Post Your Online Petitions Here!
 

Hi, folks. I thought it would be helpful to have a place where we could post online petitions for various causes that are important to us. People could come and check them out and then sign if interested.

Here's one for asking ebay to stop selling live animals in their classifieds.

Please consider signing the petition.

http://www.change.org/petitions/ebay...g-live-animals

Sign petition to allow Gay-Straight Alliance in Corpus-Christi School
 

http://www.change.org/petitions/let-...new=t&opt_fb=f

They are trying to get to 50,000 signatures before today's rally.

DOMA Repeal Bill--The Respect for Marriage Act
 

http://www.freedomtomarry.org/page/s/i_do

Lawmakers Introduce DOMA Repeal Bill

By Josh Bell
Mar 16, 2011 at 10:31 am

UPDTATE 2:20 PM: The Senate announcement introducing a DOMA-repeal bill is now underway. Here are some comments by lawmakers at this morning's House announcement:

Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY): "The time for dumping DOMA is long overdue, and rather than prolonging litigation in the courts, Congress should act to repeal this ugly law… When Congress passed DOMA in 1996, it was not possible for a gay or lesbian couple to marry anywhere in the world. Today, tens of thousands of gay and lesbian couples are married. Far from harming the institution of marriage, these couples have embraced this time-honored tradition and the serious legal duties of civil marriage. The Respect for Marriage Act will send this shameful law into the history books where it belongs."

Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA): "Years of experience with same-sex marriage in several states has conclusively refuted the arguments of DOMA that were never valid in the first place. It stands now only as a symbol of bigotry and should be repealed."

Rep. Tammie Baldwin (D-WI): "The administration's decision not to defend DOMA intensifies the urgent need to repeal this discriminatory law... Anything less than full equality is most likely unconstitutional, and most certainly un-American."

Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI): "Discrimination of any kind against a person based on their sexual orientation is just wrong and it should be prohibited by law."

ORIGINAL POST:

Today is a major day in the fight for winning marriage nationwide: lawmakers in the House and Senate are introducing a pair of bills to repeal the so-called "Defense of Marriage Act" – and momentum is on our side, with a new poll showing that a majority of Americans oppose the law. Freedom to Marry Founder and President Evan Wolfson joined legislators on Capitol Hill for the official announcement on the Respect for Marriage Act.

The House bill already has more than 100 co-sponsors. The lead sponsors are Representatives Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Barney Frank (D-MA), Tammie Baldwin (D-WI), Jared Polis (D-CO), David Cicilline (D-RI), and John Conyers (D-MI). Rep. Nadler introduced a repeal bill in 2009, but there was not a Senate version to go along with it. This time, a Senate bill is being introduced by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chris Coons (D-DE) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)

"Today Freedom to Marry is ramping up the campaign needed to overturn DOMA and return the federal government to its longstanding practice of honoring marriages celebrated in the states – without a 'gay exception,'" Wolfson said.

Every day that DOMA remains in effect, real families are hurt, whether it's a widowed spouse who could lose his or her home because of an unfair inheritance tax, or a binational couple facing being torn apart because of one partner's immigration status.

Also on Capitol Hill today is our new Federal Director, Jo Deutsch, who is opening a Washington office for us and will guide the bills through congress and end federal marriage discrimination once and for all.

"This is a superb choice for Freedom to Marry," added Congresswoman Baldwin. "I've worked closely with Jo for many years, and know how effective she is at building coalitions and making the most persuasive case in Washington. I am thrilled to have the chance to work with her in our efforts to ensure that everyone’s marriage is fully respected at the federal level."

We're far from alone in this fight. A poll released yesterday found that a majority of American voters oppose DOMA, as well as efforts by the House Republican leadership to defend the law in court. Only 34% are in favor of DOMA. Significant majorities also favor granting the same federal benefits to married same-sex couples that straight couples get, like the ability to file a joint tax return or add a spouse to federal employee health insurance. DOMA blocks these benefits, even for gay couples legally married in the states.

President Obama has called repeatedly for DOMA to be repealed. But he has not yet publicly voiced his support for the freedom to marry itself. Freedom to Marry has joined with major figures from entertainment, sports, and business to urge the in an open letter President Obama to say, "I do" to marriage for all. You can join them and nearly 30,000 other marriage supporters by adding your name to the letter here:

http://www.freedomtomarry.org/page/s/i_do
--------------------------------------------

P.S. According to a recent poll by the Human Rights Campaign, only 34% of Americans support DOMA.

http://americasvoiceonline.org/page/s/DontHuntHumans

Kansas rep. wants to hunt undocumented people from helicopters.

A gay tax?
 

Transwoman assaulted for attempting to use bathroom
 

http://www.change.org/petitions/dema...-a-trans-woman

Please be aware that video is disturbing.

More info. on the case in trans forum

http://www.petitiononline.com/20CV11/petition.html Petition to allow Canadians living outside the country to vote, as per the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. If one has been out of the country for more than 5 years, then one loses that right (as per Elections Canada) but the Charter has not been changed so this is a violation of the Charter.

Sarah Palin must be jealous as all get out...she only gets to hunt critters from helicopters.

please folks take the time to fill this out!!!!
 

http://www.change.org/petitions/tell...not-acceptable

this petition is trying to stop websites that promote "gift giving" and "bug chasing" and methamphetamine use within our community. bare backing and drug use when hiv positive is not ok...in fact it is criminal!!! please sign and help stop this disastrous trend from growing!!!!

BUMP
 

Please please please!!!
Go and check out this petition and sign it if you agree! Thanks!!!

Update: May 11 2011 - The Pressure is Working -- the bill did not come to a vote today! But the anti-gay movement is fighting to bring it back in an emergency session on Friday. Our signatures are being delivered directly to Uganda's Parliament and media across the world are reporting on our campaign. Let's ramp up the pressure - if we can stop a vote on the bill this week -- we'll win this!

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/uganda_s...obia_petition/

Just to follow up on the result of the petition against the proposed Ugandan anti-gay law that would result in the death penalty for homosexuals who were caught "engaging in homosexuality" more than once, and how signing petitions can really make a difference in the world:

Anti-gay Bill Shelved: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13392723

Let Alvaro Stay in Canada
 

Petition: http://www.change.org/petitions/let-...canada#updates

Background story:

http://www.xtra.ca/public/Toronto/Al...ass-10192.aspx

http://www.xtra.ca/public/National/O...ely-10177.aspx

End the War on Drugs
 

Hey, folks!
 

I would very much appreciate some signatures on this petition. I have a personal investment in this one.

Thanks!

http://www.change.org/petitions/phil...EEe_gTOPviGmaj

Bump :sock:

Please sign to support the Respect for Marriage Act (which seeks to repeal DOMA)!
 

Sign to keep Bachmann's clinic from getting Medicaid funding!
 

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/bachmann_clinic/

According to what I have read, they don't actually do "conversion therapy", in the truest definition of the practice, but they do indicate to clients that prayer, etc., could "convert" them to being straight.

Oh, and the Phillies did make a "It gets better" video, so thank you for everyone who signed that petition. :-)

McGehee School District, Arkansas: Give the valedictorian title to the student with the highest GPA.
 

http://www.change.org/petitions/thom...he-highest-gpa

Teen mother had to share valedictorian status.

I love change.org
 

I do love how it seems pretty damn often that the petitions at change.org make a difference.

Here Starbucks CEO decided to skip speaking at a megachurch.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/0...3_lnk1%7C85976

Trans kid to use correct restroom at school
 

Please consider signing this petition to abolish the TSA, as it is now. I know not everyone has the same issues with the TSA and rights that I do but I would be surprised if most of you believe the take off your shoes rule (at a minimum) helps keep the skies safe.

Let's find a system that works and makes sense.

Abolish the TSA

This is a new program on the White House website for people to set up petitions. I think it is a great idea.

Bumping for those who may not have notice my above post.

Petition to End the Death Penalty in America
 

Help End Puppy Mills!
 

http://www.change.org/petitions/petl...and-canada-has

PLEASE consider signing. Jack's Pets (26 stores) stopped selling pets in their pet stores due to a petition like the one above. It was be awesome to get Petland in the U.S. to do so, as well.

Please post to your FB accounts.

Bump :firetruck:

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/...059182-ET6C9Xx



Tell Microsoft: Stop sponsoring the Koch's climate lies

Microsoft's corporate policy says that climate change requires "a comprehensive and global response" and "dramatic innovations to transition the world to a sustainable low-carbon economy."

So why was Microsoft a "gold" level sponsor at the Koch brother's Tea Party Conference in Washington, DC last weekend? It is thoroughly irresponsible for a corporation as mainstream as Microsoft to be backing the radical climate denial lies at the heart of the Koch's conference and fossil fuel agenda. And to do it in clear violation of the company's policy is sheer hypocrisy.

We need to make sure Microsoft is held publicly accountable.

Tell Microsoft: Stop sponsoring the Koch's climate denial lies.

The "Defending the American Dream" conference was attended by prominent Republican climate deniers including leading Republican Presidential Candidates Mitt Romney and Herman Cain. A photo captured by a reporter for Salon.com lists Microsoft as a "Gold Sponsor" -- a $25,000 contribution that includes being a title sponsor of a conference breakout room, having their name on dinner tables for "grassroots" tea party attendees, and "special recognition" in all conference materials, including on stage.

Yet despite the prominent positioning in the conference, Microsoft isn't trying to advertise their sponsorship. Microsoft's name is one of many sponsors not listed on the conference website (along with Conservative newspaper the Washington Times and major Tobacco company Altria), and Microsoft's PR firm has declined to provide us a comment on their sponsorship.

Microsoft claims to support the fight to end global warming, including "research efforts on this topic being conducted by leading environmental groups, scientists, and governments around the world." Further, Microsoft says "We see an important role for governments to provide the frameworks that spur the transition to a low-carbon economy." Yet those goals are obstructed every day by the work of conference hosts Americans for Prosperity, and Microsoft's fellow conference sponsors.

The climate denial agenda also actively undermines the important work of the Gates Foundation, established by Microsoft founder Bill Gates, which has made meaningful gains in the areas of global health and development. Rapidly escalating climate change poses tremendous threats to global health, so you would think that Microsoft, which is still chaired by Gates, wouldn't want to support the efforts of the Koch brothers and or the Chamber of Commerce to deny the science of climate change and maintain our national and global reliance on devastating fossil fuels.

Microsoft's support of this conference is not OK. The company needs to stop undermining its principles, renounce climate denial, and stop sponsoring events that promote dangerous lies and dangerous policies.

Tell Microsoft: Stop sponsoring the Koch's climate denial lies.

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/...059182-ET6C9Xx

Stop the Rape and Torture of Lesbians in Ecuador
 

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/...534885-tLqhq9x

t's shocking that this is happening in 2011: At 207 "clinics" across Ecuador, lesbians are held captive, raped, tortured, starved and beaten in an attempt to make them straight.1 But far from being clandestine, this systematic brutalization of women happens in plain sight, with the tacit approval of the government of Ecuador. Speak out to stop this unconscionable treatment of innocent women.

http://act.credoaction.com/images/ca...s/1206/180.gif

The government of Ecuador has made some important progressive gains in recent years -- in fact, the country recently adopted a new constitution that includes explicit protections for people based on sexual orientation. With such a progressive constitution when it comes to protections for its gay and lesbian citizens, international pressure could help prioritize this issue for the government of Ecuador and help shut down these so-called "clinics."

The Ecuadoran government already knows that these clinics exist and is sensitive to international public pressure -- it already shut down a small handful of clinics and invited survivors to come forward in response to public outrage when the international press first learned of the existence of these clinics.

But there are still over 200 clinics actively brutalizing lesbians in Ecuador. And we have to keep the pressure on the Ecuadoran government until it closes every single clinic that continues to facilitate the torture and rape of women.

Tell Ecuadoran Minister of Public Health Dr. David Chiriboga that the torture and rape of lesbians cannot continue. Demand that he investigate and shut down all remaining 207 ex-lesbian "clinics."

Paola Ziritti was one of the many women who were placed in one of the ex-lesbian programs. After learning Paola was raped and starved, her mother attempted to remove her from the program--but Paola's "doctors" wouldn't release her for over a year following her mother's appeal to bring her home.

The barbaric practice of holding women against their will and torturing them because of their sexual orientation has to stop. Put simply, there is no moral or medical justification for clinics that employ horrendous tactics in order to "cure" these women and turn them "back to normal."

The Ecuadoran Minister of Public Health has the ability to investigate and shut down the remaining 207 clinics.

He needs to know that the eyes of the international community are on Ecuador, and that we won't stop pressuring him until the government upholds the protections guaranteed in the Constitution and shuts down every one of the remaining clinics.

Tell Ecuadoran Minister of Public Health Dr. David Chiriboga that the torture and rape of lesbians cannot continue. Demand that he investigate and shut down all remaining 207 ex-lesbian "clinics."

1. Survivors of many of these clinics all report the same "treatment program" that includes rape, starvation, and handcuffing.
"Lesbians Escape From Ecuador's 'Ex-Gay' Torture Centers," The Advocate, 10-7-2011.

