Author Archives: Jason Landau Goodman

About Jason Landau Goodman

Jason Landau Goodman is a law student at the University of Pittsburgh, and the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Youth Congress. A recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Jason is a fifth generation Pennsylvanian from Lower Merion, PA.

ACLU Launches ‘Why Marriage Matters Pennsylvania’ Campaign

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The ACLU of Pennsylvania has launched a major statewide education campaign to support marriage equality today. Why Marriage Matters Pennsylvania will be a grassroots effort to generate awareness and support for equal relationship recognition for same-sex couples across the commonwealth.

Two press conference took place today – one this morning in the City-County Building in Pittsburgh, and the other in Philadelphia City Hall. Pittsburgh Mayor-elect Bill Peduto and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter spoke at their city’s respective launch events. Each press conference also had plaintiffs in Whitewood v. Wolf and representatives from the Freedom to Marry as featured speakers. PSEC had student representatives present at both media events.

The campaign describes itself on their website as a “grassroots public education campaign to build support for the freedom to marry in Pennsylvania. This campaign is about sharing stories and fostering conversation – showing that every gay and lesbian person is a part of someone’s family and should be treated with compassion and respect.”

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter discusses the case with two Whitewood plaintiffs and their newborn baby. Reggie Shulford, ACLU of PA Executive Director, and Shawn Werner of the Freedom to Marry stand at the podium.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, center, discusses the case with Whitewood plaintiffs Dara and Helena and their newborn baby. Reggie Shuford (at right), ACLU of PA Executive Director, and Shawn Werner of the Freedom to Marry (at left), stand at the podium. (Credit: KSV)

With the Whitewood trial start date now set for June 9, 2014 in Harrisburg, the ACLU is undertaking the important effort to build large-scale buy-in of support from Pennsylvanians. Advocates know that legal equality is only part of the equation toward justice realized – the culture of our state must also be pushed forward socially to be more affirming for same-sex couples. These types of campaigns can be very helpful at defusing opposition which, if not engaged, could become a significant barrier for Pennsylvanians supporting a decision which strikes down our state version of DOMA. 

Since Whitewood was first introduced in Federal Court in July,  a slew of other cases since filed in state and federal courts for marriage equality in Pennsylvania.

Why Marriage Matters campaigns have been started by the ACLU, at times partnering with other organizations such as the Freedom to Marry, in several other states including Ohio, New Mexico, and Arizona.

To get involved with the campaign, please visit the Why Marriage Matters Pennsylvania website, follow the campaign on their Facebook page, or contact the campaign using this online form.



The following organizations have endorsed marriage equality for Pennsylvania with the campaign:

PittsburghWhyMarriageMattersPA

Why Marriage Matters PA Campaign Coordinator Melissa Morris speaks at the Pittsburgh press event. At right, Mayor-elect Bill Peduto looks on. (Credit: ACLU of PA)

ACLU/ACLU of Pennsylvania
Freedom to Marry
ActionAIDS
AIDS Fund
AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania
Alder Health Services
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
Attic Youth Center
Bike Pittsburgh
Delaware Valley Americans United
Delaware Valley Legacy Fund
Dignity Philadelphia
Dreams of Hope (Pittsburgh)
Equality Forum
Equality PA
Erie Gay News
First United Methodist Church of Pittsburgh
Freethought Society
GALAEI
Hangley Aronchick Segal Pudlin & Schiller
HIAS Pennsylvania
Hispanic Bar Association
Keystone Progress
LGBT Center of Central PA
LGBT Community Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Marriage Equality for Pennsylvania
Mazzoni Center
NEPA Rainbow Alliance, Inc.
New Hope Celebrates, Inc.
NWPA Pride Alliance
Pennsylvania Diversity Network
Pennsylvania Nonbelievers
Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition
PERSAD (HEALTH)
PFLAG New Castle
PFLAG of Erie & Crawford Counties
PFLAG Philadelphia
Philadelphia Coalition of Reason
Philadelphia Family Pride
Prevention Point Philadelphia
Reconciling United Methodists of Eastern Pennsylvania
SeniorLAW Center
Support Center for Child Advocates
The Summit
TransFamily of Erie
Unity Fellowship of Christ Church Philadelphia
United Steelworkers International Union (USW)
William Way LGBT Community Center
Women’s Law Project

[As of December 11, 2014]

WhyMarriageMatters2013

Rep. Dent Urges Speaker Boehner to Run ENDA

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On Tuesday, US Rep. Charles Dent (R-15) joined several House members in sending a letter to Speaker John Boehner urging him to schedule a vote on the Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA). Four other Republican members and five Democratic members signed the letter.

