Courage Campaign Press Releases

Are Big Banks Buying Up California State Legislators?

As a vote nears this week on crucial legislation to end the worst abuses of the mortgage industry and protect California Homeowners, the Courage Campaign has launched a new web page which details campaign contributions from the mortgage industry to members of the California House and Senate Banking Committees. The new page also shows the number of foreclosures in the legislators’ home counties, as well as their voting records.

Team Courage, an Official Honda LA Marathon Charity, Will be Running Against LGBT Discrimination

March 14, 2012, Los Angeles – The Courage Campaign Institute is proud to announce “Team Courage” as an official participant of the 2012 Honda Los Angeles Marathon that will be held on March 18, 2012. The team, which has raised almost $37,000 so far, includes 46 runners from California, Minnesota, Washington, Texas, Utah and Washington, D.C. There will be 20 people running the entire 26.2 miles and 26 running the charity two-person marathon in 13 teams of two.

Courage Campaign to California Business Roundtable: "Bring it on"

March 9, 2012, Los Angeles – The Courage Campaign, California’s largest online member organization and an executive committee member of Restore California, the coalition behind the Millionaires Tax of 2012 campaign, responded to the news that the California Business Roundtable, made up of 22 of the largest corporations in California, voted to oppose the popular ballot initiative.

Statement from Rick Jacobs, Chair and Founder of the Courage Campaign, on the Appointment of Chad Griffin as the New Head of the Human Rights Campaign

March 2, 2012, Los Angeles – Chad Griffin, who as founder and president of the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) originally spearheaded the ongoing Perry v. Schwarzenegger (now Perry v. Brown) lawsuit in 2009 which challenges the constitutionality of Proposition 8, has been named successor to Joe Solmonese as head of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).

Results of the same-sex marriage Field Poll in California show "the writing is on the wall"

February 29, 2012, Los Angeles — A new Field Poll released today shows that support for same-sex marriage in California has increased dramatically with 59% of residents favoring same-sex unions to 34% who do not — a now-25% gap since Prop 8. The poll showed that the largest increase in approval since 2010 came from middle-aged voters, nonpartisans and Republicans. Other significant gains in support come from Catholics, Latinos and older voters.

Courage Campaign Teams Up With Grindr for Equality and state-based activists to Petition the DNC to Support Marriage Equality in 2012 Ballot Initiative Fights

February 23, 2012, Los Angeles — The Courage Campaign, a national, progressive and grassroots online organization, and Grindr for Equality, the gay rights and political action initiative mobilizing members of the world’s largest all-male social network Grindr, have teamed up to petition the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to help fund efforts to support marriage equality in various ballot initiative fights this election year.

Press Statement on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Decision: "This is the Day We've Been Waiting For"

February 7, 2012, Los Angeles — After three years of Prop 8 weaving its way through the federal and California court system, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals panel upheld Judge Walker’s August 2010 ruling that Prop 8 is unconstitutional. Marriage equality proponents throughout the state, including Courage Campaign members who worked valiantly to overturn Prop 8, cheered the historic decision.

“The 9th Circuit did what it must: it ruled that Judge Walker is competent, not somehow diminished for being gay and it ruled that the Constitution of the United States indeed provides equal protection and due process to all Americans, not just some Americans,” said Rick Jacobs, chair and founder of the Courage Campaign, a progressive, grassroots online organization with more than 750,000 members around the country. “Having live-blogged every piece of this trial, especially in Judge Walker’s courtroom two years ago, it became patently clear that the fringe opponents of equality would never prevail. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the dynamic duo of attorneys Ted Olson and David Boies and their colleagues at the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) who took to heart that real people are hurt by Prop 8 and its evil cousins across the nation. The time for waiting has ended.”

Press Statement: We are disappointed in the 9th Circuit's decision to not release the videotapes from the historic Prop 8 hearing

February 2, 2012, Los Angeles — “We are disappointed in the 9th Circuit’s decision to not release the videotapes from the historic Prop 8 hearing. In our minds, it never made sense that transcripts from the hearing could be easily accessed by anyone but not the videotapes. That just proves that our cowardly opponents knew they did a poor job defending their bigotry and homophobia in court.”

Press Statement: Courage Campaign applauds AG Harris for her courage: latest bank settlement proposal fails to pass muster with the California Justice Department

January 25, 2012, Los Angeles — “California Attorney General Kamala Harris is courage. Even in the face of President Obama’s speech last night that made it sound as if the banks would pay for their wrong doing, AG Harris once again stood up to the most powerful interests in the world — Bank of America, Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase — and said no. Until the banks and the Administration stand for California homeowners, AG Harris won’t back down. Courage has fought alongside AG Harris for months now, ever since she walked out of the settlement talks last September. We salute AG Harris as a hero for California.”

Press Statement: Gov. Brown State of State speech makes case for passing the Millionaires Tax of 2012

January 18, 2012, Los Angeles – “We agree with Governor Brown: California is still the land of dreams and we share in his optimism that our state can be restored. That’s why we think he made the case for the Millionaires Tax of 2012 to pass,” said Rick Jacobs, chair and founder of the progressive, 750,000-strong Courage Campaign.

Press Statement: Gov. Brown's budget is just more of the same: cuts, cuts, cuts. What about taxing the uber rich like Kim Kardashian?

January 6, 2012, Los Angeles – “Governor Brown’s budget once again defunds the poor and students, those who have already been hit the hardest by cuts, cuts, cuts,” said Rick Jacobs, chair and founder of the progressive, 750,000-strong Courage Campaign. “His plan does underscore the need for more revenue, and we applaud him for recognizing that the people, not the broken legislature, have to fix the problem. We call on the governor to endorse the California Millionaires Tax of 2012 because it changes the dynamic by taxing the super wealthy who benefit the most from society rather than taxing the middle class, students and the poor who keep getting kicked in the head by these budgets.”

Restoring California Coalition to Release Public Opinion Research Poll Data on “Millionaires Tax” Ballot Initiative

December 14, 2011 – The grassroots coalition supporting the Millionaires Tax, a ballot initiative effort, will release polling results on Thursday, December 15, that confirm the electorate is most likely to support a progressive tax.

Broad coalition to file "millionaires' tax" to fund education, senior services, public safety

December 1, 2011, Los Angeles – A broad coalition of educators, unions and community groups announced today it is filing a ballot initiative to restore critical funding to schools and universities, essential services for seniors, and public safety, as well as start rebuilding the state’s crumbling roads and bridges. It asks the wealthiest Californians — people who earn over a million dollars per year — to help pay to rebuild the state.

Courage Campaign Vows to Defeat New Challenge to California's FAIR Education Act

November 17, 2011, Los Angeles – Today, right-wing, homophobic organizations requested title and summary from California Attorney General Kamala Harris for a November 2012 ballot initiative to repeal the FAIR Education Act.

Statement: California Supreme Court rules Prop 8 proponents have special rights

November 17, 2011, Los Angeles – “While we respect the recommendations that the California Supreme Court made to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals— that they grant standing to the proponents of the so-called ProtectMarriage.com — it is only a recommendation,” said Rick Jacobs, chair and founder of the 750,000 member Courage Campaign.

Statement: Courage Campaign and Rick Jacobs demands Gov. Brown put forward a ballot initiative to tax the 1% in California

November 15, 2011, Los Angeles – “As protests flare up on campuses over a 9% tuition increase and more homeowners are being foreclosed upon, the time has come for Governor Brown to take us out from the wilderness and to lead our state again, to show that by taxing those who earn the most and who therefore benefit the most from a stable and productive California, we can restore our dream,” said Rick Jacobs, chair and founder of the 750,000 member progressive Courage Campaign.

In Historic Move, the Senate Judiciary Committee Votes to Repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)

November 10, 2011, Washington, D.C. – The Senate Judiciary Committee took the historic step today of voting in favor of the Respect for Marriage Act, which repeals the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The vote was 10-8 in favor of repealing DOMA, a law signed by former President Bill Clinton in 1996 which blatantly discriminates against same-sex married couples.

Californians for a Fair Settlement Urge California Attorney General Kamala Harris, Who Faces Increasing Pressure, to Stand Firm Against the Big Banks

November 8, 2011, Los Angeles – Californians for a Fair Settlement is urging Attorney General Kamala Harris to reject any bank settlement that does not provide genuine restitution and reform in response to fraud committed by banks and mortgage services against the working families of this state. Recent media reports point to the pressure Harris is facing to rejoin the talks and cave in to their ludicrous demands.

Courage Campaign Applauds California Attorney General Kamala Harris for Calling on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mae to Cut Mortgage Debt on the Loans They Own

November 3, 2011, Los Angeles – “We applaud Kamala Harris’ announcement in calling on taxpayer-owned Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to stop punishing California homeowners and to lead in keeping homeowners at home,” said Rick Jacobs, chair and founder of the 750,000 member progressive Courage Campaign.

Courage Campaign Calls on MSNBC to Fire Commentator Pat Buchanan

October 28, 2011, Los Angeles – “Sane, clear-thinking people everywhere are asking why does MSNBC continue to give political commentator Pat Buchanan a stage for him to spout his hatred,” said Rick Jacobs, chair and founder of the 700,000 member Courage Campaign. “And ironically, MSNBC’s motto is ‘lean forward,’ but if they don’t do something about Buchanan soon, they might as well change their motto to ‘look backwards.’

Courage Campaign to Present First Spirit of Courage Award to TV Producer Marcy Carsey

October 27, 2011, Los Angeles – Courage Campaign will present its first Spirit of Courage Award to television legend and progressive philanthropist Marcy Carsey, one of the most successful business women in or out of show business.

Courage Campaign Chair and Founder Rick Jacobs Demands Mayor Jean Quan Investigate Accounts of Police Brutality at Occupy Oakland

October 26, 2011, Los Angeles – “Last night, the entire world watched as Oakland police officers blasted peaceful protesters with tear gas and rubber bullets,” said Rick Jacobs, chair and founder of the 700,000 member Courage Campaign. “On behalf of Courage Campaign members in Oakland, the state of California and beyond, we call on Mayor Jean Quan, members of the City Council and other city and state officials to condemn this police violence and launch a full investigation of what happened yesterday.”

Courage Campaign Joins the CTA, CFT, LA County Federation of Labor, UTLA and California Calls in Support of the American Jobs Act

October 21, 2011, Los Angeles – “Earlier this week in Orange County, we delivered more 27,000 signatures from our members to Speaker John Boehner demanding that he take up a vote on the jobs bill, but he was too busy golfing with his rich lobbyist buddies to pay any attention to us. Jobs are not a partisan issue and the time has long passed for Congress to work with the President to get us out of this mess. People need jobs, not fancy golf parties at resorts which only the 1% can afford.”

