February 13, 2012 · www.gothamgazette.com

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40 Years After Stonewall: New York's Role in the Movement  (June 2009)  Four decades after gay and lesbian people stood their ground outside a Village bar, Andy Humm surveys New York's role in gay life and the movement for equal rights.

A Retreat on False Arrests from Chelsea to Bushwick  (May 2009)  The police have had to back off from their arrests of gay men at adult bookstores and teens on their way to a wake in Brooklyn. Andy Humm updates the stories.

The Politics of Same-Sex Marriage  (April 2009)  Whatever it does for civil rights, Gov. David Paterson's bill likely will cause headaches for state Democrats and give Republicans an issue in upstate districts where gay marriage remains unpopular.

Police Charged with False Arrests of Gay Men at Adult Video Stores  (February 2009)  A spate of arrests for prostitution at gay video stores is prompting outrage and charges of police misconduct.

Advancing Rights  (December 2008)  The changes in Albany – and the overall political climate – will dramatically alter the landscape in New York for civil rights issues, including same sex marriage and reproductive rights.

Term Limits as a Voting Right Issue  (October 2008)  Mayor Michael Bloomberg's effort to ignore the results of two referenda on term limits and run again raises a number of civil rights issues, but advocacy groups remain divided on the controversy.

The State of Civil Liberties  (July 2008)  As New Yorkers enjoy their freedoms, many see a need for vigilance so we can protect the liberties we have and expand civil liberties in our city and our nation.

Puffing Up Marijuana Charges  (June 2008)  Marijuana arrests in New York have gone up sharply in the past decade -- landing tens of thousands of young back and Latino men in jail for the night and with arrest records for life.

Reversing the Tide Against Protest  (April 2008)  In the past few years, the city government has made it harder to take to the street -- or the parks -- and protest. Now, some City Council members hope to change that.

Same-Sex Marriages, Death and Taxes  (March 2008)  If same-sex couple wants to marry in New York, they should visit Canada first and their tax accountant soon after.

Race Matters in New York  (January 2008)  With an African American a leading contender for the White House, many Americans think of racism as a thing of the past. But an extensive new report finds that, in New York City at least, huge racial disparities persist.

New York Plays Key Role in Fight for Transgender Rights  (November 2007)  The debate over granting civil rights protection to transgendered people has heated up in Albany and in Washington. But, writes Andy Humm, even in New York City, where the law does protect them, transgendered people face persistent discrimination.

Policing the Police  (October 2007)  As the number of complaints made against the police rises, two civil rights lawyers charge they were mistreated by officers on a Brooklyn street.

The Legislature Acts, Doesn't Act and Reacts  (August 2007)  While the legislative session saw advances for same-sex marriage, 2007 was at best a mixed year for advocates of civil rights and liberties, reports Andy Humm.

New ID Could Cost Immigrants Their Licenses  (July 2007)  Critics want New York State to reject the REAL ID, a new kind of super identification card, that, some say, could cost immigrants their driver’s licenses and let the government keep tabs on all Americans.

Co-op Disclosure Bill Stalls in Council  (May 2007)  A bill to require co-op boards to explain why they reject a potential buyer seems unlikely to pass – even tough a majority of council members support it.

A Promise to Shake Up State Human Rights Division  (April 2007)  New Yorkers who complain to the State Division of Human Rights have had to wait three or more years for a case to be resolved. But in an interview with Andy Humm, Kumiki Gibson, the new head of the agency, promises that that is about to change.

Where Is The Civil Rights Agenda?  (February 2007)  “There seems to have been a shift – and a reduction -- in rhetoric around civil rights from New York’s leaders,” Andy Humm writes. “But does this mean they do not care about racial and other kinds of discrimination?”

Civil Liberties and the Election  (November 2006)  The Democratic sweep in Congress and in the New York Statehouse may result in little more than a change of tone, rather than concrete legislative change, when it comes to civil liberties.

No-Fault Divorce: Feminists Clash  (October 2006)  With feminists divided on the issue, no-fault divorce could be one of the more divisive debates in the state.

Parades, Permits And The Right To Protest  (August 2006)  Andy Humm looks at the effect a proposed new police rule regarding parades and demonstrations would have on the right to protest – a rule that is itself being vehemently protested.

Gay Marriage Ruling Highlights a Changing Court  (July 2006)  The Court of Appeal’s decision against same-sex marriage dramatically demonstrates the court’s conservative shift under Governor George Pataki.

Same-Sex Marriage Showdown  (May 2006)  New York State's highest court will hear a group of cases on May 31st arguing for gay marriage. Andy Humm reports.

London and NYC Compared On Surveillance, Civil Liberties, Civil Rights, etc.  (March 2006)  The announcement that more than 500 surveillance cameras will be installed throughout New York City is just the latest example of the ways in which New Yorkers are taking or advocating ideas that come from London. Many involve civil liberties.

