Family Foundation of Kentucky SPAM's U.K.

The Family Trust Foundation of Kentucky, an offshoot of the national Family Foundation, targeted the University of Kentucky for unsolicited SPAM yesterday.

The Family Trust Foundation of Kentucky emailed surveys to approximately 9,000 University of Kentucky faculty and staff, asking them about possible health benefits for domestic partners of UK employees, including those of the same sex.

According to the Herald-Leader, the 10-question survey starts with questions on opinions about the domestic-partner benefits, then moves to questions about whether the proposal represents the values of Kentucky citizens, or whether the respondent has felt pressured to support it.

UK research specialist Zina Merkin said she considers the survey a "push poll," designed to influence opinion rather than gauge it. UK officials immediately responded yesterday morning with a blanket e-mail denying any connection to the survey. "We had received a number of concerns from folks, and we were just trying to explain this was not a university-sanctioned survey," said UK spokesman Jay Blanton.

Two weeks ago, a UK committee unanimously voted to offer domestic-partner benefits to same-sex and opposite-sex unmarried couples.

Among some 13,600 UK employees, the proposal eventually could affect about 204 opposite-sex couples and 68 same-sex couples, the committee report said. If the plan is approved, UK would become Kentucky's second state university to offer domestic-partner benefits. The University of Louisville began offering the benefits on Jan. 1.

As we all know, ultra-conservative Republican Stan Lee (R), has pre-filed a bill to ban domestic partner coverage at Kentucky's public universities.

On the website for the Family Trust Foundation of Kentucky, they list the following quote: "Before every legislator votes, Before every governor proposes a plan, Before every judge rules He should ask, 'How is this going to affect the family?'" —Kent Ostrander, Executive Director.

Perhaps it would be best to ask what's fair, just, and equal.

One must wonder if this question was asked about the Women's Liberation Movement, or equal rights for minority groups if they would have ever succeeded. Teaching your "family" that we are all created equal, must live together peacefully and love our neighbors is by far the best family value.

Recommendation: The Family Foundation of Kentucky should change its name to "Return Kentucky to the Stone Age Foundation."

UCLA study: 61% of incoming freshmen support marriage equality.

A UCLA report released today about the attitudes of college freshmen nationwide says acceptance of same-sex marriage grew between 2005 and 2006.

The study found that 61% of incoming freshmen last year agreed that same-sex couples should have the right to marriage, up 3.3 percentage points from 2005.

Based on a paper questionnaire given to 271,441 first-time, full-time college students at 393 schools nationwide in 2006, the annual survey was conducted as part of the Cooperative Institutional Research Program under UCLA's Higher Education Research Institute. The researchers statistically adjusted the data to reflect the demographics of the 1.3 million incoming freshmen entering four-year schools throughout the U.S. in 2006.

The UCLA study surveyed opinions on a variety of social and political issues.

Researchers say today's freshmen are more vocal about their political ideologies than in previous years, with 33.8% saying they've recently discussed politics, up from 25.5% in 2004, when the question was last asked.

The percentage of students identifying themselves as "liberal," 28.4%, is at its highest level since 1975, and those identifying as "conservative," 23.9%, at its highest level in the survey's 40-year history.

However, the majority of 2006's freshman students, 43.3%, consider themselves "middle-of-the-road," the lowest percentage since first measured by the research program in 1970.

Hot-button issues, such as abortion and same-sex marriage, sharply divide liberals and conservatives, the survey found.

While the majority of freshmen overall support same-sex marriage, the issue divides students along ideological lines. Four out of 5 liberals support same-sex marriage, compared with 1 out of every 3 conservatives.

The common ground between liberals and conservatives can be found on affirmative action in college admissions, where 53% of conservatives and 45% of liberals agree that the practice should be abolished.

The two groups strongly agree in similar proportions that "dissent is a critical component of the political process," supported by 63.2% of conservatives and 66.1% of liberals surveyed.