Courage Campaign Protesters Disrupt House Speaker John Boehner’s Golf Game

October 18, 2011, Newport Beach – Courage Campaign protesters disrupted Republican House Speaker John Boehner’s golf game at the exclusive Pelican Hill Resort Monday. The chair and founder of the Courage Campaign, Rick Jacobs, delivered a petition to Boehner signed by more than 27,000 members (and counting) demanding that the Speaker hold a vote on President Obama’s American Jobs Act. After the confrontation, Boehner appeared less than pleased.

Courage Campaign Chair Rick Jacobs on Announced Senate Markup to Repeal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)

October 14, 2011, Los Angeles – “DOMA enshrines second-class citizenship for millions in a first-class nation,” said Rick Jacobs, chair and founder of the Courage Campaign. “We are pleased that at long last the Senate Judiciary Committee will take up the bill to end DOMA. We thank Sens. Leahy and Feinstein for leading with conviction on this bill.”

Stop SB 48 Campaign Fails to Qualify FAIR Education Act for Ballot Referendum

October 12, 2011, Los Angeles – Organizers from the Stop SB 48 campaign are reporting today that they have fallen short of the 504,760 signatures that were needed for a ballot referendum that would repeal the Fair Education Act, a new law requiring public schools to include the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals in social studies lessons.

Courage Campaign Joins Member in Filing Formal Complaint with California Attorney General, Office of the District Attorney and Oceanside City Attorney

September 30, 2011, Los Angeles – The Courage Campaign is joining member Max Disposti in filing a formal ethics complaint against a “Stop SB 48” campaign signature gatherer with the California Attorney General, Office of the District Attorney and Oceanside City Attorney today.

California Attorney General Kamala Harris Backs Out of the Federally-Driven 50 State Settlement Plan with Big Banks

September 30, 2011, Los Angeles – “Less than 24 hours after a coalition of groups and community organizations, including the Courage Campaign, joined forces to launch “Californians for a Fair Settlement,” an effort designed to oppose the current direction of the federally-driven “50 state settlement” with U.S. banks to resolve the crippling mortgage crisis, California Attorney General Kamala Harris has agreed to pull out of the negotiations.”

A Diverse Group of California Progressives Met With Top Obama Administration Officials at the White House on Friday, Sept. 23rd

September 26, 2011, Washington, D.C. – Just two days before President Obama arrived in California for a fundraising swing, about 100 individuals from diverse progressive organizations in California attended all day briefing sessions at the White House with top Obama aides Friday as part of a program organized by the Courage Campaign.

Led by the Courage Campaign, A Diverse Group of California Progressives Will Meet With Top Obama Administration Officials at the White House on Friday, Sept. 23rd

September 22, 2011, Los Angeles — The Courage Campaign will lead a group of more than 100 California progressive leaders and community members for a day of briefings and discussions with top Obama Administration officials as part of the White House’s Community Leaders Briefing Series on Friday, September 23, 2011.

Courage Campaign to Protest Rep. Michele Bachmann's Stance on Gays Supporters Will "Flash Mob" During the CA GOP Convention

September 16, 2011, Los Angeles — Courage Campaign members from Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties will protest Rep. Michele Bachmann’s and her husband, Marcus Bachmann’s, stance on reparative therapy, better known as “praying away the gay.”

Courage Campaign Releases Short Inspirational Video Urging the Progressive Community to Fight SB 48 Repeal

September 13, 2011, Los Angeles — The Courage Campaign released a short video today urging the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and progressive communities to fight against conservative and religious groups who are trying to repeal SB 48 – the FAIR (Fair, Accurate, Inclusive, and Respectful) Education Act. The video asks people to “rejoin the movement and have the Courage to defend the FAIR Education Act.”

Rick Jacobs, Chair and Founder of the Courage Campaign, Calls On Congress to Pass the American Jobs Act

September 8, 2011, Los Angeles — “President Obama tonight was simple, clear and direct: America needs jobs, not jargon. Unfortunately, it takes courage to stand up for regular Americans these days because ideologues want to destroy our system and let everyone make their own rules. Tonight’s speech is the call for an America that cares about America, not just about a few Americans. Congress needs to pass the jobs bill. We will be watching.”

Courage Campaign Stands by Lt. Dan Choi; More Than 15,000 Members Sign Letter to Judge

September 1, 2011, Los Angeles — “Lt. Choi exercised his right to free speech and in so doing, represented hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people who have been voiceless for decades,” said Jacobs in his letter to Facciola. “His crime, if there is one, is for waiting as long as he did to act, but if that were a crime, I should stand before you, not he.”

Groups Deliver Nearly 3,000 Signatures Urging Sen. Mikulski to Sign onto Respect for Marriage Act

August 26, 2011, Baltimore, MD — Today, Courage Campaign, Freedom to Marry and Equality Maryland will present Senator Barbara Mikulski with nearly 3,000 signatures urging the Senator to become a cosponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act, which would repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

Courage Campaign Video Re-Enactment Project to Be Used as Part of the Prop 8 Hearing Monday, Aug. 29

August 25, 2011, Los Angeles — “We’re delighted that the AFER legal team will use our re-enactment project to support their arguments and demonstrate to Judge James Ware why the videotapes from the Prop 8 trial should be released without delay,” said Rick Jacobs, chair and founder of the Courage Campaign. “The essence of the testimony is already in the public domain; the time has long passed to let the people see the real deal.”

