Washington (HRC) – In another example of Mitt Romney’s inconsistent positions on matters of LGBT equality, the GOP presidential hopeful last week defended his muddled position on same-sex adoption with statistics that are erroneous. In an interview with a North Carolina television station, Romney said:

“I think all states but one allow gay adoption – that’s a position that’s been decided by most of the state legislatures, so I simply acknowledge the fact that gay adoption is legal in all of the states but one.”

No state specifically restricts lesbian, gay or bisexual single individuals from adoption (Florida’s ban ended in 2011). Beyond that, Governor Romney’s comments are incorrect. By law, same-sex couples cannot adopt in Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, and Utah.  By law, second-parent adoption is explicitly legal in just 26 states and the District of Columbia; with joint adoption explicitly legal in 18 states and the District of Columbia. The truth is that in the vast majority of states, adoption by LGB individuals and families is unclear and left to the discretion of judges, state agencies and adoption agencies who may discriminate. Learn more about state-by-state laws governing same-sex adoption.

“Mitt Romney’s remarks last week regarding same-sex adoption are wrong and, worse, they trivialize the very real and persistent obstacles qualified LGBT individuals and couples face in adopting and starting families,” said HRC Vice President of Communications Fred Sainz. “Every year, there are hundreds of thousands of kids who desperately need their forever family. LGBT individuals and families are perfectly qualified to provide that loving home. Leading medical, mental health and child welfare organizations have said time and again that sexual orientation and gender identity have absolutely nothing to do with the ability to be a parent to a child in need of a loving home. Governor Romney should clarify his muddled position and embrace adoption by loving and committed gay and lesbian parents.”

Even in those states that allow LGBT individuals to adopt, many still face discrimination. In fact, 29 states have no non-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation, and 34 states on the basis of gender identity.

This isn’t the first time Romney has sent head-scratching messages on same-sex adoption. In a CNN interview during the 2008 GOP primary, Romney reiterated his belief that every child should have a mother and a father, but pointed out that as governor of Massachusetts, he took no action to prevent LGBT individuals or couples from adopting. This is yet another example of Romney sending different messages to different audiences as he seeks the presidency.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, an organization dedicated to the health and well-being of children, supports legislation that allows both partners in a same-sex couple to jointly adopt children.  The American Psychological Association supports initiatives which allow same-sex couples to adopt and co-parent children and supports all the associated legal rights, benefits, and responsibilities which arise from such initiatives.

Photo Credit: Pink News

Four men are scheduled to hang in the town of Choram in the Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province of Iran. Saadat Arefi, Vahid Akbari, Javid Akbari and Houshmand Akbari have been sentenced to death for alleged sodomy, according to the Iranian Human Rights Activist News. Reports of their pending execution coincide with the launch of “LGBT Republic of Iran”, a pioneering report that documents the experiences of a diverse range of LGBT Iranians who live, or have lived, under the repressive, homophobic Tehran regime – and the importance of the internet to their lives, as means to meet, support each other, learn about LGBT life in the outside world and evade the censorship of their government.

The launch takes place on the eve of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHO), on Wednesday 16 May 2012 at 6:30pm, at Amnesty International’s Human Rights Action Centre, 17-25 New Inn Yard, London, EC2A 3EA. Map: goo.gl/eS9C7

Admission to the event is free, however, those who wish to attend need to reserve in advance. Please register here: goo.gl/ZLjRL
Wednesday’s event includes an overview of the report’s findings by Small Media’s Director of Operations, Dr Bronwen Robertson, a music performance from Iranian guitarist Ramtin Montazemi, a Q&A panel of Iranian experts moderated by the Guardian’s Brian Whitaker, featuring lesbian activist Shadi Amin, human rights lawyer Mehri Jafari, Guardian journalist Saeed Kamali Dehghan; as well as human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell.

There will be a poetry reading of work by Iranian LGBT literary activists, a short film about Iranian LGBT refugees in Turkey, and video messages from LGBT Iranians who are enduring the repression of the Iranian government.

Ernst & Young LLP landed the number 6 spot on DiversityInc.’s annual “Top 50 companies for Diversity” list, remaining within the top ten for the fourth consecutive year. The firm has appeared on the list for the past nine years, and ranked within the top 50 seven years running.

