TEP PAC Endorsements for Shelby County Government on August 7

TEP PAC is pleased to announce the following endorsements of candidates running for offices in Shelby County government in the August 7, 2014 election. TEP PAC encourages you to vote for, volunteer for, and contribute to these equality advocates (click names with links for candidate information):

MAYOR – Deidre Malone

DISTRICT 4 COMMISSIONER – Jackie Jackson

DISTRICT 6 COMMISSIONER – Willie Brooks

DISTRICT 8 COMMISSIONER – Walter Bailey

DISTRICT 10 COMMISSIONER – Reginald Milton

DISTRICT 12 COMMISSIONER – Van Turner

DISTRICT 13 COMMISSIONER – M. Jain

SHERIFF – Bill Oldham

CLERK – Charlotte B. Draper

DISTRICT 1 SCHOOL BOARD - Freda Garner-William

DISTRICT 3 SCHOOL BOARD - Teddy King

DISTRICT 5 SCHOOL BOARD – David Winston

Each candidate submitted a survey to TEP PAC for review and asked for TEP PAC’s endorsement. All candidates for Shelby County Mayor, Sheriff, Board of Commissioners, Clerk and School Board were invited to participate in the survey by letters mailed to the address listed on their petitions with the Shelby County Election Commission.

Early Voting begins July 18, 2014 at 157 Poplar Avenue and continues through August 2, 2014. Visit the Shelby County Election Commission website for more details about the full August 7 ballot and voting locations, dates and times.

Yours for equality,

H.G. Stovall

TEP PAC Chair

TEP PAC is a state political action committee registered in Tennessee (Joyce Peacock, Treasurer). The endorsements of TEP PAC do not necessarily represent the views of the board of the Tennessee Equality Project.

Zombie Walk for Equality seeks to reanimate government

In just three days, zombies shall descend upon historic Beale Street in Memphis in search of tasty brains.

At first glance, this might appear to be an apocalypse of the undead, but it's really a protest of the lack of delicious brains in those elected to govern the State of Tennessee, Shelby County and the City of Memphis. With the passage of the Special Access to Discriminate Act (HB600/SB632) and the advance of the Don’t Say Gay bill (SB049) in 2011, there is little evidence of intelligent governance at the state level. At the local level, Memphis and Shelby County governments can’t seem to understand the importance of enacting ordinances that offer simple workplace protections for government employees. 

Will the Tennessee General Assembly continue to take away the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families in 2012? Will Memphis or Shelby County ever pass ordinances that prohibit discrimination against government employees based on sexual orientation and gender identity?

Tennessee Equality Project calls on all zombies to join our search for intelligent brains in state and local government. Help us call attention to the fact that brains that value inclusion, diversity and equality not only taste better, but improve the lives of all people in our community. 

Join TEP’s Zombie Walk for Equality in the Midsouth Pride Parade on October 15, 2011. Dress up like a zombie and make a clever sign. The lineup for the walking dead starts at 1 PM at 4th and Beale Street. Step off is a 2 PM. This peaceful walking group in the pride parade is designed to be fun and find some humor in the tragedy of bad governance.

To join TEP's Zombie Walk for Equality in the Midsouth Pride Parade on October 15, 2011, here's what you need to do:

1. Tell us you plan to attend the Zombie Walk for Equality at this link.
2. Invite your friends and family to participate by sharing this post with your friends.
3. Make a clever sign with a zombie and equality theme (Keep it civil - this is a family-friendly event).
4. Dress up like a zombie (see below).
5. Line up with the other walking dead at 1 PM at 4th and Beale Street on Oct. 15. Step off is a 2 PM.

Need some help on Zombie makeup?

 

During the Midsouth Pride Festival which begins at 10 AM at Robert Church Park, the Haus of Masquerade will be painting zombie makeup from 10 AM until 1:45 PM for $20 a head (with $5 going to TEP. This is a great option for folks without makeup experience who would like to participate.

YouTube offers a number of video tutorials to help you create the perfect zombie look for those who want to create their own look. Party City at Poplar Plaza Shopping Mall has great makeup supplies for would-be zombies. Take a look at these creative examples for makeup ideas or search for your own on YouTube:

TEP PAC endorsements for Shelby County Mayor and Shelby County Commission

As early voting in Shelby County moves into full swing, TEP PAC is pleased to announce a new endorsement for Shelby County Government.

