GLBT and Allies in or near Massachusetts: ACLU Statewide Conference

[bicentennial_baby]

February 7th, at UMASS Boston.

http://www.aclum.org/2009/

The agenda for the day includes a workshop: "Proposition 8 and the Future of LGBT Rights"

"Less than 24 hours after the polls closed on Nov. 4, the ACLU, Lambda Legal, and the Center for Lesbian rights filed a petition before the California Supreme Court to overturn Prop 8. We argue that Prop 8 is invalid because it eliminated a fundamental right only for a targeted minority. Arguments on this critical case could be heard as soon as March.

This is why we've invited Leslie Cooper, an attorney with the national ACLU Lesbian and Gay Rights Project, to bring us up to date on our case against Prop 8 and other work for equality. She was a key player in the ACLU victory in Florida in November, which struck down a law barring lesbians and gay men from adopting.

Come to this workshop and you'll also hear other great speakers:

Ryan MacNeely is a lead organizer of Join the Impact Massachusetts, the grassroots campaign for equality that sprang up after the passage of Prop 8. Join the Impact has organized rallies and marches that have drawn thousands of people, both in Massachusetts and across the country. MacNeely will talk about upcoming work and how to get involved.

Gavi Wolfe is the ACLU of Massachusetts' Legislative Specialist and will give an update on work for equality at the Massachusetts State House. He will focus on the prospects for passing a transgender rights bill this legislative session.

The discussion will be moderated by Chris Ott, ACLU of Massachusetts Communications Manager, who previously led a campaign in Wisconsin against a measure similar to Prop 8.

This LGBT workshop is just part of our conference lineup. We've organized under the theme Beyond the Politics of Fear: Reclaiming our Civil Liberties, and highlights include:

Salon.com columnist and author Glenn Greenwald will offer his thoughts on what the Obama administration -- and we as citizens -- must do to restore the rule of law.

ACLU of Massachusetts Executive Director Carol Rose will lay out the ACLU of Massachusetts' 2009 agenda.

We will hear from two-time National Poetry Slam champions Sekou (tha misfit) and Steve Connell as they bring the power of rhyme to liberty and civil rights.

King Downing, national coordinator of the ACLU's Campaign Against Racial Profiling, will deliver a definitive call to action for all civil libertarians."

I am planning to attend. Student rate is only $5! ACLU members: $15, Non-Members: $20. If anyone plans to go, let me know and we can meet up there! :hi: