Catholic University of America. "The Marriage Law Project: Marriage Document Database." 2003, last updated June 2008. June 8, 2008. marriagelaw.cua.edu/Religious%20Communities/faithcomms.cfm
This Web site database offers literally hundreds of articles and reports on my topic from various news organizations and researchers, but these reports are definitely right-leaning and have an anti-same-sex marriage bias. But because most databases are formed by pro-gay think thanks and organizations, this database offers articles from the other side of the argument. All documents are well-cited and organized alphabetically, and a valuable search engine is also available. Reporters interviewing those opposed to gay marriage could benefit from reading some of the articles offered in this database.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Bibliography
Axel-Lute, Paul. "Same-sex Marriage: A Selective Bibliography of Legal Literature." Rutgers Legal Library, 2007. June 8, 2008. http://law-library.rutgers.edu/SSM.html.
This bibliography is available through the Rutgers Legal Library Web site. It lists literally hundreds of sources on same-sex marriage, including news articles, books, court cases and jurisdictions. The site is thorough in fully attributing sources, which adds credibility to the site. It also sorts the information into many sub-categories. One of the best features of the site are the summaries of court cases relevent to same-sex marriage rights. Many of the court cases listed are obscure and otherwise hard to track down, but are still very relevent. The bibliography is a gold mine of sources for reporters.
This bibliography is available through the Rutgers Legal Library Web site. It lists literally hundreds of sources on same-sex marriage, including news articles, books, court cases and jurisdictions. The site is thorough in fully attributing sources, which adds credibility to the site. It also sorts the information into many sub-categories. One of the best features of the site are the summaries of court cases relevent to same-sex marriage rights. Many of the court cases listed are obscure and otherwise hard to track down, but are still very relevent. The bibliography is a gold mine of sources for reporters.
Specialized print reference
Barlow, Anne. Cohabitation, Marriage and the Law: Social Change and Reform in the 21st Century. New York, NY, Harlow Press, 2005.
This textbook debunks the myth that civil unions and common law couples have the same rights as married ones. It also discusses social changes in the 21st century and makes projections about the future of marriage law. This is a good resource for reporters because it is not law-specific or jargon packed. Chapters dealing with same-sex marriage laws are clearly defined and easy to locate. This book could provide excellent information for an interview, but is probably too old to cite in an article. However, the author is a law professor at UCLA and would probably be fairly accessible for an interview. This book is a valuable resource for background information for an article.
Specialized print reference
Dnes, Antony. The Law and Economics of Marriage and Divorce. Cambridge, England, Cambridge University Press, 2003.
This book discusses the basic ideas of "family law" such as marriage and divorce. This book would be a valuable resource to reporters because it provides background on the ethics and ideas behind these laws. It also discusses theories about the economic repercussions should gay marriage be legalized in the United States. This resource would be helpful to reporters not only for background information in writing, but also for interviews, because it provides a crash course in marriage and family laws not available in magazine or news articles.
Trade magazine article
Rochman, Sue. "The Marrying Man." The Advocate. Vol. 001896, No. 1005, April 2008: pp. 40-45.
This is a feature about San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who openly performs gay marriages. Many people told him this would be the end of his career, but this is not the case. However, what makes this article valuable is the plethora of background information it offers on the political climate in America in relation to gay marriage. The reporter does an excellent job of concisely and choronologically explaining most major events in this arena since 2004. The facts in the article also question the assumption that supporting LGBT rights would ruin the political career of an individual.
Scholarly article
Brumbaugh, Stacey M; Sanchez, Laura A.; Nock, Steven L. "Attitudes Toward Gay Marriage Changing in States Undergoing Marriage Law Transformation." Journal of Marriage and Family. May 2008, Vol. 70, No. 2, pp 345-389.
This recent study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family studies attitudes about gay marriage in California and New York. Both states overturned bans on gay marriage last month. At the time of the study, the laws in these states were just as oppressive as other states, but the study argues that the hype surrounding the decision helped change hearts and minds to support gay marriage. This study is relevent to other states because it poses interesting questions about the perceived anti-gay sentiment in America. For instance, Ohio passed a constitutional ban on gay marriage in 2004, but studies show that the majority of young Ohioans support gay marriage. This study affirms how rapidly changing and newsworthy this movement is.
This recent study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family studies attitudes about gay marriage in California and New York. Both states overturned bans on gay marriage last month. At the time of the study, the laws in these states were just as oppressive as other states, but the study argues that the hype surrounding the decision helped change hearts and minds to support gay marriage. This study is relevent to other states because it poses interesting questions about the perceived anti-gay sentiment in America. For instance, Ohio passed a constitutional ban on gay marriage in 2004, but studies show that the majority of young Ohioans support gay marriage. This study affirms how rapidly changing and newsworthy this movement is.
Scholarly article
Walewski, James. "The Effects of Marriage, Civil Union and Domestic Partnership Laws on the Health and Well-being of Children." The American Journal of Pediatrics. Vol. 118, No. 1, July 2006, pp. 349-364.
The issue of whether LGBT citizens should be allowed to raise children is one of the most controversial surrounding the debate over whether marriage for these couples should be legalized. In this extensive study, pediatricians examined the effects these unions had on the couple's children. The study begins by pointing out that same-sex couples live in 99.3 percent of United States counties with as many as 35 percent of those raising children. The study found that gay and lesbian parents expressed more concern in their child's development and in finding role models for their children than heterosexual parents with children of the same age. It also says that children of gay and lesbian parents are socially ostracized because of prohibition of school groups such as gay-straight alliance in most counties. The study is one of the only of its kind and examines a new facet of the LGBT family. It is also concisely written, with lots of background information and easily usable statistics.
The issue of whether LGBT citizens should be allowed to raise children is one of the most controversial surrounding the debate over whether marriage for these couples should be legalized. In this extensive study, pediatricians examined the effects these unions had on the couple's children. The study begins by pointing out that same-sex couples live in 99.3 percent of United States counties with as many as 35 percent of those raising children. The study found that gay and lesbian parents expressed more concern in their child's development and in finding role models for their children than heterosexual parents with children of the same age. It also says that children of gay and lesbian parents are socially ostracized because of prohibition of school groups such as gay-straight alliance in most counties. The study is one of the only of its kind and examines a new facet of the LGBT family. It is also concisely written, with lots of background information and easily usable statistics.
Magazine article
Warren, April. "No Charges for Gay Couple Seeking Marriage License." Newsday Magazine. June 10, 2008.
This article describes a gay couple from New York that were charged with trespassing after refusing to leave a town hall when their request for a marriage license was denied. The charges were later dropped. Even though a court ruling made gay marriage legal in New York, the measure still has to be voted on by the Senate before it is effective, so gay couple cannot obtain marriage licenses yet. However, this seemed to be clear discrimination in what is supposed to be one of the most gay-friendly states in the country. Most couples are not even able to apply for a marriage license. This article was helpful in putting a face on the issue, but more expert sources would have been helpful.
This article describes a gay couple from New York that were charged with trespassing after refusing to leave a town hall when their request for a marriage license was denied. The charges were later dropped. Even though a court ruling made gay marriage legal in New York, the measure still has to be voted on by the Senate before it is effective, so gay couple cannot obtain marriage licenses yet. However, this seemed to be clear discrimination in what is supposed to be one of the most gay-friendly states in the country. Most couples are not even able to apply for a marriage license. This article was helpful in putting a face on the issue, but more expert sources would have been helpful.
Newspaper Article
Leff, Lisa. "Gay Marriage Ruling Could Boost California's Ailing Economy." The Associated Press. June 10, 2008.
This article is similar to the National Public Radio segment on the subject, however, it is more extensive and offers more statistics. Basically, gay and lesbian weddings are making the state hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. The article also cites information from specialized and local businesses. This perspective is interesting because it shows the effect the legislation had on the national economy. It would be interesting to examine the number of civil union ceremonies companies in Ohio or other states wedding planners currently come across, and predict how many civil or same-sex unions are in that state based on the U.S. Census Bureau data.
Newspaper article
Dolan, Maura. “Lawsuits in defense of gay marriage can backfire, activist groups warn.” The Los Angeles June 11, 2008 .
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Books
Sullivan, Andrew. Same-sex Marriage, Pros and Cons. New York, NY: Vintage Press, 2004.
Sullivan, fomer New Republic editor, whose book on the gay rights movement shot one of the first broadsides about the same-sex marriage issue. Sullivan explains how this latest "assault" on family values is simply the latest in an ongoing evolution of the marriage institution, from ancient real estate deals to the present-day spiritual bonding of intimates. Other essayists discuss the various arguments from historic, religious, legal, and public-policy points of view. From Plato to Ann Landers, society's experts and pundits, academics and politicians present their views. The book also exhibits more polar oppositions and extremist views on the subject. The focus strays somewhat from the marriage theme and includes articles on counseling same-sex couples and even making the case for discrimination based on sexual orientation itself. For smaller collections that may need only one title on the subject, Sullivan's work is by far the better choice, given the depth and breadth of its coverage.
Sullivan, fomer New Republic editor, whose book on the gay rights movement shot one of the first broadsides about the same-sex marriage issue. Sullivan explains how this latest "assault" on family values is simply the latest in an ongoing evolution of the marriage institution, from ancient real estate deals to the present-day spiritual bonding of intimates. Other essayists discuss the various arguments from historic, religious, legal, and public-policy points of view. From Plato to Ann Landers, society's experts and pundits, academics and politicians present their views. The book also exhibits more polar oppositions and extremist views on the subject. The focus strays somewhat from the marriage theme and includes articles on counseling same-sex couples and even making the case for discrimination based on sexual orientation itself. For smaller collections that may need only one title on the subject, Sullivan's work is by far the better choice, given the depth and breadth of its coverage.
Books
Rimmerman, Craig A. The Lesbian and Gay Movements: Assimilation or Liberation? (Dilemmas in American Politics). New York, NY: Westview Press, 2007.
Throughout their relatively short history, the lesbian and gay movements in the United States have endured searing conflicts over what strategy to embrace in obtaining rights. This new book explores this dilemma in both contemporary and historical contexts, describing the sources of these conflicts, to what extent the conflicts have been resolved, and how they might be resolved in future. The text also tackles the challenging issue of what constitutes movement “effectiveness” and how “effective” the assimilationist and liberationist strategies have been in three contentious policy arenas: the military ban, same-sex marriage, and AIDS. Considerable attention is devoted to how policy elites-most notably Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton; Congress; and the Supreme Court-have responded to the movements’ grievances. The book examines the George W. Bush presidency with an eye to assessing how political opportunities have informed the broader lesbian and gay movements’ strategies, and also details the response of the Christian Right to the movements’ various strategies.
Book
Richards, David A. The Case for Gay Rights: From Bowers to Lawrence and Beyond. Kansas City, Missouri: Kansas City Press, 2006.
This book, written by a Harvard professor and expert on the subject, uses civil rights legal analysis and precedents to make a case for gay marriage. Richards discusses many recent court cases and also obtains expert opinions. However, it is the depth of his ethical and moral arguments that make this book valuable. The information on court cases and litigation could be provided by any number of organizations, but Richards ties together the cases with the common thread of law and ethics. Knowledge gained from this book would be especially helpful to the reporter in interviews with experts and for background information
Multimedia resources
"Landmark decision?" Video (produced 2008 ). New York, NY: . (From Fox News, 2008, May 29)http://search2.foxnews.com/search?access=p&getfields=*&sort=date%3AD%3AS%3Ad1&output=xml_no_dtd&ie=UTF-8&client=my_frontend&filter=0&site=video&proxystylesheet=my_frontend&q=gay%20marriage.
This video, from Fox News, explores whether states can use legal precedents rather than voters' rulings to determine same-sex marriage laws, such as in California and New York. The short video features testimony from a legal expert who cites statistics that the vast majority of people think that votes and not courts should decide this. This provides an interesting ethics angle not often explored by gay organizations and think tanks.
This video, from Fox News, explores whether states can use legal precedents rather than voters' rulings to determine same-sex marriage laws, such as in California and New York. The short video features testimony from a legal expert who cites statistics that the vast majority of people think that votes and not courts should decide this. This provides an interesting ethics angle not often explored by gay organizations and think tanks.
Multimedia resources
Wilson, Jim. "Reaction to Gay Marriage Ruling." New York Times 18 May 2008.20 May 2008. Multimedia Slideshow. New York, NY. http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/05/15/us/0515-MARRIAGE_3.html
This slideshow, by New York Times photographer Jim Wilson, really captures the historical nature of the decision in California to make gay marriage legal. One photo shows lesbian partners holding up their marriage license, but another shows protesters airing their grievances. Wilson definitely utilized a multimedia format to capture many facets of the issue, which lends more of a grasp to the viewer in understanding the issue. Each slide also gives background on the photo and the legislation.
Multimedia resources
Bates , Karen J. "Same-Sex Ruling Drives Wedding Business in California." National Public Radio 10 June 2008. Rpt. in Morning Edition.
This four-minute segment describes how same-sex marriage rights in California are now driving the wedding industry. Basically, an incredible influx of people have entered the market to get married now that it is legal. The article explores how the decision has affected even the smallest details: for instance, couples can now buy cake-toppers in non-traditional formats. This story could be well-localized if a reporter were to talk to local businesses about how many same-sex union ceremonies they encounter. The show also offers interesting statistics from UCLA's law school that claim that same-sex unions could add $684 million to the state's annual budget. Listen to the segment or read the transcript here.
Online blog
Good As You. Good as You: Gay and Lesbian Activism with a Sense of Humor. 7 June 2008. 7 June 2008 . www.goodasyou.org
Good As You (GAY) markets itself as activism with "a sense of humor," but the site provides very serious information for interested journalists. While reporters should not take much of the commentary too seriously, the site has other features that make up for its opinion bias. For instance, posts link to other posts of the same topic as well as the actual news story. GAY also provides its own infographics, videos and charts to supplement the news stories it comments on. With many updates a day, this site is a great resource for reading about gay rights in the news nationwide.
Good As You (GAY) markets itself as activism with "a sense of humor," but the site provides very serious information for interested journalists. While reporters should not take much of the commentary too seriously, the site has other features that make up for its opinion bias. For instance, posts link to other posts of the same topic as well as the actual news story. GAY also provides its own infographics, videos and charts to supplement the news stories it comments on. With many updates a day, this site is a great resource for reading about gay rights in the news nationwide.
Online blog
Gay Rights Watch. Gay Rights Watch Blog: All the Gay You Can Take in a Day. 7 June 2008. 7 June 2008. www.gayrightswatch.org
Moderators of this blog filter out RSS feeds for what they perceive to be the best stories, opinion pieces, videos and editorial cartoons of the day. With constant updates during business hours, a great format and clear citation and commentary, the site is highly up-to-date and credible. While much of the news is national and focused on the presidential election, the site also posts fun features about prominent gay citizens and allows the visitor to filter news by state. The site is definitely left-leaning, however, so take any commentary with a grain of salt. If one can look past this, this blog is a constant source for fresh information concerning gay rights.
Moderators of this blog filter out RSS feeds for what they perceive to be the best stories, opinion pieces, videos and editorial cartoons of the day. With constant updates during business hours, a great format and clear citation and commentary, the site is highly up-to-date and credible. While much of the news is national and focused on the presidential election, the site also posts fun features about prominent gay citizens and allows the visitor to filter news by state. The site is definitely left-leaning, however, so take any commentary with a grain of salt. If one can look past this, this blog is a constant source for fresh information concerning gay rights.
International Web site
International Lesbian and Gay Association. ILGA-International Lesbian and Gay Association. 26 May 2008. 7 June 2008 . www.ilga.org
The International Lesbian and Gay Association is the only international federation that campaigns for LGBT rights. With topics as spexialized as "homophobia in Poland," the site is truly the only resource of its kind. Ilga.org offers an extensive newsroom resource for reporters, as well as a documents and statistics database. All of the information is easily accessible and free. The site also has a sign-up for a free newsletter sent to email addresses or included in RSS feeds. Reporters who take advantage of this resource are sent daily updates on same-sex marriage legislation, rallies and organizations all over the world. While the majority of this resource page focuses on rights in the United States, this site is an excellent resource because it provides up-to-date, accessible information for gay rights in the U.S. and beyond.
The International Lesbian and Gay Association is the only international federation that campaigns for LGBT rights. With topics as spexialized as "homophobia in Poland," the site is truly the only resource of its kind. Ilga.org offers an extensive newsroom resource for reporters, as well as a documents and statistics database. All of the information is easily accessible and free. The site also has a sign-up for a free newsletter sent to email addresses or included in RSS feeds. Reporters who take advantage of this resource are sent daily updates on same-sex marriage legislation, rallies and organizations all over the world. While the majority of this resource page focuses on rights in the United States, this site is an excellent resource because it provides up-to-date, accessible information for gay rights in the U.S. and beyond.
International Web site
Human Rights Campaign. The Human Rights Campaign: Working for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Rights Worldwide. 6 June 2008. 7 June 2008 . www.hrc.org
The Web site for the Human Rights Campaign, a London-based GLBT organization, tracks marriage laws and court cases across the world. While much of the focus is in the United States, the site still offers international numbers. In the site's newsroom (easily accessible from the home page), reporters can search for litigation by country, state and region. The site also offers extensive archival information from countries around the world. While this resource page primarily focuses on same-sex marriage rights in the United States, the HRC site provides good background and perspective on the international community and its opinions and not just the United States.
The Web site for the Human Rights Campaign, a London-based GLBT organization, tracks marriage laws and court cases across the world. While much of the focus is in the United States, the site still offers international numbers. In the site's newsroom (easily accessible from the home page), reporters can search for litigation by country, state and region. The site also offers extensive archival information from countries around the world. While this resource page primarily focuses on same-sex marriage rights in the United States, the HRC site provides good background and perspective on the international community and its opinions and not just the United States.
Statistics
DoSomething.org. Gay Rights Facts and Statistics. 12 Dec. 2007. 7 June 2008
This page offers graphs of statistics on those who oppose same-sex marriage. The statistics survey the years 1996, 2001 and 2003 to observe changing attitudes on this topic. Not surprisingly, people have become more accepting of same-sex marriages over the years. However, the demographic breakdown reveals that, not surprisingly, those who classify themselves as conservatives or religious are much less accepting than those who are not. The site also offers numbers on measured same-sex partnerships in all 50 states. It has a global map with same-sex marriage laws labeled in every country(pictured above). While the Web site is left-leaning, the numbers are factual and were obtained through surveys done by various non-profit organizations. The well-organized information and clear format make the page an obvious resource to interested journalists.
Statistics
People's press. Views on Gay Marriage, by Age, in the State of Ohio. 10 Mar. 2008. 7 June 2008.
The organization People's Press did a comprehensive survey of more than 1,000 people in the state of Ohio and broke down their views on gay marriage by age. Not surprisingly, the study found that younger generations are much more open to legalizing same-sex unions. While most young people were in the middle or in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage, older generations were strongly opposed. This data provided a great local perspective because it concentrated on the state of Ohio. Ohio has one of the strongest policies against gay marriage because its constitution actually limits marriage to being between men and women. However, the numbers show that not all young Ohioans would agree with this, which could make for some interesting legislation in time. This table is great for reporters who want to track changing attitudes generation by generation.
The organization People's Press did a comprehensive survey of more than 1,000 people in the state of Ohio and broke down their views on gay marriage by age. Not surprisingly, the study found that younger generations are much more open to legalizing same-sex unions. While most young people were in the middle or in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage, older generations were strongly opposed. This data provided a great local perspective because it concentrated on the state of Ohio. Ohio has one of the strongest policies against gay marriage because its constitution actually limits marriage to being between men and women. However, the numbers show that not all young Ohioans would agree with this, which could make for some interesting legislation in time. This table is great for reporters who want to track changing attitudes generation by generation.
Government documents
City and County of San Francisco v. State of California (A110449 [Super. Ct. S.F. City & County, No. CGC-04-429539]); Tyler v. State of California (A110450 [Super. Ct. L.A. County, No. BS-088506]); Woo v. Lockyer (A110451 [Super. Ct. S.F. City & County, No. CPF-04-504038]); Clinton v. State of California (A110463 [Super. Ct. S.F. City & County, No. CGC-04-429548]); Proposition 22 Legal Defense and Education Fund v. City and County of San
Francisco (A110651 [Super. Ct. S.F. City & County, No. CPF-04-503943]); Campaign for California Families v. Newsom (A110652 [Super. Ct. S.F. City & County, No. CGC-04-428794]). May 16, 2008.
The ruling on these six consolidated appeals would culminate into a precedent that legalized gay marriage in California. This decision came just after New York made a similar ruling. The California court ruled in a 4-3 decision that "An individual's sexual orientation -- like a person's race or gender -- does not constitute a legitimate basis upon which to deny or withhold legal rights." This document is highly important because in presents logical arguments in favor of same-sex marriages. At nearly 30 pages long, it also cites a plethora of court cases that influenced this ruling. Besides the legalization of gay marriage in New York, this ruling was seen as one of the biggest events of the year. To read more about the decision, click here.