TEP PAC endorses Joe Ford for Shelby County Mayor. Interim Mayor Joe Ford has expressed a willingness to TEP PAC to deepen his commitment to advancing equality and protecting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens of Shelby County.

TEP PAC encourages you to vote for Joe Ford for Shelby County Mayor.

We also remind you to vote for TEP PAC's previous endorsements of Shelby County Commissioners Steve Mulroy (District 5) and James Harvey (District 3, Pos. 1).

Early voting continues through July 31. Election Day is August 5. Check the Shelby County Election Commission for locations and times.

Vote for Equality!

Sincerely,
Jenny Ford

TEP PAC is a state political action committee registered in Tennessee. Joyce Peacock, Treasurer. The endorsements of TEP PAC do not necessarily reflect the views of the board of the Tennessee Equality Project.

Voting for Equality in Shelby County on August 5 (Part 1)

TEP is often asked about who to vote for in elections. In this election year, TEP is urging all voters to Vote for Equality. In advance of the August 5 election and early voting which begins on July 16, I offer the following information on candidates in elections in Shelby County to those who plan to vote for equality.

My posts will appear in three parts: County Elections, Primaries for Tennessee House and Governor, and U.S. Congress.

But let me begin with some explanation. Only TEP PAC can endorse or make contributions to candidates for state and local office. The information offered here will include TEP PAC’s endorsements and additional information that you can take to the voting booth with you.

I will try to limit my comments to candidate positions on LGBTQ issues. Mainstream media often don't ask about our issues but do cover other important policy positions of candidates that should also be considered before casting your vote.

I have relied on first hand knowledge, various news media and other reliable sources before posting this information. I encourage you to add to this body of knowledge with one request: Keep your comments constructive, objective and factual. Let’s do our best to educate each other in the democratic process.

If you are not sure if you live in a candidates district, you can verify this information on your voter registration card or at the Shelby County Election Commission website: http://www.shelbyvote.com/.

SHELBY COUNTY MAYOR

The two major candidates for Shelby County Mayor are Interim Mayor Joe Ford (D) and Sheriff Mark Luttrell (R).

Before Ford was appointed by the Shelby County Commission last Fall to replace Mayor A.C. Wharton, he served on the Shelby County Commission . Ford appeared at TEP’s Ice Cream Sundae Social on June 27 to ask for your vote. Last year, TEP supported an employment non-discrimination ordinance sponsored by Commissioner Steve Mulroy (see below). The original ordinance would have protected employees of county government, government contractors, and businesses in unicorporated areas of Shelby County. Ford voted against the original ordinance in a committee vote but later voted for a substitute resolution that allowed a change in Shelby County government policy that protects county employees from discrimination based on “non-merit factors”, including sexual orientation and gender identity.

At a Mayoral Forum sponsored by the Shelby County Democratic Party Executive Committee last April, Ford was asked if he would support an ordinance that established workplace protections for gay, lesbian, bi and transgender employees of the county and county contractors like the non-discrimination ordinance proposed by Commissioner Steve Mulroy in 2009. Ford was first to answer among his opponents that he voted for the resolution that passed last year while still serving on the Shelby County Commission. Ford said that the county does not currently discriminate on the job. Ford said he could not commit to the ordinance without seeing the actual wording.

Sheriff Luttrell has no legislative record on LGBTQ issues, but it is worth noting that he was in charge of the Shelby County Justice Center when Duanna Johnson was beaten by Memphis Police officer Bridges McRae. The videotaped beating of Johnson showed that Sheriff Department employees did little to nothing to intervene while Johnson was beaten. Luttrell defended his staff as reported in the Commercial Appeal (June 8, 2008):

Sheriff Mark Luttrell, who oversees the jail, said Thursday that the nurse didn't ignore Johnson, but performed a visual assessment of Johnson and determined the injuries weren't life-threatening. A few minutes later, the nurse tended to McRae while Johnson rocked back and forth behind them.

Since Johnson, not McRae, suffered the most severe injuries, it is strange that Luttrell would offer such a defence with no offer to review how Sheriff Department employees should respond at the jail when fellow law enforcement officers lose control. Luttrell seemed more concerned about the videotape being leaked to Duanna Johnson’s attorney at the time:

The Shelby County Sheriff's Office is investigating how an attorney got a surveillance videotape of their law enforcement lobby, which showed a Memphis police officer beating a suspect. The sheriff's office made one copy, which was given to MPD as part of the investigation of the incident, said sheriff's spokesman Steve Shular.

