massachusetts Legislature Rejects Discriminatory Marriage Amendment
Today the Massachusetts legislature defeated a proposed constitutional amendment that would have defined marriage as between a man and a woman. The amendment would have ended over three years of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts.The Doctor Is Out
President Bush's nominee for Surgeon General manipulated medical studies in a paper he wrote in order to advance his anti-gay agenda. The discovery comes after news reports about his past attempts at "curing" homosexuality.What's At Stake...
Compare the Democratic presidential candidates and the Republican presidential candidates. It's a difference of night and day.Surgeon General Nominee: Looking for a Cure
Somehow, after all these years, I still manage to be genuinely shocked by the Bush administration. Take, for example, the nomination of James W. Holsinger as U.S. Surgeon General (aka "America's doctor").Proclamation on PRIDE Month by DNC Chairman Howard Dean, Rep. Barney Frank, and Rep. Tammy Baldwin
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today joined Massachusetts Democratic Representative Barney Frank and Wisconsin Democratic Representative Tammy Baldwin in issuing the following Proclamation marking the start of PRIDE Month:Proclamation on PRIDE Month
Governor Howard Dean today joined Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) and Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) in marking the start of PRIDE month.Civil Unions In New Hampshire
In another success story, Democratic governor John Lynch signed an important piece of legislation today that establishes civil unions in New Hampshire.Oregon Stands Up For Equality
We're making progress in Oregon; yesterday Democratic Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed into law legislation to create domestic partnerships for LGBT families and ban discrimination based on sexual orientation.Dean Applauds Passage of Hate Crimes Prevention Bill
Today the United States Congress overwhelmingly passed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (LLEHCPA) by a margin of 237-180.House Passes Hate Crimes Bill
The Democratic-led House of Representatives just passed legislation to extend the definition of hate crimes to include violence against a person because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity.Dean Applauds the Introduction of Employment Non-Discrimination Act
Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement applauding the introduction of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would prohibit employment discrimination based on an employees' sexual orientation or gender identity:Cabin Fire
ABC News' Teddy Davis Reports: Mitt Romney's shifting stance on gay rights drew fire Monday from the president of the Log Cabin Republicans in advance of Tuesday's re-introduction of the Employee Non-Discrimination ActHate Crimes Legislation Introduced in the Senate
Today Governor Dean issued a statement about a critical Hate Crimes bill just introduced in the Senate.Dean on Introduction of Hate Crimes Prevention Bill
Last night, John Conyers introduced the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (LLEHCPA), a bipartisan bill that would extend the definition of hate crimes to include violence against a person because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity.Hate Is Not An American Value
Last night, House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers introduced the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (LLEHCPA), a bipartisan bill that would extend the definition of hate crimes to include violence against a person because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity, and provide local law enforcement agencies the resources to combat hate crimes.Remembering Bob Hattoy
Over the weekend, noted activist Bob Hattoy, who in addition to being a tireless advocate for a number of causes, became the first openly gay person with HIV to speak to a national audience when he gave a primetime address to the 1992 Democratic National Convention, passed away.Dean Statement on the Passing of Activist Bob Hattoy
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today issued the following statement on the passing of noted activist Bob Hattoy, who in addition to being a tireless advocate for a number of causes became the first openly gay person with HIV to speak to a national audience...Governor Dean Blasts Coulter’s Slur, Calls on GOP Presidential Candidates to Denounce It
During her presentation at CPAC, political pundit Ann Coulter used the word “faggot” to describe a Democratic presidential candidate. DNC Chairman Howard Dean today condemned her remarks and called on the Republican presidential contenders to denounce them.DNC Recognizes National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, Vice Chair Lottie Shackelford, Black Caucus Chair Virgie Rollins, and LGBT Caucus Chair Rick Stafford issued the following statement recognizing National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.Iowa House Approves "Bullying" Bill
Late yesterday the Iowa House passed a bill "to give gay and lesbian students protection from bullying at school," according to Radio Iowa News.Electoral Success for LGBT Community
With the 2006 elections over, gay and lesbian Democrats contemplated their success in the recent elections, looking forward to 2008.Get Out The Vote
The Democratic Party's "Get Out the Vote" drive to push voters to the polls has begun. Election Day is Tuesday, November 7. Be a part of the new direction. Volunteer with your state Democratic Party and help get Democrats out to vote.Dean Statement on New Jersey Supreme Court Ruling
