I need you to send an email ASAP

URGENT ACTION ALERT!

I'm hearing our opponents are kicking our butt in regards to sending emails and making phone calls!  Help me turn that around now!  We don't have much time!  Ask your friends and family to participate.  The first floor reading is happening tomorrow!

Help Us Pass Domestic Partnership Rights and Responsibilities Act in the Equality State.

The Domestic Partners Rights and Responsibilities Act was passed by the House Corporations Committee by a vote of 7 to 2, with strong bipartisan support, a vote is expected by the full House tomorrow.   This is an historic opportunity to provide critical protections for same sex and opposite sex couples and their families. 

But victory is only possible with the help of equality supporters in Wyoming.
This is what you can do tonight and tomorrow morning as we only have hours to get the needed votes.

Call or email your representatives and ask them to support the domestic partners bill (HB 168.)  You can use the bullet points below as a guide, but it is always best to personalize your message, explain why the bill is important to you, and why you believe it is good for Wyoming. The list of Wyoming House members can be found here.

We have the very real opportunity to make critical progress for LGBT people in Wyoming and, with your help, victory is within reach.

Together, we will continue making history!

Jeran

Talking points on Domestic Partnerships

Why Wyoming should support HB0168:

• Wyoming's tradition of small government rejects the government telling people who they can love or what their families must look like.  Wyoming laws should support all Wyoming families.

• Research has consistently shown that strong families are less likely to require state sponsored assistance. The DPR bill will save taxpayer dollars by allowing Wyoming families to solidify the bonds that create both the rights and responsibilities required for enduring family ties. For example, only the spouse of a deceased police officer, fire fighter, or emergency medical technician will receive monthly pension benefits or be able to handle the remains and possessions of the fallen officer. Under HB0168, the partners of gay and lesbian police officers, fire fighters, and emergency medical technicians will become eligible to receive the same pension benefits and given the same right to handle the remains as spouses.#

• Presently, domestic partners have no rights under Wyoming law.  HB0168 will provide these families numerous rights including the ability to make health care decisions, funeral arrangements, and handle the remains of their deceased partner. HB0168 will instead treat everyone equally and fairly under the law.

• HB0168 provides domestic partners not only rights, but also responsibilities, ensuring that their families and taxpayers are protected.  For example, HB0168 will help ensure that children are provided for by both parents in a domestic partnership, protecting children and saving taxpayers money.  

Domestic partnerships and religious freedom

• HB0168 defines domestic partnership as a civil contract that does not involve clergy. It spells out that a domestic partnership agreement is granted by a court house not a church. Religious freedom is protected.

• Wyoming clergy are free to choose whatever unions they solemnize, recognize or celebrate and to reject those unions that do not conform to their religious beliefs.