Pallone Admonishes Rep. Chris Smith’s Anti-LGBTQ Adoption Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2018


WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement condemning the comments made by Congressman Christopher Smith (NJ-04) at Colts Neck High School implying that children would be better off in orphanages than with LGBTQ parents.

“I am deeply outraged and offended by Congressman Smith’s bigoted views on LGBTQ adoption. Congressman Smith should know that LGBTQ parents are just simply that – parents. They are parents who provide every bit of love and care as their heterosexual neighbors. Unfortunately, this is not the first time Congressman Smith has dismissed the rights of LGBTQ Americans. He should apologize.

“My heart breaks for the young high school student who was told by Congressman Smith that her sister was somehow less deserving or qualified to be a parent. I am inspired by her courage in standing up to Congressman Smith. I know that the overwhelming majority of New Jerseyans stand with her.

“Today we are once again reminded that the fight for equality for LGBTQ Americans is far from over. Congressman Smith’s GOP colleagues and the Trump administration continue to discriminate against LGBTQ Americans, whether it be legalizing discrimination against LGBTQ persons seeking healthcare, banning transgender servicemembers from our military or nominating Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. We cannot allow this bigotry to stand and must work to ensure that LGBTQ Americans have legal and social equality in our country.”

Roll Call: Rep. Chris Smith Brought Up Orphanages After Same-Sex Parenting Question

Congressman Chris Smith, Middletown's other representative in Congress,  truly is an abhorrent individual. I'm very fortunate that he isn't my congressman. - MM

From Roll Call:
9/12/18

High school senior asked if her gay sister would be less of a legitimate parent

Rep. Chris Smith’s controversial views on gay marriage were thrust into the spotlight again Wednesday after the New Jersey Republican brought up orphanages when asked about same-sex parenting, according to an audio recording of the exchange.

The recording, reportedly taken on May 29 at Colts Neck High School in Central New Jersey, was obtained by the Washington Blade, an LGBT news source based in Washington, D.C.

Hannah Valdes, a senior, asked Smith whether her gay sister, in his opinion, would be “less of a legitimate parent” than someone in a heterosexual partnership.

Smith has previously voted to prohibit gay parents from adopting children in Washington, D.C.

Another student asked Smith what made “others” better candidates for adoption than gay couples.

That’s when Smith suggested alternatives existed to gay couples adopting children, including orphanages.

“Somebody mentioned orphanages before,” Smith said in the recording. “I mean, orphanages are still a possibility for some kids.”

Smith’s office could not immediately be reached for comment.

Smith has raised eyebrows for previous comments on same-sex couples.

At a hearing in the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa in 2015, Smith said he was a “strong believer in traditional marriage” and that he does not “construe homosexual rights as human rights.”

“Others have a different view and I certainly respect them,” Smith said.

That comment drew a rebuke from fellow New Jersey Rep. Frank Pallone, a Democrat.

“Congressman Smith is welcome to have his own opinions, but when he makes such an inflammatory statement in an effort to push the administration into ignoring the rights of LGBT people as a matter of policy, it crosses the line,” Pallone said, in a statement at the time. “Representatives in Congress must be promoting the expansion of human rights, not fighting to limit its definition to people that they deem to be appropriate.”

Smith said Pauline was “twisting his words” and had taken them out of context.

'L-G-B-T' - James Corden Sings for Transgender Troops

NEW JERSEY DEMOCRATS' LGBT CAUCUS REPRIMANDS CHRISTIE

For Immediate Release

August 14, 2015

Governor's Mocking of Transgender Community's Challenges Goes Too Far

[Trenton] -- Today, the leaders of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee’s LGBT Caucus blasted Governor Chris Christie for mocking an issue of vital importance to the transgender community, and for vetoing legislation that would ease the process for changing gender markers in official documents.

“You have no compassion for the Caitlyn Jenners of this world?” the governor was asked about his recent veto on a nationally-syndicated conservative radio show. In response, Governor Christie vaguely attacked the bill as "beyond the pale," without providing substantive clarification, just saying it "doesn’t make any sense." According to news reports, he "could be heard chuckling."

The bill would have eased the process for transgender people, who obtain certification from a doctor that they have undergone clinically appropriate transition treatment, to correct their birth certificates accordingly. Current law is restrictive and makes the process onerous. Nine states and the District of Columbia have adopted policies similar to the one Christie vetoed, as has the Obama administration. Even radio host Michael Medved note that Christie’s position “sounds dangerously conservative.”

"If we are telling it like it is, then Governor Christie is a close-minded and callous individual with no concern for his constituents," said Christopher Hillmann, Co-Chair of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's LGBT Caucus. "The fact is, most of what Governor Christie does -- his official actions as well as his brash, bullying attitude -- is offensive. But to diminish the concerns of the transgender community and then laugh about his veto is a step too far. And for what? To impress radical conservatives? He needs to grow up and grow a backbone, and decide who he works for -- the people of the Garden State or people in rural Iowa."