CA Senate Appropriations Committee Sends AB 52 to the Senate

August 25, 2011, Los Angeles — 32,302 Courage Campaign Members Emailed Committee Members Urging Them to Vote Yes. “Now all eyes are on the Senate,” said Rick Jacobs, chair and founder of Courage Campaign, a grassroots, online political organization that is 700,000 members strong. “We’ll soon see whether the California Senate works for the people of this state or Kaiser/Aetna/Blue Cross. This bill simply makes these giant money machines accountable.”

Courage Campaign Urges the “Stop SB 48” Campaign to Stop Using Misinformation and Fear Tactics

August 23, 2011, Los Angeles — Rick Jacobs, chair and founder of the Courage Campaign, sent a letter to Paulo Sibaja of the Stop SB 48 campaign Monday asking that the conservative group stop giving out inaccurate information about the FAIR Education Act’s (SB 48) true intent. The law requires California schools to integrate lessons about social movements, current events and the social contributions of lesbian and gay individuals into existing social studies lessons.

Rick Jacobs of Courage Campaign: Issa is Taking His District and Americans for a Ride

August 19, 2011, Los Angeles — “What we’ve been saying all along about Darrell Issa is now front-page news and the topic of editorials: the Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee is trying to take us all for a ride,” said Rick Jacobs, chair and founder of the Courage Campaign.

Courage Campaign Launches Decline to Sign Campaign to Stop the Censoring of History

August 1, 2011, Los Angeles – The Courage Campaign is joining today with other California progressive organizations to educate the public and run a decline-to-sign campaign against a conservative group aiming to repeal SB 48 – the FAIR (Fair, Accurate, Inclusive, and Respectful) Education Act. The law requires that LGBT Americans and people with disabilities are included and recognized for their important historical contributions in classrooms around the state.

Statement from Rick Jacobs on Certification Regarding the Repeal of DADT

July 22, 2011, Los Angeles — “This is yet another nail in the coffin of institutionalized discrimination against gay and lesbian people. The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) now more clearly than ever is the outlier that will prevent the military from doing its job efficiently. By ending DADT and fighting DOMA in the courts and the Congress, the President has shown his determined leadership of all Americans, for which we are grateful.”

Statement from Rick Jacobs on the Historic Senate Hearing to Repeal DOMA

July 20, 2011, Washington, D.C. — The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a law that has been blatantly discriminating against same-sex married couples for nearly 16 years was the focus of a first-ever Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on repealing the law today.

President Obama Announces his Support for the Respect for Marriage Act and Repealing DOMA

July 19, 2011, Washington, D.C. — This morning, Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President, called Rick Jacobs, chairman and founder of the Courage Campaign, to say that today was the day and that Jay Carney would announce the White House’s support for the bill. The members of the Courage Campaign are thrilled.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Courage Campaign's Rick Jacobs Host D.C. Press Conference on DOMA Repeal

July 18, 2011, Washington, D.C. — Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-California) will discuss proposed legislation and a campaign to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) at a National Press Club Newsmakers news conference. Feinstein will be joined by Courage Campaign Chair and Founder Rick Jacobs, and three same-sex couples who will share their stories.

Statement from Rick Jacobs on DOMA Interfering with States' Rights

July 12, 2011, Los Angeles — “DOMA is the only federal law that interferes with states’ rights to define marriage. This hearing — and Courage Campaign’s Testimony project — will highlight the personal stories that demonstrate how this law prevents real people from living their lives as full Americans. Now is the time for President Obama to join with 29 senators and lead for the repeal of DOMA. As for those Senators still on the fence in regards to the issue of marriage equality, don’t worry. The American people have your back.”

Statement from Rick Jacobs of the Courage Campaign on AB 52 Winning a Key Committee Vote

July 6, 2011, Los Angeles — “Even a tsunami of Kaiser, Blue Cross and Anthem legalized bribes could not stop the Senate Health Committee from voting for consumers, not rich CEOs like Kaiser’s $8 million man, George Halvorson. We’re on our way to real oversight and consumer protection. Courage Campaign members will watch the Senate and push for the people so that California wins, not just the wealthy few.”

Dustin Lance Black Testimony Video Challenge Deadline Extended to July 11, 2011

July 5, 2011, Los Angeles – The Courage Campaign is extending the deadline for Testimony: Take a Stand featuring Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black to 11:59 PM PST, July 11, 2011. The video project is part of our larger effort to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) by using real stories from individuals in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and straight allies.

Kaiser Urged to Halt Rate Hikes on 300,000 Californians

June 29, 2011, Los Angeles — In light of an important Senate Health Committee hearing scheduled for this morning, Rick Jacobs, the chair and founder of the 700,000-member Courage Campaign, strongly urges Kaiser Permanente CEO George Halvorson to suspend plans this week to hike rates by as much as 17% for more than 300,000 California policyholders.

Courage Campaign Praises New York Senate Vote to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

June 24, 2011, New York — “The historic vote in New York demonstrates the power of coalition,” said Rick Jacobs, the chair and founder of the 700,000-member Courage Campaign. “My hat’s off to the entire community that worked so closely together to win as a sign that we have grown up. Marriage in the third most populous state changes lives for New York and the nation. The real effect, though, is on legislators, judges and justices nationally and here in California. Anyone who supports the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) or opposes equality in the courts is out of step with America and with history. In states like Tennessee, the band of right-wingers that seeks to ban the word “gay,” will be remembered as were their ancestors at the Scopes Monkey Trial. The time for legal discrimination ended today.”

