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Celebrating 43 Years! Issue 49 Volume 45

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Seattle Gay News

Supreme Court hears Largest LGBT Gala in arguments on Colorado the Pacific Northwest cake case raises $950,000 for Court could restrict equal rights to public scholarship fund accommodations

Charlie Craig (l) and Dave Mullins (r), the Gay couple who were denied having their wedding cake baked by cake artist Jack Phillips, speak to members of the media in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on December 5, 2017 – Photo courtesy of Alex Wong / AP

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

The US Supreme Court heard arguments in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission on December 5.

see CAKE CASE page 7

Australia legalizes same-sex marriage

Members of Australian Parliament celebrate the decision to legalize same-sex marriage. – Photo courtesy of Mick Tsikas / EPA

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Australia’s parliament voted overwhelmingly to legalize same-sex marriage

on December 7. The vote came after more than twenty previous failed attempts at legislating marriage equality since 2004. Almost all members of the govern-

see AUSTRALIA page 14

The Greater Seattle Business Association, the largest LGBT chamber of commerce in the US, raised a record $950,000 at its annual gala, EQUALUX:

The TASTE of GSBA, on November 18. 900 guests gathered at the Westin Seattle Hotel for an evening featuring

see EQUALUX page 5

The 14th Annual Stronger Together World AIDS Day Breakfast raises close to $120,000

by MK Scott SGN Contributing Writer On Friday morning, December 1, the LGBTQ and allied community came together for the 14th Annual Stronger Together World AIDS Day Breakfast at the Seattle

Sheraton Hote for the second year in a row. After welcoming remarks from KOMO 4 News anchor Molly Shen and messages from Gay City’s Fred Swanson and Seattle Counseling Service Executive Director, Ann McGettigan, the breakfast began.

see WORLD AIDS DAY page 5

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Celebrating 43 Years!

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Editor in Chief George Bakan Associate Editor Shaun Knittel Travel Editor George Bakan Copy Editor Rick McKinnon (since Dec 2013) Advertising George Bakan • Maggie Bloodstone MK Scott National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Staff Writers Mike Andrew • Sara Michelle Fetters Miryam Gordon • Shaun Knittel Albert Rodriguez Contributing Writers Rev. Barbara Allen • Ron Anders Eric Andrews-Katz • Madelyn Arnold Alice Bloch • Maggie Bloodstone Beau Burriola • Sharon Cumberland Jessica Davis • Tina Gianoulis Anthony Greer • Milton W. Hamlin Nevin Jefferson • Richard Kennedy Liz Meyer • Jason A. Miller Jesse Monteagudo David Nguyen aka Teriyaki Temple Rod Parke • Don Paulson Jerry Peerson • Jessica Price Scott Rice • Leslie Robinson MK Scott • Gaysha Starr Paul Torres • Janice Van Cleve Ed Walsh • James Whitely Scott Wittet • Rex Wockner Calendar Editors Mike Andrew • Rick McKinnon Classifieds Rick McKinnon Photographers Nate Gowdy • Joseph P. Herron Shaun Knittel • James Whitely Production Mike Pham Website Designer Barry Thorsness / Digital Team Works Seattle Gay News is published by Frogs and Ink, Inc. © 2017. Frogs and Ink, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reprints by permission. Publication of names, photographs, or likeness of any person, organization, event or business in this publication cannot be taken as any indication of the sexual orientation of the person, organization, event or business. Opinions expressed in bylined articles, columns, and letters are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or management of this paper. Seattle Gay News welcomes unsolicited material, including letters to the editor, but reserves the right to edit or reject material. All rights revert to authors upon publication. We assume no liability for loss or damage of materials, solicited or not. We invite feedback, please write. And please play safe. It is our policy that no money shall be refunded if you choose to cancel your ad. Credit will be given for the balance owed. No exceptions.

In Loving Memory Of Steve Foiles • Scott Roger Alpert Cookie Andrews-Hunt James Leland Moore Randy Peters • Lee Richeson Shaun Shelton • Jim Tully James Arnold

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December 8, 2017

Seattle Gay News 3

JESSE’S JOURNAL

The First Trump Year by Jesse Monteagudo SGN Contributing Writer I have not written much about Donald Trump, his administration, or their ongoing attempt to destroy everything I hold dear, for two reasons. First, as one who dominates the news for better or for worse (mostly the latter), Trump has been written about by so many writers and journalists that for one more of us to do so would only be repetitious. Trump is the center of his universe and any piece about him would only enhance his monstrous ego, even if he dismisses it as “fake news.” Second, I am not getting any younger, and Trump’s antics only threaten my physical and mental well-being. This is especially true of Trump’s daily Twitter messages, a never-ending series of petty and hateful rants, the products of a sick mind. I wish I could live without enduring any more Trump twits. Instead, the print, broadcast and online media continue to inform me about them, raising my blood pressure and making me nostalgic for the days of Obama, the Bushes, Clinton, Reagan, Carter or anyone but Trump. As a candidate for president, Trump promised to “make America great again,” by which he meant an America of nativeborn, white, Christian, cisgender heterosexuals. By exploiting this (admittedly brilliant) slogan, and the public’s fear of Muslims, immigrants, criminals, Blacks, queers and others, Trump got enough votes to win the Electoral College. Since then, the Donald has continued to delight his base – including white supremacists and other bigots – by attacking Muslims, immigrants, foreigners, minority groups, kneeling football players, the “fake news” media and Hillary Clinton. Meanwhile, Trump and his administration have done their best to destroy all the progress made by President Obama and his predecessors. Trump’s executive orders, his administrative and judicial appointments, his repudiation of major treaties – most notably the Paris Agreement on Climate Change – have greatly damaged this country, other nations, and the planet as a whole. When it comes to LGBT issues, Trump has come a long way from the day when he unfurled an upside-down Rainbow Flag at a campaign rally, all in the wrong direc-

President Donald Trump – Photo courtesy of Jonathan Bachman / AP

tion. Though Trump might not be the most homophobic President ever, he has gone a long way to undo President Obama’s positive policies. With hardly an exception, Trump’s appointments (mostly white men) have extensive anti-LGBT records, Vice President Mike Pence being the most notorious one. Neil Gorsuch, Trump’s first appointment (so far) to the Supreme Court, is already moving that Court’s direction against us. So are the federal judges that Trump keeps appointing while the public’s attention is focused on Trump’s insane twits. Trump has exploited transphobia by ordering a ban on trans troops and withdrawing President Obama’s protections for trans students in public schools. Under Trump’s loathsome Attorney General, Jeff