Babs Siperstein, who was also offended by Christie's words and deeds, has a first-hand perspective on the harmful impact of the Governor's decision. In addition to her other advocacy work, in 2009 Ms. Siperstein became the first openly transgender member of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), and was subsequently elected to serve on the DNC’s Executive Committee.

"This is not an abstract issue; it is one that creates many procedural problems -- problems with real-world consequences and that the governor has deliberately chosen to neglect. For Christie to require possibly unnecessary surgery for Transgender and Intersex children is beyond the pale. Clearly, his motives were at least partly political, because he is growing desperate for support from the hateful people that dominate the Republican presidential primary voter pool," Siperstein said. "It would be sad if it was not so disrespectful, not just to me, but to the people here in New Jersey that he was elected to serve. Just because his campaign regularly draws disparaging comments and scorn, that does not give him license to laugh at his constituents' challenges."

Pallone Introduces the Equality Act with Colleagues to End LGBT Discrimination

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2015


WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) introduced the Equality Act as an original cosponsor of the bill. The Equality Act would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to make it illegal to discriminate against someone based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The legislation would apply to public accommodations, federal funding, education, employment, housing, credit, and jury service.

“No one should ever be discriminated against, live in fear of being fired, or be denied equal basic protections under the law because of who they love,” said Congressman Pallone. “As a longtime advocate for LGBT equality, I am proud to help lead the fight to rid our country of this unacceptable discrimination.”

Despite last month’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling that affirmed marriage equality, discrimination against LGBT individuals remains legal in most states. For example, today, only 19 states offer employment and housing protections for the LGBT community. Furthermore, just 17 states prohibit discrimination for public accommodations based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Among Pallone’s ongoing efforts for full LGBT equality, he has long-urged government action against LGBT discrimination in the workplace. He led letters in Congress asking the President to sign an executive order that would require any company seeking a federal contract to have adopted workplace policies against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. In 2014, the President heeded the call and extended protections to LGBT workers.

Letter: It's Time New Jersey Embraces LGBT Equality

The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:

Dear Editor,

Now that the right to marriage equality for LGBT couples across America has been affirmed by the highest court of the land, it is time that New Jersey begins working to further embrace equality and diversity.

The New Jersey legislature must mandate that LGBT history classes become a part of New Jersey middle and high school curriculum. This will help fight any remaining intolerance before it makes it's way into adult society. Additionally local colleges, such as Ocean County College and Brookdale Community College should begin offering an LGBT studies major.

As the tourism industry is one of New Jersey's largest employers, let's build a life size monument to the late, great Harvey Milk and build the world's biggest LGBT history museum in Asbury Park. We would bring in tourists and send a strong message of equality to the world.

Additionally, we all must organize to ensure the patently evil homophobia of Congressman Chris Smith results in him losing the next election and never being elected to public office ever again. Stopping this hateful man's re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives should be a top priority of activists. If we don't stop him now, the hate he propagates will result in violence.



Eric Hafner
Toms River

Letter: Say No To Christie Bigotry With Glitter!

The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:

Dear Editor,

Governor Chris Christie has crossed a final line in his attacks on various groups of people in New Jersey - his various targets have included school teachers, public employees, medical marijuana patients and he is now attacking the United States Supreme Court for supporting the simple right to marriage equality for the LGBT community, after he long blocked gay marriage in New Jersey.

The citizens of our state are truly a rainbow mosaic of diversity and Christie has shown his true colors to New Jersey. He is too extreme for our state and his staff have been criminally indicted for alleged corruption.

I encourage citizens in favor of LGBT equality to mail envelopes filled with glitter in celebration of gay marriage being legalized to: Governor Christie, PO Box 1, Trenton, NJ 08625

New Jersey, Say no to Christie bigotry with glitter!



Eric Hafner
Toms River, New Jersey

Looking for answers for eroding Women’s Rights….

By Retha Onitiri, PMP
Chair Monmouth County Democratic Women’s Caucus

We’ve all heard the expression, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Yet, the Republican-dominated U.S. House recently attempted to overturn the pragmatic Reproductive Health Non Discrimination Act (RHNDA), an amendment to the Human Rights Act of 1977, which was enacted to protect women in the District of Columbia from being fired for their choices to use birth control, in-vitro fertilization or abortion.

Last week’s House Committee vote on HJ Res-43 was a “resolution of disapproval”—and the first time in 23 years that members of Congress had gotten this far in the process of trying to overturn this local D.C. law. HJ Res-43 also applies to another “resolution of disapproval” on the Human Rights Amendment Act (HRAA) which protects LGBT student groups from discrimination at religiously affiliated schools. Most of us agree….this is a whole lot that “doesn’t need fixin’.”

Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, criticized the House for passing HJ Res-43 saying, “RHNDA is a common-sense bill passed unanimously by the D.C. City Council years ago to ensure that bosses cannot intrude upon decisions made in their employees’ exam rooms....just as politicians in Congress should not be intruding upon the District’s efforts to enact it.”