University of Kentucky Domestic-Partner Benefits.

Though I would rarely post a blog myself, some of the comments and emails Kentucky Equality Federation has received about the University of Kentucky's Domestic Partner Benefits is disturbing. Some Kentucky political blogs have also posted items that are untrue, irrational, and downright childish in the name of progress.

A good rule in both business and politics is to know what you are talking about before you speak. I just had a chance to read the University of Kentucky's Work-Life Committee's Report and associated links/references dated January 15, 2007.

First of all you must understand that the Work-Life Committee didn't throw this report together overnight; a lot of research, feedback, and studies from independent companies influenced their decision. In addition, the Staff Senate, Senate Council as well as the full University Senate each approved resolutions in support of offering benefits to both same-sex and opposite-sex domestic partners.

These developments alone warrant someone taking the time to read the reports before arriving at a personal conclusion. I question the intelligence of any person who would condemn or otherwise attempt to stop something from happening prior to understanding the facts, as well as the substance of an issue.

Here are some interesting facts to keep in mind (taken from the Work-Life Committee's Report):

• Benefits (such as health insurance) account for a third of a University employees compensation package.
• Companies now employ a workforce where 49% of households are maintained by unmarried men or women, instead of the married-couple household model upon which benefits are historically based.
• More than half of the Fortune 500 companies provide domestic partner benefits to their employees.
• Domestic partner benefits have become commonplace not only nationally, but across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
• Potential funding for domestic partner healthcare benefits already exists in the University of Kentucky's budget.
• Opposite-sex domestic partner coverage is projected to be 1-2% while same-sex domestic partner coverage is projected at only 0.5%.
• People would have to sign affidavit's stating they have been in a relationship with their sole domestic-partner for at least six (6) months.

One Kentucky political blog posted a title stating domestic-partner benefits would cost Kentucky taxpayers $633,000.00 per year. If you read the Committee's Report, this isn't true.

Projected Yearly Cost: $633,000.00
University General Fund: $253,000.00 (40%, already in the University's $68.2 million dollar healthcare budget)
Other Sources: $380,000.00 (60%, this comes from grants, contracts, Athletics, parking, and hospital revenues)

If the University of Kentucky believes they need to extend domestic-partner benefits to remain competitive and (yes, that's right, an additional bonus) it helps insure uninsured Kentuckians, what's wrong with it?

-Jordan Palmer, Kentucky Equality Federation President

Kentuckians Value Equality; 2 Questions.

Please answer the following two (2) questions:

1. You, your partner, friend, neighbor, or other loved ones can be terminated from a job in Kentucky because of their sexual orientation and it's perfectly legal! The commonwealth provides no protection to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender community in employment, housing, credit, accommodations, or services just to name a few. Do you believe the commonwealth should protect people from discrimination based on sexual orientation?


2. To attract new, talented teachers in Kentucky (and retain the ones we have) colleges and universities across the commonwealth are electing to extend domestic partner benefits to homosexual partners. Is education important to you? Representative Stan Lee (R - Lexington) has filed a bill to prevent Kentucky's Educational Institutions from being able to do this! Do you believe extending domestic partner benefits at Kentucky's Educational Facilities is fair and equal treatment?

If you answered YES to either of the questions above, we need you with us in Frankfort on February 22, 2007!

> Click here to sign-up!

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: If I attend, does this mean my representative or senator in Frankfort will know I'm LGBT?
A: No. Your sexual orientation is just that, your sexual orientation and entirely your business. Just because you attend doesn't mean you are LGBT, you may simply support fair and equal treatment! 18.3% of Kentucky Equality Federation members are heterosexual supporters!

Q: How important is this event?
A: Critical. We must assemble as many people together as possible to let our government know what we believe to be fair and equal treatment. We must show our legislators we have united to make Kentucky a place blessed with diversity, natural wealth, beauty, And grace from on High as stated in the Kentucky Pledge of Allegiance.

Q: Should I ask others to attend with me?
A: Absolutely! Again, we must assemble as many people together as possible to let our government know what we believe to be fair and equal treatment. We must show our legislators we have united to make Kentucky a place blessed with diversity, natural wealth, beauty, And grace from on High as stated in the Kentucky Pledge of Allegiance.

Q: Who organized this event?
A: Management from the Kentucky Fairness Alliance and the Kentucky Equality Federation began discussing the idea before the Thanksgiving holiday. Management from both organizations agreed to proceed, along with Louisville's Fairness Campaign.

Q: Is there a charge for attending?
A: Absolutely not! Speaking to your legislature and attending a rally is always free! You may however decide to support the Kentucky Equality Federation and showing your solidarity by purchasing one of our new "Kentuckians Value Equality" shirts to wear to the event on February 22, 2007; click here for details.

Sign-up! Rally for Equality/Fairness in Frankfort on February 22, 2006.

With an important session of the General Assembly just ahead and several critical issues on the agenda, Kentucky Equality Federation has partnered with the Kentucky Fairness Alliance to gather all our supporters in Frankfort on the same day.

Kentuckians Value Equality and Kentuckians Value Fairness is an opportunity for us to raise the voice and visibility of fair-minded Kentuckians with our legislators and our neighbors. On the morning of the 22nd, citizen lobbyists from around the commonwealth will meet with their legislators.

While e-mails, phone calls, and letters are good, talking face to face with your elected officials is the most effective way to persuade them to support fairness. The Kentucky Fairness Alliance and/or the Kentucky Equality Federation will supply you with all the training and tools you'll need to have a successful visit with your lawmaker.

• Click here to sign-up now!
• Click here if you would like to attend the Rally ONLY!

Have you signed up for training on how to lobby your elected officials? Sign-up for free training at one of these locations:

• January 10th - Lexington
• January 18th - Richmond
• January 21st - Elizabethtown
• January 22nd - Louisville
• January 23rd - Morehead
• January 25th - Northern Kentucky

On the morning of February 22nd, citizen lobbyists from around the commonwealth will meet with their legislators.

Click here to sign-up now!

Click here if you would like to attend the Rally ONLY!

We are very excited and want to have the largest number of people attend as possibile; we have strength in number that cannot be ignored!

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Federation Vice President Brian Endicott or Federation Alliance Manager Clarence Wallace toll-free at 877-4KEF-HELP.

We look forward to seeing YOU there!

Regards,

Jordan Palmer, Brian Endicott, Clarence Wallace, Nick Herweck, Paige D. Marks, and Brandi Walker.

Organizations involved: (United We Stand):

• Kentucky Equality Federation
• Kentucky Fairness Alliance
• The Fairness Campaign (Louisville)

Anti-gay Christians miss message.

Anti-gay Christians miss message. Click here to read the article by Staff reporter Kevin Eigelbach who writes on religion for The Cincinnati Post and Kentucky Post.

Support rally in Berea tomorrow at a soldier's funeral to counter Fred Phelps' Westboro Baptist Church.

Kentucky Equality Federation will participate in a counter protest in Berea tomorrow at the Berea Baptist Church.

The Westboro Baptist Church, ran by Fred Phelps and family will be picketing the funeral of Private First Class Theodore M. West. The Phelps "clan" own websites such as www.gothatesfags.com, and www.godhatescanada.com.

The Westboro Baptist Church pickets funerals nationwide with the message "Thank God for AIDS," "Thank God for Weapons of Mass Destruction," and "Your Son is Burning in Hell."

In an email message with the Berea Baptist Church, Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer said "Phelps and his "clan" in my opinion use the word of God to spread hate and intolerance. I personally believe he will have a lot to answer for when he stands before God in Judgment. But, that is only my opinion. I'm not qualified to be his Judge because this is an act reserved by God himself.

