There is a movement in Pennsylvania.....

[keltic63]

I find it interesting that most of the comments on all of the blog entries are in direct disagreement with the posts of the website! I'm also glad that the 2 women in charge of the site allow the dissenting comments. I hope this is an indication of the opinion of those of us that live here in this state. This amendment will never get off the ground!

[Vanessa White]

I have noticed that same thing; that most of those that post disagree with the main topic. I love that!!! I was wondering if we might even stir up some allies from there, wouldn't that be the ultimate irony!!!

[Zerbie]

It still says my comment is awaiting moderation. Uh oh. Maybe they don't like what I wrote! Maybe no one will get to see it. Ah well. Onward.

[Zerbie]

I just checked. My comment apparently did not pass moderation. I'm not entirely surprised.

[keltic63]

Originally Posted by Zerbie

I just checked. My comment apparently did not pass moderation. I'm not entirely surprised.

mine are usually intense, or at least firm in stating opposition to the topic. I wonder why mine get in, and yours didn't

[Zerbie]

Mine confronted the basic premise and raison d'etre of their website too directly and bluntly. It was really brief, like 3 sentences.

I don't recall the exact words, but I essentially said this: Our religious views, whether or not we like homosexuals, etc., are not at issue. The only issue here is: Why do we think it is ever acceptable to subject equal treatment under the laws of the State to a popular vote?

Then I added one more sentence saying that "if we can do this to gay/lesbian couples" then what is to stop some group from doing similar things to us over some trait they find unpalatable (our race, religion, etc.) and what we will do if we lose that popularity contest?

I kinda thought they might not allow that comment!

[keltic63]

Originally Posted by keltic63

ARRRGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!! I saw one of these billboards on the way home from Pittsburgh last night. It's on the turnpike just before the New Stanton exit. I can't tell you how much it made my blood boil!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm happy to report that the billboard is no longer there! I checked for it on Saturday and noted that it is gone, replaced by another advertisement for the Lenox outlet.

I also just posted again at youranswermatters.....

[Zerbie]

Oh. Hmm, just looked and saw the latest comments, Steve. It appears that mine is in there, but it still says "awaiting moderation." Can you see it? I'm just curious as to whether or not the comment I made is actually posted.

[keltic63]

Originally Posted by Zerbie

Oh. Hmm, just looked and saw the latest comments, Steve. It appears that mine is in there, but it still says "awaiting moderation." Can you see it? I'm just curious as to whether or not the comment I made is actually posted.

no, can't see it yet. I'm thinking that since I was "approved" once, I can continue to post. this is your first post there. the interesting thing is that it appears they aren't monitoring the site very often.

[keltic63]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08078/866089-100.stm

the bill has been voted out of committee and into the Appropriations committee. from there, it could go to the floor of the senate.

[keltic63]

bump: because this is more important than arguing about other things: http://equalityadvocates.wordpress.c...ary-committee/

[Zerbie]

This is only for PA residents, right?

[Vanessa White]

Yes, Zerb, this is for PA only, which I guess is bad enough.....

The unnerving part for me is becoming, that having a DOMA like dictate here already is not enough; they feel the need to amend our state's constitution in order to "protect" marriage. In addition, they have added language so that at no time, if it goes through, would PA even allow civil unions. That just sucks. I have just sent off new emails to my Senator, whom I was confused about who it was due to the district layout here, and to my representative, to call me/email me re: scheduling appts. to meet with each of them IN PERSON to discuss. I know that the Senator in question is a cosponsor, or at least signed on, to the original proposal of the amendment. And, at first when I emailed her two months ago, I thought that I had mistakenly emailed her as my Senator, and that it had been an error, because I never heard from her.

It was no error. She IS my Senator, and I guess I just have to make more noise. I am ready.....

[Zerbie]

Originally Posted by Vanessa White

Yes, Zerb, this is for PA only, which I guess is bad enough.....

The unnerving part for me is becoming, that having a DOMA like dictate here already is not enough; they feel the need to amend our state's constitution in order to "protect" marriage. In addition, they have added language so that at no time, if it goes through, would PA even allow civil unions. That just sucks. I have just sent off new emails to my Senator, whom I was confused about who it was due to the district layout here, and to my representative, to call me/email me re: scheduling appts. to meet with each of them IN PERSON to discuss. I know that the Senator in question is a cosponsor, or at least signed on, to the original proposal of the amendment. And, at first when I emailed her two months ago, I thought that I had mistakenly emailed her as my Senator, and that it had been an error, because I never heard from her.

It was no error. She IS my Senator, and I guess I just have to make more noise. I am ready.....

Call the office. What you need to do is speak to the person who organizes her meeting schedule and ask that person to schedule your citizen lobby visit.

[Vanessa White]

Okay, will do. Thanks for the input. I feel like I could puke....

[Vanessa White]

No answer at either office; probably because of the holy day observance today. I will try again next week if I do not hear from them. Both of their offices are within an hour of my home.

[Zerbie]

Yeah, major Christian holy day is probably not a busy one at their office I guess.

And my comment is still awaiting moderation!!! I guess they never read their own site. Shrug.

[tdogg]

There are a couple of issues anti-gay groups are attempting to get put on our November ballot for CA to vote on. Both would amend the constitution to prevent same-sex marriage, and one of those would include provisions to take away the registered domestic partnership process.

I was contacted by the Sacramento branch of Equality For All, who is fighting this under the support of HRC. Any of you in CA interested in getting involved, PM me and I'll pass on the info. I'll be going in on April 5th for some training and group outreach to try and get more volunteers and talk to people in the hopes of persuading folks not to sign these petitions.

For every step forward, we take a couple back...I believe CA has progressed enough that this won't be a danger, but then again, just cannot be sure.

[Zerbie]

Oh, I know it's not only happening PA!!! I meant, the link Keltic posted was only for PA residents to contact their legislators.

Yeah, it sounds like y'all in CA are up against the kind of amendment we defeated here in 06. They have revised the AZ amendment to only discriminate against gay couples and are trying to bring it back for 08.

[Vanessa White]

I will give them until today to call me back, considering they may have been closed yesterday as well; then, I am calling again until they schedule me for an appointment. I also am prepared for myself and a few willing friends to take a road trip to Harrisburg if they feel they cannot accomodate me locally. I will keep you posted!!