In response to this year’s ranking, the company issued the following press release:

Ernst & Young LLP ranks no. 6 on The 2012 DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity® list, marking the fourth consecutive year the firm appears in the top 10. This is also the seventh consecutive year the firm ranks in the top 50, of its nine appearances on the list to date.

Additionally, Ernst & Young LLP was named The 2012 DiversityInc Top Company for Global Cultural Competence and will be one of eight companies recognized for unique achievements and diversity management innovations at the 2012 DiversityInc Special Awards event this October.

In other awards announced by DiversityInc, Ernst & Young ranks:

No. 1 in The DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for People With Disabilities

No. 2 in The DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for Global Diversity

No. 3 in The DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for Executive Women

No. 4 in The DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for LGBT Employees

No. 4 in The DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for Recruitment & Retention

Luke Visconti, CEO of DiversityInc, said the following regarding Ernst & Young LLP’s 2012 listing: “Ernst & Young has strong values and a talent-development model that is exemplary in the United States and around the world. The organization’s leadership is deeply committed to creating an inclusive workforce, including major efforts to help disadvantaged youth. Led by Global Chairman and CEO James Turley, the global Ernst & Young organization has had remarkable success in getting its employees involved in diversity and inclusion. For example, Ernst & Young LLP has 88% more employees as members of at least two resource groups than the remaining DiversityInc Top 10. The recent appointment of Karyn Twaronite, a partner with significant experience and influence, to head the diversity efforts in the Americas is a signal of how important diversity is at this company.”

The 12th annual list was announced on April 24 at The DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity Dinner in New York City, attended by nearly 600 corporate leaders. A total of 587 companies participated in the 2012 DiversityInc Top 50 competition, up 11 percent from last year. The list includes companies from a wide range of industries, such as consulting, retail, manufacturing and banking.

“We’ve moved beyond examining our return on investing in diversity and inclusiveness,” said Stephen Howe Jr., Managing Partner, Ernst & Young LLP. “Given this is a global business priority of our organization, it’s embedded in everything we do. Our diversity and inclusiveness leader reports to me and is on our operating committee. Business imperatives don’t settle for the sidelines.”

Karyn L. Twaronite, Americas Inclusiveness Officer, Ernst & Young LLP, added, “Diversity and inclusiveness are not an appendage to our business strategy — both are central to the success of our people and our markets. All of our people bring diverse talents we can leverage, so we expect, reinforce and reward inclusive leadership. Differences matter in our business and make us better.” Twaronite was a panelist during the Best Practices From the DiversityInc Top 50 event on April 24, participating in the interactive session, “Best Strategies for Women.”

To qualify for The DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity, applicants must have at least 1,000 employees and are asked to answer a 300-field survey divided into four parts: CEO Commitment, Human Capital, Corporate and Organizational Communications, and Supplier Diversity.

Get involved with the Human Rights Campaign with this month’s “HRC Connect” event, First San Diego Dinner.

Table Captains are the heart of the event’s attendance. Each Table Captain strives to fill a table, creating their own guest list and spending an inspirational evening surrounded by friends and family. When your friends purchase tickets, they’ll be able to select your name from the list.

San Diego hosts “HRC Connect” the third Tuesday of every month from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Bamboo Lounge. HRC Connect is an opportunity for anyone and everyone to mingle, drink and have a good time. With the exception of a brief HRC national update, this networking event is all about taking a break and having fun.

Bamboo Lounge

1475 University Ave

San Diego, CA 92103

7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Upcoming Dates: May 15th and June 19th

Our May 15th HRC Connect will be co-hosted by San Diego Pride.

Be sure to read Tom Andrew’s review in Top Highlights and Section 4a

(The following is edited promotional copy)

After her critically acclaimed debut as Roxie Hart on Broadway and in London’s West End, Christie Brinkley, one of the most successful supermodels in history, will make her Broadway tour debut this spring as she reprises her “killer role” in the six-time Tony Award-winning musical smash hit “Chicago.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Christie and her incredible dedication, focus and determination that she exhibits..,” said producer Barry Weissler. “I’m excited to share with audiences the stellar performance that she delivers.”

