VIDEO: Equality Act Introduced

Lambda Legal reacts:

We applaud the introduction of this essential bill. Today, it spotlights the pervasive, unjust, and unacceptable discrimination facing LGBT Americans and their families; when passed, it will be a crucial next step forward in ending that discrimination. Its introduction comes nearly one month after the Supreme Court’s historic decision in Obergefell v. Hodges that made marriage equality the law of the land and just one week after the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) landmark ruling in Baldwin v. Foxx that the sex discrimination provisions of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, properly understood, protect employees who suffer workplace discrimination because of their sexual orientation. LGBT equality keeps advancing because fairness is a fundamental American value.

The ACLU reacts:

Today is a historic day that has been decades in the making. The Equality Act would transform the lives of countless women and LGBT people. Our country’s most basic promise of equal treatment under the law will never be real if you fear losing your job, being kicked out of your home, denied access to healthcare or turned away from a business because of who you are. Both the lack of clear and explicit federal protections for LGBT people and the lack of protections for women in core areas of American life are unacceptable. We urge Congress to take up this landmark bill and make our country a more just nation for all.

The Center For American Progress reacts:

This historic legislation would provide clear and vital protections from discrimination for LGBT Americans in all areas of life, from the workplace to the public marketplace. Despite last month’s historic Supreme Court decision, many LGBT people and their families live in constant fear that discrimination could lurk around any corner at school, in the office, or on Main Street. Modernizing our federal nondiscrimination laws to include sexual orientation, gender identity, and, where currently excluded, sex, will bring our laws into the 21st century and ensure that all Americans, including our LGBT friends and neighbors, are judged on their merits, can provide for their families, and live free from fear. The progressive cause in our country has always been about ensuring people can live free of fear regardless of who they are. This bill promises to be a major priority for the LGBT movement and broader progressive community moving forward, and CAP applauds Sens. Merkley, Booker, and Baldwin and Rep. Cicilline for their leadership on behalf of all Americans.

The HRC reacts:

The time has come for full federal equality -- nothing more, nothing less. While America is now a marriage equality nation, the tragic reality is that millions of LGBT Americans face persistent discrimination in their lives each and every day. In most states in this country, a couple who gets married at 10 AM is at risk of being fired from their jobs by noon and evicted from their home by 2 PM, simply for posting their wedding photos online. Congress must pass the Equality Act to ensure that LGBT people and their families are just as safe at work or at school as they are in their marriages. This bill will guarantee all LGBT Americans have the clear, permanent, and explicit protections from discrimination that they deserve.

Apple's Tim Cook Tops Out's Power 50 List

Out Magazine today published its ninth annual ranking of the 50 most powerful LGBT people in the United States.  Taking the top spot from last year's list leader, Ellen DeGeneres, is Apple CEO Tim Cook, who formally came out six months ago. Here is this year's top ten:

1. Tim Cook
2. Ellen DeGeneres
3. Rachel Maddow
4. Sen. Tammy Baldwin
5. Anderson Cooper
6. Anthony Romero 
7. Chad Griffin
8. Mary Kay Henry
9. Laverne Cox
10. Andy Cohen

Romero is the executive director of the ACLU and Henry is the head of the SEIU. Missing from the list for the second year is closeted homocon blogger Matt Drudge, who ranked at #21 in 2013 and at #16 in 2012. Fellow homocons Peter Thiel and Ken Mehlman appear on this year's ranking at #13 and #41 respectively, with closeted Fox anchor Shepard Smith coming at #20. Also gone this year is recently retired blogger Andrew Sullivan, who ranked at #26 last year. Hit the top link for the full 2015 list.

Cruz Was Tammy Baldwin's Secret Santa

Sen. Al Franken launched a Secret Santa program in the Senate in 2011 in order to bridge the "partisan divide." This year the very anti-gay Ted Cruz drew the name of lesbian Sen. Tammy Baldwin. Via Wisconsin's Cap Times:

Thanks to the intrepid reporting of entertainment gossip outlet TMZ — whose reporters apparently chase after politicians in addition to more glamorous celebrities — America learned this week that Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was partnered with two Democrats for the Senate Secret Santa exchange, a tradition in its fourth year. One of those Democrats was Wisconsin's (and Madison's) own Sen. Tammy Baldwin. "A number of senators participate in a bipartisan way, and we give gifts to each other as a Secret Santa," Cruz told TMZ. Cruz said there was a limit of $15, because "politicians are inherently cheap." "I was Tammy Baldwin's Secret Santa, and she likes cooking, so I gave her a Texas cookbook," Cruz said. "And Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) was my Secret Santa, and he gave me a collection of food and things from Alaska, which were very nice."

Baldwin drew Sen. John Walsh (D-MT) and he got Spotted Cow, a Wisconsin craft beer.

Out Issues Power 50 Ranking

Out Magazine today published its eighth annual ranking of the 50 most powerful LGBT people in the United States.  Here's a bit of the list.