The fifth-term House member from the Lehigh Valley is a well known centrist in the Republican party who has consistently called for measures that provide dignity and fairness to LGBT people. Speaker Boehner has made repeated public statements that he will not run ENDA.

In the letter, Rep. Dent joins in writing “An innate sense of fairness compels our country to rise above all forms of workplace discrimination…Job discrimination against any American creates an uneven playing field that runs contrary to the basic notion of equality and our economic efficiency.” The full letter is below.

Rep. Dent is a co-sponsor of ENDA as well as the Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA). SSIA is an critical anti-bullying bill, that has been introduced in both chambers for the past several legislative sessions that includes an enumeration of protections. The legislation guarantees access to safe schools policies to all students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Additionally, he was one of only two Republicans to sign onto the Uniting American Families Act, an LGBT immigration equality bill. The legislation has since been antiquated because of the Supreme Court’s ruling that overturned DOMA in June.

ENDA passed the United States Senate last month in a 64-32 vote. Pennsylvania’s US Sen. Pat Toomey (R) was a key supporter in both the cloture and final votes in favor the legislation. He was one of only ten Republicans to vote for the measure.

Rep. Dent represents Lehigh County and parts of Berks, Dauphin, Lebanon, and Northampton Counties. His predecessor as US Representative for the 15th Pennsylvania district is Sen. Pat Toomey, who was in the position from 1999 to 2005.

Rep. Dent has served in both the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and State Senate. He is a graduate of Allen High School, Penn State University for his undergraduate degree, and Lehigh University for a Masters in Public Administration.

Photo: The Associated Press

Pennsylvania Observes NTDOR; Celebrates Trans* Awareness Month

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The National Transgender Day of Remembrance (NTDOR) is held in local communities and campuses across the nation to memorialize those who have been killed due to anti-transgender bigotry. Many victims of anti-transgender violence have been invisible in their communities and attackers not often brought to justice. The 15th Annual NTDOR brings together communities to mourn and honor victims of anti-transgender hate crimes and as a call to action towards the respect of all people regardless of gender identity or expression.

This past July, a young trans woman, Diamond Williams, was brutally murdered in Philadelphia. She was killed and then dismembered by her attacker, Charles Sargent, who was later apprehended by the Philadelphia Police. There have been 238 known slayings of transgender people because of their identity around the world since last year.

Over a dozen vigils will be held in communities throughout the commonwealth for NTDOR on November 20th, 2013. This is large increase from just a few events held last year in Pittsburgh and Southeastern Pennsylvania. We will add events to this list and map as they are made public.

November is also Transgender Awareness Month. There are plenty of wonderful educational and community events going on throughout Pennsylvania. Philadelphia City Council will officially proclaim the month at their meeting on November 14th. Several student organizations including West Chester University LGBTQA are holding Transgender Awareness Weeks.

National Transgender Day of Remembrance in Pennsylvania

November 20th, 2013

Bethlehem
The Maze Garden (3rd and South New Street), November 17th, 1:00pm-2:00pm

Bryn Mawr
Bryn Mawr College (101 North Merion Avenue), November 20th, 6:00pm-7:00pm

Collegeville
Thomas Paine Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (3424 Ridge Pike), November 20th, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Host: Thomas Paine Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
More Information

Collegeville
Ursinus College (601 East Main Street), November 20th, 7:00pm-8:00pm

Drexel Hill
Collenbrook United Church (5290 Township Line Road), November 20th, 6:30pm-7:30pm

Erie
Perry Square, November 24th, 4:00pm-5:00pm
Hosts: PERSAD, Erie Sisters, TransFamily of Erie
More Information