As Sheriff, Luttrell made no attempt to reach out to the LGBT community following the incident at the jail. We still don’t know what kind of training Sheriff Department employees receive for dealing with transgender detainees.

In deciding who to vote for, I plan to consider the following:

1. Which candidate will do the best job in following the new county non-discrimination policy that includes protections for sexual orientation and gender identity?


2. Which candidate would be the most supportive of reintroduction of a stronger employment non-discrimination ordinance for county employees and employees of county contractors (who aren’t currently covered by county policy)?

SHELBY COUNTY SHERIFF

The reality on this race is that there is not a lot of concrete information available on the LGBTQ policy positions of the Democratic or Republican candidates for County Sheriff. To my knowledge, neither candidate has responded to direct questions on LGBTQ policy issues, but there are some indirect ways to compare these candidates. Both candidates have extensive law enforcement experience.

Randy Wade (D). Candidate Randy Wade's position on LGBT policies is unknown. However, Wade has worked in Congressman Steve Cohen's home office in the Ninth Congressional District. Cohen is known for holding progressive positions on GLBT issues (see below). By association, Wade may lean in the same progressive direction.

Bill Oldham (R). I know even less about the Republican candidate. Sometimes not showing up to certain events can be a good sign. Bellevue Baptist Church, a frequent stop for Republican candidates, hosted a "Stand for the Family" rally (aka anti-gay and anti-choice hatefest) on March 29, 2010. While campaign supports with stickers appeared for a few conservative Republican candidates for Sheriff, neither Oldham nor his campaign supporters were observed to attend. I freely admit that may be giving Oldham more credit than he may deserve.

If given the opportunity, I would ask the following of both candidates:

1. Do you believe that Sheriff Department employees should be protected from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression?


2. Do you support diversity training that includes discussion of LGBTQ people for department employees?


3. How should the Sheriff Department treat transgender detainees?

If you know how the candidates respond to these questions, please post their positions.

SHELBY COUNTY COMMISSION

Most of the races for the 13 seats for Shelby County Commission were decided in the May 4, 2010 primary because the opposing party did not offer a candidate. Commission District 5 is the only exception. For that reason, I’ll offer brief comments on each position.

County Commission District 1, Pos. 1
Mike Ritz (R). Incumbent Commissioner Ritz voted against the original employment non-discrimination ordinance in May 2009. But, Ritz did vote for a substitute resolution in June 2009 that allowed a change in Shelby County government policy that protects county employees from discrimination based on “non-merit factors”, including sexual orientation and gender identity. Ritz was the only Republican to vote for the resolution.

County Commission District 1, Pos. 2
Heidi Shafer (R). Candidate Shafer hopes to replace Dr. George Flinn on the commission. She has no legislative record on LGBTQ issues, but I have heard reports that she actively campaigned for Tennessee’s anti-marrriage amendment ballot referendum in 2006 that prohibits recognition marriages of lesbian and gay couples.

County Commission District 1, Pos. 3
Mike Carpenter (R). Incumbent Commissioner Carpenter voted against the original employment non-discrimination ordinance in May 2009 and the substitute resolution enacted in June 2009 that allowed a change in Shelby County government policy that protects county employees from discrimination based on “non-merit factors”, including sexual orientation and gender identity.

County Commission District 2, Pos. 1
Walter Lee Bailey, Jr. (D). Mr. Bailey is no stranger to the Shelby Commission having served many terms. He will be returning to the commission after a one-term break due to term limits. Mr. Bailey actively campaign for the original employment non-discrimination ordinance in May 2009. He spoke eloquently in favor of the legislation at a Unity Rally at First Congregational Church on May 31, 2010 and before the Shelby County Commission the next day.

County Commission District 2, Pos. 2
Henri E. Brooks (D). Incumbent Commissioner Brooks voted for the original employment non-discrimination ordinance in May 2009 and for a substitute resolution in June 2009 that allowed a change in Shelby County government policy that protects county employees from discrimination based on “non-merit factors”, including sexual orientation and gender identity.

County Commission District 2, Pos. 3
Melvin Burgess (D). The candidate’s views on LGBTQ policy issues are unknown.

County Commission District 3, Pos. 1
James M. Harvey, Sr. (D). Incumbent Commissioner Harvey voted against the original employment non-discrimination ordinance in May 2009. But, Harvey did vote for a substitute resolution in June 2009 that allowed a change in Shelby County government policy that protects county employees from discrimination based on “non-merit factors”, including sexual orientation and gender identity. Harvey pledged support for a full ordinance for the next term and received the endorsement of TEP-PAC.

County Commission District 3, Pos. 2
Sidney Chism (D). Incumbent Commissioner Chism voted against the original employment non-discrimination ordinance in May 2009. Chism sponsored and voted for a substitute resolution in June 2009 that allowed a change in Shelby County government policy that protects county employees from discrimination based on “non-merit factors”, including sexual orientation and gender identity.

County Commission District 3, Pos. 3
Justin Ford (D). The son of Joe Ford, Justin Ford’s position on LGBTQ issues are unknown.

County Commission District 4, Pos. 1
Chris Thomas (R). While serving as Shelby County Probate Court Clerk, Thomas stood with Bellevue Baptist Church’s Pastor Steve Gaines, a small group of right-wing preachers, and Commissioner Wyatt Bunker outside the Shelby County Administration Building to oppose the Shelby County employment non-discrimination ordinance sponsored by Commissioner Steve Mulroy. Thomas is the white-haired, white man at the beginning of this Commercial Appeal Video arguing with the Rev. Elaine Blanchard and Midsouth Peace and Justice Center’s Jacob Flowers.

County Commission District 4, Pos. 2
Wyatt Bunker (R). Where to begin? Incumbent Commissioner Wyatt Bunker sponsored the “hate fest” in front of the Shelby County Administration Building on May 26, 2009 opposing the Shelby County employment non-discrimination ordinance sponsored by Commissioner Steve Mulroy (See story here). Bunker also launched viscious slurs during the Shelby County Commission hearing of the employment non-discrimination ordinance. Commerical Appeal blogger Alex Doniach reported: “In light of the growing crowd, Commissioner Wyatt Bunker asked whether ‘those who identify themselves as men would give up their seats for those who identify themselves as women.’”County Commission District 4, Pos. 3Terry Roland (R). Candidate Terry Roland spoke against the employment non-discrimination ordinance during the Shelby County Commission hearing on June 1, 2010. He bragged about it during his campaign in the Republican Primary before last May.

County Commission District 5
This district is considered the swing-seat on the County Commission. It is the only district that was not decided in the May primary.

Steve Mulroy (D). Incumbent Steve Mulroy sponsored the employment non-discrimination ordinance on the Shelby County Commission in the Spring of 2009. He also enjoys the endorsement of TEP-PAC. Steve has appeared at local Pride events and other events sponsored by LGBT organizations. He not only deserves your vote, but your support as a campaign volunteer and contributor.

Dr. Rolando Toyos (R). Dr. Toyos is Commissioner Mulroy’s Republican opponent for this swing seat on the commission. Toyos grew up in the Bay Area of California and has a much more sophisticated view of GLBT people than many of his peers in his party. He’s not considered to be an opponent of LGBT rights, but if he were to win this seat, it would jeopardize the current non-discriminatory policy established for Shelby County government.

JUDICIAL RACES

Judicial candidates are prohibited by the judicial canons of ethics from taking positions on policy issues, but there are a handful of honorable mentions.

General Sessions Criminal Court Division 7. There are 20 candidates in this race. Two of them have attended TEP events to ask for your vote. Billy Bond shared some ice cream in search of votes the TEP Ice Cream Sundae Social on June 27. Bill Anderson, Jr. attended the monthly meeting of TEP's Shelby County Committee on June 28 to ask for votes.

Criminal Court Judge Division 3. Candidate Gerald Skahan has attended two meetings of TEP's Shelby County Committee and the June 27 Ice Cream Sundae Social seeking votes from LGBT and allied voters.

Other Honorable Mentions on Shelby County Government elections.

The following candidates have attended and supported TEP events seeking votes from LGBT and allied citizens in 2010:

• Corey Maclin (D) for County Clerk


• Regina Morrison Newman (D) for County Trustee


• Coleman Thompson (D) for Register of Deeds


• David Winslow Upton for State Democratic Executive Committee District 30. Upton deserves much credit in advocating for the employment non-discrimination legislation enacted by the Shelby County Commission in 2009.