Statement from Rick Jacobs on Perry v. Brown (Prop 8)

June 13, 2011, San Francisco — “Ron Prentice, Andy Pugno and Maggie Gallagher, the proponents of Prop 8, say Judge Walker ran a ‘kangaroo court’ because he’s gay. Let them show the kangaroo at work in the video transcripts of the trial so we can all see the truth, which is that Walker’s sexuality matters no more than Sandra Day O’Connor’s sex, Clarence Thomas’ skin color or Antonin Scalia’s religion.”

After three week "Drop Fox" campaign, Orbitz agrees to review advertising policy on Fox News Channel

June 9, 2011, Los Angeles — After a three-week campaign by high-profile LGBT organizations urging Orbitz to examine numerous examples of rampant anti-LGBT bigotry on News Corp’s Fox News Channel, the gay-friendly travel agency has agreed to review its advertising policy to ensure that it spends its ad dollars on networks that are consistent with its core corporate values of tolerance and non-discrimination.

A Former Journalist and a Political Online Organizer Join Courage Campaign Staff

June 1, 2011, Los Angeles –- Ana Beatriz Cholo, a former award-winning journalist, has joined the staff of the Courage Campaign as the organization’s first full-time communications manager. In her new position, she will oversee all aspects of media relations.

Courage Campaign launches national video challenge with Dustin Lance Black

May 23, 2011, Los Angeles— In commemoration of the second annual Harvey Milk Day, the Courage Campaign is launching a nation-wide video challenge called Testimony: Take a Stand featuring Oscar award-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black. Black and the Courage Campaign are looking for stories from everyday Americans who can lend their voices to accelerate the momentum towards full equality at this historic point in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) movement.

Backlash: Orbitz Swarmed by Angry LGBT Customers on Facebook

May 20, 2011, Los Angeles — Orbitz may end up losing thousands of customers and revenue because they refuse to stop advertising on Fox News, progressive grassroots organization Courage Campaign said today. In less than four days, more than 35,000 individuals have signed a letter to Orbitz CEO Barney Harford asking him to stop placing travel ads on the anti-gay television network. As of this press release, 1,352 customers have also taken to Orbitz’s Facebook wall to inform them that they will not be using Orbitz to book their travel until they stop.

Senator Udall to co-sponsor legislation to repel DOMA

May 17, 2011, Los Angeles – It’s now clear that U.S. Sen. Tom Udall of New Mexico not only saw the writing on his Facebook wall, but he heeded it as well becoming the 24th senator to co-sponsor legislation that would repeal the odious “Defense of Marriage Act” which takes away rights from committed, same-sex couples.

Statement from Rick Jacobs on Roland Palencia as New Head of EQCA

May 16, 2011, Los Angeles — “I personally want to extend a warm welcome to Roland Palencia as the new leader for Equality California and the LGBT movement in California. Roland is a visionary and by appointing him, the Board of EQCA demonstrates its awareness of the future of our movement, which is very much tied to the future of California and the nation.”

Courage Campaign Urges Orbitz to Pull Ads from Fox News

May 16, 2011—“Orbitz loves gay dollars and, we hope, LGBT people,” said Courage Campaign Founder and Chair Rick Jacobs. “By funding homophobes and charlatans like hosts Bill O’Reilly and Mike Huckabee, Orbitz sends the wrong message. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people can go to plenty of other travel sites. We count on Orbitz to do the right thing and stop buying advertising on Fox News Channel so that LGBT people can continue to shop with Orbitz. The alternatives are clear.”

Courage Campaign Calls on Chairman Darrell Issa to Reject the Fracking Proposals of Campaign Contributors

May 6, 2011, Bakersfield — More than 9,000 members of the Courage Campaign today called on California Cong. Darrell Issa, Chairman of the powerful House Oversight and Government Affairs Committee, to oppose “fracking” and to conduct balanced hearings, not simply showcases for his campaign contributors.

Leading New Mexico progressive groups urge Sens. Bingaman and Udall to support DOMA repeal

May 2, 2011, Albuquerque— Earlier today, renowned LGBT activist Cleve Jones, founder of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, joined New Mexican same-sex couples and activists to deliver over 1,000 messages to the offices of Sens. Bingaman and Udall, demanding that they support Sen. Feinstein’s legislation to repeal the “Defense of Marriage Act”, or DOMA. The messages were gathered jointly by the 700,000 member Courage Campaign, in partnership with its sister organization ProgressNow New Mexico (both are part of the ProgressNow Action Network) and Democracy for New Mexico, a popular state political blog.

Courage Campaign Reacts to King & Spaulding Dropping Defense of Discriminatory DOMA

April 25, 2011, Los Angeles— Courage Campaign Chairman Rick Jacobs, head of the 700,000 member organization, released the following statement in reaction to the announcement from the law firm, King & Spaulding, that they would not be defending the “Defense of Marriage Act” on behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives:

Courage Campaign confronts Oversight Chairman Darrell Issa at San Diego Hearing

April 21, 2011, La Jolla— At a San Diego Hearing of the House Oversight Committee earlier today, Courage Campaign members and allies from California’s 49th District delivered a formal letter to Congressman Darrell Issa, as well as a petition signed by nearly 8,000 individuals, demanding the newly minted House Oversight Chairman return $815,000 in earmarked federal funds that are benefiting his personal real estate investments.

Former National Organization For Marriage Staffer Retracts Attacks Against LGBT Families

April 8, 2011: Los Angeles— Earlier today, Louis J. Marinelli, Online Strategist and Lead Organizer for the anti-gay National Organization for Marriage’s 2010 “One Man, One Woman Summer for Marriage Bus Tour,” announced his support for “civil marriage equality” for LGBT families.

