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The Dallas Principles, a New Approach to LGBT Equality
As anyone who has been following my blogging here will know, I've been pushing very hard to hold folks accountable for a stunningly absent effort to end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in our code of laws. It's become even more important to me as we elected a visionary man to the Presidency and a wide Democratic Majority in both houses of Congress.
Lately, there has been increasing public discourse on issues like Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Marriage Equality, and the Defense of Marriage Act, among others. For the first time, mainstream media such as Jake Tapper and Bill Press are asking tough questions in the White House briefing room. Things are definitely changing. Except they're not really changing.
On private list serves, I've been just as aggressive, though more frequently, about my frustration at a lack of honoring campaign promises and a seeming willingness on the part of our organizations to take only that which the power establishment is willing to give. Also, although the media has been giving more attention to issues of inequality, they still give voice and airtime to anti-gay bigots.
So, when a fellow list serve member asked if I had an interest in coming together with some like-minded folks to brainstorm on how to achieve equality faster, I didn't hesitate. Phone calls were exchanged, emails were sent, and ultimately, twenty-four people met at an airport hotel in Dallas, TX. The end result is something we've come to call 'The Dallas Principles'.
It's about raising the bar for all stakeholders: LGBT people, allies, organizations, politicians, the media, any anyone else with an interest. Please take a moment to peruse the information below or to visit www.TheDallasPrinciples.org. We'd like to have as many Americans from as many different backgrounds as possible to sign on to these principles so we can help change the debate. All we're seeking is the same rights and responsibilities that non-LGBT people have. Nothing more, nothing less.
PLEASE JOIN IN ENDORSING THESE PRINCIPLES AS A GUIDE TOWARDS ACHIEVING FULL CIVIL RIGHTS FOR LGBT AMERICANS.
PREAMBLE
President Obama and Congress pledged to lead America in a new direction that included civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. We now sit at a great moment in our history that inspires the nation to return to its highest ideals and greatest promise. We face a historic opportunity to obtain our full civil rights; this is the moment for change. No delay. No excuses.
Nearly forty years ago, a diverse group of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people stood up to injustice at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. In doing so, they submitted themselves to bodily harm and criminal prosecution. Their demand was simple -- equal protection under the law.
Still today, full civil rights has eluded the same community that rioted forty years ago. Instead, untold sums of resources have been spent to divide our nation and turn our lives into a political football.
At several junctures in American history, the stars have aligned to deliver the promise of equal protection under the law to those previously denied. At this unique time in history, our nation must once again exercise the great tradition of making its people equal.
Justice has too long been delayed. A clear path toward full civil equality for the LGBT community is overdue and must come now.
Using fear and misunderstanding to justify discrimination is no longer acceptable in this nation. Those content with the way things are will be judged harshly by history. Those who do not actively advance these ideals or offer excuses will be judged just as harshly. Those who attempt to divide our community or to delay and deny action on civil equality, waiting for the right moment to arrive, will be held accountable.
We reject the idea that honoring the founding principles of our country is controversial. We believe in the inherent human dignity of all people. No longer will we submit our children, our family, our friends and ourselves as a political tool for any Party or ideology. A new day has arrived.
PRINCIPLES
The following eight guiding principles underlie our call to action. In order to achieve full civil rights now, we avow:
1. Full civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals must be enacted now. Delay and excuses are no longer acceptable.
2. We will not leave any part of our community behind.
3. Separate is never equal.
4. Religious beliefs are not a basis upon which to affirm or deny civil rights.
5. The establishment and guardianship of full civil rights is a non-partisan issue.
6. Individual involvement and grassroots action are paramount to success and must be encouraged.
7. Success is measured by the civil rights we all achieve, not by words, access or money raised.
8. Those who seek our support are expected to commit to these principles.
FULL CIVIL RIGHTS GOALS
Being united by common principles and engaging in united action, we will achieve the following goals:
1. DIGNITY AND EQUALITY. Every lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender person has inherent dignity and worth, and has the right to live free of discrimination and harassment.
2. FAMILY. Every LGBT person has the right to a family without legal barriers to immigration, civil marriage or raising children.
3. ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY. Every LGBT person has the right to economic opportunity free from discrimination in employment, public housing, accommodation, public facilities, credit, and federally funded programs and activities.
4. EDUCATION. Every LGBT child and youth has the right to an education that is affirming, inclusive and free from bullying.
5. NATIONAL SECURITY. Every LGBT person should have the opportunity to serve our country openly and equally in our military and foreign service.
6. CRIME. Every LGBT person should enjoy life protected against bias crimes.
7. HEALTH CARE. Every person should have access to affordable, high quality, and culturally competent health care without discrimination.
CALL TO ACTION
1. We demand that government officials act now to achieve full civil rights without delay.
2. Our organizations and individuals need to develop a collaborative and revolutionary new organizing model that mobilizes millions of supporters through emerging web and phone technologies.
3. All LGBT individuals must accept personal responsibility to do everything within their power for equality and should get involved in the movement by volunteering, giving and being out.
4. We will hold elected officials and our organizations accountable for being transparent and achieving full civil rights by active participation when possible and active opposition when necessary.
5. Our allies need to be proactive in public support for full civil rights.
6. Every government measure that quantifies the US citizenry must permit LGBT individuals to self-identify and be counted in every way citizens are counted.
7. We demand that the media present LGBT lives in fair, accurate and objective ways that neither include nor give credence to unsubstantiated, discriminatory claims and opinions.
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I just wish y'all would've publicized this a little better -- I live right here in Dallas and would have been thrilled to participate in this. I'm on several LGBT boards and lists, and I didn't see anything. I just went to the site and signed up.
I hope to hear from you soon for ways in which I can help.
Until Obama gets rid of (and stops listening to) Rahm Emmanuel and other Clintonistas who instituted policies like DADT and DOMA, there won't be any progress for the LGBT community under this administration. I place the blame squarely at Emmanuel's feet for Obama reversing himself on positions he took during the campaign and has held for years.
I applaud this effort. It seems, however, that Obama is listening to the wrong people. And, in four years, the LGBT community will be told that we have to vote for Obama because he's the lesser of two evils (this was the same logic used for Bill Clinton). Although, with his current record on backtracking on things like DADT and Gitmo trials, etc., it doesn't seem like Republicans are that much worse than the Dumb-o-crats.
I haven't despaired of Obama yet. It's really hard for me to believe that the first African American president, who also clearly empathizes with us, could simply go on ignoring our civil rights movement. But I share your concerns. I wonder if fear of the media response hasn't played a role in his unwillingness to address our issues this early on in his administration since it's established wisdom, and the intellectually lazy mainstream media do love established wisdom, that back-stabbing Clinton lost much of his capital by immediately taking on a gay rights issue. If that's what's behind this then there's hope that Obama won't betray us in the end.
I think Obama made several mistakes in choosing his cabinet. I feel he should be pressured to drop some of the worse, like Emmanuel, to show he is in earnest about helping out those he promised to help during the elections. Otherwise, he will be no different from Republicans on this issue.
The Republicans generally speak out against gays. The Democrats usually speak up for them.
But when it comes time to pass laws, they generally do the same thing: nothing. At least the Republicans are consistent. Democrats, you have a large majority, and a soon-to-be filibuster-proof majority in the senate. If that is not a mandate, I don't know what is. Do you really think that saying nice things about gays is enough? If policy isn't changed, and soon, we will know you are really no different from Republicans on these issues, and are just trying to talk nice to gays, but are really just as bad as your opponents.
I am pretty shocked that Obama has not done anything about this. It's been over 100 days. I saw a post in here that said "I know he inherited a mess......." I thought we were not going to accept excuses any more? What's with the delay?
Aren't some issues more important than others? Issues dealing with the most basic ideas of humanity should be at the top of the list. Can't other issues wait? I get the idea that Obama is shying away from this issue because it is controversial. We don't want a weak president, we want one who will take a definitive stance.