1. Ellen DeGeneres
2. Tim Cook
3. Rachel Maddow
4. Sen. Tammy Baldwin
5. Glenn Greenwald
6. Ryan Murphy
7. Neil Patrick Harris
8. Andy Cohen
9. Michael Sam
10. Robin Roberts

Homocon billionaire Peter Thiel is #13. Former RNC chairman Ken Mehlman is #18. Andrew Sullivan is #26. New to the list is DOMA attorney Roberta Kaplan at #47. Curiously missing from this year's ranking is closeted homocon blogger Matt Drudge, who ranked at #21 last year and at #16 in 2012. Since there's no obvious reason for Drudge to completely fall off the list in one year, I wouldn't be surprised if somebody got a cease-and-desist letter.

Where Does Congress Stand On Syria?

The Washington Post has created an interactive graph which notes the known positions of Congress members on a possible US strike on Syria. So far only two Senate Democrats have said that they oppose US intervention: Sen. Chris Murphy (CT) and Sen. Tom Udall (NM). Perhaps the most notable House Democrat to oppose intervention so far is Rep. Alan Grayson (FL), who has been very active on social media with his objections. Listed as "leaning no" are openly gay House members Rep. Mark Pocan (WI) and Rep. David Cicilline (RI).  On Saturday, openly gay Sen. Tammy Baldwin (WI) issued this statement:

"I am pleased that the President is seeking Congressional authorization for any potential strike in Syria. I still believe there must be a strong and convincing case made to the American people and we must work to build an international coalition before we lead or join any military response. My judgment on any military action in response to the Assad regime's use of chemical weapons will be based on whether clear, focused and achievable objectives and goals are set.”

Half Of Congress Files DOMA Brief

Almost half of the sitting members of Congress today filed a joint Supreme Court brief in the support of the overturn of DOMA. Via press release:

Today, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Ranking Constitution Subcommittee Member Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) in the House, and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) in the Senate, along with House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Ranking House Judiciary Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), and Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL), are filing an amicus brief in the United States Supreme Court in U.S. v. Edith Schlain Windsor, a landmark challenge to Section 3 of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).  Section 3 defines marriage for purposes of federal law as “only a legal union between one man and one woman,” excluding same-sex couples from all marriage-based federal responsibilities and rights.  A total of 172 Members of the House and 40 Members of the Senate – including LGBT Equality Caucus Co-Chairs Jared Polis (D-CO), David Cicilline (D-RI), Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), and Mark Takano (D-CA), as well as Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) – signed onto the brief.

These 212 Members decided to participate as amici in this case because they want the Supreme Court to hear the full story from Congress, and to explain why they believe that Section 3 of DOMA is unconstitutional.  They disagree with the arguments being made by lawyers hired to defend DOMA in court by the House Majority following the divided 3-2 vote of the House Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group (BLAG).  The amicus brief filed today makes clear that BLAG does not speak for Congress, and that many members believe that Section 3 should be struck down because there simply is no legitimate federal interest in denying married same-sex couples the legal security, rights and responsibilities that federal law provides to all other married couples.  As the brief explains: “DOMA imposes a sweeping and unjustifiable federal disability on married same-sex couples.”

Hit the link for the full list of signees.

Email Of The Day - Eugene Delgaudio

"Dear Joe, The Homosexual Lobby is already preparing for the next phase of their assault. Desperate to consolidate power as quickly as they can, the Homosexual Lobby has called in favors owed them by the Democratic Caucus in the Senate. And they got their request. Senator Tammy Baldwin is being placed on key Senate Committees in order to ensure the advance of the Homosexual Agenda. Public Advocate recently caused some controversy by shining a spotlight on Baldwin and her long track record of radical homosexual policies.

"This track record includes: - Introducing the Offense of Marriage Act to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and force homosexual 'marriage' on all fifty states. - Supporting the Thought Control Act, which has been used to punish innocent Americans who dare to 'disagree' with the Homosexual Agenda. - Sponsoring the Gay Bill of Special Rights which if passed would create privileged employment 'rights' for homosexuals and transsexuals. - Supporting the Homosexual Lobby’s attempt earlier this year to use the Violence Against Women Act for their own agenda. - Acting as the 'lead sponsor' of the Repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. I shudder to think what Baldwin plans to do in the future." - Hate group leader Eugene Delgaudio, in today's money beg to stop Sen. Tammy Baldwin.

Record 20 Female Senators Take Office

Last night Diane Sawyer sat down with most of the record 20 female members of the Senate. There are also now 82 female members of the House. That's a record too.

Tweet Of The Day

Tammy Baldwin Tapped For Senate Committee That Oversees LGBT Issues

Senator-elect Tammy Baldwin has been chosen for a Senate committee whose responsibilities include LGBT issues. Via Julie Bolcer at the Advocate:

Baldwin will sit on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee; the Senate Special Committee on Aging; and the Senate Budget Committee. The assignments are subject to approval by the full Democratic caucus and approval of organizing resolution by the full Senate when it convenes next month, according to the announcement.

