Human Rights Campaign Newsletter

Just checked my HRC newsletter and it is making me mad again.

Here it is...


Dear Brianna,

You were there when the American Family Association (AFA) tried to air an hour-long TV program of bigotry that claimed hate crime laws would "do away with our freedom of speech" and put pastors in jail.

Your outcry helped get the AFA's anti-LGBT tirade pulled. But with the federal hate crimes bill gaining traction, these same lies are spreading in the U.S. Congress.

That's why we're launching a full-throttle campaign to speak the truth and win this first critical legislative battle of 2009. We have a lot of work to do – but not a lot of time.
Help us raise $120,000 by April 3, when Congress goes to their home states and our campaign goes into high gear.

This is the time to become an HRC member, Brianna. We're offering first-time members an HRC whistle keychain as a symbol of your stake in this campaign. As the film Milk reminds us, early LGBT communities used whistles to protect against hate violence when law enforcement failed them. In 2009, isn't it time we had more than a whistle? Give now >>

Our grassroots strength is about to be tested. We're not just talking about one hateful TV program now, but an all-out effort to stop federal protections for our friends, family and neighbors.

Our opponents are using ruthless lies to intimidate members of Congress who are on the fence – like their claim that this law would "silence people of faith." Of course, the Matthew Shepard Act only pertains to physical violence, not hateful speech. So how do we get that message out?
By lobbying Congress relentlessly. By bringing clergy of all faiths to Washington to counter the anti-LGBT propaganda machine. By taking the fight to members' home districts starting April 3rd, with phone and email campaigns targeting their in-state offices. By filling their local papers with op-ed pieces and letters to the editor. By exposing right-wing deceit openly and publicly on our new website, www.endthelies.org.

It's all critical to winning this battle. But none of it is possible without your support. We need to raise $120,000 by next week to launch a comprehensive campaign against growing right-wing lies.

Join HRC today, and join the fight to pass the hate crimes bill. Give now and blow the whistle on right-wing lies with your free gift!

I can't stress enough the importance of winning on hate crimes. It would pave the way for other critical equality measures in 2009. And it would make millions more LGBT people feel safe in their homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. That gift is priceless.

Warmly,

Joe Solmonese
President



I had to lie about my age to even get the newsletter, so I can't officially join. But please, please, please help any way you can. Please.

This is wrong. Hate crime laws wouldn't stop freedom of speech, just the act of harming someone because of your beliefs against them. People can talk all they want--we just want to be able to feel we're safe.

thank you.

xoxo,
Brii333