Sessions, the Department of Justice has stopped protecting LGBT people, supporting instead those who claim that their “religious freedoms” are being violated by our own human rights. What can we do? The judiciary has so far stopped several Trump orders, most notably his order against trans troops, but favorable rulings will be fewer and fewer as Trump appoints more right-wing judges. And Congress will continue to allow Trump to do whatever he wants as long as the Republicans control both the Senate and the House of Representatives. We can wait for Robert Mueller to finish his investigations and, hopefully, indict Trump and his minions, but this could take forever and might never happen. What we can and

must do to stop Trump from destroying us all is to vote and to resist. The recent elections in Virginia, New Jersey and elsewhere shows what the anti-Trump Resistance can do when we go out to the polls. Together, we outnumber Trump’s white supremacists and other deplorables. We are Black Lives Matter, the Dreamers, environmentalists, civil libertarians, LGBT activists, and women and men with the courage to say “me too” and name those who are guilty of sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape, even if he is the president of the United States. We must not stop, even if it raises my blood pressure to continue. This is a fight that we cannot lose.

Council takes first steps to making County Code gender-neutral Unanimous support for making changes to gendered pronouns and historically gendered terms In 2016, County voters supported a change to King County’s “Constitution,” the King County Charter, replacing gender specific terms with gender-neutral language. The Metropolitan King County Council today [Tuesday, December 5] unanimously adopted the first step toward removing gendered terms wherever possible, thereby rendering the County Code gender-neutral. “The voters have spoken; they want to see the King County Code reflect the inclusive values of our community,” said King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci. “With this action, we continue to advance King County’s values of fairness and inclusiveness by reflecting them in our governing documents.” “Updating code language is important to keep terminology proper and respectful

of all people,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “Language matters as we work toward equity and representation for all people,” said Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles. “Referring to females as generic males or Councilmembers as Councilmen doesn’t cut it. Gender-neutral language was adopted by the federal government decades ago by state in the past ten years ago. King County can do it, too. I began working on gender-neutral language during my tenure in the Legislature and am pleased to work with Councilmembers Balducci and Lambert in carrying it forward at the County.” The charter amendment approved by the voters adjusts identifications such as “Councilman” and “Chairman,” to genderspecific neutral terms such as “Council-

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member” and “Chair.” A motion that was adopted as part of the charter amendment directed the clerk of the council to develop options for how to apply gender-neutral references throughout the King County Code. Today’s [Tuesday, December 5] ordinance was the first step toward achieving that goal. Gendered pronouns such as he, him, she, or her are replaced with the title of the actor in impacted sentences. One example would be replacing “he or she” and “his or her” with “the individual” and “the individual’s” respectively. The adopted ordinance is consistent with legislation adopted at the state level in both 1983 and in 2007, which was sponsored by then-Senator Kohl-Welles, concerning the use of gender-neutral language in the Revised Code of Washington.

This is the first revision of the County Code. The next steps will include the development regulations (surface water, roads, construction codes, zoning, etc.) and then the remainder of the Titles. Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system at http://mkcclegisearch.kingcounty.gov and type in “2017-0489” Follow the Council’s deliberations through Facebook and Twitter by signing up through the King County Council Web site at: www. kingcounty.gov/council Courtesy of the King County Council

Celebrating 43 Years!

WORLD AIDS DAY continued from cover

The crowd applauded when they announced that Washington state is the first U.S. state to achieve the 90-90-90 UnAIDS Campaign goal. 90-90-90 is an ambitious treatment target promoted by the United Nations to help end the AIDS epidemic. It’s goals are that by 2020, 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status. By 2020, 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy. By 2020, 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression. This year’s honorees were HIV/AIDS community activist Kenny Joe McMullen from Project Handle and Kevin Patz from CareTeams. More information about Project Handle can be found at: http:// www.n hwa.org / look inside/prog ra m. php?program=Community+Health More information about CareTeams can be found at: http://www.samaritanps.org/ node/390 This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. Marjorie Hill from the Adabbo Health Center in Queens, NY. In her remarks she recalled her first experience with HIV/AIDS when she learned of her best friend’s AIDS diagnosis in the early-1980’s when AIDS was largely untreatable and compared that to where we are at now where it can be treated with antiretroviral medication. According to Seattle Counseling Service close to $120,000 was raised at the breakfast. Beneficiaries of the breakfast were Gay City Health Project, Seattle Counseling Service, and CareTeams, a program of Samaritan Center of Puget Sound.

Fred Swanson, Executive Director of Gay City and Ann McGettigan, Executive Director of Seattle Counseling Service

Photos by MK Scott

KOMO 4’s Molly Shen, Event Emcee

Dr. Marjorie Hill, Keynote Speaker

Event honorees Kenny Joe McMullen of Project Handle and Kevin Patz of CareTeams

EQUALUX

continued from cover celebrity chefs, 25 Washington wineries, bites prepared by member restaurants and caterers, musical entertainment, a gourmet dinner, and multiple auctions “to raise money to ensure that our LGBTQ and allied students are supported and able to attend college,” says GSBA President and CEO Louise Chernin. “We are a community that understands adversity and we have learned how to take care of our own; we support each other’s businesses, we advocate for equality, and we have the backs of our young people. That depth of support and generosity was in evidence all night as guests enjoyed each other and happily raised their paddles to raise a record amount of funds for our community’s future leaders.” “Seeing too many LGBTQ youth without support motivated two teachers in 1990 to launch the GSBA Scholarship Fund, the first LGBTQ scholarship fund in the country,” says Travis Mears, Director of Development & Scholarship Programs. “In

that initial year, GSBA awarded $5,000 to two scholars. The Fund continues to grow with unprecedented support, and this year GSBA surpassed $3 million in cumulative scholarships as we invested over $400,000 in 45 students. To date we have awarded scholarships to a diverse group of over 500 scholars. None of this would have been possible without the foresight, vision and passion of countless volunteers, donors, and supporters over the years.” The GSBA Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to LGBTQ and allied students who exhibit leadership potential, demonstrate strong academic abilities, and are actively involved in school and community organizations. Its mission is to invest in the education of a diverse group of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and allied students who have the capacity and vision to be the next generation of leaders working to create a better world for all. In 2016, the Fund introduced the GSBA Guarantee: the organization’s commitment to the ongoing funding of undergraduate scholars. Every scholar who meets criteria is eligible for up to four years of undergraduate scholarship funding. This

Visit us online www.sgn.org

commitment to the scholars’ success helps support our future leaders in a way that few programs are able to do. “In addition to this financial commitment, we launched the Lead Bold Initiative earlier this year. Lead Bold is an organization-wide effort focused on enhancing and supporting the leadership skills, knowledge, and identity discernment of scholars,” says Mears. “As a business chamber, dedicated to social justice, with its finger on the pulse of one of the fastest growing economies in the country, we have taken a stand on improving the landscape of higher education for LGBTQ people.” The deadline for 2018 applications is January 12, 2018. About the GSBA Established in 1981, the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) is the world’s largest LGBT and allied chamber of commerce. GSBA represents over 1,300 small business, corporate, and nonprofit members who share GSBA’s values of promoting equality and diversity in the workplace. GSBA proudly serves as a connector across the region, bringing the

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community together through business while advocating for civil rights and small business, promoting LGBT tourism with its Travel Gay Seattle initiative, and investing in the next generation of leaders through the GSBA Scholarship Fund. For more information, visit www.theGSBA.org | @ GSBA About the GSBA Scholarship Fund GSBA scholars represent a diverse group of students who have dreams of making our community and the world a better place, and each of them possesses the skills, talents, and dedication to make those dreams a reality. GSBA realizes that today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders and is committed to supporting our community’s future leaders by providing financial resources, role-modeling and hope to outstanding LGBTQ and allied students, many who have no traditional means of support. For more information, visit www. theGSBAscholarship.org. Courtesy of the GSBA

Seattle Gay News 5

Former Army Secretary questions Trump administration claim that military is not ready to accept transgender applicants SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Eric Fanning, former Secretary of the U.S. Army, questioned the Trump administration’s claim yesterday [Wednesday, December 6] that the military is not ready to accept transgender applicants. According to Fanning, “the Department of Defense was on track to lift the accession ban for transgender service effective July 1, 2017. This was one year after Secretary Carter ordered the Services to ensure that all Americans who could meet the standards should be afforded the opportunity to serve. I can see no reason why the Department should not be fully prepared to execute Secretary Carter’s policy change, particularly after being afforded an extra six months due to the Department’s delay earlier this year.” Fanning served as U.S. Army Secretary under President Obama. Fanning’s comments follow Brad Carson’s observation yesterday [Wednesday, December 6] that the military had already prepared for the lifting of the enlistment ban before President Trump took office. Carson, who served as Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness in the Obama administration, said that, “the Pentagon had already done most of the preparation and training in anticipation of the lifting of the accession ban before the presidential transition, so to claim that the military is not ready to lift the ban now seems a stretch.” Carson was responsible for personnel policy for all service members, and deployed to Iraq as a U.S. Navy officer. Both Fanning and Carson offered their remarks to Palm

Center researchers in response to a Trump administration affidavit claiming that the military is not ready to accept transgender troops. A federal court has ordered the military to lift its enlistment ban by January 1, 2018. According to Aaron Belkin, processing transgender applicants does not require anything different from what recruiters and examiners do every day. Belkin said that, “There is nothing special about evaluating a transgender applicant for military service, as recruiters and examiners deal with medical documents for every candidate, and handle the confirmation of identity documents, name changes and the like on a regular basis.” Belkin is director of the Palm Center. A comprehensive 2016 RAND Corporation study found that lifting the enlistment ban would require only minor regulatory revisions, which were finalized in June 2016. Belkin added that, “The military was ready to lift the enlistment ban one year ago and it is ready to do so today.” Transgender troops have served openly in the U.S. military for the past 18 months, and have been widely praised by commanders. Eighteen foreign militaries allow transgender troops to serve openly, and none have reported any compromise to readiness. About The Palm Center The Palm Center is an independent research institute committed to sponsoring state-of-the-art scholarship to enhance the quality of public dialogue about criti-

Eric Fanning – Photo courtesy of Office of Under Secretary of the United States Army

cal and controversial issues of the day. Our research has been published in leading social science journals and extensively consulted and cited by US military leaders. The Palm Center seeks to be a resource for scholars, policymakers, journalists, opinion leaders, students and the public at large.

For more information, visit us at www. palmcenter.org. Courtesy of The Palm Center

US Supreme Court declines to take Texas spousal benefits case Returns issue to Houston court by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The US Supreme Court has declined to hear a case involving same-sex spousal benefits, instead returning the issue to a lower court in Houston. The high court announced on December 4 that it would not grant certiorari in Turner v. Pidgeon, a case in which the City of Houston sought to reinstate benefits for same-sex spouses of City employees. A writ of certiorari is issued when the Supreme Court agrees to hear an appeal that has come to it from a lower court. At issue is whether the high court’s Obergefell ruling supersedes Texas law, which continues to bar equal treatment of same-sex couples. Houston’s then-mayor, Annise Parker, authorized full benefits for the same-sex spouses of City employees in 2014. Parker’s action was immediately challenged in court, and later in 2014 a Texas court ordered it reversed. Houston appealed that decision, but before the appeal was heard, the US Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriages nationwide in Obergefell. Obergefell seemingly validated Houston’s equal benefits policy, since all spouses should have equal status and should be able to access equal benefits, and the Houston case was sent back to the original trial court

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for a new decision in line with the federal ruling. Anti-LGBT activists then asked the Texas Supreme Court to weigh in, which it agreed to do in January this year. The Texas court disappointed antiequality forces, however, merely noting that Obergefell did not answer or resolve all marriage-related questions, including whether governments must provide the same benefits to same-sex couples that are provided to opposite-sex couples. Opponents of marriage equality launched a pressure campaign, sending a barrage of emails and letters to the allRepublican court, warning of retribution in the GOP primaries if they did not reconsider. Republican leaders – including Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and Attorney General Ken Paxton – added their voices to the campaign, telling the nine judges that the case offered an opportunity to limit the impact of the Obergefell ruling. In a rare reversal, the Texas Supreme Court gave in, accepting the case and eventually ruling that there is no established right to spousal benefits in same-sex marriages. Houston, now with Sylvester Turner as mayor, returned to court to settle the supposedly unresolved questions arising from Obergefell and establish the legal rights of same-sex couples.

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Lawyers for Houston said that the Texas court blatantly ignored an essential point in the US Supreme Court’s marriage decision – that equal treatment under the law demands equal access to all benefits of marriage regardless of the sex of one’s spouse. “Equal recognition of same-sex marriage requires more than a marriage license; it requires equal access to the constellation of benefits that the state has linked to marriage,” they argued. The Supreme Court did not comment on its decision not to hear Houston’s appeal, so any discussion of the meaning would be purely speculative, but Jim Griffin, a Dallas lawyer who advises businesses on employee benefits plans, told reporters that the high court rarely intervenes without a trial court decision to examine. That will change once the district court reaches a decision on Houston’s appeal, he said. “The court’s action should not be seen as the final word, but instead is just another milepost on the road to understanding what benefit plan rights are part of same-gender marriages. Even the Supreme Court knows that it will likely see this case again,” Griffin said. GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) made a joint statement about the case echoing Griffin’s views.