Government Documents
Marriage Protection Act of 2007, H.R. 724, 110th Congress (introduced Jan.30,2007 by Rep. Burton,R. Ind.).
The Marriage Protection Act was proposed last year in order to prohibit federal courts to review the Defense of Marriage Act. The act was filed in response to cases like that of Nancy Wilson, who demanded that her Massachusetts same-sex marriage be recognized in Florida. While the Act passed in the House, it did not pass in the Senate. Even though the act does not technically have validity, it does show how divided Congress is on the topic. While many journalists may choose to concentrate on rapidly changing attitudes in New York and California, much of the country is still opposed to same-sex marriage. The Act has been referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, and rests there. Reporters seeking a story may want to explore why the act has rested for so long and why more progress hasn't been made.
Government agency
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. P.O. Box 12549 Cincinnati, Ohio, 45212-0549. (800)669-3362.
No federal office exists that advocates same-sex marriage rights, probably because same-sex marriage is illegal in most states. However, federal standards are in place that prohibit companies from hiring or firing based on sexual orientation. The Web site for the EEOC details possible grounds for discrimination complaints and also offers a federal complaint form. This site could be an important resource for journalists because it offers details on what rights LGBT Americans do have. Even if civil unions, domestic partnerships and same sex marriages are only recognized in a handful of states, it is illegal across the nation to discriminate based on sexuality. The site also offers a newsroom with litigation state-by-state, which could assist journalists in hunting for local stories.
No federal office exists that advocates same-sex marriage rights, probably because same-sex marriage is illegal in most states. However, federal standards are in place that prohibit companies from hiring or firing based on sexual orientation. The Web site for the EEOC details possible grounds for discrimination complaints and also offers a federal complaint form. This site could be an important resource for journalists because it offers details on what rights LGBT Americans do have. Even if civil unions, domestic partnerships and same sex marriages are only recognized in a handful of states, it is illegal across the nation to discriminate based on sexuality. The site also offers a newsroom with litigation state-by-state, which could assist journalists in hunting for local stories.
Government agency
Office of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Affairs. 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 221. Washington, DC 20004 (202) 727-9493.
The office was established in 2006 by the government to "provide constituent services and information to the GLBT communities through community outreach, public education activities and to advise the Mayor and the DC Government on the needs of the GLBT residents." While the office's Web site is not much of a resource, it does provide information on obtaining records, reports, literature and informational brochures concerning GLBT rights. Washington has one of the most prevalent GLBT communities in the country, and printed resources offered by this office are extensive. The newsroom offers updates on recent events and documents, as well as contact information for the Office's director.
The office was established in 2006 by the government to "provide constituent services and information to the GLBT communities through community outreach, public education activities and to advise the Mayor and the DC Government on the needs of the GLBT residents." While the office's Web site is not much of a resource, it does provide information on obtaining records, reports, literature and informational brochures concerning GLBT rights. Washington has one of the most prevalent GLBT communities in the country, and printed resources offered by this office are extensive. The newsroom offers updates on recent events and documents, as well as contact information for the Office's director.
Business
The Business and Human Rights Resource Center. 235 Cucamonga Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711, USA. (909) 626-0260.
The Business & Human Rights Resource Center has become the world’s leading independent resource on the subject. The website is updated hourly with news and reports about companies’ human rights impacts worldwide – positive and negative. They also seek responses from companies concerning allegations of misconduct: thus ensuring that coverage is balanced and encourages companies to address concerns raised by society.
The Business & Human Rights Resource Center has become the world’s leading independent resource on the subject. The website is updated hourly with news and reports about companies’ human rights impacts worldwide – positive and negative. They also seek responses from companies concerning allegations of misconduct: thus ensuring that coverage is balanced and encourages companies to address concerns raised by society.
The website covers over 4000 companies and over 180 countries. It receives over 1.5 million hits per month. Topics include discrimination, environment, poverty & development, labor, access to medicines, health & safety, security, trade. Most information on the site is free and open to the public, and filters exist that track regional reports. In addition to offering information on LGBT rights, there are also reports on minorities and the disabled.
Business
Lambda Legal. 120 Wall Street, Suite 1500. New York, NY 10005. (212) 809-8585.