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement in response to the New Jersey Supreme Court ruling.New Jersey Rules for Equal Rights for All
From Bluejersey.com: The NJ Supreme Court issued its long-awaited decision in the marriage equality case, finding that New Jersey's State Constitution requires equal rights for all - but, left it to the legislature to decide what to call it. The...With GOP Faltering, A Return to Scapegoating
Instead of accepting responsibility for their failure to protect Congressional pages, key Republican leaders have responded to the Mark Foley scandal by using outdated and discriminatory stereotypes to attack LGBT Americans.A Return to Scapegoating
Instead of accepting responsibility for their failure to protect Congressional pages, key Republican leaders have responded to the Mark Foley scandal by using outdated and discriminatory stereotypes to attack LGBT Americans and deflect attention from their own failures.MUST READ: 'Values' Choice for The GOP
Columnist Eugene Robinson points out that the Mark Foley scandal has revealed the Republican Party's claim on being the party of moral values for what it really is - a politically calculated illusion to accumulate power from social and religious conservatives."Values"
The GOP has professed to be a party of "family values" - but when it comes to making a choice between protecting their political majority vs. protecting our children, they put our children at risk. Republican leaders covered up the Foley scandal and are falling back on their favorite tactic - scapegoating - to avoid taking responsibility for their actions.New Party Rules Expand Participation in Politics
The Democratic National Committee's new delegate selection rules will expand participation of LGBT Americans, Americans with disabilities, and Americans from other traditionally underrepresented groups in the political process.New Calendar Increases Diversity
By adding Nevada and South Carolina, the Democratic Party is significantly increasing the early participation of African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, Native Americans and labor members. Also, states are required to adopt new Inclusion Plans for LGBT Americans, Americans with disabilities, and many others.Highlights of the 2008 Rules
On August 19th the members of the Democratic National Committee adopted the Delegate Selection Rules for the 2008 Democratic National Convention. The Rules govern the development and implementation of a delegate selection process by each state and territorial Party. Some...Gay Residents Move Out Of Virginia
Like nineteen other states, the Virginia State Legislature has passed legislation amending the constitution to ban same sex marriage. Virginia, however, is now attempting to take it to the next level. Virginia state legislators passed a law two years ago...A Change in the Pulpit
An ally of Washington DC's LGBT community, Rev. Alvin O. Jackson, will be moving to the Park Avenue Christian Church in New York City. Rev. Jackson is a key African American clergy to speak out on welcoming and including the...DNC Caucus Chairs Commend Rules & Bylaws Committee Vote
DNC Black Caucus Chair Virgie Rollins, Hispanic Caucus Chair Alvaro Cifuentes, Asian Pacific Islander American Caucus Chair Bel Leong-Hong, Native American Coodinating Council Chair Frank LaMere, and GLBT Caucus Chair Rick Stafford issued the following joint statement commending the vote by the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee to add two states to the presidential primary calendar pre-window period to join Iowa and New Hampshire. Nevada will hold a caucus and South Carolina will hold a primary in the pre-window period. The committee preserved the historic roles of Iowa and New Hampshire, with Iowa remaining the first caucus in the pre-window period and New Hampshire remaining the first primary:Maine's John Baldacci: Ambitious and Fighting for Civil Rights
Right out of college, many young adults are still trying to figure out what to do with their lives. But not John Baldacci. The always ambitious Baldacci was first elected to public office at the age of 23, when he...On Women and FMA: Rep. Conyers Speaks Out
Today, while the Senate is expected to pass legislation that would offer hope to millions of Americans, the Republican controlled House of Representatives will consider the Federal Marriage Amendment, an act which has already failed in the Senate, but which...Nine Words from Rep. Frank
This weekend Florida's GLBT Democrats met to discuss a wide-range of issues at their summer conference and reception. Joining the caucus were Rep. Barney Frank, Democratic Gubernatorial candidates Rep. Jim Davis and State Senator Rod Smith and Executive Director of...Statement by Howard Dean on the New York Court of Appeals Ruling on Same-Sex Marriage
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today issued the following statement in response to the decision by the New York Court of Appeals that the state constitution does not guarantee the right to marriage for same-sex couples, but that the state legislature could provide this:It's up to the NY Legislature
Today in New York: New York's highest court today turned back a broad attempt by gay and lesbian couples across the state to win the right to marry and raise children under New York State's marriage law, saying that denying...Openly gay student becomes Student Body President of Ohio State University
