COLAGE News Blog

COLAGE Applauds Passage of Domestic Partnership Bill in WA Apr 24 07

COLAGE proudly applauds the adoption of a new bill granting access to domestic partnerships to same-sex couples in the state of Washington. Under Senate Bill 5336, same-sex couples can register their partnerships and become eligible for about 15 legal rights long denied them — most dealing with access to health-care information, inheritances and other end-of-life issues. We know that many COLAGErs and their families will access the domestic-partnership registry that will be created July 21 at the Secretary of State’s Office when the legislation takes effect. The bill was signed into law by Governor Gregoire during a receiption last weekend.

The rights also become available to unmarried heterosexual couples if one partner is 62 or older.The legislation makes Washington one of a half-dozen states to recognize same-sex partnerships in some fashion; only Massachusetts has recognized full marriages.

This bill validates the right of youth with LGBT parents, like other children, to belong to families that are respected and awarded rights. "Young people are most able to thrive when they are part of family structures that support them and in turn are supported by the structures and institutions of society. Washington State has taken a step towards equally protecting and celebrating our families with the pass of this bill," shared Meredith Fenton, COLAGE Program Director.

Click here to learn more about this bill and thank legislators who supported it!

COLAGE Action Alert for New Hampshire Apr 18 07

Call the Governor to ask him to sign HB 437 into law!
Promote equality for LGBT families.

Call Gov. Lynch at (603) 271-2121. Tell him that you support equality for all, and ask him to sign HB 437 into law when it reaches his desk.

By phone is the best way to make the greatest impact, but you can also e-mail the Governor here: http://www.egov.nh.gov/governor/goveforms/comments.asp.

Gov. Lynch has already received hundreds of phone calls and letters from the opposition, asking him to veto HB 437. We must ALL contact him and show that we have the support of the majority of New Hampshire citizens -- because we do!

Introduce yourself and talk about how civil unions, and the ability to access protections awarded to other families will benefit you and your parents.

COLAGE Action Alert for New Hampshire Apr 9 07

Your Help Needed To Pass Civil Unions For New Hampshire

Things are happening fast in the effort to adopt Civil Unions for New Hampshire. Last Wednesday the House voted in an astounding way, 243 to 129, in favor of House Bill 437 (copied below). The debate was over 2 1/2 hours long, and was passionate on both sides. But the bipartisan result (most of the Democrats voted for the bill, and we picked up 27 Republican votes) was a historic moment for New Hampshire and the nation.

This coming Tuesday, April 10th, the State Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a public hearing on House Bill 437. It will begin at 1:15 PM in Representatives Hall, which for orientation purposes is directly under The Golden Dome at the State House in Concord.

How can you help?

First: Please E-Mail your thoughts to as many State Senators as you can, and CALL those in your part of the State. Tell them why LGBT families need ways of equally protecting themselves and how civil unions will impact your family.

The Senate Judiciary Committee:
Senator Joe Foster Chair (Democrat)
Senator Dave Gottesman Vice Chair (Democrat)
Senator Deb Reynolds (Democrat)
Senator Bob Clegg (Republican)
Senator Bob Letourneau (Republican)
Click here to look up contact information for the Committee members as well as your Senators who ALL need to hear your support for this bill.

Next... if you are able, come to the hearing. It is important that the bill has big support. Bring a written testimony talking about yourself, your family and how Civil Unions will validate and protect your family. Each testimony must be four minutes or less. To learn more, contact Representative Jim Splaine
NH State Representative
Telephone & FAX: (603) 436-0718
E-Mail: JimSplaine@aol.com

About the Legislation:
House Bill 437
2007 SESSION - 07-0333 - 09/01
AN ACT permitting same gender couples to enter civil unions and have the same
rights, responsibilities, and obligations as married couples.
SPONSORS: Representative Jim Splaine, Rockingham County District #16;
Representative Dana Hilliard, Strafford County District #2
COMMITTEE: Judiciary
ANALYSIS
This bill permits same gender couples to enter civil unions and have the same
rights, responsibilities, and obligations as married couples.

COLAGEr in the News Apr 9 07

Check out a great new article in the Hartford Courant that profiles COLAGE Speak OUT member and Chapter Coordinator, Becca Lazarus and her activism efforts to advocate for marriage equality in Connecticut. In addition, the article interviewed other young adult and adult COLAGErs including one of the founders of COLAGE, Anna Heller.

Read the article!

COLAGE Action Alert for Oregonians Apr 5 07

Two weeks ago the Oregon Equality Act passed the Senate 21 to 7. Senate Bill 2 would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation & gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodation, and public & higher education! Youth with LGBT parents are better able to thrive when they and the members of their family receive equal protections in their jobs, schools and communities.

To build momentum and support for this bill, youth with LGBT parents are invited to attend the STUDENT & YOUTH RALLY against discrimination THURSDAY APRIL 12!!
Check-in will be at 11:30am on the West Steps of the Capital. There will be exciting speakers and a rally on the steps until 12:30pm. Immediately following will be a provided lunch and a statewide networking meeting. Say hello and make friends with other young activists from across the state! Meetings with legislators will be arranged for requesting and registered participants. Register for the Youth Rally

COLAGE has signed on as an endorser of the Basic Fairness campaign of Basic Rights Oregon which includes Senate Bill 2. Learn other ways to be involved with advocacy in Oregon.