Parents of Gay Soldier Killed in Afghanistan Release Web Video

March 31, 2011, Washington, DC— As the military prepares to certify and implement repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, OutServe, the underground network of over 2,900 active LGBT military personnel, and Courage Campaign, a 750,000 member progressive organizing network today released a new video from the parents of US Army Corporal Andrew Wilfahrt, a gay soldier killed in combat last month in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan.

Courage Condemns 9th Circuit Decision To Not Lift Prop 8 Stay

March 23, 2011, SAN FRANCISCO— The 9th Circuit US Court of Appeals has denied a motion filed by opponents of California’s Proposition 8 to lift the stay over a District Court ruling that had found Prop. 8 unconstitutional last summer.

Courage Campaign Calls for Darrell Issa to Disclose Meetings with Lobbyists

March 14, 2011, Los Angeles— Following House Government Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa’s most recent attacks on the transparency of the Obama Administration, the 700,000 member Courage Campaign has called on Issa to “lead by example” by publicly posting his meeting schedule online.

Courage Campaign Condemns California Supreme Court for Refusal to Expedite Prop. 8 Hearing

March 1, 2011, Los Angeles— The California Supreme Court today denied a motion to expedite its hearing on whether or not the Proponents of Proposition 8 have legal standing to defend the law before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Courage Campaign Condemns California Supreme Court for Refusal to Expedite Prop. 8 Hearing

March 1, 2011, Los Angeles— The California Supreme Court today denied a motion to expedite its hearing on whether or not the Proponents of Proposition 8 have legal standing to defend the law before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Meet the California Families Whose Wedding Plans Are On Hold Due To Prop 8 Legal Wrangling

February 23, 2011, Los Angeles— A half dozen LGBT couples will join Courage Campaign Founder and Chairman Rick Jacobs on a press conference call today at 11:30 a.m. PST, to discuss the California Supreme Court’s recent announcement that it decide later this year if the proponents of Proposition 8 have legal standing to appeal a U.S. District Court ruling that found the measure unconstitutional.

Courage Campaign Condemns House Vote to Deny Federal Funds to Planned Parenthood

Washington, DC, February 18, 2011— Moments ago, the House of Representatives approved the “Pence Amendment” to HR 1 (the continuing budget resolution to fund the federal government through 2011)— a measure exclusively focused on denying one organization— Planned Parenthood— access to federal funds.

Facing protests over rate hikes, Blue Shield backs down

February 1, 2011, San Francisco— Literally facing a protest outside its headquarters organized by the 700,000 member Courage Campaign and the California Nurses Association, Blue Shield agreed to postpone a planned 59% health insurance rate hike on up to 200,000 California policyholders for 60 days earlier today.

Adam Bink Joins Courage Campaign as Director of Online Programs

January 24, 2011, LOS ANGELES— The 700,000-plus member Courage Campaign, has announced the addition of Adam Bink as its new Director of Online Programs. Bink will manage all of Courage Campaign’s online organizing campaigns with a special emphasis on its LGBT equality initiatives.

Darrell Issa Accountability Project -- IssaWatch.com-- Launched by Courage Campaign

January 19, 2011, Los Angeles— With Southern California Rep. Darrell Issa assuming the Chairmanship of the powerful House Government Oversight Committee, the California based Courage Campaign has launched a national accountability project—-www.issawatch.com—- that will serve as an information clearinghouse for Issa’s constituents, the media, and the American public.

Courage Campaign says Senate must not adjourn without passing legislation repealing DADT

December 9, 2010, WASHINGTON— Moments ago, a motion to proceed on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation which includes funding for our troops, a pay raise for U.S. military personnel, support for those injured in Iraq and Afghanistan, and repeal of the military’s failed Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy was defeated by a vote of 57-40 in the United States Senate.

Security before politics- Vets renew call for “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal

December 3, 2010— Washington: Yesterday, after delivering nearly 700,000 petitions signatures including more than 12,500 from veterans and military families to Senate Leaders, four of the nation’s leading advocates for repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”—-three of whom served in the Iraq War—-joined forces to renew their call for the U.S. Senate to enact legislative repeal of the policy during the lame duck session of Congress.

Veterans and Military Families to US Senate: "Repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

November 18, 2010, Washington — As Congress awaits formal release of the much anticipated Pentagon Study about the military’s “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy,” thousands of veterans and military families are speaking up for repeal.

More than 10,000 veterans and military families have already signed the petition organized by Iraq War veteran and Congressman Patrick Murphy, the national progressive advocacy group Courage Campaign, and VoteVets.org—-a leading political advocacy group for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Election Report Card: National Organization for Marriage Poured $5M into Campaigns of Fear

November 5, 2010, WASHINGTON — Today, the Human Rights Campaign and the Courage Campaign released a report card on the political activities of the so-called, anti-gay National Organization for Marriage (NOM) that shows a mixed outcome this election cycle despite pouring an estimated $5 million into federal and state campaigns in the 2009-2010 election cycles.

Courage Campaign Founder and Chairman Rick Jacobs Available for Election-Related Interviews and Analysis

November 2, 2010, LOS ANGELES — Rick Jacobs, Chair and Founder of the 700,000-member Courage Campaign will be in Los Angeles on Tuesday, November 2nd, and available for media interviews and analysis regarding the mid-term elections in California and across America. Jacobs is a renowned international business executive and investor who chaired Gov. Howard Dean’s 2004 presidential campaign in California.

