|
On May 15-17, 2009 in Dallas, Texas twenty-four thinkers, activists, and donors gathered to discuss the immediate need for full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender people in the United States. Collectively they prepared The Dallas Principles. These principals are not only guidelines but the minimal standards that must be met to achieve true equality.
Sign the Petition at the bottom of the page
PRINCIPLES
The following eight guiding principles underlie our call to action. In order to
achieve full civil rights now, we avow:
1. Full civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals must be
enacted now. Delay and excuses are no longer acceptable.
2. We will not leave any part of our community behind.
3. Separate is never equal.
4. Religious beliefs are not a basis upon which to affirm or deny civil rights.
5. The establishment and guardianship of full civil rights is a non-partisan issue.
6. Individual involvement and grassroots action are paramount to success and must
be encouraged.
7. Success is measured by the civil rights we all achieve, not by words, access or
money raised.
8. Those who seek our support are expected to commit to these principles.
FULL CIVIL RIGHTS GOALS
Being united by common principles and engaging in united action, we will achieve
the following goals:
1. DIGNITY AND EQUALITY. Every lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
person has inherent dignity and worth, and has the right to live free of
discrimination and harassment.
2. FAMILY. Every LGBT person has the right to a family without legal barriers to
immigration, civil marriage or raising children.
3. ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY. Every LGBT person has the right to economic
opportunity free from discrimination in employment, public housing,
accommodation, public facilities, credit, and federally funded programs and
activities.
4. EDUCATION. Every LGBT child and youth has the right to an education that is
affirming, inclusive and free from bullying.
5. NATIONAL SECURITY. Every LGBT person should have the opportunity to
serve our country openly and equally in our military and foreign service.
6. CRIME. Every LGBT person should enjoy life protected against bias crimes.
7. HEALTH CARE. Every person should have access to affordable, high quality,
and culturally competent health care without discrimination.
CALL TO ACTION
1. We demand that government officials act now to achieve full civil rights without
delay.
2. Our organizations and individuals need to develop a collaborative and
revolutionary new organizing model that mobilizes millions of supporters through
emerging web and phone technologies.
3. All LGBT individuals must accept personal responsibility to do everything within
their power for equality and should get involved in the movement by
volunteering, giving and being out.
4. We will hold elected officials and our organizations accountable for being
transparent and achieving full civil rights by active participation when possible
and active opposition when necessary.
5. Our allies need to be proactive in public support for full civil rights.
6. Every government measure that quantifies the US citizenry must permit LGBT
individuals to self-identify and be counted in every way citizens are counted.
7. We demand that the media present LGBT lives in fair, accurate and objective
ways that neither include nor give credence to unsubstantiated, discriminatory
claims and opinions.
Yes On Gay Marriage honors the efforts of the individuals that met on this issue and adheres to these principles in our efforts.
If you seek equality then sign with us and show support for the Dallas Pincipals. These efforts and others will help repeal DOMA and create equality for all.
|
