Notes from the LGBTQ Rights Committee - Shore Area NOW
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
The Shore Area NOW LBGTQ Rights Committee met on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 6:00pm in Eatontown, NJ. In attendance were: Megan Deacon, Lynn Hansen, Aimee Rabino and Abbie Spector.
The Committee discussed how the tabling at Pride Festival went. Everyone was in agreement that it went very well. It was suggested for next year we add two additional items:
· Petitions to sign.
· Shore Area NOW information cards to hand out.
The Committee discussed other LGBTQ events that Shore Area NOW can participate in to regain presence in the community. It was agreed that events like walks, rallies and actions by other organizations are planned weeks to months in advance. Abbie will keep track of these activities and send email to the Committee on what’s coming up. If there is enough interest in the Committee in the event, we will participate.
Aimee (standing in for Jill) went through the federal and state bills that could either strengthen LGBTQ rights or roll them back. Aimee and Jill recommended that we focus on:
· Federal:
o HR2282/S1006 – Equality Act
o H.Con.Res.49 – Supporting Goals of GLSEN
· State:
§ S1405/A2739 – “Requires boards of education to include instruction, and adopt instructional materials that accurately portray political, economic, and social contributions of persons with disabilities and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and Transgender people.”
§ AJR94 – “Supports US Senator Cory Booker’s efforts to persuade Federal Trade Commission to prohibit practice of sexual orientation change efforts.”
The Committee decided to focus on the bills currently underway in the state as our first foray. Aimee and Jill will review what stage these state bills are in and report on them at the next meeting. The group will then discuss what actions we can take.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at 6:00pm in Eatontown. Hamburgers, hot dogs, beverages and chips will be provided.
Submitted by: Lynn Hansen