• Dave Cambron for State Democratic Executive Committee District 31


• Adrienne Pakis-Gillon for State Democratic Executive Committee District 31

Part 2 of this series will focus on competitive primaries for Tennessee Governor and the State House of Representatives.

- Jonathan Cole

Anti-equality candidates make the news in Tennessee

As the flood water recede and we all continue with recovery efforts, the work for equality resumes and just in time. Anti-gay candidates are making the news in Tennessee.

Shelby County: A hat tip to Jonathan Cole for the link to this piece in the Commercial Appeal describing the increasingly partisan dynamic we can expect on the Shelby County Commission in August. Republican Terry Roland will be joining the Commission and here's what we know about him:

Roland, from Millington, is well known for his ability to raise the volume on issues, demonstrating it forcefully last year as a citizen during debate over an anti-discrimination ordinance opponents said provided unneeded protection based upon sexual orientation.

"I'm not looking for a fight, but I'm not backing down from one," Thomas said. "I'm not going to lay down and let people roll over us."

His colleague Chris Thomas is ready to fight, too:

But Thomas said, "If we are in the minority and there are things we are strongly opposed to, I am going to sound the alarm and try to put public pressure on them. Sometimes when you are in the minority, it's what you have to do."

The Commission has added social conservatives ready for battle at a time when the Family Action Council of Tennessee has hired a new director of community relations for Shelby County. Given the growth of TEP's own Shelby County Committee and the fact that we'll have two officers and a total of five board members from the Memphis area, the Mid-South will continue to be an important battleground for equality issues.

8th Congressional District: The story of 8th District congressional candidate Ron Kirkland's remarks about violence against gay servicemembers and Don't Ask, Don't Tell has now entered its third week. Kirkland's comments are beginning to become part of the way he is defined as a candidate even as other controversial statements are added to the mix, as the Jackson Sun's Nicholas Beadle points out:

While his comment about gays being "taken care of" in the military has drawn far more attention, another remark 8th Congressional District candidate Ron Kirkland made about illegal immigration at an April Tea Party forum in Paris has also raised some eyebrows.

Equality advocates will keep up the pressure. There were letters to the editor of the Jackson Sun and the Tennessean last week about Kirkland's joke about violence. As of Sunday morning 190 people have clicked through this trackable link to contact the Kirkland campaign to call for him to apologize and to support the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. We're not holding our breath, but we will continue to draw attention to the issue. The summer is looking pretty busy.

TEP-PAC announces endorsements for Shelby County Commission

TEP PAC is pleased to announce several endorsements for the Primary and General Elections for the Shelby County Board of Commissioners.

These candidates have expressed a commitment to LGBT equality, and we need their voices on the Shelby County Board of Commissioners.

We encourage you to donate to and volunteer for these candidates and to vote for them if you live in their district. Click on the links on the following candidates’ names to learn more about their campaigns.

Shelby County Commission District 2, Position 3:

Both Reginald Milton and Norman Lester responded well to TEP-PAC's survey, but Reginald Milton won TEP-PAC's endorsement in the Democratic Primary and General Election. Contact Campaign Coordinator Tarrin McGee at 901-517-2870 to request a yard sign or volunteer to phone bank or canvass for Reginald Milton. Make a donation to Milton's campaign on his website (http://www.votereginaldmilton.com/) or make it in person at the March 25th fundraising party from 6-8 PM (see Evite and on on Facebook).

Shelby County Commission District 3, Position 1:

Support and vote to re-elect incumbent James Harvey in the Democratic Primary and General Election. To volunteer for Harvey's campaign contact him at CommHarvey@yahoo.com or 901-590-2348. Campaign donations may be mailed to 4118 South Plaza Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116.

Shelby County Commission District 3, Position 3:

Support incumbent Edith Moore in the Democratic Primary and General Election. You can assist Commissioner Moore's campaign by volunteering to canvass, phone bank, or hold a meet and greet for the candidate in your home. Contact Campaign Manager Ester Moore at 901-219-9109 or on web. Visit Commissioner Moore's website to learn more about her or make a donation to her campaign: edithamoore.com.

Shelby County Commission District 5:

Support and vote to re-elect incumbent Steve Mulroy in the Democratic Primary and General Election. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Savanah at 901-487-0344 to request a yard sign or volunteer to canvass or phone bank for Steve Mulroy. Visit Mulroy's website at http://www.mulroy4dist5.com/ to learn more about his positions on the issues and make a donation in support of his campaign.

