Equality For All

Questions and Answers About the Boycott of Arizona

Questions and answers about SB 1070, Arizona state legislation that will in practice lead to racial profiling as accepted police practice.

Civil Rights Groups Announce Boycott of Arizona

In the wake of Arizona Governor Jan Brewer’s decision to sign SB 1070, state legislation that will in practice lead to racial profiling as accepted police practice, the undersigned organizations join a growing number of groups across the country in taking a stand against this radical law.

Young, Progressive Elected Officials to Convene in Washington

Over 200 young, progressive elected officials will gather this week in Washington at the fifth annual convening of People For the American Way Foundation’s Young Elected Officials Network.

Faith Leaders to Sign Immigration Reform Covenant on Ellis Island

A diverse group of faith leaders from a range of denominations and ethnicities will gather on Ellis Island on Wednesday, May 5, to pledge their unified support for a dignified, just, and tolerant approach to reforming the country's immigration laws.

Statement on the White House’s Extension of Hospital Visitation Rights to Same-Sex Partners

President Obama sent a memo yesterday to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius ordering her to issue rules granting hospital visitation rights to same-sex partners.

p>Michael B. Keegan, President of People For the American Way, issued the following statement:

Honoring Dr. Benjamin Hooks

The Board and staff of People For the American Way was saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Benjamin Hooks, whose leadership in the civil rights movement of the last 60 years has facilitated profound change in our country and has inspired generations of Americans.

PFAW Applauds Moves Towards Ending Don’t Ask Don’t Tell

In a long awaited move, the Senate Armed Services Committee began hearings on possibly ending the military's discriminatory Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy.

Supreme Court Blocks Cameras from Prop 8 Trial

The Supreme Court yesterday issued an order blocking cameras from the courtroom in the case Perry v. Schwarzenegger which challenges the constitutionality of California's anti-gay ballot initiative.

New Jersey State Senate Defeats Marriage Equality Legislation

Today, the New Jersey State Senate rejected legislation that would grant same-sex couples the right to be legally married.

PFAW: Where We've Been and Where We're Going

The recent and unparalleled resurgence of right-wing extremism in todays politics concerns us deeply. But thanks to three decades of PFAW activists, we can meet any challenge.

DC Council Passes Marriage Equality Legislation

The DC City Council today gave final approval to legislation that will extend marriage equality to same-sex couples. Mayor Adrian Fenty has promised to sign the law, which will go into effect after the Congressional review period has elapsed.

Monitoring, Exposing, and Countering the Right in 2009

Following the 2008 election, and the Right’s drubbing at the polls, many people suggested that the Right was dead. Some even said that People For the American Way could declare victory and go home. But we knew better. Despite our optimism at the inauguration of Barack Obama, People For knew that the Right remained a grave threat, with its infrastructure intact, its funders unbowed, and its extremists undaunted

Extreme Anti-Choice Measure Voted Down in Senate

The Senate today voted down a restrictive anti-choice amendment to health care reform legislation. The amendment, which would have prohibited health insurance plans that participate in the new exchange from providing full reproductive health benefits to millions of American women, was modeled on language in the House bill proposed by Representatives Bart Stupak and Joseph Pitts.

Keep Stupak Amendment Out of Senate Health Care Bill

In support of a rally held today to oppose the inclusion of restrictive anti-choice language in the Senate health care bill, People For the American Way President Michael B. Keegan said, "Health care reform is a tremendously important issue for the Senate to be considering, and no one should attempt to hold it hostage in an effort to deny women a meaningful right to reproductive choice."

DC Council Gives Preliminary Approval to Marriage Equality Legislation

The D.C. City Council today voted 11-2 to approve legislation that would allow same-sex couples to be married in the District of Columbia. The legislation will be voted on again in two weeks, at which time it will be sent to Mayor Adrian Fenty, who has promised to sign it.

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Samuel Statement on the Upcoming Vote on the DC Marriage Bill

As the DC Council prepares to vote on a bill granting equal marriage rights to gay and lesbian Americans, Rev. Kenneth L. Samuel, Senior Pastor of Victory For the World Church in Atlanta and Senior Fellow of People For the American Way, said, "The DC Council now has such a momentous opportunity to prove to the nation that marriage equality is indeedthe next step toward full equality for all citizens."

PFAW Memo: Election Results, the Far Right, and Fighting Back

Tuesday's electoral returns offered a mixed bag of results. A few bright spots managed to appear among some disappointing defeats, and politicians from both parties should consider them carefully before making rash, and perhaps costly, conclusions.

Maine Passes Anti-Marriage Referendum

Voters in Maine yesterday approved a referendum repealing the marriage equality legislation passed by the state legislature in May. People For the American Way President Michael B. Keegan said, "The results on Question One are deeply disappointing to all people who care about equal rights for all Americans."

YEO Network Reaches Critical Milestone of Members in All 50 States

The Young Elected Officials (YEO) Network has reached a key milestone: the Network now has members in all 50 states. Founded four years ago, the YEO Network is the first national program singularly-focused on providing a network of support to young progressive state and local elected officials.With members in all 50 states, the YEO Network has the potential to effect progressive change and support elected officials from coast to coast.