Obama/Biden is hiring -- and bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity

This can't be right

I have it on good authority that black people hate gay people.  I think you need to check your sources.

Seriously, this is awesome.  I'm very impressed.

I'm only a click away.

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by: JulieWaters @ Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 16:10:52 PM CST

I don't want to burst a bubble but

This is part of an Executive Order signed by Clinton that every Federal office has to comply with including the Defense Dept (except for the enlisted).

I follow the effects of federal law on GLBT folks.  The one problem with the Federal jobs (and they're great) is that because of DOMA, your partner or spouse do not get any of the same benefits that opposite sex couples get and this is huge.  In states like Massachusetts where marriage equality is the law, because of DOMA you are still denied equal benefits even if you work in Mass and are employed by the U.S. Gov.

I am hopeful that with the new administration and Congress, they will make the Federal gov. more like private industry (which is what the Repugs are always saying they want it to be like) and treat GLBT staff equally.

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by: BB @ Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 04:22:14 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Oops,

I forgot to add that "gender identity" is not covered by the executive order and that IS new and truly progressive. Nice job Obama.  I'm sure the fundies will be going crazy.  Scratch that, more crazy.  It's going to be a fun 8 years.

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by: BB @ Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 04:25:07 AM CST

[ Parent ]

I'll actually swallow this as sincere when the following conditions are met:

Inclusive ENDA
Passing the Matthew Shepard Act
Repeal of DADT
Repeal of DOMA
Legislation to help same-sex couples in immigration limbo
A public statement from our new President-elect and his wife stating that they think all Americans really are just as good as they are

In other words, treating us all as people instead of hood-ornaments turned speed bumps under the DNC bus. Until then, it's just so much lip-service to my ears.  

God save ornery old queens! - kevinchi

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by: Keori @ Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 16:18:16 PM CST

speaking of DOMA and DADT

I just checked the groups on facebook and noted that there are a few repeal DOMA groups that are pretty small.  There's also a group called "Obama's vow to repeal DOMA will lead to end of all marriage amendments!"

Summary: OBAMA'S HUSHED VOW

Barack Obama has vowed to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) if elected. Once DOMA has been repealed, state amendments banning recognition of same-sex marriages will almost certainly be ruled unconstitutional by the US Supreme Court. This fact should be in the headlines of every newspaper, seeing how the majority of people in the US have voted for these amendments in their states!

Surely we can work together for a better way to grant civil rights to same-sex couples without imposing the will of the federal government upon the people and our states. The partisan choice of a single man here is unwarranted and will have negative consequences for nearly everyone.

"Would Obama Position Spread Same-Sex Marriage?"
http://blogs.abcnews.com/polit...

(Please help spread the word by joining this group and inviting your friends to join, too!)

This group is larger than the others combined and appears to be growing and I have to admit, it took me a while to determine where this group stands as they imply there's a way to grant rights to gay couples but then rally against Obama's partisan decision and the "negative consequences" the repeal of DOMA would have on "everyone".  Maybe it's about time the blenders start joining the facebook (or other social networking sites') repeal DOMA groups.

Last week I posted a rambling diary in which I questioned whether I should publicly allow certain political positions be known via involvement in groups on facebook or not.  Apparently, even the new kids are able to tell where I stand on certain issues (I was told they knew I had cool political views because I am "a people person" - a funny thing for a misanthrope like myself to hear) and I don't plan on looking for a new job any time soon, so I guess it's about time to make myself abundantly clear.

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by: ol cranky @ Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 17:08:02 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Exactly

It's very nice that the new administration won't discriminate internally.  But so did Bill Clinton's (Roberta Achtenberg, James Hormel, et al).  Let's wait and see what they do for the rest of us before we get excited.

Cynic, n.  A blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be.  
-Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary

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by: QScribe @ Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 17:32:33 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Well...

the heck with it.

I'm applying.

If nothing else, it'll keep me from annoying ya'll :D :D

http://www.dyssonance.com  Breaking all the rules...

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by: dyssonance @ Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 17:36:00 PM CST

lol!

i was wondering if volunteering for an lgbt equality organization would count in their book?

Click HERE and sign up: Campaign For Military Partners.

Lurleen on Twitter.

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by: Lurleen @ Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 17:44:42 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Given I just got made chairman of the board...

of one, much to my surprise, well, I figure what the heck :D

It'll be fun to try, and hey -- I might actually get a real job in the process!

(would be nice...)

http://www.dyssonance.com  Breaking all the rules...

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by: dyssonance @ Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 18:29:39 PM CST

[ Parent ]

You

and Sinatra? ;)

(sorry; humor in silly mode tonight...)

Click HERE and sign up: Campaign For Military Partners

Click here for DADT photobook

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by: Louise @ Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 19:01:37 PM CST

[ Parent ]

nice job if you can get it?

and dysonnance? if you get, won't you tell me how? lol!