Ryan Fournier of OSU was elected by the mass majority of the University’s students to represent them. The openly gay student admits that he will have to balance the importance of issues concerning the students he represents. Fournier was profiled...Dean on Senate Vote Rejecting Federal Marriage Amendment
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today issued the following statement on the Senate vote against President Bush’s effort to use marriage as a political wedge issue and divide the American people.Federal Marriage Amendment Defeated in the Senate
The Senate voted today to reject an amendment that would have written discrimination into the U.S. Constitution. Republicans had been using this wedge issue in hopes of distracting from their failures and dividing Americans to win elections.Human Rights Campaign President: Marriage Amendment Shows GOP's Misplaced Priorities
This week, the DNC's Podcast hosted Joe Solmonese, President of the Human Rights Campaign. As the Senate votes on the Federal Marriage Amendment, Solmonese discussed the President's attempts to use marriage as a wedge issue to pander to his conservative political base and distract from his failed leadership.Dean to Republicans: Stop Using Marriage to Pander to Base, Deflect from Failed Leadership
Facing crumbling credibility even among their conservative political base, President Bush today publicly endorsed a divisive anti-marriage constitutional amendment to be introduced this week by Republican Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist that would legislate discrimination into the Constitution.Quote of the Day
"The secret to this game is you always want to be thinking politically, but you don't want to look political. This looks like desperation politics." -- GOP strategist Ed Rollins, on CNN, discussing President Bush's proposal to ban gay marriage...Dean: Stop Using Marriage to Pander to Base, Deflect from Failed Leadership
Facing crumbling credibility even among their conservative political base, President Bush publicly endorsed a divisive anti-marriage constitutional amendment to be introduced this week by Republican Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist that would legislate discrimination into the Constitution.Don't Trample on LGBT Americans for Partisan Gain
It's an election year, and Republicans are in deep trouble. Instead of addressing the things Americans really care about, they're trying to change the subject and use wedge issues in hopes of distracting from their failures and dividing Americans to win elections.Proclamation on LGBT PRIDE Month
On behalf of Democrats across America, we join together in honoring the contributions that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and their families make to our society and reaffirming our Party's abiding commitment to full equality for all Americans, including the LGBT community.Bush To Hold Event Endorsing Attack on LGBT Families
This morning, ABC News reported that President Bush is preparing a White House event to support Republican Senator Bill Frist's heavy-handed attempt to use marriage as a wedge issue to distract the American people from the failed leadership of Republicans in Washington.Howard Dean on the Judiciary Committee's Vote on the Federal Marriage Amendment
Yesterday in a small room with restricted access to the general public, under a shameful cloak of secrecy, the Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Committee rammed through a proposed Constitutional amendment that would prohibit states to recognize same-sex marriages.Laura Bush Gets It, Why Doesn’t Bill Frist?
Yesterday, First Lady Laura Bush spoke out against Republican efforts to use gay marriage as a campaign tool.DNC Announces New Gay & Lesbian Leadership Council Director
The Democratic National Committee today announced that Brian Bond will join the DNC as the new Executive Director of the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Council (GLLC).DNC, Stonewall Dems Join Forces For Neighbor-to-Neighbor National Organizing Day
The Democratic National Committee today welcomed the participation of the National Stonewall Democrats Federal PAC in the DNC’s National "Neighbor-to-Neighbor Organizing Day" on Saturday, April 29, 2006. The National Organizing Day events are part of a nationwide effort by Democrats...DNC to launch LGBT Pride Program
Continuing groundbreaking work from the 2004 campaign, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) will soon launch "Pride at the Polls: 2006." This proven program is designed to educate, register, engage, and mobilize the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) and youth...Dean Statement on LGBT Health Awareness Week
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today issued the following statement on National LGBT Health Awareness WeekMust Read: Dean And The DNC Are Standing With Us. Let's Stand With Them
In an op-ed in yesterday's Washington Blade, President Clinton's former liaison to the LGBT community, Julian Potter, defended the Democratic National Committee's efforts to improve the Democratic Party's outreach to LGBT communities across America.Dr. Dean Visits Fenway Community Health Center
Governor Howard Dean (right) chats with Fenway Community Health President & CEO Dr. Stephen Boswell during Dean's February 10 visit to Fenway. (Photo by Seth Dodge.) Governor Howard Dean, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, stopped by Fenway Community...A Year of Progress for DNC LGBT Outreach
This week marks the one year anniversary of Howard Dean taking the helm of the Democratic National Committee. Under Dean's leadership, the DNC has dramatically expanded and improved its outreach to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities across America. Today,...Virginia Should Ban All Forms of Workplace Discrimination