Lambda Legal is a national law firm that specializes in gay rights litigation. The firm's Web site provides updates on cases several times a week, and also allows anyone to search for local cases represented by the firm. The Web site also lists marriage, adoption and constitutional rights state by state. While Lambda Legal is a nationally-recognized law firm, its biggest draw for a reporter is easily obtained information on regional court cases pertaining to LGBT rights. The "breaking news" section lists weekly updates state by state. Media contact information is listed here, along with a number especially for reporters on strict deadline.
Lambda Legal is a national law firm that specializes in gay rights litigation. The firm's Web site provides updates on cases several times a week, and also allows anyone to search for local cases represented by the firm. The Web site also lists marriage, adoption and constitutional rights state by state. While Lambda Legal is a nationally-recognized law firm, its biggest draw for a reporter is easily obtained information on regional court cases pertaining to LGBT rights. The "breaking news" section lists weekly updates state by state. Media contact information is listed here, along with a number especially for reporters on strict deadline.
Nonprofit organization
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF, Inc.). 1325 Massachusetts Ave. NW Suite 600. Washington, DC 20005. (202)393-5177
The mission of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is to build the political power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community from the ground up. The organization trains activists and organizes campaigns to defeat anti-LGBT legislation. The Policy Institute, the movement’s premier think tank, provides research and policy analysis to support the struggle for complete equality. Founded in 1973 ,NGLTF works to build the grassroots political power of the LGBT community to win equality. They also analyze and report on the positions of candidates for public office on issues of importance to the LGBT community. The NGLTF Web site features such reports, as well as surveys, reports and news releases about organizational events. The organization is the oldest non-profit of its kind and has thousands of members. Representatives at the NGLTF would be excellent resources for discussing legislation, and the task force's extensive reports could provide excellent background for a story.
Nonprofit organization
Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). 104 West 29th St., 4th Floor New York, NY 10001. phone: (212) 629-3322.
According to its mission, nonprofit GLAAD is " edicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation." The organization has been quick to criticize public figures such as Eminem and Dr. Laura Sclessinger for promoting anti-gay rhetoric. Through donations and federal grants the organization sponsors events across the country. An extensive media Web site for GLAAD, which includes extensive press contacts and news releases, can be found here.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Expert
Shannon Price Minter is the Legal Director of the
Expert
Tim Miller, gay performer and activist, 943 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024. (310) 479-4396
Acclaimed solo performer Tim Miller has been prominent in gay rights since he successfully sued the federal government in 1990. The National Endowment for the Arts revoked his grant on grounds that his work about the gay community was indecent, but the Supreme Court ruled that his work had social, educational and artistic value. Since then, Miller has produced work highlighting the lack of immigration rights in same-sex partnerships. This problem hits close to home for Miller: he and his longtime Australian partner, Alistair McCartney, will leave the country in 10 months when McCartney’s visa expires. If Miller and McCartney were allowed to marry,
Expert
Mike Lavelle, marriage attorney,
Lavelle is a marriage attorney in
Expert
Andrew Yarrow, Vice President and Director of Washington office for the Public Agenda Gay and Lesbian fact page.
Yarrow would be a valuable resource because he spends him time compiling fact sheets on the demographics of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people and their rights (a segment of one of his fact sheets is pictured above). Because he is so focused on the census aspect of the issue, he is close to the hard facts and would not have the personal bias of activitists (The U.S. Census does not ask one to identify as LGBT, so hard statistics are difficult to come by). Yarrow would be able to provide contextual information about how many LGBT people there are in the country and how this has changed in recent years. He would also be able to give information about how he conducted his research and progress that has been made in this movement. Yarrow is also non-partisan, so his information may not be as biased as that of someone who works for PFLAG or another activist organization.
Expert
Jody M. Huckabee, President, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, 1726 M Street, NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20036. (202) 467-8180
As the president of one of the most renowned activist organizations in the country, Huckabee would be an excellent resource. With more than 20 years of experience working for PFLAG, Huckabee would be able to offer journalists excellent current and contextual information concerning court cases and legislation. She would also be able to give opinions on what causes PFLAG is rallying for in the future. Even though she is an activist who could have some personal bias when giving information, I believe that she would be an excellent resource because PFLAG is actively involved in court cases and rallying for new legislation.
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