While Equality South Dakota continues to push for workplace fairness, I wanted to make sure you were aware of what's happening right now with equality in other key states, and on the national level:

Marriage equality is under attack in Maine.  No matter where you live, there's something you can do about it.  Far right extremists have imported their national anti-equality agenda to Maine with the goal of stripping away marriage rights -- just like we saw in California last year.

We can't leave them alone to stand their ground. We need to rally to support the local effort.  No matter where you live, there is a way you can help win this fight.

Working with other state equality groups and Equality Federation, we have set a goal of enlisting 500 people across the country to donate 2.5 hours to call Maine voters using a virtual phone bank on Sunday, September 27th, 2009.

To participate, all you need is a phone and a computer with an internet connection. No long distance fees, no dialing--the web-based software does it all.Sign up and you will get all the information you need to be a part of the September 27th Maine Day of Action.

Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) hearing next week: The federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would ban on-the-job discrimination against LGBT people continues to move throgh Congress. On September 23, the House Education and Labor Committee will hold a hearing to discuss ENDA.  It is past time for Congress to pass ENDA -- please take action NOW to help us get the support we need.  Call Rep. Herseth (202-225-2801), Sen. Johnson (202-224-5842), and Sen. Thune (202-224-2321) to ask them to support this important legislation.

Repealing the anti-equality Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA): This week, Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) and 91 co-sponsors introduced the Respect for Marriage Act (H.R. 3567) in Congress, which would repeal the 1996 DOMA that prevents federal recognition of same-sex marriage.  Call Rep. Herseth Sandlin at 202-225-2801 to let her know you support full equality for ALL married couples.

Thanks for all you do.

In solidarity,

Angie Buhl, and everyone at Equality South Dakota