Click HERE and sign up: Campaign For Military Partners.

Lurleen on Twitter.

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by: Lurleen @ Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 19:39:11 PM CST

[ Parent ]

If I get a job...

... in the admin or not, I'll be making sure I'm not the only transperson there.

bet on it.

http://www.dyssonance.com  Breaking all the rules...

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by: dyssonance @ Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 00:31:11 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Hmmm

I'm feeling a song coming on....

http://www.dyssonance.com  Breaking all the rules...

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by: dyssonance @ Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 00:30:12 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Go for it!

I'm sending in my app, too.  

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by: the.sue @ Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 18:48:55 PM CST

[ Parent ]

first screw up

 Appointing Antonio Villarigosa as the Economic Secretary is CRINGEWORTHY!!

 Our city is in the worst fiscal shape EVER and Tony V is running around the country spending money as IF, and leaving a great deal of things that cost this city billions UNSAID.

 I really HATE it that Tony V has any position anywhere. He's only spent 11% of his time attending to city business, and trivial city business at that.
Most of his time is spent fundraising for his next office.

 This city is a chaotic morass and I'm sure, he's looking for the giveaways that BO has promised.

 Tony V is an ass of the first order and an embarassment to the office.
Oh...BO, say it ain't so!

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by: Regan DuCasse @ Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 19:38:47 PM CST

NOT New News - Clinton signed Executive Orders 11478 - 28May98

to include Sexual Orientation to Non Discrimination laws for Executive Branch Agencies to follow.

Thanks be made to Bill Clinton.

Fotunately, GWB has not reversed it.

Obama is embracing and promoting what is Law.

Sorry folks, it's not really new news, but Federal Employment practice as it should be properly stated.

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by: RogernDC @ Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 21:29:10 PM CST

I don't think that's right

Actualy, I do believe that GWB did reverse this law on the same day that SF started allowing same sex couples to marry.

I was going to be snarky and say that people shouldn't apply for these positions, because it would be silly to try and get into a situation where you could influence policy, but seriously these are opportunities that GLBT peopole should take advantage of.  This is the type of networking and coallition building that has been missing for years.

On a seperate note, here's a great tidbit from the advocate about Valerie Jarrett, one of obama's advisers, calling state legislaters in IL and asking them to change their mind and support a Civil Unions Bill.  Apparently, no one told Jarrett or Obama that they are Black and that they aren't supposed to support anything that can benefit gay people.

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by: Cadence @ Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 21:40:55 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Prove it Wrong -

Google it yourself and post the Executive Order that you claim that Bush rescinded or revised. GWB has issued a boatload of Executive Orders to promote his agendas, but he's allowed that one to stand. I'm a DC Resident for 20+ years and believe me, there would be an huge uproar from the large resident GLBT community here that works for the numerous Federal Agencies. Federal Agencies promote Diversity including GLBT Employees. How Agency heads (typically Political Appointees) accept and promote diversity are different stories.

DC Laws also cover Non Discrimination of Sexual Orientation, so that protects employees of all private employers and contractors in the city. DC in some ways is lightyears ahead of the rest of the US, but yet residents are subject to Taxation Without Representation in Congress & Senate.

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by: RogernDC @ Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 22:16:17 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Maybe you (and I) missed the outrage

http://pittsburgh.indymedia.or...

Administration Targets Federal Employees, Removes Protections for Sexual Orientation
by NTAC Media Thursday, Apr. 01, 2004 at 7:25 AM
ntacmedia@aol.com

Recently, one of Scott Bloch's first acts as newly appointed Special Counsel to the White House was to instill fear in 'homosexual' employees of the federal government. In an increasingly common curtailment of individual rights, the Bush Administration has removed decades-long protections from employment discrimination against those who serve our nation.

Bloch's expressed rationale for removing protections for gays and lesbians is that "sexual orientation isn't protected from discrimination or hate crimes by current civil rights laws." Presumably, crossdressers, transsexuals and intersex government employees are also at risk since gender-identity and expression have never been explicitly covered.

Not satisfied with continuing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" discrimination in the nation's armed forces, Mr. Bush and his Special Counsel have decided that GLBT federal civilian employees have no recourse if fired simply for their sexual orientation.

The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) website includes 12 practices prohibited in accordance with the Civil Service Reform Act (CSRA) of 1978. Among these prohibitions is discrimination based on personal conduct that is not adverse to the on-the-job performance of an employee, applicant, or others. The OSC and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) long interpreted this to include sexual orientation.

In a statement issued March 31, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) issued a statement blasting Bloch. "The actions of Special Counsel Scott Bloch are not only needlessly divisive, they are simply wrong as a matter of law." She added, "Mr. Bloch's willingness to tolerate discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is contrary to federal law, which has long been held by the Office of Special Counsel during Administrations of both political parties."