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/...534885-tLqhq9x

Ecuador Minister of Health: Close fake "clinics" that torture LGBT in order to "cure" them


http://change-production.s3.amazonaw...jpg?1319740185

Although over 30 “ex- gay clinics” have been closed this year, hundreds still remain open. These clinics which claim to “cure” homosexuality have decreased in popularity in recent years yet still remain a horrific reality for many. Escaping patients report cases of physical and psychological abuse including verbal threats, shackling, days without food, sexual abuse, and physical torture. Paula Ziritti, 24, spent two years in one such facility and for three months was shackled in handcuffs while guards threw water and urine on her. She describes numerous accounts of physical and sexual abuse. Ziritti says, “The closure of the first clinics by the government is good, but not good enough. Why is the clinic where I suffered still open?”

Since Zirittu’s public disclosure, many others have been inspired to step forward and file formal complaints against these treatment centers. Please join Fundacion Causana and a coalition of other Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender groups in calling on Ecuador’s Minister of Health to immediately investigate and close the 200 “ex- gay clinics” that still remain open despite public support for their closing and reported accounts of torture and abuse.

http://vimeo.com/31100268


cross posted from Politics and Law.....this is a bill to restrict access to the internet under the guise of copyrights.

Stop fracking in the Delaware River Basin
 

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/...655363-JCZO9ix

Please help protect the water supplies of those of us in DE, NJ, PA, and NY.

Please post to your Facebooks.

Done like dinner. :-) Thank you for posting.

Hartmann did a great piece on this. This is a critical mass moment in the health and life of the river:

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/...655363-JCZO9ix

See below for additional info. than what was posted yesterday. DE Governor Markell stated in the News Journal (DE newspaper) this morning that he would vote no if it got to that point.

https://act.credoaction.com/pages/dr...655363-PeOCeOx

WE PETITION THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION TO:
(1)Transparency of Congress campaign donors (2)abolish 501c4 secrecy (3)repeal Corporate Personhood

https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petition...nhood/8317VfVq

Having seen wolves this weekend at a wolf refuge
 

and knowing the myth, symbolism and importance of these creatures, Wyoming's plan would all but eliminate wolves, who are most often blamed for livestock kills they do not make:

http://www.wildearthguardians.org/si...r?em_id=6421.0

"When Congress delisted the Northern Rockies wolves from the Endangered Species Act last spring, it excluded Wyoming for failing to produce a viable management plan. No state has been more antagonistic to wolves than the “Cowboy State.” The Wyoming wolf plan would allow wolves to be killed without a license for most of the year throughout most of the state.

There are more than 4,000 wolves in the Great Lakes region, compared to 343 in Wyoming. Is it surprising that Garrison Keillor-listening, lutefisk-loving liberals have learned to live with wolves better than tough, self-sufficient, courageous cow-punchers out West?"


http://i.usatoday.net/news/_photos/2...olf-topper.jpg

Please , sign .
 

TO: WORLD LEADERS
The party led by Russian President Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin is pushing discriminatory legislation against lesbian, bi, gay and trans people that could eliminate their freedom to speak publicly and assemble.

Russia is a signatory to numerous international human rights treaties - including the European Convention on Human Rights. We call on you to urgently speak out and hold Russia accountable to its treaty obligations - and stand with LGBT Russians whose ability to speak for themselves is under attack.

http://allout.org/russia_silenced


Political leaders in St. Petersburg are about to vote on law that will make it illegal for any person to write a book, publish an article or speak in public about being gay, lesbian or transgender. The ruling party led by President Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin could make millions of people invisible with the stroke of a pen.

Human rights defenders around the country are doing everything they can to stop it. They are risking their freedom to organize flashmobs and protests, but they are afraid that it won't be enough.

Right now, the world needs to speak up and tell Russian authorities to drop the bill. Join this call to leaders around the world to reach out to their counterparts in the Russian government - and ask them to reject this discriminatory and anti-democratic law.

Folks - please read and sign
 

Political leaders in St. Petersburg are about to vote on law that will make it illegal for any person to write a book, publish an article or speak in public about being gay, lesbian or transgender. The ruling party led by President Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin could make millions of people invisible with the stroke of a pen.

http://www.allout.org/en/actions/russia_silenced

http://www.change.org/petitions/mayo...ment-or-resign



Why This Is Important

Mayor Janice Daniels of Troy, Michigan recently made bigot homophobic statements on her personal Facebook wall in which she suggest she would get rid of her "I love New York" memorabilia since that state allows queers to marry. Mayor Daniels an elected official needs to understand that bigotry is never acceptable especially from an elected official.