No double standard: Task Force calls on Senate Ethics Committee to treat Vitter and Craig cases fairly
“There is no explanation for the diametrically opposed responses to these two situations, other than hypocrisy tinged by homophobia. There are only two ways to resolve this: drop the investigation into Sen. Craig or investigate the allegations surrounding Sen. Vitter.”
— From the Task Force’s Nov. 13 letter to the Senate Ethics Committee
Yesterday, the Task Force called upon the Senate Ethics Committee for fair treatment in the sex-related controversies involving Sens. Larry Craig and David Vitter. The committee has launched an investigation into Craig’s conduct, arising from his pleading guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct charges after his June arrest by an undercover police officer in a men’s restroom. The committee has refused to open a similar investigation into whether Vitter violated the Senate Rules of Conduct by soliciting for prostitution.
[ Read the full letter ]
[ Read media coverage: The Hill and the Idaho Statesman ]
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SAGE and Task Force awarded $500,000 grant for LGBT aging advocacy
“This project will combine the Task Force’s federal policy and research expertise, SAGE’s unparalleled understanding of the needs of LGBT elders, and the energy of activists across the nation to shape a better future for all our seniors.”
— Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman
Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) and the Task Force announced this week they have received a $500,000 grant from the Arcus Gay and Lesbian Fund to support a joint two-year national advocacy and policy effort around LGBT aging. For this new project, SAGE and the Task Force will collaborate on a series of ventures that push public policies that address LGBT aging concerns and enhance support, protections and quality of life for LGBT seniors.
[ Read the press release ]
[ Learn more about our work on aging issues ]
[ Learn more about SAGE ]
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Task Force taps Dr. Jaime Grant to head Policy Institute
“We looked for someone who could continue the legacy of the Policy Institute’s past visionary directors — John D’Emilio, Urvashi Vaid, Sean Cahill — of combining exceptional academic, writing and policy analysis skills and activist heart, and we found that person in Jaime Grant.”
— Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman
The Task Force has appointed Jaime Grant, Ph.D., as director of its Policy Institute. Dr. Grant, a scholar, writer, researcher and longtime activist in the LGBT and other progressive communities, is widely recognized for her work on the causes and impact of discrimination.
The Policy Institute, which celebrates its 12th anniversary this year, is the LGBT movement’s premier think tank. It is dedicated to research, policy analysis, public education and advocacy to advance the equality and greater understanding of LGBT people.
[ Read the full press release ]
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The 20th National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change — Early bird registration extended to Nov. 30
The Task Force announces an impressive lineup of keynote speakers at its annual National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change, to be held at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit, Mich., Feb. 6–10, 2008. Registration for the 20th National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change is now open and can be done online at www.CreatingChange.org. The early bird registration rate of $250 has been extended to Nov. 30.
Julian Bond (pictured), chairman of the NAACP and an outspoken proponent of equality for all, addresses the conference on Feb. 7, and the Right Reverend V. Eugene Robinson, Episcopal bishop of New Hampshire, will share his unique perspective on faith, equality and social change with Creating Change attendees on Feb. 9. Internationally known comic and social commentator Kate Clinton will serve as the mistress of ceremonies. The conference will also feature the new Task Force Academy for Leadership and Action and 18 daylong institutes focused on a variety of topics. Don’t miss out!
[ Read the full press release ]
[ Get details and register now ]
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