“This case is not over,” the groups said. “It will now return to the Texas trial court for a final decision. It was an uphill battle to persuade the Supreme Court to grant review at this juncture because of the Court’s firm rule about taking cases only after a final judgment, even where, as we noted in our friend-of-the-court brief, a lower court ruling is subverting an important federal policy. We hope and expect the Texas trial court, on remand, will uphold spousal benefits for employees married to a person of the same sex, as Obergefell and common sense require.” Nevertheless, Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD, warned that “with all eyes on tomorrow’s oral arguments in the Masterpiece Cakeshop religious exemptions case, the Supreme Court has just let an alarming ruling by the Texas Supreme Court stand which plainly undercuts the rights of married same-sex couples. “Today’s abnegation by the nation’s highest court opens the door for an onslaught of challenges to the rights of LGBTQ people at every step.”

Celebrating 43 Years!

National LGBTQ Task Force: Masterpiece Cakeshop case could roll LGBTQ rights back a half-century Remarks prepared by National LGBTQ Task Force for SCOTUS protest, December 5, 8-11am WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National LGBTQ Task Force was out at full strength on the steps of the Supreme Court to rally for the court to uphold the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people in the lead up to the court hearing oral arguments in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. The case is about showing that religion should never be an acceptable reason to refuse services to anyone. The Masterpiece Cakeshop case is one the most dangerous cases for the LGBTQ community in recent years. Rea Carey, executive director of the National LGBTQ Task Force described it in stark terms: “This case has the potential to roll us back more than a half-century to a time when LGBTQ people were in the closet, afraid to be ourselves. We refuse to return to those ugly days.” Naomi Washington-Leapheart, the director of faith work at the Task Force, started the rally off in prayer calling for “Divine interruption to these attempts to use government to exclude and punish vulnerable communities.” After which she told the crowd, “We will not stand by while our rights are eroded before our eyes!

We are here to turn over these tables of discrimination! We are here to fight back against bullying done in God’s name. We are here to denounce any notion of piety that compels hospitals and businesses and social service agencies to turn people away. We are here, and we won’t go back!” Victoria Rodríguez-Roldán, the Task Force’s director of trans and disability justice, told the crowd she and the Task Force were here, not for cake, but for those that are disabled and would be at risk of discrimination if the court ruled in favor of Masterpiece. She spoke about queer homeless youth that would be at risk of increased bigotry and abuse at the hands of those in the foster care system if the court ruled in favor of Masterpiece and for the trans community that would be put at increased danger and would face even greater levels of discrimination. During Rodríguez-Roldán’s speech, she slammed the plaintiffs and the hate group representing them – Alliance Defending Freedom – for “using God’s name, in vain, as an excuse to perpetuate bigotry and to oppress their fellow human beings. They seek to deny a fundamental promise of this republic: That everyone has the right to be

who they are in the world, free of injustice, and oppression.” Task Force Senior Policy Counsel Candace Bond-Theriault, who was an author of the SCOTUS amici curiae brief that a coalition of groups including the Task Force signed onto, also spoke to the crowd. Bond-Theriault expressed how, “It’s important to consider the sweeping implications that a ruling for Masterpiece Cakeshop will have for LGBTQ people of color.” She spoke about how she understands this personally, telling the crowd, “As a Black queer woman, I know that members of my community will most be harmed if the justices choose corporations over individuals and allow discrimination against protected classes to become constitutionally protected.” The National LGBTQ Task Force is the oldest national LGBTQ advocacy group in the country. The Task Force builds power, takes action, and creates change to achieve freedom and justice for LGBTQ people and their families. As a progressive socialjustice organization, the Task Force works to achieve equality and equity for all and toward a society that values and respects the diversity of human expression and identity.

The National LGBTQ Task Force amici curiae brief was joined by: GLAAD, Basic Rights Oregon, Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity, LGBT Technology Partnership, National Coalition for LGBT Health, National Equality Action Team, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States, SisterSong: National Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, Autistic Self Advocacy Network and Witness to Mass Incarceration. The National LGBTQ Task Force works to secure full freedom, justice, equality, and equity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people. For over forty years, we have been at the forefront of the social justice movement by training thousands of organizers and advocating for change at the federal, state, and local level. www.thetaskforce.org Courtesy of the National LGBTQ Task Force

CAKE CASE continued from cover

The case, in which the State of Colorado brought a civil rights complaint against a baker who refused to provide a wedding cake for a Gay couple, could limit the access of LGBT people to public accommodations. In 2012, Charlie Craig and David Mullins entered Masterpiece Cakeshop in Denver, hoping to buy a cake for their wedding reception. Before any specifics of design or other details could be discussed, baker Jack Phillips informed the couple that Masterpiece would not sell products to same-sex couples. Craig and Mullins brought a complaint to the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, which found that Phillips had violated the state’s anti-discrimination law, which bars discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, among other causes. Phillips then appealed the commission’s ruling, citing First Amendment religious and free speech protections. Craig and Mullins, supported by the state Civil Rights Commission, argued that as a business open to the public, the cake shop had an obligation to offer them goods and services on the same basis as any other customer. “It is hard to overstate the implications of this case,” said David Cole, legal director of the ACLU, who argued on behalf of the plaintiffs before the high court. “Jack Phillips has claimed he has a First

Charlie Craig and David Mullins photographed in their Denver home. – Photo courtesy of David Zalubowski / AP

Amendment right to discriminate against same-sex couples. He does not. Businesses open to the public may not choose their customers. These laws ensure that everyone, including gay people, have the freedom to walk into a business and know that

Jack Phillips surrounded by supporters in prayer after a rally at a Christian college in Lakewood, Colorado. – Photo courtesy of David Zalubowski / AP

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they will be treated the same way. A decision against Charlie and Dave would allow businesses across the country to argue that they too can refuse service based on who the customer is. As we argued in court today, the justices have an obligation to defend the principle of equal dignity under the law for all Americans – including Dave and Charlie.” “If the Supreme Court gives businesses a constitutional right to discriminate, it would have implications that reach far beyond bakeries,” Ineke Mushovic, executive director of the Movement Advancement Project (MAP), added. “If the Court carves out a broad exemption in nondiscrimination laws for so-called ‘creative’ enterprises, we could see an explosion of discrimination by restaurants, hair salons, event venues, funeral parlors, and more. And the impact of such a decision wouldn’t be limited to LGBT people; it could be used to allow discrimination against people of color, women, minority faiths, people with disabilities, and others.” Questions from justices during the hour-and-a-half oral argument focused on exactly those questions. Justice Anthony Kennedy, who wrote the court’s Windsor

and Obergefell rulings, gave both sides “reason for hope and concern,” according to the Associated Press. Kennedy worried that ruling for the baker would allow shops to put up window signs saying they refuse to provide wedding services for same-sex couples. But he also said Colorado had been “neither tolerant nor respectful” of the baker’s religious convictions. Several justices questioned what other types of business owners would be exempt if the court made an exception for Phillips. “Who else is an artist?” asked Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. What about a florist, a chef, or a makeup artist? asked Justice Elena Kagan. Meanwhile, 75 human rights organizations joined in the Open to All campaign to support the right of all people to public accommodations and services. The campaign includes the ACLU, the AntiDefamation League, Color of Change, GLAAD, the HRC, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF), the National Black Justice Coalition, the National Center for Transgender Equality, Pride At Work AFL-CIO, and other groups.

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Celebrating 43 Years!

Visit us online www.sgn.org

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Celebrating 43 Years!

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Seattle Gay News 11

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Celebrating 43 Years!

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS AUSTRALIA

continued from cover ing Liberal-National Coalition joined the opposition Labor and Green parties and independent members to approve the bill. The government presented the measure as a

“free vote,” meaning its members were not under party discipline to vote for the bill, but could vote their conscience. The vote in parliament followed an August plebiscite in which more than 60% of Australia’s voters approved marriage equality. The only “no” votes in parliament were

three government members and one independent. The speaker then declared the vote carried, since fewer than five members opposed it. Joyous members hugged each other, and activists in the public gallery began singing “I am, you are, we are Australian.” “What a day for love, for equality, for

respect,” said Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. “Australia has done it.” Australia’s governor-general – the representative of Queen Elizabeth II, who is Australia’s formal head of state – is expected to approve the bill in the coming days, marking its official passage into law.

OutRight Action International holds Global Week of Advocacy at UN 40 LGBTIQ activists, 29 countries, 5 days of activism NEW YORK, NY – OutRight Action International held a Global Week of Advocacy, where dozens of LGBTIQ activists from 29 countries from every region of the world have come to participate in the organization’s 6th annual United Nations (UN) Week of Advocacy. From December 4 to 8, human rights defenders met with government representatives and UN officials. Advocates will meet dignitaries such as Karel J.G. van Oosterom, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the UN and United Kingdom’s Ambassador to the UN Matthew Rycroft, and UN diplomats from the Caribbean, the Middle East and North Africa, Eastern Europe, the Asia Pacific and Latin America. They will also meet with representatives from UN Women, the UN Development Programme and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Jessica Stern, Executive Director of Outright Action International, commented on the significance of the Global Week of Advocacy, saying: “Advocacy week allows for LGBTIQ voices and lived realities to be brought to the attention of Ambassadors and diplomats at the United Nations, people with power to influence change at the international level. At the same time it offers activists from the world over [the opportunity] to come together to strategize and learn from

each other. The purpose is to catalyze real, positive change in the lives of LGBTIQ people.” This year there will also be two meetings specifically focused on trans and intersex issues, hosted by the missions of Denmark, Argentina and Malta, respectively. These meetings will elevate the concerns of trans and intersex people to the international arena and recommend ways in which States can be more progressive in advancing the human rights of trans and intersex people. Commenting on the importance of this week, Anjelika Carrillo, a lesbian women engaged in HIV work in Belize says: “Every opportunity to learn and network is an important opportunity. I have heard from other LGBTQI colleagues and peers of their experience in Advocacy Week and have seen their growth because of this process. I want and need that for myself so that I may be better equipped and greater inspired to continue my work.” The Global Week of Advocacy culminates on December 9, with OutSummit, a one-day global conference themed “Pushing the Boundaries for Global LGBTIQ Activism” bringing together U.S.-based and international activists to meet and discuss critical issues affecting the global LGBTIQ movement. This year’s conference highlights some of the world’s fore-

most experts and activists discussing the most cutting edge issues impacting the global human rights movement.

Center for International Peace and Justice. For more information, visit: http://www. outsummit.org/.

Including such experts as: • Joy Belmonte, Vice Mayor of Quezon City, Philippines • Jack Harrison-Quintana, Director of Grindr for Equality • Michael Karimian, Human Rights Program Manager, Microsoft • Kimberly Zieselman, Executive Director, InterACT Advocates for Intersex Youth • Neish McLean, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Transwave Jamaica • Jennifer Lu, Coordinator of the Marriage Equality Coalition Taiwan

About OutRight Action International Every day around the world, LGBTIQ people’s human rights and dignity are abused in ways that shock the conscience. The stories of their struggles and their resilience are astounding, yet remain unknown – or willfully ignored – by those with the power to make change. OutRight Action International, founded in 1990 as the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC), works alongside LGBTIQ people in the Global South, with offices in six countries, to help identify community-focused solutions to promote policy for lasting change. We vigilantly monitor and document human rights abuses to spur action when they occur. We train partners to expose abuses and advocate for themselves. Headquartered in New York City, OutRight is the only global LGBTIQspecific organization with a permanent presence at the United Nations in New York that advocates for human rights progress for LGBTIQ people. https://www.outrightinternational.org/

And such issues as: • LGBTIQ Rights & Business: Symmetries & Challenges • UN-locked: Diplomats and Officials Address the Independent Expert on SOGI, the Equal Rights Coalition and Where We Go From Here • Global Intersex Rights: Diverse Pathways to Dignity and Equality • Maintaining Safety and Security Amidst a Global LGBTIQ Backlash OutSummit will be hosted at The City University of New York Law School and is organized in partnership with the Sorensen

Courtesy of OutRight Action International

North African LGBTIQ activist speaks about Egypt crackdown in New York, December 7, during OutRight Action International’s Global Week of Advocacy NEW YORK, NY – Since September 2017, over 60 people perceived to be LGBTIQ have been arrested in Egypt. The government has clamped down on the rights to freedom of expression and assembly, even going so far as to banning positive coverage of LGBTIQ people in the media. On December 7 an activist working in Egypt, Azza Sultan, about the persecution of LGBTIQ people in the country and what exactly is happening on the ground, as part of a media roundtable organized by OutRight Action International. Sultan is also a keynote speaker at OutSummit, the largest LGBTIQ human rights conference organized by OutRight to date, on December 9 at CUNY Law School. Advocates from Africa, Asia, Latin American and the Caribbean, the Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the United States participating in the press conference and at OutSummit include: • Azza Sultan – A leading LGBTIQ activist working in the Nile Valley area (Egypt and Sudan). For the first time since the crackdown on LGBTIQ people in Egypt, Azza will be speaking about the situation on the ground. • Kenita Placide – Caribbean Advisor