Harrisburg
The steps of the Pennsylvania Capitol (3rd and State Street), November 20th, 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Host: TransCentral PA
More Information

Kutztown
Kutztown University (15200 Kutztown Road), November 21st, 11:00am-12:00pm
Host: Kutztown University GLBTQ Center

Philadelphia
The Penn LGBT Center (3907 Spruce Street), November 17th, 2:00pm-5:00pm
Host: PFLAG Philadelphia

Philadelphia
The Penn LGBT Center (3907 Spruce Street), November 20th, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Host: The Penn LGBT Center

Philadelphia
Drexel University – Dragon Statue (3400 Market Street), November 20st, 6:00pm-7:00pm
Host: Drexel FUSE
More Information

Philadelphia
The William Way Community Center (1315 Spruce Street), November 20th, 7:00pm-8:00pm
Host: The William Way Community Center
More Information

Philadelphia
The William Way Community Center (1315 Spruce Street), November 20th, 4:00pm-6:00pm
Host: The Mazzoni Center Ally Safe Schools Program

Pittsburgh
Chatham University – Laughlin Music Hall, Welker Room (5798 West Woodland Road), November 22nd, 7:00pm-8:00pm

Pittsburgh
The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Pittsburgh (210 Grant Street), November 20th, 6:00pm-9:00pm
Host: TransPride
More Information

Reading
Calvary United Church of Christ (640 Centre Street), November 20th, 7:00pm-8:00pm

Selinsgrove
Susquehanna University – Arthur Plaza (514 University Avenue), November 20th, 7:00pm-8:00pm
More Information

State College
The Pennsylvania State University – Old Main, November 20th, 7:30pm-8:30pm

Villanova
Villanova University – Main Campus Plaza in front of Connelly Center (800 East Lancaster Avenue), November 24th, 4:30pm-6:00pm
Host: PSEC Delaware Valley

Washington
First Presbyterian Church (100 East Wheeling Street), November 20th, 6:00pm-8:00pm
More Information

West Chester
West Chester University – Sykes Ballroom A (700 South High Street), November 15th, 11:00am-12:00pm
More Information

November 2013 Transgender Awareness Events

November 14th
West Chester University: Trans Panel
Sykes Ballroom C, 8:00pm – 9:00pm

November 21st
University of Pennsylvania: Gender Talk
Penn LGBT Center, 8:00pm – 10:00pm

November 21st
Penn State – University Park: F to eMbody
Old Main, 7:00pm – 8:00pm

PASS Act Website Launches New Legislator Contact Tool

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The Pennsylvania Safe Schools (PASS) Act is closer than ever to moving in the House of Representatives. Through the work of PSEC student leaders on the ground in Harrisburg, we now have an equally bipartisan coalition of 98 co-sponsors on the bill. That’s a historic number of 49 Republicans and 49 Democrats coming forward in support of all Pennsylvania students against school bullying. But we not there yet.

Please Contact Your State Representative to Support the PASS Act!

This morning we are launching a brand new online tool for you to easily contact your State Representative. On the PASS Act website, you can select your county and municipality from a drop down menu that will bring up a picture of your legislator which is linked to a contact form. Each State Representative has a letter already drafted depending on the legislator’s status as a co-sponsor or someone we are asking for support.

With your help, we can pass the 102nd co-sponsor mark and achieve our goal of securing half the House of Representatives as PASS Act supporters.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives will reconvene in Harrisburg this afternoon. Please ask your friends and family to also contact their legislator by sharing a link to the PASS Act website with them. Let’s show our legislators all the support we can for this critical legislation.

Too many students have and will continue to suffer from our state’s vague and antiquated safe schools law. The time is now for the General Assembly to adopt the PASS Act.

Gov. Corbett Issues Apology on Comparing Same-Sex Relationships to Incest

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In a recent interview, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett compared marriage equality with legalizing incest. On Friday, he issued the following statement and video apologizing for his comments. Watch it online here at the KSV.

“During a recent interview, I was asked to comment on the ruling by Judge Pellegrini that the Montgomery County Clerk of Courts did not have the power to decide the constitutionality of state laws.

My words were not intended to offend anyone. If they did, I apologize.

