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Florida Feminist Legend Dies

It is with a heavy heart that we must announce the passing of an LGBT Legend & Icon Constance (“Connie”) Kurtz
Connie passed away on Sunday evening, May 27, 2018, in West Palm Beach.
Connie and her wife, Ruth Berman, were simply known as “Ruthie & Connie”. They were together for over 44 years. They first met in the late 1950’s. After 2 divorces, they became a couple in 1974.
In 1988, Ruthie & Connie sued the New York City Board of Education for “Same-Sex Healthcare Benefits”. As their case was being tried, they appeared on “The Phil Donahue Show”; coming-out-of-the-closet in front of millions of people watching T.V.
In 1996, they were victorious in their law suit.
In 2002, they portrayed themselves in the documentary film; “Ruthie & Connie: Every Room In The House”. Shown at film festivals the world over, the film won 6 “Best Documentary Film” Awards.
In 2016, the organization known as “Services & Advocacy For GLBT Elders” (SAGE), presented “The SAGE Pioneer Award” to Ruthie & Connie.
In 2017, Ruthie & Connie were presented “The Rusty Gordon Spirit of Excellence & Equality Award” at the annual TKJ Gala of the Palm Beach County Democratic Party.
Recently, Ruthie & Connie were named “HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBERS” of The Rusty Gordon LGBTA Democratic Caucus of Palm Beach County.
Earlier this year, the PBC Chapter of ‘The National Organization For Women’ (PBC-NOW), presented Ruthie & Connie with: “The Rusty Gordon Human Rights Award”.
Ruthie & Connie were married on July, 26, 2011, in New York City.
Together with Ruthie, Connie was “The Ultimate Activist & Advocate” on behalf of the Women’s Movement (NOW), the LGBT Community, and the Democratic Party.
Connie was the former president of “The United Democratic Club of Century Village, West Palm Beach”.
The Legacy that Connie Kurtz leaves behind, speaks volumes, and Connie WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.

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It’s Not About Cakes: Supreme Court Signals Approval for Discrimination Against Marginalized Communities

Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt:

The Supreme Court’s decision in the Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission case does not codify discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people, but it does normalize it. Opponents of gender equality will see this ruling as a green light for denying same-sex couples their constitutional rights, and an endorsement of the Trump Administration’s discriminatory policies.

This issue will continue to be litigated in the courts and debated by voters and lawmakers. We will continue to press for legal remedies to policies that deny fundamental rights to persons who need and deserve absolute and unchallenged equality.

When the Supreme Court rules to take away human rights, rather than expand them, it only emboldens and encourages those who would perpetuate hate speech and discrimination. This is why since its introduction, NOW has supported the Equality Act, which is now before Congress and would protect LGBTQIA+ people and everyone facing discrimination simply because of who they are. Today’s ruling makes it clear: we need equality, NOW.

Contact:

Dee Donavanik, press@now.org, 951-547-1241

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Illinois Passes The ERA, Bringing Women One Step Closer To Constitutional Equality

Statement By NOW President Toni Van Pelt:

After 36 years, the Illinois House has finally moved to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, bringing us one step closer to constitutional equality.

NOW salutes the hard work of Illinois NOW and its partners’ relentless efforts to pass the ERA.

The #MeToo movement has underscored the importance of strong legal protections for women’s rights, and our resolve to secure these Constitutional guarantees is unwavering. The hard-fought battle in Illinois shows that women are determined to win.

We know our work is not done and we will continue our efforts to help ratify the amendment in the remaining states. Not only will we work to urge our representatives to continue the fight for equality for women, but we will make sure the candidates we elect share our commitment to this cause.

Illinois has finally voted to put itself on the right side of history. There’s still more to be done to correct this shameful failure of our Constitution. But today, NOW activists celebrate our victory in Illinois and tomorrow we will continue the fight in Virginia and the remaining states.

Contact

Dee Donavanik, press@now.org, 951-547-1241