Voting Information:

Early voting begins on April 14 and ends on April 29. May 4 is election day. For detailed information about early and election day voting locations and times, click here.

Let’s make sure we have strong allies on the Shelby County Commission.

TEP PAC is a state political action committee registered in Tennessee. Joyce Peacock, Treasurer. The endorsements of TEP PAC do not necessarily reflect the views of the board of the Tennessee Equality Project.

TEP PAC endorses Steve Mulroy for Shelby County Commission

TEP PAC is pleased to announce that we endorse Steve Mulroy in the Democratic Primary for the District 5 Shelby County Commission seat and we urge you to support his campaign and vote for him if you live in this district.

Mulroy is a strong LGBT equality advocate with a record of achievement. As sponsor of the Shelby County Non-Discrimination Ordinance in 2009, he opposed discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. We need Steve's voice to remain on the Shelby County Board of Commissioners.

Steve’s desire, his passion to make things right for all is powerful. His tenacity in ensuring passage of the LGBT non-discrimination resolution in the County Commission was inspiring, and it is an honor to join the growing list of organizations endorsing Commissioner Mulroy. Tennessee Equality Project knows Steve “gets it” and he gets it done.

Voting Information: Early voting begins on April 14 and ends on April 29. May 4 is election day. For detailed information about early and election day voting locations and times, click here.

How to Help: Attend Mulroy's Campaign Kickoff and Headquarters Grand Opening on Saturday, March 20 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at 4661 Knight Arnold (in shopping plaza at Perkins & Knight Arnold). Burgers, dogs, and karaoke with Myron Lowery and Edmund Ford Jr.

We encourage you to donate to Steve's campaign here and to volunteer for campaign office work, canvassing and phone banking. Call (901-301-3306) or email (JonathanTN@juno.com) Jonathan Cole for more information.

Let’s keep a strong ally on the Shelby County Commission. Please support Steve Mulroy in the District 5 Democratic Primary election.

Jenny Ford
TEP PAC Chair

TEP PAC is a state political action committee registered in Tennessee. Joyce Peacock, Treasurer. The endorsements of TEP PAC do not necessarily reflect the views of the board of the Tennessee Equality Project.

Commissioner Mulroy receives Movers and Shakers Award from MGLCC

Len Piechowski (right), President of the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center, presented Shelby County Commissioner Steve Mulroy (District 5) with a 2009 Movers & Shakers Award at today's community center board meeting. Mulroy sponsored legislation last spring that established workplace protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees of Shelby County government.

Steve's pioneering efforts challenge the Nashville Metro Council and the Memphis City Council to pass similar legislation. TEP expects workplace protections for LGBT employees to grow in all areas of Tennessee.

Steve Mulroy is the only elected official to receive this award after successfully passing legislation designed to protect the rights of LGBT citizens in Shelby County.

Congratulations Steve! You earned it!

Coming out for fairness and equality

The audio from last Monday's Shelby County Commission meeting (6/1/09) is now available on the Shelby County Government website. I was again moved by the persuasive and heartfelt witness of community members advocating for fairness and equality in the workplace.

Many took great risk in speaking out. But as Harvey Milk said more than 30 years ago: We must come out!

Shelby County resolution in HRC's Back Story

Our own Jonathan Cole contributes a piece on the Shelby County non-discrimination resolution for the Human Rights Campaign's Back Story blog.

Celebrating in Tennessee and New Hampshire

While Tennesseans have a lot to celebrate with a recent win in Shelby County, we can also applaud New Hampshire joining the club of states who have embraced marriage equality.

Matt Alber's video of the "End of the the World" might be prescient. Perhaps it's the end of the world as we knew it.

Truly Real? Questions about discrimination and the force of the Shelby resolution

The critics of the Shelby County non-discrimination resolution continue to moan and quibble. First, some are saying that Shelby County doesn't have a discrimination problem, according to the Commercial Appeal. Here's a typical example of the sentiment:

Constance Houston, 54, one of dozens of citizens who spoke at the County Commission meeting on Monday, said she's against homosexuality on religious grounds but doubted gays are discriminated against.

"There's no discrimination here in Memphis. None, whatsoever," said Houston. She added that workers should keep their sexuality to themselves on the job. "Keep whatever you do in your bedroom," she said.