I explained that current Pennsylvania statute delineates categories of individuals unable to obtain a marriage license. As an example, I cited siblings as one such category, which is clearly defined in state law. My intent was to provide an example of these categories.

The constitutional question is now before a federal court and that is the venue in which same-sex couples wishing to legally marry have standing to intervene and be heard. Same-sex marriage is an important issue and the question of its legal status is one that will be heard and decided upon its merits, with respect and compassion shown to all sides.

In August, Gov. Corbett’s lawyers likened marriage equality to allowing children to marry – for which he also issued a public apology.

Associated Press Issues Trans-Insensitive Story on Kasey Caron

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Press Release from PSEC

ASSOCIATED PRESS DISTRIBUTES TRANSGENDER-INSENSITIVE STORY ON THE DISCRIMINATION CASE OF 17 YEAR-OLD KASEY CARON OF JOHNSTOWN, PA.

HARRISBURG, Pa., – This morning, the Associated Press distributed coverage of an unfolding case of discrimination against transgender high school student Kasey Caron of Johnstown, Pa. The Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition is deeply troubled by the insensitivity of the Associated Press in their coverage.

In the article, the Associated Press opts to avoid the word “transgender,” entirely, and instead refer to Caron as being “biologically female,” overlooking his gender identity. In fact, the AP writers seems to be so uncomfortable with transgender issues, that rather than using any pronouns, they repeat Kasey’s name over and over again- despite the fact that the AP Stylebook clearly instructs journalists to use a person’s preferred pronoun.

While the AP reports that Caron “says” his driver’s license has been changed to identify him as male, it in fact has been changed, as Caron showed to the school board at Monday evening’s meeting. This is a fact that the AP decided to put in quotes, which conveys to readers the statement is questionable. Another detail omitted from the coverage of the school board meeting? The more than 100 students and community members in attendance, wearing blue in support of Kasey.

The last paragraph of the AP article quotes school board solicitor, Tim Leventry, who at Monday night’s meeting, misgendered Kasey to his own mother. “Leventry says a physician must certify any sex change and a person’s birth certificate must be changed in Pennsylvania.” Nowhere is it stated that Caron is a minor, for whom a gender affirming surgery can be unfeasible, due to both the cost and the health risks for a young person.

The Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition will continue to work with Kasey through this ordeal to ensure the media accurately reports his story. Media coverage which does not treat Kasey with the dignity and respect which he deserves is unacceptable, and will be brought to light.


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Philadelphia Trans Woman Murdered; Vigil Tonight

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Last Thursday evening, a transgender woman was brutally murdered in Philadelphia. Charles Sargent, 43, is in custody for allegedly murdering Diamond Williams. Initial reports have stated that Sargent had a sexual encounter with Diamond before her death, and following the murder, dismembered her body in Strawberry Mansion.

Tonight there will be a vigil for Diamond Williams in Love Park from 5:30-6:30pm. Please join community leaders in remembering Diamond, and calling for justice against the violence that took her life. Scheduled speakers include:

Aamina Morrison – TIP Co-Director
Samantha Jo Dato – Trans* Wellness Project
Christian Axavier Lovehall – Philly Trans* March
Sade Ali – Philadelphia Deputy Commissioner, Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services, Morris Home Founder
Gloria Casarez – Director of LGBT Affairs, Office of the Mayor

NBC 10 was the first major media outlet to report the story on Friday evening. Their headline was “Man Accused of Murdering Transgender Lover.” The story misgendered Diamond, used her birth name, and posted a mug shot from a prior and unrelated offense.

GLAAD has rightfully called out this sensationalism and misrepresentation and posted a detailed statement calling on NBC 10 to do better.

There are several unsolved murders of trans women in Philadelphia. Last year, the murder of Kyra Cordova resulted in marches and vigils in the streets of the city – and there are still no leads on her case. Other unsolved murders in Philadelphia include Nizah Morris, who was killed 10 years ago, and Stacey Blahnik, who was murdered almost three years ago.

