(Community Matters) Last weekend, an impressive group of LGBT activists gathered in Dallas and laid out The Dallas Principles.
Civil Rights Goals
Being united by common principles and engaging in united action, we will achieve the following goals:
1.DIGNITY AND EQUALITY. Every lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender person has inherent dignity and worth, and has the right to live free of discrimination and harassment.
2.FAMILY. Every LGBT person has the right to a family without legal barriers to immigration, civil marriage or raising children.
3.ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY. Every LGBT person has the right to economic opportunity free from discrimination in employment, public housing, accommodation, public facilities, credit, and federally funded programs and activities.
4.EDUCATION. Every LGBT child and youth has the right to an education that is affirming, inclusive and free from bullying.
5.NATIONAL SECURITY. Every LGBT person should have the opportunity to serve our country openly and equally in our military and foreign service.
6.CRIME. Every LGBT person should enjoy life protected against bias crimes.
7.HEALTH CARE. Every person should have access to affordable, high quality, and culturally competent health care without discrimination.
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The following eight guiding principles underlie their call to action.
In order to achieve full civil rights now, we avow:
1.Full civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals must be enacted now. Delay and excuses are no longer acceptable.
2.We will not leave any part of our community behind.
3.Separate is never equal.
4.Religious beliefs are not a basis upon which to affirm or deny civil rights.
5.The establishment and guardianship of full civil rights is a non-partisan issue.
6.Individual involvement and grassroots action are paramount to success and must be encouraged.
7.Success is measured by the civil rights we all achieve, not by words, access or money raised.
8.Those who seek our support are expected to commit to these principles.
Community Matters 