BREAKING--Military Blocking Progressive Website in Iraq, Right Wing Websites Allowed

October 30, 2010, LOS ANGELES — The Hill newspaper reported today that the U.S. Military is blocking access to the 700,000 member Courage Campaign’s website in Iraq, despite allowing access to the sites of numerous right wing groups—including those that have openly attacked the patriotism and legitimacy of their Commander-in-Chief, President Barack Obama.

Courage Campaign and HRC launch online ad campaign highlighting fringe extemist who've spent $220,000 supporting Carly Fiorina

October 19, 2010, Los Angeles — The Courage Campaign, a 700,000 member online activist network, and the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, launched a new online ad campaign today asking Californians to call Carly Fiorina and demand that she reject the extremism of one of her biggest financial backers—-the National Organization for Marriage (NOM).

Human Rights Campaign, Courage Campaign Call on IRS to Investigate National Organization for Marriage's Charitable Arm

October 14, 2010, WASHINGTON — The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, and the Courage Campaign, a 700,000-member online activist network, announced they are filing a formal complaint with the Internal Revenue Service asking it to immediately investigate the Ruth Institute, part of the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) Education Fund. The complaint, found here, requests the IRS revoke the Ruth Institute’s tax-exempt status and seek an injunction to prevent future violations by either the Ruth Institute or the NOM Education Fund.

Courage Campaign Statement on Federal Court Injuction Against "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

October 12, 2010, RIVERSIDE — “Today’s injunction against enforcement of the failed ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy’ means that for the first time in seventeen years, patriotic men and women will not get fired by the military for who they are, and forces deployed to war zones overseas will not be deprived of capable, battle tested soldiers who refuse to lie. That said, this injunction is but a temporary fix, and it is our hope that the Justice Department will not appeal this decision, and the Senate will finally abide the wishes of three quarters of the American people by eliminating this policy once and for all. Our thanks to the Log Cabin Republicans and the many courageous soldiers who have shared their stories for making today’s outcome possible.

National Organization for Marriage (NOM) Charitable Organization Violates Tax-Exempt Status by Campaigning for Senate Candidate

October 6, 2010, WASHINGTON — The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, and the Courage Campaign today called on the National Organization for Marriage, or NOM, to explain why its tax-exempt charitable organization, the Ruth Institute – a project of NOM’s Marriage Education Fund – is violating federal laws by intervening on behalf of a candidate for elected office.

Hollywood Heavyweight Unite For West Coast Premiere Of Tony Award-Winning Playwright Terrence McNally's "Some Men"

October 1, 2010, LOS ANGELES — Some of the biggest names in television, stage, and film will gather at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills on Monday for the West Coast premiere of “Some Men,” a play by 4-time Tony Award-winning playwright Terrence McNally.

Produced by Dan Bucatinsky (Executive Producer of NBC’s “Who Do You Think You Are?”), 3-time Tony-nominated Producer Susan Dietz and Tom Kirdahy (Broadway producer of “Ragtime,” and “Duece”), “Some Men” is an interwoven series of stories which chronicle and contrast the lives and attitudes of gay men in the United States over the past 80 years. The play begins and ends with a contemporary gay wedding, and follows the stories of generations of gay men in New York City as seen through the prism of love and marriage.

Courage Campaign Praises Federal Court Ruling "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Unconstitutional

September 9, 2010, Riverside, CA — Earlier tonight, US District Court Judge Virginia Phillips ruled the military’s controversial “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” a violation of the 1st Amendment rights of gays and lesbians, and issued an immediate injunction against further enforcement of the policy by the U.S. government.

An appeal by the U.S. Department of Justice is expected.

Courage Campaign blasts effort to force Governor and Attorney General to defend Prop 8

August 31, 2010, LOS ANGELES — Earlier today, the conservative Pacific Justice Institute petitioned California’s 3rd District Court of Appeals to force Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Jerry Brown to appeal a Federal District Court ruling that declared California’s Proposition 8 unconstitutional.

Courage Campaign and California Nurses Association Release Web Video Blasting Whitman's Poor Voting Record on 90th Anniversary of Women's Suffrage

August 25, LOS ANGELES — In advance of this Thursday’s planned Sacramento rally to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of women gaining the right to vote (passage of the 19th Amendment), the Courage Campaign and California Nurses Association have released a new web video highlighting California gubernatorial hopeful Meg Whitman’s repeated failure to vote in California elections.

Pro-Equality "Summer for Marriage" Drowns Out Anti-Gay Group's Bus Tour

August 16, 2010, WASHINGTON, DC — Yesterday, equality advocates, Freedom to Marry and Courage Campaign, and the Anti-Gay National Organization for Marriage (NOM) concluded competing “Summer for Marriage” tours through 17 states and 23 cities at events in Washington D.C.

At each stop on the tour, marriage equality supporters organized by Freedom to Marry and dozens of local activist groups outnumbered NOM supporters by more than 3 to 1.

Equality On Hold -- 9th Circuit Extends Stay On Prop 8 Decision Pending Appeal

August 16, 2010, SAN FRANCISCO — A three-Judge panel with the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has granted a motion filed by proponents of California’s Proposition 8, delaying implementation of the August 4th U.S. District Court order finding Proposition 8 in violation of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution pending appeal.

