"White House Looks to Include Same-Sex Unions in Census Count"

[Rowdyboy]

One small step....

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124537164093129827.html

WASHINGTON -- The White House said Thursday it was seeking ways to include same-sex marriages, unions and partnerships in 2010 Census data, the second time in a week the administration has signaled a policy change of interest to the gay community.

The administration has directed the Census Bureau to determine changes needed in tabulation software to allow for same-sex marriage data to be released early in 2011 with other detailed demographic information from the decennial count. The bureau historically hasn't released same-sex marriage data.

The gay community strongly supported President Barack Obama during the 2008 election. But some gay activists say they have been frustrated by what they see as his slow approach to rolling back discriminatory policies.

White House spokesman Ben LaBolt said "the administration continues to make progress on the president's longstanding commitment to promoting equality for Americans."

Mr. Obama on Wednesday issued a directive providing federal employees protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation and an expansion of some benefits to same-sex partners.

[msongs]

1. yes then the fierce advocates will know exactly how many are discriminated against via DOMA nt

[ThomCat]

2. This would actually be a big step in our favor.

I'm sure Obama is doing this as a quick give-away to try to calm down the LGBT community. "What kind of bone can I toss these people to appease them and shut them up?"

This is something he can order as the head of the executive branch without passing any legislation, so I can see this being an attractive bone for him to toss. But this has the potential to be more important than he may realize. This is an activist's dream!

Imagine how much harder it will be to dismiss our call for equal rights when we have hard number, by state and even by community, of how many same sex couples are already out there potentially waiting to get married?

I want us to get this! :)

[Rowdyboy]

3. I also think there is potential here....

Its more important to me than getting relocation expenses for same-sex federal employees...

[mitchtv]

4. sounds good If it happens

they'll save time "correcting" the forms too

[DarkTirade]

5. Wait... you mean GLBT people will actually exist now?

They'll be counted, almost like they were actual human beings?

[Rowdyboy]

6. Maybe we can find a compromise, like with slavery....maybe we can be 2/3s

of a person or something...

[DarkTirade]

7. Or in this case, our families will count as 2/3 of a family.

[Rowdyboy]

8. Maybe we should ask for 2/3 the rights and protections....maybe they would begin to understand where

we're coming from. Probably not, but maybe.

[DarkTirade]

9. I think we already have been asking for that... and in some places, losing what little we had.

(California, I'm lookin' in your direction.... :grr:)

[ruggerson]

10. This administration responds to public pressure - which is a good thing

http://www.council.nyc.gov/html/releases/lgbt_census_letter_4_8_09_members.pdf


It always helps when the President of the City Council in America's biggest city is one smart lesbian. :)

[ruggerson]

11. And kudos to Rep. Mike Quigley too

http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=21441

Quigley asks Obama to recognize same-sex married couples in census
News update Tuesday, June 16, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Before leaving Washington for a weekend at home in the 5th District, Congressman Mike Quigley, D-Ill., sent a personal letter to President Barack Obama, urging him to recognize same-sex married couples in the 2010 Census. The entire text of the letter is as follows:
“On May 14, 2009, I joined many of my colleagues in sending you a letter to voice our shared belief that same-sex married couples, in states that recognize the marriage, should be counted in the 2010 Census. This recognition of same-sex married couples will ensure the collection of proper and accurate data, so that the integrity of the Census is not jeopardized, which I fear will happen if this information is omitted.

“As stated in our letter, my colleagues and I do not believe that simply reporting data about same-sex married couples in the 2010 Census is a recognition of same-sex marriage. However, the omission, or ‘scrubbing' of the data from these couples will misidentify and misrepresent many people who are legally married in a growing number of states across our country. Since the Census is a portrait of America, information about legally married, same-sex couples should not be ‘scrubbed' from the record.

“Our letter, of May 2009, stated ‘It is our understanding that the Census Bureau officials are operating under an inaccurate Bush Administration interpretation of the Defense of Marriage Act ( DOMA ) that federal statistical agencies are prohibited from tabulating and reporting data on same-sex marriages. We firmly believe that publicly reporting data collected on the status of same-sex couples in the United States is not tantamount to federal recognition of same-sex marriage. Instead, public reporting simply provides basic information about how Americans respond to the Census Bureau's questions.'

“When I was elected, I promised to come to Congress to continue my work to ensure the civil rights and equal treatment of all Americans. I would not be upholding my promise if I let this opportunity pass by, for proper and equitable treatment of all Americans in the 2010 Census.”


(more)

[Q3JR4]

12. It seems the wh is trying to do everything except

what the president promised us before he was elected.

Q3JR4.

[donco6]

13. I would applaud this.

So don't say I can't say something nice.