Issues
Equality Arizona is working on the state and local levels to secure, protect and defend the rights and welfare of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Arizona. We advocate for several issues at the Legislature and in communities across the state. Some of those issues include:
Respect for Marriage Act
Equality Arizona has joined several civil rights organizations nationwide in urging our Members of Congress to support the Respect for Marriage Act. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has taken the lead to pass this piece of federal legislation that would effectively repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). DOMA singles out lawfully married same-sex couples for discriminatory treatment under federal law. Please sign the petition to show your support for the Respect for Marriage Act and restoring the rights of lawfully married same-sex couples.
Adoption
SB 1188, a bill that would create obstacles to placing children and youth in foster care with loving families, was introduced in the Arizona Legislature this session. SB 1188 mandates that the Arizona Department of Economic Security and adoption agencies give primary consideration to the placement of a child with a married couple. Equality Arizona is working with a coalition of child welfare advocates to oppose this bill. You can follow the progress of SB 1188 and get detailed information on committee votes, floor votes and even video footage of debates on the bill by clicking here.
Update: SB 1188 was signed into law on Tuesday, April 18, 2011 by Governor Jan Brewer. EQAZ is working with our national partners to support the federal Every Child Deserves a Family Act, a bill in Congress that would effectively invalidate SB 1188. To stay informed on this and other important issues, signup to receive email updates at click here.
Arizona Safe Schools Act
Senate Minority Leader David Schapira and Representative Katie Hobbs introduced companion bills in the Arizona Legislature this session. The Arizona Safe Schools Act (SB 1549 and HB 2580) would instruct school districts in Arizona to protect students from all forms of bullying, including anti-gay bullying. Equality Arizona is aggressively working with Senator Schapira and Representative Hobbs, as well as a coalition of safe schools advocates (like GLSEN Phoenix, Arizona State PTA, Anti-Defamation League and others) to ensure all students are safe in schools. You can follow the progress of SB 1549 here and HB 2580 here.
Update: The Arizona Legislature adjourned their 2011 session without taking action on the Arizona Safe Schools Act. EQAZ remains committed to our youth and will continue to push for passage of this bill in future legislative sessions.