“Yielding to pressure by right-wing caucus members and outside groups who claim that RHNDA limits religious liberty suggests that GOP lawmakers are hypocritical for voting to overturn this law, given their party’s stance on reducing big government in favor of local control,” stated Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D—D.C.) She added that “the resumption of the war on women by Republicans, combined with the overturning of a local law by the House, will not be lost on the public.”

In addition to the overturn of RHNDA, which would result in more unplanned births, we cannot dismiss the fact that aggressive Republican budget cuts put low and middle income women in the crossfire of how to use their meager incomes to provide substantive healthcare, child care and education for those children.

Clearly, there is a great chasm in our country. We must ask WHY? If we are allowed to plan workdays, holidays and vacations but not allowed to plan Parenthood, we must ask WHY? If men and women cannot determine when and how many children they can afford, taking into account their personal resources, we must ask WHY? If a woman is required to answer to her employer in regard to her reproductive health decisions and a male employee is not, WHY? A doctor/patient relationship has always been protected, but women’s rights are now under siege, WHY?

Busy fixin’ women’s reproductive healthcare, our GOP lawmakers not only waste the time, energy and resources that brought them to Washington in the first place, but also impede the efforts of other elected officials from resolving some of the nation’s looming crises—income inequality, lack of job training programs, high college tuition debt, racial violence in our cities, immigration reform, inexcusable lack of good gun sense, global warming, to name a few. Could this distraction become so overpowering that real problems remain unfixable? Most of us agree…..there is a whole lot that
“does need fixin’.”

Let’s start by sending loud and clear messages to lawmakers who waste our taxpayer dollars. Tell them that finding solutions to the real problems, rather than using partisan tactics to deflect from them, will keep our nation strong. HOW?

Vote in every election and ask your neighbors to vote. Write a letter, even two lines will do! Make a phone call—voice your opinion. There is nothing that we, as American citizens, cannot accomplish when we have the collective will to do it. We owe it to our future generations.

NJ.Com Letter: Rep. Chris Smith Should Know LGBT People Are Humans With Rights

The following letter appeared on NJ.com over the weekend and let me just say that I am so glad that Frank Pallone Jr. is my congressman and not Chris Smith:



I am disturbed by our congressman's disregard for the civil rights of the men and women of my community. Rep. Chris Smith recently made the comment: "I am a strong believer in traditional marriage, and do not construe homosexual rights as human rights." To add further outrage, Rep. Smith is co-chairman of the House human rights subcommittee.

Rep. Smith's unkind comment implies there is a difference between the rights of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) individuals and the rights of human beings. He has occupied New Jersey's District 4 congressional seat for 33 years. Smith portrays himself as a moderate Republican, but his position on social issues is of the most extreme in Congress on the rights of LGBT individuals and women. As Rep. Smith does not include his anti-LGBT and anti-women legislative work in his newsletter, I suspect he knows the majority of this community would not support his extreme agenda. I believe Rep. Smith is re-elected because voters are not aware of his disturbing record.

Rep. Smith's position is out of step with our community, out of step with New Jersey and out of step with most of America. Our representatives in Congress are elected by us to represent our values in Washington, D.C. They write laws and make policy that affect our daily lives. It is time to elect a new lawmaker in District 4 that truly represents the moderate views of this community.

Bari Rosenberg,
Manalapan
The writer is a member of the District 4 Coalition for Change.

DEMOCRATS CONDEMN REP. SMITH FOR SUGGESTING THAT LGBT COMMUNITY DOES NOT DESERVE HUMAN RIGHTS

(Trenton) -- The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Caucus of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee excoriated New Jersey Republican Congressman Chris Smith for saying he does “not construe homosexual rights as human rights" and for insinuating that U.S. opposition to anti-LGBT legislation negatively impacts our country’s engagement in Nigeria.

Smith’s comments are particularly offensive given that he serves as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs’ Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations —a position from which human rights should be defended, not attacked.

“It’s simple: LGBT rights are human rights. It’s shocking that Smith — or anyone in his position — would make such close-minded comments to the contrary. For a person in his position to dehumanize such a large segment of our society and to suggest that members of the LGBT community are creating hurdles for U.S. diplomats is appalling on so many levels,” said Chris Hillmann, LGBT Caucus Co-Chair. “Representative Smith should apologize for trying to pit some people’s human rights against those of of others.”

"Once again our Congressman has disrespected his constituents and put people in danger half way across the globe. With all the tragedies occurring in Africa surrounding the LGBT community one would think that a Congressman would understand his words can be destructive. We must speak as one voice to protect all lives from atrocities no matter where they happen. All lives matter," said Ed Zipprich, an openly-gay City Councilman in Red Bank, New Jersey.