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for OutRight Action International. She is a human rights, HIV and LGBT activist from St. Lucia. • Georges Azzi – Co-founder of Helem, a Lebanese non-profit organization working on improving the legal and social status of LGBT people, and is the Executive Director of the Arab Foundation for Freedoms and Equality. • Kimberly Zieselman – An intersex woman, lawyer, and the Executive Director of interACT: advocates for intersex youth, and has more than twenty years of experience in advocacy and nonprofit management. • Julia Ehrt – Executive Director of Transgender Europe (TGEU) organization. She has been involved in trans activism for more than 10 years. She has considerably shaped TGEU’s advocacy work, policy and organisational strategy. • Neish McLean – The Co-Founder and Executive Director of TransWave Jamaica as well as the HIV Coordinator and Project Manager at Equality for All Foundation Jamaica Ltd (J-FLAG). He oversees TransWave Jamaica’s advocacy initiatives that are aimed at promoting transgender health and well-being.

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• Ging Cristobal – A lesbian feminist activist since 1997, Ging joined OutRight Action International in 2008 as Project Coordinator for Asia and the Pacific. Ging is one of the co-founders & members of the ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, a coalition of LGBT groups in Southeast Asia advocating for the inclusion of SOGI in the ASEAN. The work is focused on issues on police education on LGBTI rights, LGBT migrant workers in ASEAN and legislative advocacy work an ASEAN. Issues to be highlighted: • What is contributing the global crackdown on LGBTIQ people? • Legislative wins and progress for LGBTIQ human rights The Global Week of Advocacy began on Monday, December 4 and wraps up Saturday, December 9 with a day long conference, OutSummit, which brings together upwards of 150 international and U.S.-based activists for panel discussions and workshops on rights relating to sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex issues. http://www.outsummit.org/ for details.

About OutRight Action International Every day around the world, LGBTIQ people’s human rights and dignity are abused in ways that shock the conscience. The stories of their struggles and their resilience are astounding, yet remain unknown – or willfully ignored – by those with the power to make change. OutRight Action International, founded in 1990 as the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC), works alongside LGBTIQ people in the Global South, with offices in six countries, to help identify community-focused solutions to promote policy for lasting change. We vigilantly monitor and document human rights abuses to spur action when they occur. We train partners to expose abuses and advocate for themselves. Headquartered in New York City, OutRight is the only global LGBTIQ-specific organization with a permanent presence at the United Nations in New York that advocates for human rights progress for LGBTIQ people. https://www.outrightinternational.org/ Courtesy of OutRight Action International

Celebrating 43 Years!

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s apology to the Canadian LGBTQ2 community

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau– Photo courtesy of Chris Wattie / Reuters

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologized to his country’s LGBTQ2 community in an emotional speech to parliament on November 28. Following is a transcript of that speech as reported by The Canadian Press. You can also read or watch his full remarks at http:// fortune.com/2017/11/29/justin-trudeau-lgbtapology-full-transcript/ Mr. Speaker, One of the greatest choices a person can make in their life is the choice to serve their fellow citizens. Maybe it’s in government, in the military, or in a police force. In whatever capacity one serves, dedicating your life to making Canada – and indeed, the world – a better place is a calling of the highest order. Now imagine, if you will, being told that the very country you would willingly lay down your life to defend doesn’t want you. Doesn’t accept you. Sees you as defective. Sees you as a threat to our national security. Not because you can’t do the job, or because you lack patriotism or courage – no, because of who you are as a person, and because of who your sexual partners are. Now imagine, Mr. Speaker, being subjected to laws, policies, and hiring practices that label you as different – as “less than.” Imagine having to fight for the basic rights that your peers enjoy, over and over again. And imagine being criminalized for being who you are. This is the truth for many of the Canadians present in the gallery today, and those listening across the country. This is the devastating story of people who were branded criminals by the government. People who lost their livelihoods, and in some cases, their lives. These aren’t distant practices of governments long forgotten. This happened systematically, in Canada, with a timeline more recent than any of us would like to admit. Mr. Speaker, today we acknowledge an often-overlooked part of Canada’s history. Today, we finally talk about Canada’s role in the systemic oppression, criminalization, and violence against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit communities. And it is my hope that in talking about these injustices, vowing to never repeat them, and acting to right these wrongs, we can begin to heal… Discrimination against LGBTQ2 communities was quickly codified in criminal offences like “buggery,” “gross indecency” and bawdy house provisions. Bathhouses were raided; people were entrapped by police. Our laws bolstered and emboldened those who wanted to attack non-conforming sexual desire. Our laws made private and consensual sex between same-sex partners a criminal offence, leading to the unjust arrest, conviction, and imprisonment of Canadians. This criminalization would have lasting impacts for things like employment, volunteering, and travel.

Those arrested and charged were purposefully and vindictively shamed. Their names appeared in newspapers in order to humiliate them, and their families. Lives were destroyed. And tragically, lives were lost… Over our history, laws and policies enacted by the government led to the legitimization of much more than inequality – they legitimized hatred and violence, and brought shame to those targeted. While we may view modern Canada as a forward-thinking, progressive nation, we can’t forget our past: The state orchestrated a culture of stigma and fear around LGBTQ2 communities. And in doing so, destroyed people’s lives. Mr. Speaker, a purge that lasted decades will forever remain a tragic act of discrimination suffered by Canadian citizens at the hands of their own government. From the 1950s to the early 1990s, the government of Canada exercised its authority in a cruel and unjust manner, undertaking a campaign of oppression against members, and suspected members, of the LGBTQ2 communities. The goal was to identify these workers throughout the public service, including the foreign service, the military, and the RCMP, and persecute them. You see, the thinking of the day was that all non-heterosexual Canadians would automatically be at an increased risk of blackmail by our adversaries due to what was called “character weakness.” This thinking was prejudiced and flawed. And sadly, what resulted was nothing short of a witch-hunt. The public service, the military, and the RCMP spied on their own people, inside and outside of the workplaces. Canadians were monitored for anything that could be construed as homosexual behaviour, with community groups, bars, parks, and even people’s homes constantly under watch. During this time, the federal government even dedicated funding to an absurd device known as the Fruit Machine – a failed technology that was supposed to measure homosexual attraction. When the government felt that enough evidence had accumulated, some suspects were taken to secret locations in the dark of night to be interrogated. They were asked invasive questions about their relationships and sexual preferences. Hooked up to polygraph machines, these law-abiding public servants had the most intimate details of their lives cut open. Women and men were abused by their superiors, and asked demeaning, probing questions about their sex lives. Some were sexually assaulted. Those who admitted they were gay were fired, discharged, or intimidated into resignation. They lost dignity, lost careers, and had their dreams – and indeed, their lives – shattered… Under the harsh glare of the spotlight, people were forced to make an impossible choice between career and identity. The very thing Canadian officials feared – blackmail of LGBTQ2 employees – was