I must say, I am really disappointed in our new president. He made lots of promises, and said he was "not going to look back" but that he would look to the future. But now, any time he wants to delay an issue, he just blames the previous administration. Seriously, can't he at least address these issues and get them out there? He's acting far too slowly. What's keeping him from fulfilling all his promises? He has a good majority in both houses of congress. It shouldn't be this hard.
Keep up the great work. I signed on.
See Lane Hudson's Profile
Thanks, John! Please share far and wide. Here is a shortened link to the sign up page: http://bit.ly/iWgXE
As a mother who dearly loves her gay son ... I am ready to do anything to see the day Jake has equality.
I can not fathom why President Obama has not acted on the promises he has made. I am disappointed in him. I know he inherited a mess... but, he campaigned on promises dear to people's hearts.
Please sign me up .... tell me what you need a mother to do and I will be there. My heart is heavy for all who have lived without equality for all of their lives. I need to actively work for equality to bring peace to my heart.
Thank you for your actions .... they give me hope.
Lane, we met once in Washington, DC. I hope our paths cross again .... please call me if there is something I can do to help.... 952-294-8311 and you have Jake's number, I am sure. My best to you, Randi Reitan
See Lane Hudson's Profile
Hi Randi! Of course I remember you and your incredibly loving spirit. Keep up the good fight because we know we're on the right side of history. Give my best to the whole Reitan family!
The Reitans are an inspiration to us all. As a straight ally, I'll sign up. My dear friends have been waiting far too long for complete equality.
I'll sign up, but I'd like to know who the 24th "Author" is, since the site only lists 23. I like to know ALL the players, but since Pam Spaulding is on the list I will trust you as a group. I have much respect for her.
Lane, Thank you for stepping up to be the new voice of this movement.
For too long bigots have been trying to keep us "in the closet" or tell us our "lifestyle" is wrong. We are good taxpaying citizens and deserve to be treated as equals under the law. We need to stand up and take back our self worth from those who have tried to steal it from us for all these years. We are on the right side of this fight and the demographics of this country are swinging in our favor. The time has never been more right to finish what we started.
Count me in!
Andy,
No one puts you or anyone else in a "closet"
To a person who is not gay you are just another person.
However, if you "out" yourself in a public manner (not personally as to family or close friends)
You put yourself into a "closet".
That's the way we who are not gay see it.
Well I'm not Gay and i'm not sure what you mean. When someone tells me they are Gay, I take it like he told me he is left handed, or a baptist. " Oh really, thats great."
I think what the objection is... That a person is "safe" in our society , AS LONG as they never admit publicly they are gay, or left handed, or an atheist or Budhist.
And If they do OUT themselves Well they ask for it. BS they din't ask for anything except the same respect we all give each other every day in spite of our differances.
None of these mentioned minorities are wrong in any way, Society is wrong for their bigotry.
SonofLiberty,
You couldn't be more wrong. Society puts gays in the closet, starting from childhood. I'm sure you believe that people don't care who's gay, but I can tell you, "yes they do". What do you mean, those who "out" themselves in public? Do you mean if somebody at work (who is straight) asks if I'm married, and I say "no", but I have a partner, is that it? If society didn't care who's gay, why are they always legislating against us? Come on, you know darn well that's the truth. You don't need to be on the defensive. If a gay person tells you that this is how it is, I'd suggest you listen to them, since they are the ones who have walked in these shoes. If you knew half the bullsh-t that we here, our entire lives, you'd get the point.
As a straight male, you do not speak for me. Your sentence is missing the part, "That's the way we who are not gay, and are uncomfortable with our own sexuality and fearful of differences, see it."
Equal Rights, Equal Protection.
To anyone who follows your incessant posts on this subject, SonofLiberty, you're way beyond being taken seriously.
Agreed. Thank for doing this. Equal rights NOW!
Mr. Hudson,
Please explain exactly what this means:
." Religious beliefs are not a basis upon which to affirm or deny civil rights."
Sounds like this is just more Christian & Catholic bashing:(
Also, why call it "Dallas"?
Sorry but I have to assume you are younger than I am.
No "bashing" of any kind stated or implied.