Photo: Vigil for Kyra Cordova (Justice for Kyra)

Final House Select Committee on School Safety Hearing

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On Monday, July 15, the House Select Committee on School Safety held its final hearing. In the Irvis Office Building at the State Capitol, legislators listened to expert testimony from a variety of educational community stakeholders on the issue of school safety. CommonGround PA submitted testimony in support of including the student voice in the committee’s recommendations – and in support of the Pennsylvania Safe Schools Act, HB 156.

Testimony was given by the experts listed below and covered the noted areas:

Dr. John Sygielski President, Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC)
Emergency preparedness for an active shooter on school grounds

Michelle Twersky, Pennsylvania Associate Regional Director, Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, Member of PA CAPE
Dr. David Hegedus Associate Director of Christian Schools International, Member of PA CAPE
How faith-based schools work with local law enforcement and their communities to prevent violence and combat prejudice.

Christopher Budano Assistant Director of Education Services, PA State Education Association (PSEA)
General testimony on the importance of effective safe schools policies and a presentation on the main points of Solutions that Work.

Sallie Lynagh Children’s Advocate, Disability Rights Network of PA
Articulating the experience of students with disabilities in the discipline framework for schools and support for school-wide positive behavior support.

Auditor General Eugene DePasquale PA Department of the Auditor General
Explained how the Auditor General’s office conducts audits of how schools use funds for safe schools and called on legislators to support more efficient use of violence prevention grants.

The testimonies are available online here.

Chairman Rep. Gary Day (R-Carbon) convened the hearing with Vice-Chair Rep. Cherelle Parker (D-Philadelphia). Committee members present for the hearing included Rep. Seth Grove (R-York), Rep. Mike Regan (R-York/Cumberland), Rep. Todd Rock (R-Franklin), Rep. Marcy Toepel (R-Montgomery), Rep. Patty Kim (D-Dauphin), Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver), Rep. Patrick Harkins (D-Erie), and Rep. Dom Costa (D-Allegheny).

Committee members that were absent: Rep. Michelle Brownlee (D-Philadelphia), Rep. Mary Jo Daley (D-Montgomery), Rep. Jake Wheatley (D-Allegheny), Rep. Joe Hackett (R-Delaware), and Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne).

The House Select Committee on School Safety will issue their recommendations for legislation to be adopted by the General Assembly by the end of September 2013.

Photo: Rep. Todd Rock and Rep. Marcy Toepel

 

DOMA and Proposition 8 Struck Down by SCOTUS

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Today is a historic day for the LGBT equality movement. The Supreme Court ruled this morning that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and California’s adoption of Proposition 8 were unconstitutional citing the Equal Protection Clause. Both of these rulings establish heightened scrutiny on sexual orientation discrimination.

Here is the decision of the United States v. Edie Windsor. An explanation in plain english from SCOTUS Blog on this case can be found here. Fun fact: Edie Windsor is a proud graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia.

Here is the decision of Hollingsworth v. Perry. An explanation in plain english from SCOTUS Blog on this case can be found here.

We have been closely monitoring Twitter and Facebook for the reactions of our state legislators. So far, all but one have been positive.

KSV staff will update this post as lawmakers let us know how they feel about today’s decisions.

CaseyStatement from US Senator Bob Casey (D-PA)

“The Supreme Court made the right decision in striking down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) this morning.

As a U.S. Senator representing Pennsylvania, I have read many letters written to me by LGBT Pennsylvanians and their families who want nothing more than equal rights under the law.  These letters included deeply personal statements from people across our Commonwealth and had a substantial impact on my decision to support marriage equality.

I believe the Supreme Court’s ruling on DOMA was a critical step in strengthening equal rights for all.”

PittsStatement from US Representative Joe Pitts (R-16)

“I cannot disagree more with today’s Supreme Court decision. Congress was well within its rights to define marriage on the federal level as it has been construed for thousands of years. The people of California voted in a fair and free referendum to protect traditional marriage. In both of these cases, the people acted through the democratic process to define marriage as between one man and one woman and now see their decision invalidated by the court.

I believe this will have negative consequences for children, who are best raised by a mother and a father. We redefine marriage at the expense of strong families, the essential building block of our society.”

Here are the positive tweets

Schwartz

 

 

Here are the negative tweets

[Re-tweet by PA Rep. Bryan Cutler]Cutler