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happening. But it wasn’t at the hands of our adversaries; it was at the hands of our own government. Mr. Speaker, the number one job of any government is to keep its citizens safe. And on this, we have failed LGBTQ2 people, time and time again. It is with shame and sorrow and deep regret for the things we have done that I stand here today and say: We were wrong. We apologize. I am sorry. We are sorry. For state-sponsored, systemic oppression and rejection, we are sorry. For suppressing Two-Spirit Indigenous values and beliefs, we are sorry. For abusing the power of the law, and making criminals of citizens, we are sorry… To all the LGBTQ2 people across this country who we have harmed in countless ways, we are sorry. To those who were left broken by a prejudiced system; And to those who took their own lives – we failed you. For stripping you of your dignity; For robbing you of your potential; For treating you like you were dangerous, indecent, and flawed; We are sorry. To the victims of the purge, who were surveilled, interrogated, and abused; Who were forced to turn on their friends and colleagues; Who lost wages, lost health, and lost loved ones; We betrayed you. And we are so sorry. To those who were fired, to those who resigned, and to those who stayed at a great personal and professional cost; To those who wanted to serve, but never got the chance to because of who you are – you should have been permitted to serve your country, and you were stripped of that option. We are sorry. We were wrong. Indeed, all Canadians missed out on the important contributions you could have made to our society. You were not bad soldiers, sailors, airmen and women. You were not predators. And you were not criminals. You served your country with integrity, and veterans you are. You are professionals. You are patriots. And above all, you are innocent. And for all your suffering, you deserve justice, and you deserve peace. It is our collective shame that you were so mistreated. And it is our collective shame that this apology took so long – many who suffered are no longer alive to hear these words. And for that, we are truly sorry. To the loved ones of those who suffered; To the partners, families, and friends of the people we harmed; For upending your lives, and for causing you such irreparable pain and grief – we are sorry… We also thank members of the We Demand an Apology Network, our LGBTQ2 Apology Advisory Council, and the Just Society Committee for Egale, as well as the individuals who have long advocated for this overdue apology… We must remember, and we will remem-

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ber. We will honour and memorialize the legacy of those who fought before us in the face of unbearable hatred and danger. Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that we will look back on today as a turning point. But there is still much work to do. Discrimination against LGBTQ2 communities is not a moment in time, but an ongoing, centuries-old campaign. We want to be a partner and ally to LGBTQ2 Canadians in the years going forward. There are still real struggles facing these communities, including for those who are intersex, queer people of colour, and others who suffer from intersectional discrimination. Transgender Canadians are subjected to discrimination, violence, and aggression at alarming rates. In fact, trans people didn’t even have explicit protection under federal human rights legislation until this year… And, Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that earlier today in this House we tabled the Expungement of Historically Unjust Convictions Act. This will mean that Canadians previously convicted of consensual sexual activity with same-sex partners will have their criminal records permanently destroyed. Further, I am pleased to announce that over the course of the weekend, we reached an agreement in principle with those involved in the class action lawsuit for actions related to “the purge.” Never again will our government be the source of so much pain for members of the LGBTQ2 communities. We promise to consult and work with individuals and communities to right these wrongs and begin to rebuild trust. We will ensure that there are systems in place so that these kinds of hateful practices are a thing of the past. Discrimination and oppression of LGBTQ2 Canadians will not be tolerated anymore… Mr. Speaker, Canada’s history is far from perfect. But we believe in acknowledging and righting past wrongs so that we can learn from them. For all our differences, for all our diversity, we can find love and support in our common humanity. We’re Canadians, and we want the very best for each other, regardless of our sexual orientation, or our gender identity and expression. We will support one another in our fight for equality. And Canada will stand tall on the international stage as we proudly advocate for equal rights for LGBTQ2 communities around the world. To the kids who are listening at home and who fear rejection because of their sexual orientation or their gender identity and expression; And to those who are nervous and scared, but also excited at what their future might hold; We are all worthy of love, and deserving of respect. And whether you discover your truth at six or 16 or 60, who you are is valid. To members of the LGBTQ2 communities, young and old, here in Canada and around the world: You are loved. And we support you… To the trailblazers who have lived and struggled, and to those who have fought so hard to get us to this place: Thank you for your courage, and thank you for lending your voices. I hope you look back on all you have done with pride. It is because of your courage that we’re here today, together, and reminding ourselves that we can, and must, do better. For the oppression of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit communities, we apologize. On behalf of the government, Parliament, and the people of Canada: We were wrong. We are sorry. And we will never let this happen again. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supporters of a DREAM Act demonstrating on November 9, 2017 at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC – Photo courtesy of United We Dream

HRC joins allies to demand a clean DREAM Act WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, [Wednesday, December 6] the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, joins Dreamers from across the nation on Capitol Hill to demand that Congress pass a clean DREAM Act and protect thousands of dreamers and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. “Thousands of lives are already at risk and if Congress fails to act, many more dreamers – including more than 75,000 LGBTQ dreamers – will also be forced to face the real and dangerous threat of deportation,” said Alejandro Avilés, HRC’s Director of Outreach and Engagement. “It is unacceptable to use these young people as political pawns and Congress must act this year to pass a clean DREAM Act and address this problem created by the Trump-

Pence administration. Today and everyday, HRC is proud to join forces with United We Dream, Center for Community Change, SEIU and many others to stand with all Dreamers and calls on Congress to pass a clean DREAM Act.” HRC President Chad Griffin said: “HRC continues to stand with more than 800,000 of our neighbors, friends, and family members whose livelihoods are being threatened by the Trump-Pence administration’s open assault on Dreamers and immigrants. In this country, we share a belief that a person’s circumstances at birth, or where their life takes them as a child, shouldn’t determine their ability to pursue the American dream. We urge Congress to protect these innocent Dreamers from the Trump-Pence administration’s heartless and cruel attacks.” This year, the Trump-Pence administra-

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tion announced the cruel decision to end DACA and created an arbitrary deadline for Congress to impose a legislative fix. The announcement is ending a five-year-old program that has allowed hundreds of thousands of young people who were brought to the U.S. as minors to stay in the only country they’ve ever known. Every day, more and more dreamers are having their DACA status expire. This week, HRC joined with 127 LGBTQ and allied organizations in a letter calling on Congress to pass a clean Dream Act before the end of the year. The organizations made clear that Dreamers are a part of the American family and help make our communities vibrant. Over 75,000 Dreamers identify as LGBTQ and over 36,000 of them have benefited from DACA. For these young people, the threat of deportation can hold

an additional element of uncertainty, since they may be sent to countries with poor LGBTQ human rights records. For example, in El Salvador, transgender women have faced such a tremendous upsurge in violence that the United Nations called for an investigation into the situation. The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work, and in every community. Courtesy of HRC

Celebrating 43 Years!

