Dwight Evans released his agenda for gay Philadelphians today. Among his commitments, he wants to exempt same-sex couples from real estate transfer tax when one member of the couple deeds a home to his or her partner -- a tax exemption that married couples take for granted.
Also, he committed to:
*Supporting openly gay Philadelphians who are running for city offices, including running for judgeships. In fact, he announced his support today for Dan Anders, an openly gay candidate running for Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas.
*Requiring sensitivity training at the police academy and within the police department on issues for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people -- as well as recommending that the Philadelphia School District host similar training.
*Supporting a council ordinance to create the city real estate transfer tax exemption mentioned above. Men and women who are married, and parents and children, already get special tax treatment.
*Supporting state legislation that protects gay workers from on-the-job discrimination -- and asking City Council to prohibit the city from purchasing from companies that don't have explicit policies forbidding discrimination in the workplace.
A couple of his other goals were more general:
*Establishing a Mayor’s LGBT liaison and an active Mayor’s LGBT Advisory Board. He said he would "ensure" that the Mayor’s cabinet and senior management reflects the City’s diversity, though he didn't specify any goals for hiring. Ditto for spending in the city budget.
*Working with the Mazzoni Center, Manna, ActionAIDS, William Way Community Center, Legacy Fund and organizations "to effectively manage Philadelphia’s health care and social service funding and delivery" -- though he didn't give more specifics.
By the way, did you see this in the New York Times on Sunday?
That's not our LOVE statue, by the way -- it's the one near Broadway in New York, I am sure of it -- and I don't know if a gay couple could get away with kissing next to it in Philly or not.
Comments (4)
On a related note, the city currently recognizes same-sex partners of its employees because of a bill Michael Nutter introduced while on city council. It's mentioned in the Philly Magazine article from a while back.
http://www.phillymag.com/articles/michael_nutters_dilemma/
Posted by Dave![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://blogs.phillynews.com/dailynews/nextmayor/nav-commenters.gif)
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February 20, 2007 8:00 PM
My partner and I kiss in public frequently. I mean, goodbye or hello pecks on the lips, not tongue locks. The worst reaction from any bystander in Philly has been a brief look of surprise followed by a look of embarrassment. I think same-sex affection in NYC is noticed more than it is in Philly because the place is teaming with tourists from Red America and the recently rich who've bought up all the overpriced one-room condos near the Disney Store.
Posted by Scott | February 21, 2007 12:29 PM
Comment Deleted.
Posted by OARK INC | February 21, 2007 5:20 PM
I think it's great that he's showing the other candidates that just saying quietly in private that we support LGBT people isn't enough.
And unlike the poster above - I have been assaulted in this city because of who I am.
Remeber the school committee meeting when people trashed our youth & our families - none of these people who say they support equality spoke up. Just saying you support our equality when no one else is looking - that's not enough anymore.
Posted by NW Gal | February 22, 2007 11:30 AM