Love Sees No Borders - America Embraces Equality

America Embraces Equality for All
Elections at Local Level and Congress Activity Show Environment Supportive Toward Equal Rights

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Nov. 08, 2001 - Love Sees No Borders, an educational organization focused on raising awareness of the plight of same-sex binational couples and their fight to remain together, today announced that Americans are supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) bills in the voting booths, signaling an important inflection point in American politics where support of laws granting equal rights to LGBTs is the norm rather than a radical notion.

"A definite paradigm shift is indicated by the results of these elections," said Leslie Bulbuk of Love Sees No Borders. "The era of exclusionary politics is over, and it is time for America to focus on providing equality to all its citizens--as our Constitution demands--in order to heal the wounds of hatred and divisiveness. Americans are realizing that not all families are alike, yet all should be recognized, respected, and protected especially against unwanted separation, as we see today in our current immigration laws."

On Nov. 6 elections were held in several cities and towns across the United States, which resulted in the passage of four of five LGBT-friendly policies, as well as the election of LGBT-friendly candidates, many of whom openly courted the LGBT vote and defend LGBT rights. In addition, yesterday the Senate overwhelmingly adopted a bill that enables the District of Columbia to use local funds to implement a domestic partnership benefits program. This bill passed in the House of Representatives in September.

These victories provide hope to Americans in binational same-sex relationships who are eagerly awaiting the passage of the Permanent Partners Immigration Act of 2001 (PPIA), H.R. 690. The bill would provide Americans in same-sex relationships the right to sponsor their foreign-born partners to immigrate to the U.S. This recognition has become vital post-Sept. 11 since excessive scrutiny is now being placed on foreigners. Enabling all Americans to sponsor their partners would bring security and stability to all families. Currently only Americans in opposite-sex relationships are granted this right.

"It is indeed encouraging to see Americans united in recognizing the need for equal rights for all," said Marta Donayre of Love Sees No Borders. "As a society, more needs to be accomplished so all can be truly equal. The passage of the PPIA will be a major milestone in this effort."

About Love Sees No Borders
Love Sees No Borders is an organization dedicated to promoting awareness of the plight of same-sex binational couples in the United States. Our work includes media outreach, public speaking and other educational activities. For more information about the organization and how to support our efforts through a donation, please visit www.loveseesnoborders.org.