From the National Stonewall Democrats website:
In the next few days, the central committee of the Indiana Democratic Party will select their nominee for United States Senate, filling the void left by retiring Senator Evan Bayh. ... The Indiana Democratic Party has the power to select a pro-equality nominee. And we have the power to convince them to do the right thing. Please sign the Stonewall Democrats petition to demand the central committee select a pro-equality nominee.
The Indiana Stonewall Democrats extend their gratitude to U.S. Senator Evan Bayh for his devoted public service. Beginning with his campaign for Secretary of State in 1986, Senator Bayh ushered in an era of Democratic statewide victories that spans twenty-four years. We wish Senator Bayh well in his future ventures.
We applaud Senator Bayh for consistently scoring above average on the Human Rights Campaign's Congressional Scorecard, which tracks congressional votes on key LGBT issues. In 2006, Senator Bayh voted against the proposed amendment to the US Constitution that would ban same-sex marriage. In 2009, he voted in favor of the Matthew Sheppard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which President Obama signed into law. These were important victories for all Hoosiers.
While the departure of such a formidable figure is a loss to the entire Democratic family, we look forward to assisting in the selection of a U.S. Senate candidate who subscribes to core Democratic principles while continuing Senator Bayh's efforts to end discrimination against all Americans by helping ensure passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and repeal of the the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and the Defense of Marriage Act.
SB 192, introduced by Democratic Senator Sue Errington (Muncie), would require hospitals to allow visitation of patients by their domestic partners, including same-sex partners. The bill lays out a definition for domestic partnerships that is reasonable and acceptable and specifies many ways through which you can prove your partnership status.
The bill has been referred to the Committee on Health and Provider Services for markup. Check back for further updates. You can also join our Facebook group to quickly receive action alerts and updates on this bill and others.
To pass ENDA in Congress this fall, we must speak up loud and clear! We must flood their offices with calls and emails! They need to hear that this bill is our top priority.
Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at: (202) 224-3121. Give the operator your zip code and ask to be connected to your Representative. Then, after leaving your message, hang up and call again to be connected to your two Senators.
Suggested voicemail message: My name is _____ and a proud resident of (your city, state). I am calling in support of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 3017/S. 1584), to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from job discrimination. Please take swift action to pass ENDA. I can be reached at _______ (provide your phone number). Thank you.
For more information, check out the United ENDA action alert.
It's that time of year once again! Be sure to mark your calendars and save the date as we prepare for our annual holiday celebration. We will be providing additional details on the event in the coming weeks, and you will not want to miss this great Democratic tradition.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Omni Severin Hotel
Downtown Indianapolis
5:30 Cocktail Reception with Special Guests
6:00 General Reception
7:00 Dinner
$150 - General Reception & Dinner
$250 - VIP Reception & Dinner
Questions should be directed to Kelly Norton: knorton@indems.org or 317.231.7106
On October 11, 2009 the Indiana Stonewall Democrats honored Congressman Andre Carson and community activist Joe Miller at its Leadership Awards Reception. The timing of the event fell in honor of National Coming Out day. The reception was held at the beautiful home of City-County Councilor Jackie Nytes and Michael O'Brien, and was attended by many key Democratic Party figures.
Congressman Carson was recognized with the Frank O'Bannon Award for political leadership. Stonewall Board Member Zach Adamson presented the award to Carson. In his acceptance remarks, Congressman Carson commented on the very recent passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Congressman Carson added that the LGBT community can be assured that they have a friend in him.
Joe Miller, longtime LGBT activist and friend of Indiana Stonewall Democrats was recognized with the Chuck Avery Award for community leadership. Councilor Nytes presented the award to Mr. Miller.
The Indiana Stonewall Democrats first gave the political leadership award in 2002 to, then governor, Frank O'Bannon. Shortly after his passing the award was re-named in his honor as a reminder of his unfailing support for LGBT issues. The late Chuck Avery award, named after the late founder of the Indiana Stonewall Democrats, is presented to persons who organize, support and work to advance the interests of the Indiana LGBT community.
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