The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
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Dumont NJ, officials in Dumont, have approved a new flag ordinance restricting displays outside Borough Hall to government-authorized flags only. The decision, which effectively bans the LGBTQ+ Pride flag, has raised concerns about potential discrimination.
Continue reading Dumont Passes Flag Ordinance, Sparking LGBTQ+ Concerns
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Washington DC. The Supreme Court ruled Monday that the key federal law prohibiting discrimination in the workplace protects gay, lesbian or transgender employees from being disciplined, fired or turned down for a job based on their sexual orientation.
Continue reading The Supreme Court Extends Civil Rights Act of 1964 Protections to LGBTQ
May 22, 2018
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River Vale Nj, Holly Schepisi New Jersey State Assemblywoman for District 39 voiced her concern over set aside programs, “I am not a fan of set aside programs in general but I have consistently voted in favor of programs that help those with disabilities and our country’s veterans. I also am supportive of our LGBTQ community and have crossed party lines to not only support, but also to sponsor, initiatives to ensure equality for members of this community. However this Thursday we are being asked to vote on a new set aside program which will give financial assistance to businesses owned by members of the LGBTQ community above all others except for veterans and the disabled.
While I understand giving financial assistance to veterans and those who are disabled, I honestly do not understand the correlation of providing preferential business treatment to being a member of the LGBTQ community. Indeed we recently passed laws in New Jersey which specifically preclude all governmental agencies from inquiring about someone’s sexuality/gender identity, etc. and now we are passing a program which is solely contingent on someone reporting their sexuality and/or gender identity? Moreover, all recent studies that I have seen indicate that LGBTQ couples (both married and unmarried) have higher incomes than straight couples. I am willing to listen to my friends on the other side of the aisle on this but I see no practical reason for this legislation.”
Tyler Clementi
James and Jane Clementi received the Pride Award
Tyler Clementi’s family ‘validated’ by LGBTQ Pride Award
By Jessica Mazzola | NJ Advance Media, for NJ.com
James and his mother Jane were in Newark this afternoon to accept the annual Pride Award from the Essex County LGBTQ Pride Month Celebration. The Clementi family, who started a foundation in the wake of 18-year-old Tyler’s very publicized suicide weeks after starting his freshman year at Rutgers in 2010, was nominated to receive this year’s award by the county’s LGBTQ Advisory Board.
“I wish Tyler could have had the acceptance that he craved so much,” James Clementi said of his brother, who jumped off the George Washington Bridge days after his college roommate recorded and tweeted about Clementi’s sexual relationship with another man.
James and his parents said they started the Tyler Clementi Foundation in an attempt to work with struggling LGBTQ youths and their families, and to advocate for equality and against bullying.
“I wish [Tyler] could be here today,” James, who came out publicly himself in a People Magazine article after his brother’s suicide, said at the ceremony.