During her career as one of the world’s most successful and recognizable fashion models, Christie Brinkley has appeared on more than 500 magazine covers worldwide. But the supermodel also excels as an artist, writer, photographer, designer, actress, philanthropist environmentalist and political activist, according to a press release issued by the show’s production company.

Christie Brinkley\Credit: Andrew Eccles

Now in its 16th year of girls, glitz and glamour on the Great White Way, the record-breaking smash hit musical “Chicago” is now the fourth longest-running production in Broadway history.

With a legendary book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, “Chicago” is also the winner of six 1997 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revival. The show also won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Cast Recording.

Set amid the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, “Chicago” is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids.

Directed by Tony Award winner, Walter Bobbie and choreographed by Tony Award winner Ann Reinking, “Chicago” features set design by John Lee Beatty; costume design by Tony Award winner, William Ivey Long; lighting design by Tony Award winner Ken Billington; and sound design by Scott Lehrer.

A Ford model for more than thirty years, Christie Brinkley was discovered by a photographer in Paris at the age of eighteen. Since then, she has become the first model to ever appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated for three consecutive years, and appeared in the publication’s annual swimsuit issues and television specials for years to follow.

In 1976, CoverGirl gave Brinkley her first “big break” in modeling with a contract, which launched the start of a 20-year partnership that marks the longest-running cosmetics contract of any model in history.

Christie Brinkley is known for her commitment to health and fitness. She wrote and illustrated a health and beauty book entitled, “Christie Brinkley’s Outdoor Beauty and Fitness Guide” which topped The New York Times bestseller list.

On the big screen, she made her acting debut in 1983 opposite Chevy Chase in the hit feature film National Lampoon’s Vacation and its 1997 sequel, Vegas Vacation. She has also famously appeared in Billy Joel’s classic music videos “Uptown Girl,” “Keeping the Faith” and “All About Soul,” as well as Mick Jones’ music video “Just Wanna Hold.”

On television, Christie has appeared on NBC’s “Mad About You” and hosted Lifetime Television’s “InStyle Celebrity Weddings,” which became the highest rated special in Lifetime’s history. She has also been featured in Vh1′s “Pop Culture Icons” series. Christie has been the subject of many documentaries including the HBO program “Beautiful Baby, Beautiful,” Lifetime’s “Intimate Portrait” and “Barbara Walters’ Oscar Night Special.”

Christie is an active member and dedicated supporter/activist for many organizations including UNICEF’s Art and Entertainment Support Committee, Handgun Control, Ovarian Cancer, Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Cousteau Society, Southern Poverty Law, The Wilderness Society and stopglobalwarming.org.

She currently lives in New York with two of her three children, Sailor Lee and Jack Paris. Her daughter, actress/singer Alexa Ray Joel, lives in New York City.

Get ready for events galore in South Park this week, this month, this summer. Here’s a taste:

May 12

The Next Door Gallery — Opening of new gallery art show, “Soul Being” by Sharon Novak. Artist’s reception Saturday, 5-8pm, with entertainment by musician Jeffrey Joe.

May 19

South Bark Dog Wash — Animal Communicator Terri Steuben signs her book, 12-4pm. Secrets of A Pet Whisperer teaches pet owners tips, including how to use Terri’s “talking pictures” technique to help send a clear message to your pet. With over 20 years of counseling, Terri has insight for just about every situation, from chewing and barking, to bringing home a new baby. For more information or to schedule a session with Terri please call (619) 232-7387.

Friday evenings at Graffiti Beach — The Graffiti Beach Art Showcases are on Fridays, from 6-9pm. On tap this month:

• May 11th – Tia Vamp & Jimmy Ovadia

• May 18th – Bret Barrett & Sean Brannan

• May 25th – Rejeena Victoriano & Dion Terry

June 16th

The 14th Annual Old House Fair, 10am to 4pm. Complete info at www.theoldhousefair.com. Historic Home Tour tickets now available online. Festival is free — bring the family! (Volunteers needed – call 619-233-6679.)