Federal Judge rules same-sex marriages may resume in California on August 18

August 12, 2010, Los Angeles — Moments ago, Federal District Court Judge Vaughn Walker ruled that the temporary stay of his ruling that California’s Proposition 8 is unconstitutional will be lifted, effective August 18th. Today’s order means that in less than one week, gay and lesbian couples can once again get married in California. More than 18,000 California gay and lesbian couples were married prior to the passage of Proposition 8 in November of 2008.

Federal Judge rules Prop. 8 Unconstitutional

August 4, 2010, LOS ANGELES — In a landmark ruling released minutes ago in the case of Perry v. Schwarzenegger, U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker has found that California’s ban on marriage equality — also known as Proposition 8 — violates the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

“This ruling is an historic milestone for millions of loving families, for all who have fought to realize the dream of equality under the law, and for our nation as a whole,” said Courage Campaign Founder and Chairman Rick Jacobs. “While today concludes the first step in a legal process that could take up to two years, Judge Walker’s ruling is a landmark victory in America’s centuries long war against discrimination, and the result of months of extraordinary work by the American Foundation for Equal Rights, Attorneys David Boies and Ted Olson, and courageous plaintiffs Kris Perry, Sandy Stier, Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo.”

Courage Campaign and its 700,000 Team Up with California Working Families for Jerry Brown for Governor 2010

July 29, 2010, SACRAMENTO –- California Working Families for Jerry Brown for Governor 2010 (CAWF) today announced the Courage Campaign is supporting the efforts of its coalition of individual donors, labor, healthcare workers, construction workers, engineers, teachers, environmental and women’s groups, scientists and businessmen and women who are helping Jerry Brown.

Homophobic fringe group launches "Your Values" independent expenditure for Palin-endorsed California Senate candidate

July 28, 2010, LOS ANGELES — Amidst its anti-gay bus tour across 23 eastern and midwestern cities, the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) has joined a $1 million independent expenditure campaign called “Tus Valores” — or “Your Values” — to support Sarah Palin endorsed California Senate Candidate Carly Fiorina.

“In NOM, Carly Fiorina has aligned herself with a fringe group that relies on lies and fear to advocate discrimination and second-class citizenship for millions of loving American families,” said Courage Campaign Chairman and Founder Rick Jacobs. “Bigotry is not a family value and it has no place in the United States Senate.”

Maryland Capitol Police Chief apologizes to NOM Tour Tracker after videographer expelled from public rally

July 26, 2010, LOS ANGELES — The recent expulsion and threatened arrest of a videographer covering the National Organization of Marriage’s July 21st Rally in Annapolis, Maryland, prompted the Chief of the Maryland Capitol Police to issue a formal apology on Friday, and a promise to institute “corrective training measures.”

“I have thoroughly investigated this incident and have concluded that the situation should have been handled differently,” said Maryland Capital Police Chief Phil Palmere. “I regret the way this was conducted and take full responsibility for any inconvenience or embarrassment this may have caused.”

Courage Campaign Equality launches website to counter National Organization for Marriage's (NOM) anti-gay propaganda tour

July 15, 2010, LOS ANGELES — As the National Organization for Marriage’s (NOM) begins its month-long anti-gay bus tour of 16 eastern and Midwestern states, leading progressive advocacy organization Courage Campaign Equality has announced the launch of NOMTourTracker.com — an interactive blog that will include photos, videos, interviews and on the ground updates from each NOM tour stop, as well as pro-equality counter events. The tour will culminate in Washington D.C. on August 15th.

As Prop 8. Ruling Nears, Federal Judge Rules "Defense Of Marriage Act" Unconstitutional

July 8, 2010, LOS ANGELES — Ruling in two different cases today (Commonwealth of Massachusetts vs. Health and Human Services; and Gill vs. Office of Personnel Management), a federal judge has ruled that the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act violates the Fifth and Tenth Amendments to the United States Constitution.

Courage Campaign vows to defeat Dirty Energy Proposition in November

June 22, 2010, LOS ANGELES — Rick Jacobs, founder and chair of the 700,000-member Courage Campaign and former Occidental Petroleum executive, today reacted to news that the Dirty Energy Proposition has qualified for the November ballot by pledging to defeat the initiative at the November election.

Prop 8 federal trial closing arguments begin

June 16, 2010, SAN FRANCISCO — At the landmark federal trial over California’s Proposition 8, closing arguments being covered by Courage Campaign Equality’s liveblog indicated the need for greater public awareness of the arguments and testimony taking place in the courtroom of U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker.

On day 45 of Gulf oil spill, Courage Campaign calls on companies to join clean up effort

June 3, 2010, LOS ANGELES — Led by former Occidental Petroleum executive Rick Jacobs, the Courage Campaign has called on the oil companies financing a proposed ballot initiative to allow for increased pollution in California, to make at least an equal investment in cleaning up the “Deepwater Horizon” oil spill, and helping affected families, businesses, and communities along the Gulf coast.

Courage Campaign releases statement on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal's clearance of key legislative hurdle

May 27, 2010, LOS ANGELES, CA — Today the Senate Armed Services Committee approved the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), to include an amendment that paves the way for the repeal of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy banning gays and lesbians from serving in the military. The House of Representatives is expected to approve the amendment later tonight.

Courage Campaign demands Tom Campbell apologize following Campbell's angry letter to Rick Jacobs, Rev. Eric Lee about Arizona's immigration law

May 5, 2010, LOS ANGELES — Rick Jacobs, chair of the 700,000-member Courage Campaign, called on California Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Tom Campbell to apologize to the people of California for his failure to produce federal immigration reform while in Congress and enabling the extremist, racist SB 1070 bill recently signed by Arizona’s governor.