According to the national LGBT advocate group, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Smith’s comments came on a day when 12 men were reportedly arrested for simply attending an alleged LGBT wedding in Nigeria. Not surprisingly, Smith received a “0” on HRC’s Congressional Scorecard.

By contrast, President Obama made history by acknowledging LGBT people during his recent State of the Union Address, and he recognizes that gaining equal protection under the law for the LGBT community must be part of the larger discussion of human rights and national security.

Pallone Statement on Department of Labor’s Announced Rule to Protect LGBT Employees from Workplace Discrimination

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Frank Pallone issued the following statement today regarding the U.S. Department of Labor’s announced rule to protect federal contract workers from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The rule will formally implement Executive Order 13672, signed by President Obama in July 2014:

“Today’s announcement by the Department of Labor confirms what we already know: what matters in the workplace is how you do your job, not who you are or who you love. No one in this country should be subjected to discrimination and harassment at work. I commend Secretary Perez and the Department of Labor for taking a critical step today to implement President Obama’s Executive Order and to ensure that members of the LGBT community receive the same protections afforded to all other Americans.

“While this is an important step towards prohibiting discrimination in the workplace for federal contractors, there is more work that needs to be done. Congress has an obligation to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and guarantee fairness in the workplace for every American employee. Congress must schedule a vote on ENDA immediately in order to provide these same protections to all LGBT workers—not just those fortunate enough to be covered by this particular rule.

“I remain committed to working in Congress to make sure that all Americans are free to work without the threat of harassment or discrimination, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Today’s announcement by the Department of Labor, though, serves as a crucial step forward in our efforts to guarantee LGBT equality in this country.”

The Weight of History

The following is from Congressman Rush Holt's newsletter

During my tenure in Congress, the preservation of historically and environmentally significant land has been an important concern for me. My legislation to expand the Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program, which passed in the House, is awaiting action in the Senate. The bill would help organizations acquire funding to preserve Revolutionary War and War of 1812 sites in the United States. Hundreds of battlefields and associated sites need to be preserved, many in New Jersey.

Rep. Rush Holt receives the Preservation Leadership Award from Jim Lighthizer, President of the Civil War Trust, and Civil War Trust Board Member Bill Vodra

I was recognized this week by the Civil War Trust for my work on preservation. The Trust presented me with a plaque and two artifacts from the Civil War: a brass breastplate engraved with the Union Eagle, and a New Jersey officer’s uniform button engraved with the Great Seal of New Jersey. The breastplate was unearthed at the Chancellorsville Battlefield in Virginia, where 24 New Jersey regiments fought from May 1-5, 1863, and suffered 1,700 casualties.

To hold these two relics from a key moment in our American story is to feel the weight of history and understand the need to protect our historical sites.




Common Sense Reform

Last week, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced that he would be stepping down after almost six years as our nation’s top law enforcement officer. He has some important actions and positions to point to. During his tenure the Department of Justice has fought to uphold the civil liberties of LGBT citizens, has defended the right of all Americans to vote, and has protected immigrants from harassment. While I felt he could have done more on issues like the NYPD’s warrantless surveillance of Muslim Americans, he has “done much to make real the promise of our democracy” as he said when announcing his resignation.

Just this month, the Attorney General announced that for the first time in 34 years, the federal prison population has actually decreased by 4,800 inmates. While the United States encompasses five percent of the world’s population, we imprison almost 25 percent of the total global prison population. An important factor in this change has been the Attorney General’s efforts to reduce mandatory minimum sentences, which I have long opposed because they discount mitigating factors in crimes and are discriminatory towards people of color.

We must also take other sensible steps to reform our broken criminal justice system. Senator Cory Booker has introduced the REDEEM (Record Expungement Designed to Enhance Employment) Act to give individuals convicted of non-violent crimes a second chance.

The Most Powerful Instrument Devised By Man

In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson said that "the vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice." September 23rd commemorated National Voter Registration Day. Here in New Jersey the deadline to register to vote in the general election in November is October 14th. If you have not yet registered to vote, I encourage you to click here.

We must all remember that our duty does not stop with registration. Voter turnout is about 14 percent lower in non-Presidential election years (like this one) than when the office of the President is on the ballot. I understand that citizens are often busy and distracted, and sometimes unsure or confused about the candidates, or just plain cynical, but we must try to get all to exercise the most basic part of citizenship. Also, we in government must work to ensure that all eligible voters have good access, and that all votes are counted reliably and verifiably.

Sincerely,

Rush Holt
Member of Congress

Transgender Teen " would be treated with the respect and inclusive opportunities that all students deserve“ If She Decides to Attend Thorne MS

 Photo by Asbury Park Press/Facebook.

The drama surrounding transgender teen Rachel Pepe being allowed to attend Thorne Middle School in Middletown as the person she feels she is, has attracted some national press; Yahoo News has picked up her story today after it was first reported over the weekend by the Asbury Park Press.