July 14^th

Celebrate “Summer of Love” at Walkabout. Save the date! The next Walkabout will be on Saturday, July 14th, 2012, with a “Summer of Love” theme. Look for 60’s style décor, hippie attire, and retro music along with shop specials and a sidewalk barbecue by the eateries of Beech Street (Alchemy, Grant’s, and Hamilton’s). More info to come, at southparkscene.com, or follow us on Facebook.

Our neighborhood businesses celebrate their independence with quarterly Walkabouts, evenings where shops stay open late, musicians play on street corners, and restaurants offer specials for sidewalk dining. A trolley tour shuttles throughout the 10-block area, and a guided walking tour (6:30pm) explores architectural and shopping highlights. Both the trolley and walking tours are free for visitors.

Source: The Williams Institute

The Williams Institute at UCLA released results of a new study today in which researchers considered FBI data on hate crimes to determine the impact of hate-motivated violence on LGBT individuals.

According to the study, which is the first of its kind to use FBI data for this purpose, gay men face higher rates of hate-motivated physical violence as compared to other LGBT individuals and others under federal protection due to hate crime risk.

Rebecca L. Stotzer, study author and Associate Professor and Director of Distance Education at the University of Hawai’I, Manoa, explained that these results suggest a need for further research “to explore why gay men are more likely to experience and/or report physical victimization and crimes against their property.”

According to the FBI data used in the study, 26 out of 100,000 gay men reported hate crime violence, as opposed to 10 out of 100,000 lesbians. Only 5 out of 100,000 African Americans and 5 out of 100,000 Jewish Americans reported victimization due to hate-motivated violence.

Researchers point out that these numbers likely under represent victims of hate crimes, since that data includes only those victims who reported their experiences to local law enforcement agents, who then in turn reported that information to the FBI.

The Williams Institute study is the first to suggest such a discrepancy between gay men and other federally protected groups when it comes to hate-motivated violence.

A meeting of the Fox Canyon Neighborhood Association is scheduled to take place 6:15 pm on Tuesday, May 8 in the Community Room Auburn Park, 5123 University Avenue.

Meeting agenda points include discussion of the City of San Diego budget and a CPI Budget 101 presentation by Trinh Le.

Family, neighbors and friends are welcome to attend.

Rachel Maddow comes down hard on Mitt Romney campaign contributor and finance co-chair VanderSloot/Source: MSNBC

Romney campaign finance co-hair Frank VanderSloot, also the CEO of Melaleuca, Inc., found himself the target of MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow last week when the host exposed VanderSloot’s involvement in outing an Idaho reporter.

Peter Zuckerman, a reporter for the Idaho Falls Post-Register, received critical acclaim for his work uncovering the details of child molester and Boy Scout leader Bradley Stowell’s protection at the hands of Mormon Church leaders. Journalist Jody May Chang of As I See It writes that, in response to Zuckerman’s reporting on the case, VanderSloot ran a full-page ad closely resembling a news story in length and formatting in which he spoke against Zuckerman and also revealed his status as a gay man. During his time on “The Rachel Maddow Show,” Zuckerman explained that the ad had “a tremendous impact,” including widespread discrimination on the part of members of the small and conservative community in which he and his partner lived.

“My boyfriend, at the time, came home and said I don’t have my job anymore. They know I’m gay.  They know about my relationship with you. They don’t want me there anymore,” Zuckerman explained.

Maddow’s interview revealed the toll VanderSloot’s ad took on Zuckerman, both personally and professionally (he, too, found it difficult to do his work after news of his sexual orientation spread throughout the community).

In response to the segment, VanderSloot and his attorneys attempted to silence Maddow on the subject, requesting that the story be removed from the web and then protesting when Maddow publicized their request on the air.

“They also tried to insist their written communication to NBC news about this matter were confidential and not for publication. Of course, we didn’t enter into any agreement with them,” said Maddow.

The MSNBC host went on to explain that VanderSloot claims he did not “out” Zuckerman with his ad; yet not long after Maddow’s segment with Zuckerman, the ad quietly disappeared from Melaleuca, Inc.’s ad archives.

Zuckerman expressed appreciation for Maddow’s coverage of the story, as well as thanks to the Idaho Falls community for taking action on behalf of child safety in response to his reporting work.