Kentuckians Value Fairness

Dear friend,

Today, January 6, Kentucky legislators convene the 2009 legislative session. Let's make sure the first thing they hear about is the importance of civil rights laws that protect ALL Kentucky citizens, ensuring us the freedom to work, select housing, and eat at the restaurant of our choice, without fear of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

By prefiling the Fairness bill in the House, Representative Mary Lou Marzian (D) is leading the way. Let your legislators know you support Fairness and expect them to do the same.

 

In fairness,

Your KFA Team!

 

P.S. The US Congress also convenes today. Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and have them connect you to your Representative (based on your zip code). Tell them: “I am a constituent and I would like you to please tell Representative _______ that I strongly support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act that would ban discrimination against all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.”  Then, call back and leave messages with your two Senators too!

 

 

Ampersand. The Ampersand symbolizes the solidarity we are building through Friends & Family, and suggests the inclusiveness we are working toward. It reflects the idea that no one individual, legislator, organization, or city can carry all the water for equality. Our success lies in our solidarity.



Send a letter to the following decision maker(s):
Your Representative (if you live in Kentucky)
Your State Senator (if you live in Kentucky)

Below is the sample letter:

Subject: I Support Fairness

Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],

Like the majority of Kentuckians, I believe we should treat our neighbors with fairness and respect.

Fairness is a national, bi-partisan value. Twenty states have enacted fairness laws, the first of which was signed by a Republican governor 25 years ago in Wisconsin.

Writing basic fairness into law is the right thing to do. Sponsoring this bill, and urging your colleagues to support it makes you a champion for a value that Kentuckians believe in: fairness for all people.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
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What's At Stake:

Summary

The Statewide Fairness bill would protect all residents of Kentucky against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, insurance coverge, and credit.

Outside Lexington, Louisville, or Covington, a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender person can get fired, denied rental or sale of housing, denied a loan, or turned away from a restaurant based on who they are - with no path for recourse under state or federal law.

A gay man shouldn't lose his job simply because of his sexual orientation. A lesbian shouldn't lose her home as a result of anti-gay bias. A transgender person shouldn't be turned away from a restaurant due to gender identity or expression.

Talking Points

  • Polls have shown that 74% of Kentucky voters support a statewide law to prohibit this kind of discrimination (Decision Research, 1999).
     
  • Nationally, 90% of Americans said in a 2005 Gallup poll that they support equal opportunities for gays and lesbians in the workplace (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation).
     
  • Fairness laws currently exist in 20 states plus the District of Columbia (National Gay and Lesbian Task Force).
     
  • In Kentucky, the communities of Covington, Louisville, and Lexington have passed local fairness ordinances.
     
  • People of faith support non-discrimination laws, saying "all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability or sexual orientation, should be treated equally in the workplace. As people of faith we believe that all employees should be judged by the quality of their work, not their personal characteristics" (The Interfaith Alliance).
     
  • Business leaders support non-discrimination laws as a way to encourage a diverse and talented workforce.
  • Fairness laws protect all people. Everyone has a sexual orientation and a way of expressing gender. Since bigotry is often about perception, even people who identify as straight will be protected from anti-gay bias.


Campaign Expiration Date:
June 1, 2009