The initial report of this story shocked me, I couldn't believe how insensitive and callous school officials were when informed that a student who was known as Brian Pepe by my son and his friends, felt that he no longer could identified himself as a boy and wished to be know as Rachel.

I am happy though that School Superintendent Dr. William George, has decided to embrace the situation as opposed to sticking his head in the sand, hoping that it will go away by issuing a press release earlier today addressing the situation which stated, “ ...administration and staff members pride themselves on character education and welcome diversity. This student is welcome at Thorne, and if she chooses to attend Thorne, she would be treated with the respect and inclusive opportunities that all students deserve.“

A community has an obligation to provide a safe and instructive learning environment for all its students regardless of gender identity. If Middletown's school system doesn't wish to accommodate this student or other students like her, then they are obligated to look into alternative educational opportunities for for such students. I'm glad to hear though that Dr. George and school system is willing to work with this student rather that push her away.

It's times like these that we find out exactly what type of community Middletown is.

Pallone Leads Letter Urging President Obama to Sign Executive Order Protecting LGBT Workers from Workplace Discrimination Without Exemptions

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) led a letter signed by 34 Members of Congress urging President Obama not to include special exemptions for religious organizations in his planned executive order regarding workplace protections for LGBT Americans employed by federal contractors. The letter comes in response to faith groups calling on President Obama to create exemptions that would allow an employee to be fired based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“We set a dangerous precedent if we exempt religious organizations from these workplace protections,” said Congressman Pallone. “The federal government has an obligation to put a complete stop to unfair and discriminatory practices. I am pleased to lead my colleagues in calling for an executive order that ensures all Americans are afforded the same protections in the workplace.”

Pallone, a long-time advocate for LGBT equality, has been a leader on this issue for years, having held a Congressional briefing in 2012 examining the need to require federal contractors to have sexual orientation and gender identity anti-discrimination policies. He has also led letters to President Obama urging executive action on the issue for the last three years.

The full text of the letter is below:







July 15, 2014



President Barack Obama

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500



Dear Mr. President:



Like so many Americans, we were proud of your commitment to sign an Executive Order banning federal contractors from discriminating against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans. We urge you to sign this Executive Order as soon as possible without exemptions, ensuring that it will protect every American who works with the Federal Government. We believe that this is a critical step towards ensuring that members of the LGBT community receive the same protections afforded to all citizens. What matters in the workplace is how you do your job—not who you are. No one in this country should be subjected to discrimination and harassment in the workplace.



In 2014, it is absolutely unconscionable that a federal contract worker could be fired on the basis of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity without legal repercussions. Thanks to your upcoming Executive Order, this discrimination will be a thing of the past. The federal government has a moral responsibility to ensure that all citizens are treated equally and with dignity.

Like many people of faith, we believe that a fully inclusive America benefits us all. However, we are disheartened to hear that some faith organizations wish to overturn this progress and continue this legalized discrimination. Creating a religious exemption for workplace discrimination would set a dangerous precedent for employees around the country. With this exemption, employers would be able to fire or refuse to hire someone based on his or her sexual orientation or gender identity. Your action at the federal level must put a complete stop to these unfair and discriminatory workplace practices.

We thank you for considering our request. Thank you again for your leadership on advancing LGBT equality, and we look forward to seeing your final Executive Order.


Sincerely,



FRANK PALLONE, JR. AMI BERA, M.D.

Member of Congress Member of Congress



ROBERT BRADY JULIA BROWNLEY

Member of Congress Member of Congress



TONY CARDENAS EMANUEL CLEAVER

Member of Congress Member of Congress



STEVE COHEN JOHN CONYERS, JR.

Member of Congress Member of Congress



SUSAN DAVIS KEITH ELLISON

Member of Congress Member of Congress



LOIS FRANKEL JOHN GARAMENDI

Member of Congress Member of Congress



ALAN GRAYSON BRIAN HIGGINS

Member of Congress Member of Congress



STEVEN HORSFORD RICK LARSEN

Member of Congress Member of Congress



JOHN LEWIS JIM MCDERMOTT

Member of Congress Member of Congress



JAMES MCGOVERN JIM MORAN

Member of Congress Member of Congress



GLORIA NEGRETE MCLEOD DONALD M. PAYNE, JR.

Member of Congress Member of Congress



CHARLES B. RANGEL LUCILLE ROYAL-ALLARD

Member of Congress Member of Congress



LINDA SANCHEZ JOHN P. SARBANES

Member of Congress Member of Congress



ALLYSON SCHWARTZ BOBBY SCOTT

Member of Congress Member of Congress



ALBIO SIRES MIKE THOMPSON

Member of Congress Member of Congress



JOHN F. TIERNEY DINA TITUS

Member of Congress Member of Congress



JUAN VARGAS HENRY WAXMAN

Member of Congress Member of Congress

Pallone Calls for Executive Order to Protect LGBT Workers from Workplace Discrimination

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), along with 47 Senators and 148 Representatives, sent a letter to President Barack Obama calling for an executive order banning federal contractors from discriminating against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) employees. The letter urges the President to issue this executive order as part of his “year of action” outlined in the State of the Union Address.

“All Americans should be afforded equal protection in the workplace, and I am pleased to join so many of my colleagues in calling for action on the federal level,” said Congressman Pallone. “It is unconscionable that, in 2014, a federal contract worker, paid by American taxpayers, may be fired on the basis of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity without legal recourse. This action by President Obama will send a clear sign that we will not tolerate such discrimination, and must be accompanied by action in the House to finally pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and provide LGBT workers more comprehensive protections.”

Last year, Pallone, along with Congressman Jared Polis (CO-02), led 110 members of Congress in sending a letter to President Barack Obama calling for an executive order prohibiting contractors without sexual orientation and gender identity anti-discrimination policies from receiving federal funds.

“Congressman Pallone’s leadership to protect LGBT workers in federal contracting has been a driving force behind this letter,” said Representative Polis. “The significant growth in support for this executive order could not have escalated so quickly without his commitment to LGBT equality over the years. I look forward to continuing to work with him to ensure contractors who want to do business with the federal government can’t discriminate against LGBT employees.”

Pallone, a long-time advocate for LGBT equality, held a Capitol Hill briefing in 2012 examining the need to require federal contractors to have sexual orientation and gender identity anti-discrimination policies. At that time, Pallone led a letter of 72 members of Congress calling on President Obama to sign an executive order requiring equal protection for LGBT federal contractors.

“Freedom to Work applauds Reps. Frank Pallone, Jared Polis and well over 100 Congressional leaders for speaking out to ensure American taxpayers do not subsidize discriminatory corporations where LGBT employees fear they will get fired for who they are or who they love,”
said Tico Almeida, President of the LGBT organization Freedom to Work. “Mr. Pallone has demonstrated consistent and impressive leadership in our push for fair LGBT workplace policies. It’s now time for President Obama to sign this executive order giving millions of Americans a fair shot to build a career based on their talent and hard work.”

Below is the full text of the letter:


March 18, 2014

The President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President,

We are writing to urge you to fulfill the promise in your State of the Union address to make this a “year of action” and build upon the momentum of 2013 by signing an executive order banning federal contractors from engaging in employment discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans. As you have said before, “now is the time to end this kind of discrimination, not enable it.”

As we continue to work towards final passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) with strong bipartisan support, we urge you to take action now to protection millions of workers across the country from the threat of discrimination simply because of who they are or who they love. We are committed to doing all that we can in Congress to get ENDA to your desk this year; however, there is no reason you cannot immediately act by taking this important step. This executive order would provide LGBT people with another avenue in the federal government they could turn to if they were the victim of employment discrimination by a federal contractor. When combined with ENDA, these non-discrimination protections would parallel those that have been in place for decades on the basis of race, sex and religion.

An executive order covering LGBT employees would be in line with a bipartisan, decades-long commitment to eradicating taxpayer-funded discrimination in the workplace. In 1941, President Roosevelt prohibited discrimination in defense contracts on the bases of race, creed, color, or national origin. In subsequent executive orders, Presidents Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson expanded these protections to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not used to discriminate.

In addition, most of the largest government contractors – companies like Boeing, Raytheon, and Lockheed Martin – have LGBT non-discrimination policies in place. They adopted them because business leaders recognize that discrimination is bad for the bottom line.

Finally, time is of the essence. Even with an executive order in place, full implementation of these protections will require regulations to be developed and finalized, a process that will take many months, if not longer, to fully put in place.

Issuing an executive order prohibiting discrimination against LGBT workers in federal contracts would build on the significant progress for LGBT rights made during your time as President and would further your legacy as a champion for LGBT equality. We urge you to act now to prevent irrational, taxpayer-funded workplace discrimination against LGBT Americans.


Sincerely,

Pallone Calls for Passage of Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act

Visits Women’s Rights Organization, Manavi

New Brunswick, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) visited Manavi, an organization in New Brunswick, New Jersey that provides critical service to primarily South Asian women who are victims of violence. Pallone was joined by New Jersey State Senator Nia Gill (D-Essex/Passaic), and representatives from the Center on Violence Against Women and Children at Rutgers University.
Senator Gill is a prime sponsor with State Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg on the VAWA Bridge Act (S-2490) in the New Jersey State Senate, which would provide bridge funding for programs that receive support from VAWA until Congress reauthorizes the bill.

After the group toured the Manavi facility and spoke with the organization’s staff and representatives of its board of directors, Pallone discussed the urgent need for the House passage of the bipartisan Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA Reauthorization).

Earlier this month, VAWA Reauthorization passed in the U.S. Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support by a vote of 78 to 22. The Senate passed bill includes provisions that significantly expand protections to women from the LGBT, Native American and immigrant communities.