Civil rights - ensured by the government (separation of church and state anyone?) - cannot be held hostage to religious beliefs. Equal protection of the law - and lady law is supposed to be blind to all such differences between citizens.
"Bashing"?
At no point does he say people cannot have religious beliefs. He just says that those religious beliefs are not an excuse to deny other people their civil rights.
We have separation of church and state which benefits both.
Of course there are some in the Republican Party who dream where their is no more separation between the two.
Generally speaking, we believe those who oppose rights for gay people as basing their opposition (knowingly or unknowingly) in religious beliefs. I have yet to hear any convincing non-religious argument against granting equal civil rights to gays.
I beleive that's why that statement was added. To simply say that a religious belief should not be the basis for laws for in this country.
"Sounds like this is just more Christian & Catholic bashing:("
Why do you separate Catholics & Christians? Catholics are Christians or don't you feel that way? Now, who's bashing? :?(
See Lane Hudson's Profile
Hi. Those of us who met to brainstorm on how to achieve full civil rights faster thought that it was important to establish the separation of church and state. Many people use their religious beliefs to deny civil rights to LGBT people and we believe that is wrong. Just as we don't seek to force churches to marry LGBT people, we hope that religious beliefs will no longer be used to influence government to deny civil rights.
This bewildering wait on the PROP 8 decision triggers memories of the pre-Prop 8 fight and my quest to protect my daughters from the worst pain imaginable “your family is not a family!”
When the California Court first ruled favorably for same-sex marriage we were the first lesbian couple to be married by our Rabbi, at our congregation temple. My kids were ecstatic and so proud.
Then enter Proposition 8 together with the egregious advertisements facilitated by the millions of hateful dollars sent from Utah’s Mormon community to California, intent on promoting the proposition that would serve to outlaw same-sex marriage. The very idea of it, least of all a yes vote, served to insult our recently acknowledged family.
I do not think many understand the far reaching effects of de jure disqualification and the de facto reality of inequality. Whether we receive equal rights or not, nothing will derogate from the fact that we are here; us, our wives, our husbands and our kids and nothing can or will ever change that simple fact.
Until such time as DOMA disappears, Prop 8 ditched- every US State allows gay marriage -our children will be marginalized as my daughter was when her teacher informed her on Nov 4th that she had voted "YES" on 8. To see the full story I have blogged on http://lezgetreal.com/?p=13261.
You want DOMA to be repealed then I say repeal ROE!
Neither of which is going to happen.
Why would these be linked in any way?
Your post makes no sense.
hey liberty that would leave you with nothing to comment on!
Signed and sent to everyone in my email address book.
Dallas Transgender.
It's difficult to fathom that some can't or don't 'see' LBGT people. You don't need gaydar to see them in your community. You see them all of the time. But I guess you can fail to see LGBT people if you lead an extremely sheltered life. Perhaps we are blind in unique ways.
Larry,
It's because folks who are not gay don't go around looking at people as gay or not.
We see fellow men and women, not gay.
To someone who is not gay, gay is not a qualifier, get it?
I guess you don't.
Human beings are much, much more than just a characteristic.
Nonsense.
I can introduce to you to several people who have been physically assaulted because of their characteristic of being gay (or just being perceived of being gay).
Bull. Christians DO look at people as gay or not gay for the sole purpose of condemning them. If what you say is true, then when someone says "I'm gay", you don't go around complaining that the person is flaunting it then automatically condemning them to hell. If you truly believed and lived the words of the bible, your only reaction to someone saying I'm gay should be "oh, nice to meet you", and if you believe that God is sending them to hell, then let God deal with it, otherwise you are playing God, which makes you just as sinful as the gay person you condemn
I signed it and sent it to every single email address I have in my address book.
Now what?
I'm FIRED UP and ready to go!
See Lane Hudson's Profile
Thanks! Keep spreading the word as much as possible. If we can build a grassroots movement, then we can hold people accountable across the board and demand full civil rights until it happens.
Signed and distributed to my LGBT friends and allies!
See Lane Hudson's Profile
That's great. Thanks!
Signed up, thanks!
See Lane Hudson's Profile
Thanks! Spread the word far and wide!
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