Palmer also stated "Regardless of how Theodore M. West died, he did so in defense in the ideals the founders of our commonwealth and our republic laid before us. He died in our defense, and fought so other generations could enjoy the democracy of both the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the entire United States of America."

Palmer told Berea Baptist Church Senior Pastor Kevin Slemp that regardless of the political and spiritual differences the Berea Baptist Church and Kentucky Equality Federation may or may not have, he hoped they could agree the message the Phelps "clan" was sending was wrong.

Slemp responded to Palmer's communication by stating "I share your outrage at their protest. Personally, I would be supportive of your counter-protest. We are already expecting counter-protesters called the 'Patriot Guard Riders.' Given their planned participation, and the fact that Governor Fletcher and perhaps Congressman Chandler might also attend, we will already have quite a busy event. On Wednesday, my associate minister and myself met with officers of the Berea Police and the Kentucky State Police to prepare, and I would certainly want them to be fully informed of any additional counter-protests. My hope is that we will be able to prevent this event from having a circus-like atmosphere for the sake of the family. Thank you so much for the care and consideration you have expressed for the West family."

Kentucky Equality Federation shares the concern of the Berea Baptist Church of not turning a funeral into a "circus-like event." Federation President Palmer and Federation Alliance Manager Clarence Wallace would like to remind all members and participants that we will stand without speaking; this remains a personal funeral and we must respect the fact that family members are in mourning.

"Kentucky Equality Federation continues to coordinate details of the event with the Kentucky Fairness Alliance, the Berea Police Department, and the Kentucky State Police." stated Palmer.

Kentucky Equality Federation asks its members who wish to participate visit a local store a purchase two hand held flags; please hold the Flag of the Commonwealth in one hand, and the Flag of the United States of America in the other.

If anyone would like to convey a religious message, please use "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Anyone wishing to participate with Kentucky Equality Federation should meet us at First Christian Church in Berea, KY at 11 AM on Saturday for a briefing with the Berea Police Department. The First Christian Church is located across the street from Berea City Hall in Madison County.

Federation management scheduled to attend include:
- Jordan Palmer, President
- Brian Endicott, Vice President
- Clarence Wallace, Membership & Alliance Manager
- Nancy Couch, Secretary of the Federation
- Nick Herweck, Northern Kentucky Chapter President
- Jesse Alexander, Awareness Representative At-Large

Kentucky Equality Appoints a Vice President and an Awareness Representative for Louisville, KY.

Kentucky Equality Federation is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Brian Endicott as Federation Vice President.

Mr. Endicott was Chapter President of the Federation's Southeastern Kentucky Region until his official appointment as vice president of the organization on November 27, 2006.

In his new role, Endicott will assist in the supervision of legislative affairs as well as new volunteer and awareness development.

Some of the text of Endicott's official officer job descrition include:
The Federation Vice President coordinates and maintains information on current events and trends within the realm of our Mission Statement with the Awareness Manager, Awareness Representatives, and related staff ("Awareness Staff"). Maintains regular contact with Awareness Staff and presents recommendations to the Federation President and the Advisory Council.

The Federation Vice President coordinates implementation and execution of Federation policies and practices related to strategies, campaigns, and work plans. Provides leadership for problem resolution in this area.

Works closely with, and assists the Alliance Manager and Awareness Staff to develop and implement strategies, campaigns, work plans, reports, coalitions, and organizational growth.

Coordinates efficient and timely dissemination of special materials to build goodwill and community relations. Helps ensure consistency and credibility in all communications with targeted audiences and Federation Members.

In addition to Endicott, Kentucky Equality Federation now has an Awareness Representative for Louisville, KY.

Ms. Brandi Walker assumed her new role on November 27, 2006 as well.

Kentucky Equality Federation is currently talking to several different people about the open position for Southeastern Kentucky. No decision will be made however until January 02, 2007 on who the new Chapter Leader will be.