“Protecting all women from violence, assault, and stalking should not be a Democrat or Republican issue, and it is time for House Republicans stop blocking this strong, bipartisan bill,” said Pallone.

 “Among numerous important provisions, the VAWA Reauthorization contains critical improvements to the law for protecting women who are suffering abuse in immigrant communities, and further delay of this bill is not an option. I want to thank everyone at Manavi and the Center on Violence Against Women and Children at Rutgers University for your good work, and also State Senator Gill for your support of this meaningful legislation.”

“The Violence Against Women Act has proven successful in protecting women and children against violence and abuse. I am proud to stand with Congressman Pallone who has continued to advocate for programs that serve victims of domestic violence and has made renewal of VAWA a priority. In the event that House Republicans fail to act on this legislation in a timely manner, we will continue our work in Trenton to ensure we have bridge funding in place for agencies that protect and provide the necessary services to support women against violence,” said State Senator Gill.

The VAWA Reauthorization significantly strengthens the ability of the Federal Government, the States, law enforcement, and service providers to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. As with the previous reauthorizations of VAWA in 2000 and 2005, this bill responds to the realities and needs reported by those who work with victims every day to make VAWA work better for all victims.

Congressman Frank Pallone Calls on Actor Kirk Cameron to Meet with New Jersey LGBT Teens and Discuss Controversial Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
Thursday, July 26, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) called on actor Kirk Cameron to meet with a New Jersey teen who wrote to the 1980’s sit-com star requesting an opportunity to meet upon his upcoming visit to Ocean Grove, NJ to discuss his comments calling same-sex marriage “destructive to our civilization.”  Cameron’s agent, Mark Craig of Mark Craig Productions, rejected a request by Corey Bernstein for a meeting with Cameron, but encouraged the teen, co-chair of the Garden State Equality Youth Caucus, to “listen online to the interviews and comments” by Cameron that “communicate his heart and thoughts.”

In his letter to Cameron, Bernstein wrote that he felt the actor’s comments regarding the LGBT community and marriage equality “devastated us LGBT youth” and that anti-gay statements are “extremely hurtful and dangerous to these youth.”

After learning of Bernstein’s attempts to contact Cameron and his agent’s response yesterday, Pallone sent a letter to Craig decrying the actor’s comments and calling on him to reconsider meeting with Bernstein and the other members of the Garden State Equality’s Youth Caucus while Cameron is in Ocean Grove, NJ at one of his upcoming public appearances.  Bernstein also invited Cameron to attend Garden State Equality Youth Caucus lunch this Saturday, which Pallone will attend himself.

“Words have power,” said Pallone.  “I cannot begin to express how proud I am of Corey’s courageous attempt to contact Kirk Cameron and start a constructive dialogue about the impact his words had on Corey and the entire LGBT community.  I am, however, deeply disappointed not only in Mr. Cameron’s agent’s refusal to arrange a meeting, but in Mr. Craig’s callous response to Corey suggesting that the teen further expose himself to Mr. Cameron’s hurtful comments.”  

In his letter, Bernstein discusses the problem of bullying facing so many LGBT youth in New Jersey and throughout the nation, noting that Cameron’s inflammatory comments could further fuel violence and intolerance. 

“In New Jersey, we are still reeling from the loss of Rutgers Student Tyler Clementi, who took his own life after suffering humiliation and bullying at the hands of his college roommate,” said Pallone.  “Sadly, we hear more and more incidents of LGBT youth who experience unthinkable pain as a result of the insensitive actions and words by others.  No one thinks we can change Mr. Cameron’s views.  We are, however, asking him to consider the language he uses when communicating his views, which is why I implored Mr. Cameron to meet with Corey and discuss the impact of his comments on the LGBT community.”

The following is the text of Pallone’s letter to Cameron’s agent, Mark Craig:

July 26, 2012

Dear Mr. Craig:

           Yesterday, I was contacted by LGBT teens from the Garden State Equality’s Youth Caucus after one of its members, Corey Bernstein, received an email you sent on behalf of Kirk Cameron.  In this email, Mr. Cameron rejects Corey’s request to meet him and the other bullied LGBT teens this weekend when he visits Ocean Grove for a public appearance.  These courageous young people are heartbroken by Mr. Cameron’s response, and so am I.  As a Member of Congress, I have been disturbed by Mr. Cameron’s statements regarding marriage equality, but I am confounded by his reaction to a teen who reached out to him seeking a meaningful conversation.

            I read the letter Corey wrote you, describing how he and other bullied LGBT teens were devastated by Mr. Cameron’s statements that being LGBT is “unnatural,” “detrimental” and “destructive to our civilization.” These statements and others made by Mr. Cameron leave little doubt that he believes LGBT people cannot find the happiness in their marriages that non-LGBT people find in theirs.  

The tenor of Mr. Cameron’s words is astonishingly hurtful to LGBT youth struggling with their self-esteem in a world where they and their LGBT peers are often the victims of merciless bullying.  I believe your response to Corey only compounds this problem.   You told Corey to listen to Mr. Cameron’s interviews and comments online, when in fact those comments were what prompted Corey, on behalf of himself and the other bullied LGBT teens at Garden State Equality, to write to Mr. Cameron in the first place.  I find it remarkably insensitive for Mr. Cameron to suggest that these teens, once again, expose themselves to the words that so deeply hurt them upon their first encounter. 

On his behalf, you also invited Corey to Mr. Cameron’s talk this weekend – and apparently all are welcome.  However, there is little indication that Mr. Cameron’s presentation will reflect the kind of diversity of opinions that would make these teens feel welcome.  I also question how Mr. Cameron’s talk, which he says online is “designed to fireproof marriages,” is relevant to these adolescents and young teens. 

I submit that Mr. Cameron should remedy the problem with these teens that his words created, even if unintentionally.  A start would be for Mr. Cameron to meet the youth who very respectfully reached out to him.  Corey made clear that he and the other bullied LGBT teens would appreciate the opportunity to meet with Mr. Cameron just prior to or immediately after either of his two appearances in Ocean Grove this weekend, even if for only a few minutes. 

As for Garden State Equality’s Youth Caucus luncheon this Saturday in Ocean Grove, which you said Mr. Cameron could not attend due to scheduling conflicts, I will now be there, and I am honored to do so.  But again, that is no substitute for the bullied teens meeting the person whose comments they found so painful.  I appeal to Mr. Cameron to meet with these young people when he is in town.  

If you or Mr. Cameron would like to discuss this matter further, please feel free to contact Brendan Hennessey in my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-4671. 

Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forwarding to hearing from you soon on this important matter.

Sincerely,

FRANK PALLONE, JR.

Member of Congress

Congressman Pallone to Visit a Center for Victims of Domestic Violence in W. Keansburg

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Will discuss failure of the House Republican’s Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization to protect all women from domestic violence

W. KEANSBURG, NJ– On Wednesday, May 23 at 11:30 a.m. Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) will visit an art therapy program for battered women run by 180, Turning Lives Around to call for a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization that protects all women from domestic violence.

Since 1994 VAWA has been an essential tool in protecting victims of domestic violence, but the partisan VAWA reauthorization bill recently passed by House Republicans fails to include critical protections for LGBT, Immigrant and Native American women.  The Senate passed an inclusive, bipartisan VAWA Reauthorization that was not brought to the floor by House GOP leadership.

180 Turning Lives Around is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence in Monmouth County. Congressman Pallone will be joined at the event by advocates for victims of domestic violence and elected officials.

Congratulations To Ed Zipprich, 1 of 11 LGBT Leaders Picked For Harvard Fellowship

I wish to congratulate my friend, Red Bank Councilman Ed Zipprich, for being chosen this year to attend the Gay and Lesbian Victory Institute, located at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School, this summer in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Zipprich is 1 of 11 openly gay leaders in government and non-profit organizations that received a  scholarship to attend the Victory Institute as a 2012 David Bohnett LGBT Leadership Fellow.

According to the announcement posted on gaypolitics.com, more than 100 Bohnett Fellows have been chosen for the program since its inception a decade ago. “Graduates of this program include some of the country’s most visible and successful openly LGBT public leaders....". Houston Mayor Annise Parker; Arizona congressional candidate and former state legislator Kyrsten Sinema; Dallas Sheriff Lupe Valdez and San Francisco City Treasurer Jose Cisneros are just a few.

Joining the Honorable Ed Zipprich as a 2012 David Bohnett LGBT Leadership Fellows are:

Hon. James Cappleman – Alderman, Chicago City Council

Hon. Sally Clark – President, Seattle City Council

Dennis Coleman -  Executive Director, Equality Texas

Masen Davis - Executive Director, Transgender Law Center

Hon. Adam Ebbin - State Senator, Virginia

Helmi Hisserich - Assistant General Manager, Los Angeles Housing Department

Mark Kelleher – Human Rights Commissioner, San Francisco

Hon. Steven Kirkland – Judge of the 215th Civil District Court,  Harris County, Texas

Hon. Donna Nesselbush – State Senator, Rhode Island

Hon. Mary Washington – Delegate, Maryland House of Delegates

Stop Bullying Now

This image shows the top half of the front page of The Sioux City Journal's Sunday, April 22, 2012, edition, featuring a full-page piece to an anti-bullying editorial after a gay teen committed suicide. The Sioux City Journal's front-page opinion piece calls on the community to be pro-active in stopping bullying and urges members to learn more about the problem by seeing the acclaimed new film, "Bully," which documents the harassment of Sioux City middle school student. Relatives have said 14-year-old Kenneth Weishuhn Jr. suffered intense harassment, including threatening cellphone calls and nasty comments posted online, after coming out to family and friends about a month ago. He died April 15 from what the local sheriff's office described only as a "self-inflicted injury." (AP Photo/The Sioux City Journal)