The Washington Post reported today that Republicans in the Virginia Senate killed legislation that would have protected Virginia’s LGBT community from workplace discrimination.Horrible Hate Crime Highlights the Dangers of Scapegoating Groups of Americans
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today issued the following statement against the violent anti-gay attacks in Massachusetts last night.Washington State House Passes LGBT Civil Rights Bill
The Washington State House on Friday passed a much anticipated gay rights bill by a 60-37 vote and kept the legislation on track for expected passage in the Senate. Advocates have worked for 30 years to pass the bill, which failed by just one vote in the Senate last year.A Banner Week for LGBT Lawmakers
New Jersey has its first gay mayor, a gay man was returned to the mayor's chair in Cambridge, Massachusetts and a prominent lesbian became Speaker of the NYC Council. In addition, Oklahoma County Commission re-elected a gay County Commissioner Chair and in Arizona, a lesbian joined the state Senate. It has been a good week for LGBT Democrats; let us count the ways.Congratulations to Sue Lovell elected to Houston City Council, At-Large
In a follow-up to a previous DNC Blog Posting (DNC Member Lovell runs for Houston City Council)... In a close runoff, Houston voters elected Victory Fund (www.victoryfund) endorsed candidate Sue Lovell (D) to the Houston City Council, At-Large Position 2...Groundbreaking Gender Identity Discrimination Campaign in New Jersey
Garden State Equality, New Jersey’s LGBT civil rights organization, launched a historic ad campaign to support the New Jersey Bill A3678/S2437, currently before the New Jersey legislature. The bill would expand the state's law against discrimination to include the transgender community.Howard Dean Marks World AIDS Day
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today issued the following statement in commemorating World AIDS Day.Stonewall Democrats Create Black Caucus
Recognizing and responding to the unique struggles of African Americans is key to winning elections. The Republicans have often used the LGBT community issues such as "gay marriage" to distract African American voters from the issues that actually matter in their lives. The National Stonewall Caucus has formed a Black Caucus to address these issues and to ensure their voices are heard in the Democratic Party.DNC Member Lovell runs for Houston City Council
Sue Lovell, a DNC member and member of the GLBT Caucus, is running for Houston City Council at Large. Sue Lovell currently works for The Mills Corporation as the Director of Mills Access to Training & Career Help (MATCH) Program. She has been a small business owner and worked for the State Comptroller’s office.DNC holds LGBT Fundraiser in Los Angeles
Over a dozen community leaders have come together to throw an informal $250 per person DNC fundraiser in Los Angeles on October 27th. The event will take place at the Hollywood hotspot, Gozar. Governor Dean will highlight the event with a casual meet-and-greet and is scheduled to take a few questions.Stonewall Dems Highlighted in the Advocate
After its founding of almost 8 years by Representative Barney Frank and other committed Democratic activists, the National Stonewall Democrats have built a solid foundation of national leadership, grassroots power, and most importantly the LGBT and allies' vote.In the States - Maine
The radical right is on the attack again. This time they are trying to legalize discrimination against LGBT people in Maine through a referendum vote this November 8th. The effort to legalize discrimination is being led by Michael Heath and...Dean on National Coming Out Day
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today issued the following statement on 2005 National Coming Out Day:Collateral Damage: Schwarzenegger's Promise to California Families
With the marriage equality bill set to arrive on Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's desk today, Californians are asking, "which promise will Arnold break?" Despite pledging on the Tonight Show last year to support the will of California's voters and the state legislature on issues related to equal rights and responsibilities for LGBT families, Governor Schwarzenegger has caved to right-wing activists in his party by vowing to veto the bill.Statement of DNC Chairman Howard Dean on 2005 Pride month Celebration
Washington, D.C. - In honor of the 2005 Pride month Celebration, Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Howard Dean will attend an event on Thursday, June 23rd in New York City with the LGBT community and issued the following statement: "It...Right-Wing Fringe Exerts Pressure on GOP Governor
From the Indianapolis Star:Gov. Mitch Daniels is straddling a divide in the Republican Party over how far the party should go in recognizing gay rights. On one side is a growing number of moderates who want to see Daniels lead...GOP Pushes Needless Amendment In Order To Stoke Division
From the Tuscon Citizen:Read Arizona Revised Statutes to Section 25-101(C), and the law is clear: "Marriage between persons of the same sex is void and prohibited." There it is in black and white. Marriage in Arizona can only be between...DNC Statement on the Passing of Jean O'Leary, Former Chair of the DNC LGBT Caucus
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) released the following statements on the passing of former DNC Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Caucus Chair, Jean O'Leary.
