ISSUES

Diversity is part of being human and requires tolerance, respect and acceptance in our interactions with others. Celebration and acceptance of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) diversity is the special concern of PFLAG. Many issues are involved in the acceptance of GLBT persons, some of which are listed below:

 

Federal:

  • Civil rights measures that prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and other areas
  • Recognition of BLBT partnerships
  • Recognition of and protection for GLBT families who may be involved in natural, custodial, adoptive and foster care situations
  • Promote the passage of the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act to include data collection on hate crimes against GLBT persons
  • Advocate for enhanced criminal penalties for hate crimes perpetrators
  • Provision for GLBT people to serve openly and with dignity in the U.S. Armed Services

 

State:

  • Advocate for all the above federal issues on the state level

·         Confront hate speech against GLBT persons when used by elected or public officials

·         Oppose legislation which targets GLBT issues in negative ways, i.e. “Defense of Marriage Act”

 

City:

·         Advocate for all the above federal and state issues on the city level

·         Promote the inclusion of sexual orientation in the nondiscrimination statement of the city charter

·         Confront hate speech against GLBT persons in community dialogue

 

Schools:

  • Initiate dialogue with the school board, administrators, counselors and teachers to educate them regarding the issues and difficulties the GLBT students may face
  • Expose prejudice in schools that can make them a hostile and dangerous place for GLBT youth

·         Advocate for the adoption of policies and procedures to prevent student violence and to ban discrimination against GLBT people throughout the educational system

 

Religious Communities:

  • Expose hateful speech used to divide faith communities regarding GLBT people
  • Increase the visibility of pro-GLBT faith organizations in the public eye

·         Promote understanding and respect within GLBT communities for the diversity of faith paths