Equality NC News
The latest on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues and state politics in North Carolina.
Equality NC Staff Attends Meeting of State, National Leaders; Palmquist Re-Elected to Equality Federation Board
8/11/2008 - The staff of Equality North Carolina returned on Sunday from the annual Summer Meeting of Equality Federation, the national alliance of state-based equality organizations. Participants included 120 leaders of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender civil rights movement from 34 state organizations and 21 allied groups. The North Carolina delegation included Ian Palmquist, Kay Flaminio, Rebecca Mann, and Josh Wynne.
By One Vote...
7/18/2008 - In a letter to supporters, Executive Director Ian Palmquist provides an update on the end of the 2008 session. Despite having the votes, the School Violence Prevention Act died, though other important bills for the LGBT community passed this year.
House Passes Bill Opposing REAL ID Act
7/17/2008 - Equality North Carolina applauds the North Carolina House for passing a bill opposing implementation of the federal REAL ID Act. The federal law places arduous, unfunded requirements on the Division of Motor Vehicles and raises serious concerns for individual privacy. Equality NC opposes REAL ID due to its implications for transgender North Carolinians.
Tax Law Change Will Benefit Same-Sex Couples
7/16/2008 - Equality North Carolina applauds the repeal of the Gift Tax, which unfairly discriminates against same-sex couples. The tax was repealed by the state budget, which Governor Easley signed today. The Gift Tax, a tax paid by the recipient of gifts of real and personal property, exempts gifts between spouses from any tax, and gives certain relatives a lower rate. Same-sex couples, who are denied recognition under North Carolina law, are treated as legal strangers and taxed at the highest rate.
Poll: North Carolinians Strongly Support Inclusive Bullying Bill
7/16/2008 - An overwhelming majority of North Carolinians, across party lines, support a provision to specifically protect children from bullying based on their sexual orientation, according to a poll released today by Public Policy Polling. 72% of those polled in a statewide survey conducted by Public Policy Polling expressed support for the provision. That includes 84% of Democrats, 72% of independents, and 58% of Republicans in the state.
Aloha Equality!