In 1998, President Clinton codified this interpretation by amending Executive Order 11478 - Section 1 to state in part, "It is the policy of the Government of the United States to provide equal opportunity in Federal employment for all persons to prohibit discrimination in employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, age, or sexual orientation through a continuing affirmative program in each executive department and agency." [Emphasis added.]

Not so, says the new Special Counsel, former Deputy Director of the Justice Department's Task Force for Faith-based and Community Initiatives. In a recent interview with the Federal Times, a publication for federal managers, Bloch indicated that one's conduct as a homosexual is protected but that one's sexual orientation itself is not.

"People confuse conduct and sexual orientation as the same thing, and I don't think they are," Bloch told the Times. In interpreting the CSRA, "Someone may have jumped to the conclusion that conduct equals sexual orientation, but they are essentially very different. One is a class ... and one is behavior," he explained.

"In other words, Men having Sex with Men (MSM) cannot be discriminated against," commented Vanessa Edwards Foster, chair of the National Transgender Advocacy Coalition (NTAC), "but identifying as gay will get you fired. How odd."

Bloch also inferred in the article that the recent interpretation could be up for further review at a later time.

"This is more bizarre than the military's discriminatory 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy against gays and transgenders," said Robyn Walters, Secretary of the. "Apparently gays and lesbian federal employees can't be fired for participating in homosexual acts or gay rights meetings, but they can be fired just for being homosexual.

"Such ludicrous decisions result when 'compassionate conservatism' mixes with the influence of radical Christian political groups and their campaign contributions," added Walters

The recent official move by the OSC, as well as a deterioration of workplace decorum has many transsexual employees, both pre-transition and especially post-transitioned, on edge. According to a transgendered law enforcement officer who wished to remain unnamed, "they are afraid that this President is going to set the stage for witch hunts and they feel ripe for targeting, especially the Federal [employees]."

There are transsexual employees who have transitioned or would like to transition on their jobs in numerous federal agencies, including the FBI and the Dept. of Justice. The source added, "We have several feds" in a loosely-based group of transgenders in law enforcement, "and they all express concern over this."

This newest blow to GLBT human rights reinforces NTAC resolve to press the GLBT community and federal, state and local legislators to enact transgender-inclusive employment nondiscrimination, both in government employment and federally as well.

"It is unacceptable to use an ideological or political agenda to subvert years of settled interpretation of federal personnel policies and statutes," Rep. Pelosi stated on the OSC change. "Once again, this Administration has sought to divide the American people for political purposes."

30

Founded in 1999, NTAC - the National Transgender Advocacy Coalition - is a §501(c)(4) civil rights organization working to establish and maintain the right of all transgendered, intersexed, and gender-variant people to live and work without fear of violence or discrimination.

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by: Cadence @ Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 23:17:54 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Just to add

As I said, this move was ignored by the mainstream media, and the gay press was too preoccupied with the weddings that were taking place in SF.  But, the tone of your response to me, as well as most gay people ignoring something that was just as big as marriage equality highlights some of the reasons why it is so hard for us to accomplish anything in the gay "community."  

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by: Cadence @ Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 23:23:41 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Bush and his Administration of Cronnies may have been tempted

to change it, but didn't formally issue an Executive Order to change it. Such an action would also violate existing DC law which would have required DC Council and/or Congressional Legislation to over turn. In reading that news article (Good find btw, Thanks!), it was a item of discussion for the Bush Gang and their interpretation or mis-acceptance of the intent of Clinton's order. I do now remember those dark clouds from the WH, there's been way many. It's yet another tale of several, of how Bush has ransacked our country with disregard and disrespect of enacted laws prior to his Presidency.  I do hope Bush takes up drinking again, has sufficient time alone to ponder his actions while in office and drowns himself in alcohol. We're near the end of him being there.

Candence, I apologize to you for coming across impolite. I think we're all unnerved for one reason or another right now.

Over at JoeMyGod, he's blogging for another March on Washington. We need it!

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by: RogernDC @ Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 23:51:54 PM CST

[ Parent ]

You are right

 I just found another article from 2005, and while Bloch said that gay people are covered, he said his office won't/can't prosecute cases dealing with discrimination based on sexual orientation.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/...

Special counsel Scott J. Bloch told a Senate panel yesterday that he lacks the legal authority to enforce the Bush administration's ban on discrimination against federal employees based on sexual orientation.

If a federal manager fires, reassigns or takes some other action against an employee simply because that employee is gay, there is nothing in federal law that would permit the Office of Special Counsel to protect the worker, Bloch testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs subcommittee on oversight of government management, the federal workforce and the District of Columbia.

"We are limited by our enforcement statutes as Congress gives them," Bloch said, responding to a question from Sen. Carl M. Levin (D-Mich.). "The courts have specifically rejected sexual orientation as a class protection."

So, while the protections are still in place, the Bush administration hasn't been following the law, or at least they weren't three years ago.

Thank you  for your apology.  We all need to step back and think about how we are talking to one another.  What happened Tuesday is no excuse for all of the bickering.

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by: Cadence @ Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 00:04:02 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Candence - With your Help and Due Dilligence of Research

on this issue, it gives clearer perspective of how Bush Administration willfully chose to ignore law protecting Sexual Orientation of existing Federal employees and had full intent of pulling the plug for good. THAT'S SCARY.

Obama and his Administration is giving intent that they will respect and follow the Executive Order from Clinton's Administration in their hiring practices. THAT'S GOOD

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by: RogernDC @ Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 00:27:01 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Bush and his cronies

Came into office fully intending to not follow any laws and turn America into New Apostolic Reformationist My-version-of-Jesus-Land. What is so shocking about this?

Hopefully President-elect Obama will be more willing to treat us like human be-er, I mean slightly higher than farm animals.

God save ornery old queens! - kevinchi

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by: Keori @ Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 00:57:45 AM CST

[ Parent ]

I'm wondering how early on Obama will honor his promise to repeal DADT

It caused a sh*t storm of opposition in Clinton's first few months, and I'm guessing Obama will be leary of tackling the issue very soon. Maybe if he adds it into the Tuition for National Service bill, if in fact they want any youth to be able to earn tuition, it seems the natural place to make all government service open to ALL Americans.

"race, taste. and History finally overcome....and you ain't there"
by Tony Kushner

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by: peteyPornpig @ Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 00:42:10 AM CST

Mixed opinions about that

The Military Readiness Enhancement Act, which would repeal DADT, has Marty Meehan and 148 co-sponsors in the House. All of two Republican co-sponsors are Wayne Gilchrest (MD), and Chris Shays (CT, now gone).

http://www.opencongress.org/bi...

I have no hope that a President Obama will actually WORK to get it passed. But I don't think he'll automatically veto it if it makes it to his desk.

Colin Powell now supports DADT repeal. That makes me happy. ^_^

I hope it happens before we have enough of a drawdown in Iraq to say, "Nah, we don't really need those filthy fags anymore."

God save ornery old queens! - kevinchi

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by: Keori @ Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 01:06:50 AM CST

[ Parent ]

SLDN

is not pushing it right away.  They want him to have plenty of time to bring the joint chiefs of staff to concensus.

Click HERE and sign up: Campaign For Military Partners.

Lurleen on Twitter.

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by: Lurleen @ Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 02:45:47 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Obama will need bodies

to fight his expanded war in Afghanistan, not to mention the one he wants to start in Pakistan.  If DADT gets repealed, that will be the reason, not any concern for LGBT equality.  Remember, God is in the mix.

Cynic, n.  A blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be.  
-Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary

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by: QScribe @ Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 09:40:41 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Here is a copy of the letter I am sending to Sen. Udall

   I have told many hear, that we need to get busy on writting our congress critters, This is what I sent Sen. Mark Udall.

To Senator Mark Udall,                                                                           November 8, 2008
  I am glad you won your election, and I am glad that I supported you and voted for you. I know there are many things that are going to be happening in your first days in Washington D.C. to represent the Great State of Colorado.   I believe you will do a great job.

 The main reason I am writing this letter has to do with ENDA and the Matthew Shepard Act.  We believe that an inclusive ENDA like HB 2015 in the House of Representatives. The passage of this piece of legislation is needed now like no time before.  LGBT citizens need employment during these economic times.  With ENDA in place it would provide us the protection from being discriminated against while trying to acquire employment.  HB 2015 is written the same as the ENDA that we have here in Colorado. We know that this could pass through both Houses of Congress and be on President Obama's Desk and President Obama would sign this legislation into law.  

 A companion bill that could also go through is the Matthew Sherard Acr as this piece of legislation did pass the House of Representatives and stalled in the Senate as President Bush threatened to veto both pieces of legislation.  The passage if these two pieces of legislation would fit in with President Obama's guidelines for hiring for White House Staff, The Obama-Biden Transition Project does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by law.  

 With the losses that the LGBT community suffered regarding Amendment 2 in Florida, Amendment 102 in Arizona and Proposition 8 in California, the passing of these two pieces of legislation would be up lifting to the LGBT community and our supporters.

So I ask you to work hard and together with other Senators to get these past and onto President Obama's desk ASAP.

 Thank You For Your Time,
                                    Sincerely

I am not going to stop writing my Congress Critters.


If I make sense? it was quite by accident.

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by: HappyCat @ Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 04:07:10 AM CST