The Senate HELP Committee has jurisdiction over the Employment Non-discrimination Act and the two measures, the Safe Schools Improvement Act and the Student Non-discrimination Act, which would address bullying in schools. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has jurisdiction over the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act, long a priority of Baldwin’s, which would extend benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees.

The full list of 2013 Senate committees and members is here.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin Gives Victory Speech

(Via Towleroad)

SENATOR Tammy Baldwin!!!

After an early bit of gun-jumping by the Associated Press, finally Fox News and the Victory Fund are calling it for Tammy Baldwin, our nation's FIRST out U.S. Senator.  You're looking at LGBT history, folks!

AP Looks At Gays Running For Congress

Slim Lead For Rep. Tammy Baldwin

 Tammy Baldwin is holding onto a slim lead in her Senate race.

Democratic Rep. Tammy Baldwin edges former Gov. Tommy Thompson in a new poll of Wisconsin's Senate race, holding a 4-point lead over the Republican. Baldwin has 49 percent support to Thompson's 45 percent support in the NBC News/Wall Street Journal/Marist poll. Their mid-September poll showed Baldwin with a narrower lead, at 48 percent to 46 percent. A Marquette University Law School poll released Wednesday showed a neck-and-neck race, with Thompson leading Baldwin 46 percent to 45 percent. A Baldwin internal also released yesterday had her leading, 48 percent to 44 percent. The new poll shows Baldwin winning among independents, 48 percent to 37 percent.

Quote Of The Day - Jeffrey Kuhner

"Wisconsin’s voters are poised to break new ground on the cultural front: electing the first openly lesbian U.S. senator. This would mark a watershed for the homosexual movement — and a major blow against traditional America. Ms. Baldwin has made no secret of her lesbian lifestyle. She is a vocal supporter of gay pride and the LGBT community. She told the liberal Huffington Post that her Senate candidacy is historic. Ms. Baldwin stressed that 'breaking through these glass ceilings has a ripple effect.' In other words, her election would — and should — encourage other avowed gays and lesbians to enter high office. She sees herself as the tip of the spear for the LGBT community — a relentless advocate for homosexual issues. She attacks traditional marriage. She led the fight to repeal the ban on gays openly serving in the military. She consistently assaults our Judeo-Christian heritage. Wisconsin’s electorate needs to know just how far out of the mainstream she really is. The last thing they need is Barney Frank in a dress." - Three-time Combover Olympics gold medalist Jeffrey Kuhner, writing for the Moonie Times. 

Baldwin Opponent Caught Boasting: I'm The Guy To End Medicaid & Medicare

Tammy Baldwin's Senate opponent has been caught on tape bragging to a Tea Party audience that he's the best man to end Medicare and Medicaid. The Atlantic wonders: "Will this video sink Tommy Thompson?" The clip has already been turned into a pro-Baldwin ad.

WISCONSIN: Rep. Tammy Baldwin Leaps To Large Polling Lead In Senate Battle

Excellent news out of Wisconsin:

A new Marquette University Law School Poll shows Democrat Tammy Baldwin leading Republican Tommy Thompson, 50% to 41%, in the race for the U.S. Senate seat. A month ago, it was exactly the reverse. The biggest shift in the Senate race come in independents. In August, independents preferred Thompson 47% to 37% for Baldwin. Now, independents support Baldwin 50% to Thompson’s 38%.

Let's credit GOProud for backing her opponent.

WISCONSIN: GOProud Backs Anti-Gay Senate Candidate Tommy Thompson

Last week the campaign office of 2008 GOP presidential candidate Tommy Thompson emailed and tweeted out messages mocking Rep. Tammy Baldwin's "heartland values" for dancing at a 2010 gay pride event. After an avalanche of complaints, Thompson's campaign manager Brian Nemoir locked his Twitter account and claimed his email was personal, not official, even though it came from his official Thompson campaign email address.

None of that matters to GOProud, who plainly supports Thompson because he's running against Baldwin, who would be the first-ever openly gay member of the U.S. Senate.

RELATED: During a 2008 GOP presidential debate Thompson declared that it should be legal for businesses to fire employees for being gay. He backpedaled from that the next day, claiming that he'd misunderstood the question because he needed to use the restroom. Seriously. Thompson opposes same-sex marriage and supports DOMA.

Rep. Tammy Baldwin Speaks At DNC

CHARLOTTE: Female Politicians Rock Opening LGBT Caucus Session At DNC

A quartet of prominent female politicians stole the show at today's opening LGBT Caucus session at the DNC, where an overflow crowd of more than 400 delegates and press forced convention security to institute a one-in/one-out policy at the door. Speaking to the overcharged audience (among others) was White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, Health & Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Rep. Tammy Baldwin, and AFT union head Randi Weingarten.

At times the event felt more like an Obama pep rally than anything else as speaker after speaker ticked off accomplishments and prompted numerous standing ovations. Sitting among the delegates were numerous notables from the world of gay politics, including Democratic National Committee treasurer Andrew Tobias, Clinton White House advisor Richard Socarides, NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn, and New York state Sen. Tom Duane. I got a LOT of LGBT delegate photos and will post them here separately.