Darn those exhibitionist gays, always getting it on at work! People who say there is no need for workplace protections always end up making the case for them with their wild fantasies. The article goes on to cite a study from the Williams Institute at UCLA and the work of a University of Memphis psychologist on discrimination confirming workplace discrimination against the GLBT community.

And then there's the question of whether the resolution can really do anything about discrimination. I've had some questions about whether a resolution has force, so I'll just cite the Commercial Appeal again on this point:

The resolution that passed on Monday doesn't include the words "gay" or "lesbian," but the records of the legislation make it clear that this was the context, and the measure could help county workers fired on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity to win back their jobs in civil service hearings or appeals to Chancery Court, county attorney Brian Kuhn said.

Let me add some background on that question. When it became clear in the Commission's General Government Committee meeting that we might not be able to get the votes for the full ordinance, we discussed the option of the resolution in the course of the lobbying effort. During that process, we also discussed the option of commissioners reading into the record some of the non-merit factors to be included so that we could establish that the legislative intent of the resolution was to cover sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. If there were no possibility of enforcement, we would not have supported the resolution. But the resolution gave the opportunity for enhanced protection with a clear majority of the votes. It does what we need it to do, even though it's the minimal method for doing so. If it were a nonbinding resolution, it would have been described as such at the Commission meeting and in the press and there would have been very little cheering in the Shelby County GLBT community. But it has the force of policy.

Update: If you still have lingering doubts about the force of the resolution, please, read yesterday's discussion in the Memphis Flyer. Whether you buy it or not, it was this understanding that provided the basis for our approach and it's the reason we agreed to it.

The bullies lost

Last Monday's victory is such a great win for us. We have won the public debate over whether to include and protect GLBT citizens in the workplace.

I maintain that Bunker and his bully buddies did us a tremendous favor last week in front of the County Administration Building. Their awful behavior galvanized the community against oppression.

Wyatt Bunker's mean and ugly comments at last Monday's Commission hearing in which he joked about male identified people giving up their seats for female identified people in the packed room will not be forgotten - even by his base of support. Bunker is that Middle School bully who I'm sure we all experienced when growing up. We can all take satisfaction in the fact that the bully lost this time. It reminds me of one of the last scenes in the movie Some Kind of Wonderful (I've just dated myself) in which Eric Stoltz's character walks up to the school bully at a party in his home and tells him "You're over".

Our community did just that last Sunday and Monday. I am so proud to see our community stand up to bullies.

A step forward for Shelby County and Tennessee

A substitute resolution by Commissioner Sidney Chism passed the Shelby County Commission by a vote of 9 to 4 in place of the ordinance introduced by Commissioner Steve Mulroy Since it is a resolution, it does not require the three readings that an ordinance does. The measure is a compromise from the original ordinance which sought to prohibit discrimination in County government employment, discrimination by those contracting with the County, and discrimination in businesses in unincorporated parts of the County. The resolution forbids discrimination based on non-merit factors in County employment. During the proceedings today, specific factors were read into the record to establish legislation intent. Sexual orientation and gender identity were included.

It remains to be seen how forceful the resolution is, though it does have the force of law once it is signed. It does, at least, highlight a principle that will make Shelby County government a more welcoming employer for the GLBT community. It also gives the County EEO a way of investigating complaints. We'll just have to see how firmly the County will stand behind the language when the complaints come, but we're pleased with the vote.

You can follow all the tweets here. Commercial Appeal story here.

Video of today's Shelby County Unity Rally

Here's a link to the Commercial Appeal story that goes with the video. Among the speakers was State Sen. Beverly Marrero:

Sen. Beverly Marrero said as a Memphian, she had seen discrimination her entire life.

“I promise you, what I believe in, I will always believe in and stand up for what I know to be the right thing,” she said.

Shelby County Unity Rally inspires crowd

A crowd of approximately 500 gathered at the First Congregational Church in Memphis today for a Unity Rally in support of the proposed non-discrimination ordinance that will come before the full Shelby County Commission tomorrow. The event featured religious leaders, activists, Civil Rights veterans, politicians, and engaged citizens.

We tried to capture all the Tweets of those who were on the scene here so you can get a play by play. Many thanks to former TEP Shelby County committee chair Tommy Simmons for his reporting including the picture at the right.

Pentecost in Shelby County

...there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Acts 2:2 (NRSV)

The Feast of Pentecost comes to Memphis today just as it arrives in every part of the world using the Western Church's calendar. Making Pentecost a little different this year is that it comes on the eve of a critical vote of the Shelby County Commission on the non-discrimination ordinance.