Senator Murray to Dreamers: “We stand with you, and we will not stop until we get this across the finish line”

President Trump announced the end of the DACA program, leaving the futures of 800,000 young men and women in doubt unless Congress acts In floor speech, Sen. Murray urges Republicans to reject President Trump’s reckless agenda and instead support the bipartisan DREAM Act WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, December 7, in a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) called on Senate Republicans to support immediate passage of the bipartisan DREAM Act. The lives of 800,000 men and women have been in limbo since September, when President Trump announced the end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. Sen. Murray highlighted the stories of three DACA recipients from Washington state – a health professional, a WSU student, and a business owner – who attribute their success to the 2012 program. Full text of Senator Murray’s floor speech, as prepared for delivery: Thank you. I come to the floor today as a voice for 800,000 young men and women who are counting on all of us to pass the Dream Act. We can’t wait, because they can’t wait. Every day that passes is another day they are forced to keep their lives on hold. Right now hundreds of thousands of young people in this country are deferring their dreams of finishing a college degree, becoming a doctor, buying a home, raising a family, starting a small business, or serving in our military – all because President Trump pulled the plug on the DACA program three months ago. Imagine that feeling. Imagine waking up day after day without any certainty about what comes next. And imagine that the country you love – the country you

have grown up in, where you’re part of the community, where you pay your taxes, where you spend your time, your energy, and your money – won’t commit to uphold its promise to you. That’s just wrong. Dreamers were brought to this country as children – some of them so young, they don’t remember it. And holding up their futures – or sending them to a country they’ve never known – makes no sense for them or for our country. It doesn’t do anything to solve our broken immigration system. And it certainly doesn’t reflect a country of opportunity or promise, something the U.S. has always aspired to be. My colleagues have been sharing stories from their states. Here are a few from Washington state – just a few of so many I’ve heard in recent months. Not long ago, I was in Tacoma to visit a community organization that has helped hundreds of men and women get enrolled in the DACA program, including a woman named Adriana. Adriana has always been a strong student. As early as middle school, she was representing her school district in statewide math and science competitions. Now, after becoming a certified nursing assistant, she is a program manager supervising others. Letting the DACA program collapse would be a huge setback for Adriana. And, it would end her authorization to work as a nursing assistant. I’ve also heard from a sophomore at my alma mater, Washington State University, who was brought to the U.S. at the age of nine. Thanks to the DACA program, she was able to get a job helping adults with disabilities, which has allowed her to pay for college tuition and support herself. So

she’s a full-time student with a part-time job, and still finds time to volunteer in her community. She’s on track to graduate in 2019 and she dreams of owning her own company someday. I heard from another DACA recipient, who owns a business in Washington state. He said his college degree from the University of Washington – that he completed without any federally-funded help – symbolized one of his great life challenges. And as he noted, he is now using his education, his skills, earnings, and taxes to contribute to the U.S. economy. He writes, “This country is my home.” The thought that “this country” would slam the door shut on him or any other Dreamer, after all they have put into their communities and our country, is so backward. So that’s why we, Senators who were elected to work for the people and address the big issues facing this country, need to act. I urge my Republican colleagues, consider the stories you’ve heard from your own state. Think about the communities you represent, and the young men and women who are studying, working, and opening businesses in the communities that you travel to and live in. Show them that President Trump’s reckless, divisive agenda doesn’t represent you, your party, or your state. Work with Democrats to stand for the Dreamers in your district who are unsure if they can keep their job at a hospital or as a firefighter, or serve in our military to fight for our freedoms. Who are unsure if they can stay in the only country they’ve known as home and remain with loved ones. We need the help of every member to push back against the policies and the rhetoric that hurts our friends and neighbors, our

Senator Patty Murray – Photo courtesy of US Senate

coworkers, our students, and our loved ones. Because, to paraphrase Dr. King – we know that only our light can drive out the dark forces of bigotry and division in our country. I want to thank the countless DACA recipients who have bravely shared their stories in letters, in person, and at rallies across our great nation. I know it can’t be easy to speak up in these uncertain times but I want Dreamers to know there are a lot of us in Congress, and across the country, inspired by your courage and resilience. We stand with you, and we will not stop until we get this across the finish line. Thank you, I yield the floor. Courtesy of U.S. Senator Patty Murray

The Dream Act The bipartisan Dream Act would allow a select group of immigrant students who grew up in the United States to contribute more fully to the country they love. These young people, known as Dreamers, have lived in America since they were children and built their lives here. They grew up pledging allegiance to the American flag and singing the Star Spangled Banner. They are American in every way except for their immigration status. Under current law they live in fear of deportation and cannot fully realize their potential or utilize their talents in service to the communities, cities, and nation they call home. The Dream Act would allow these young people to earn lawful permanent residence and eventually American citizenship if they: • Are longtime residents who came to the U.S. as children; • Graduate from high school or obtain a GED; • Pursue higher education, work lawfully for at least 3 years, or serve in the military; • Pass security and law enforcement background checks and pay a reasonable application fee; • Demonstrate proficiency in the English language and a knowledge of United States history; and • Have not committed a felony or other serious crimes and do not pose a threat to our country. We have already invested in these young people by educating them in our

Photo courtesy of Spencer Platt / Getty

schools and they are now a vital part of our workforce, contributing to our economic growth and our society as teachers, engineers, nurses, and small business owners. Unfortunately, even though many would like to serve, almost all are restricted from earning the designation of United States Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine. It’s past

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time we remedy that unnecessary prohibition. It makes no sense to squander these young people’s talents – and penalize our own nation – by deporting them to countries they barely remember. We can allow a generation of young immigrants with great potential and ambition to contribute more fully to our soci-

ety, economy, and national security, or we can lose their talents to foreign competitors. The Dream Act would offer a path to earned citizenship and a brighter future for these young people and our nation.

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Courtesy of U.S. Senator Patty Murray

religion & spirituality

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Celebrating 43 Years!

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December 8, 2017

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