A diverse congregation is gathering today at First Congregational Church to find the strength for tomorrow's fight:

Hundreds of people from local religious, gay rights, political and business communities will urge Shelby County commissioners to vote in favor of the ordinance Monday, organizers said at a press conference Saturday.

The rally will start at 1 p.m. on the front steps of First Congregational Church at 1000 S. Cooper.

Just as Pentecost is sometimes called the birthday of the Church, today's rally is not the end, but the beginning of a new coalition that will fight for equality regardless of the outcome of tomorrow's vote. If last week's General Government committee discussion and vote is any indication, a violent wind will shake the entire house tomorrow as the full Shelby County Commission meets to deliberate.

Let the debate rage and the tongues of fire descend!

Audio Archive of First Reading of the Shelby County Non-Discrimination Ordinance

The audio from the May 27th meeting of the General Government Committee of the Shelby County Commission is now available online. Click on the "Audio" link for "Committee Agendas - 05/27/09." Select agenda item #2 on the "Jump To" drop down menu to advance to the discussion of the Non-Discrimination Ordinance.

Why I am not afraid about Monday’s vote

I must admit it. I must tell you that since this struggle with the Non-Discrimination Ordinance began a few weeks ago, I haven’t gotten much sleep. On the nights I do make it to bed at a reasonable hour, I wake up in the middle of the night thinking of unfinished tasks, phone calls that need to be made, messages that need to be sent and the laundry that’s piling up while I’m working on this ordinance (thanks Paul).

These sleepless nights do affect me, but not in entirely adverse ways. I write this in one of those sleepless nights thinking about what needs to be done again. But I am not anxious. I am not worried about whether we get the seven votes we need at Monday’s Commission meeting.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m in this to win. There’s no citizen in this county that wants to see fairness in Shelby County more than me.

But I have realized something really profound lately that is not dependent on the voting outcome at the first, second or third County Commission meeting that is to come. In this work, I’ve had the great privilege to work with friends and make new ones who have stepped forward to help make our community and our government responsive to the needs of its citizens. This work has not been without struggle. We have all heard and endured misguided and hurtful rhetoric.

We’ve heard it before from a very early age. We can all remember sleepless nights wondering if we would ever see the light of day in our lives because we are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.

My sleepless nights remind me of a story that has always given me strength when faced with adversity – a powerful story that has always had a tremendous meaning to me personally. I love the story in Genesis of Jacob wrestling with an angel in the night. You probably know it. He goes to sleep the night before crossing the River Jordan to meet his brother Esau whom he thinks must be really pissed at him. Much earlier in the story, Jacob tricked his father Isaac into giving him his blessing instead of Esau. Jacob had to flee his home in fear of death at the hands of his brother.

But Jacob comes back a new man and with a new family hoping to return to his native land. As he approaches his home, he is filled with anxiety. He knows that his brother waits for him on the other side of the River Jordan. He sends his family ahead of him along with messengers to his brother to warn that he is returning home. During the night, Jacob wrestles with a man assumed to be God or at least an angel. Jacob could not be overpowered and would not let the man go until he blessed him just before daybreak.

After receiving his blessing, Jacob meets the sunrise in a new day and crosses the river Jordan where his brother Esau greets him with open arms.

We are like plucky Jacob wresting in the night hoping and waiting for safe passage into promised and sacred land. We wait for a blessing of a different kind. We wait for the recognition from our community that we belong. We wait to be greeted with open arms by our brothers and sisters and to be told that there is room enough at the table for us all.

Our night may not be over when Monday’s vote comes. We may still have more wrestling to finish in the night. But it is a struggle worth having. There is no blessing without struggle. And the struggle is not just for us, but for our families and our community. What we seek is reconciliation. What we seek is a blessing that benefits us and everyone.

We are a community in transformation. The conversation that we have started will not end with the vote on Monday - regardless of the outcome.

It's a Girl!

Commissioner Wyatt and Meredith Bunker just had a baby girl. Commissioner Bunker and I do not share many views in common. But on this we can agree: the birth of a child is wonderful blessing.

Let's offer sincere well wishes to the family. Send a note of congratulations to wyatt.bunker@shelbycountytn.gov.

Let's hope that she grows up in an inclusive Shelby County.