Domestic Partners Bill –- Quashed In Court   (February 2006)  The court ruling that kicks out the Equal Benefits Law is a setback for more than just people in domestic partnerships.

Christine Quinn and Gay Rights in NYC  (January 2006)  "While the elevation of the first woman and the first gay person to what many call “the second most powerful office in New York” (after only the mayor) is certainly a breakthrough," Andy Humm writes, "it is also a reminder that this city has lagged behind others in advancing both women and gay issues and candidates."

Same-Sex Marriage Loses  (December 2005)  Gay marriage in New York City is struck down by an appellate court, but, as Andy Humm explains, the story is not done.

Proposed Law Aims to Prevent Discrimination  (November 2005)  Proposed legislation before the City Council, entitled the Human Rights In Government Operations Audit Law, is intended to “stop discrimination before it happens” according to its supporters.

City Strengthens Human Rights Law  (October 2005)  

Human Rights Law: Will It Become An Issue In The Mayoral Campaign?  (September 2005)  A proposed overhaul to the city's human rights law might become an issue in the mayoral campaign. Fernando Ferrer "strongly supports it." The Bloomberg is "still reviewing it."

Campaign 2005: Civil Rights Issues Divide Bloomberg and Democratic Rivals  (August 2005)  Andy Humm looks at where Bloomberg and his four Democratic rivals stand on such issues as race relations, gay rights, abortion, using the city's purchasing power to advance civil rights, protecting civil liberties while assuring public safety, and more.

Howard Beach Is Not Alone  (July 2005)  “There seems to be a great desire--especially on the part of politicians--to treat bias incidents as aberrations," writes Andy Humm, who points out that the latest incident in Howard Beach was only one of several occurring in the city over the past few weeks.

Civil Rights Restoration Act: Opposed by Mayor, Stalled in Council  (June 2005)  A bill to strengthen the city’s human rights law is sponsored by a veto-proof majority of 38 members of the City Council, supported by a coalition of more than 30 civil rights groups, and passed through three public hearings,” Andy Humm writes, “but it has yet to be voted.

Bully Busting  (May 2005)  As the fight against bullying has moved into the political arena, New York has been given an 'F' for its efforts to protect kids from abuse.

Academic Freedom, Intimidation, And Mayoral Politics: The Case of Rashid Khalidi  (April 2005)  In the controversy at Columbia involving academic freedom, intimidation and the Middle East, one case has spread beyond the Morningside Heights campus to the city’s public school system and even mayoral politics.

The Seven Year Suit; Also, Lynne Stewart’s Conviction  (March 2005)  Leonard Bernstein’s lover wins a job discrimination lawsuit against New York University Medical Center. Also, reaction to the conviction of attorney Lynne Stewart for “aiding Islamic terrorism…”

Legalizing Gay Marriage In NYC  (February 2005)  A judge has ordered the Clerk of New York to start issuing marriage licenses for same-sex couples. Bloomberg announced he would appeal the decision.

Death Penalty  (January 2005)  Opponents of New York's death penalty law, which was declared unconstitutional last year, see it as a major civil rights issue -- and don't expect to see it reinstated.

Looking On The Hopeful Side For 2005  (November 2004)  If the signs don’t look so good lately for civil libertarians, some New Yorkers prefer to look at the hopeful (mostly local) developments promised for next year in such issues as immigrants rights and gay rights, housing discrimination and the death penalty.

Equal Benefits Law; Hearing Into Police Activity During Convention; New Sexual Harassment Charges in the City Council  (October 2004)  The city hints it will not enforce the Equal Benefits Bill when it becomes law.  Andy Humm reports on that, and on the City Council hearing into police activity during the Republican National Convention. Also: new sexual harassment charges in the New York City Council.

The Post-Convention State of Dissent in New York  (September 2004)  "The debate over the tactics the city used to contain protest during convention week may last long past the November election - maybe to the mayoral election next year," writes Andy Humm.

Protests; Mayor Rejects Shareholder Power; Anti-Bullying Bill Vetoed; Accessible Taxis  (August 2004)  Andy Humm brings us up to speed on the planned protests against the Republican National Convention. Also: Should the city use its power as shareholder to push for non-discrimination policies? Mayor Bloomberg doesn't think so. Plus: veto of anti-bullying bill, and inaction on accessible taxis.

Council Leads on Some Civil Rights Issues, Finesses Others  (July 2004)  Civil rights was at the top of the agenda at the City Council's last meeting before the summer recess, from equal benefits to racial profiling to anti-bullying to the right to protest. But, Andy Humm reports, not all these issues were resolved.

Lagging Behind In The Fight For Gay Rights  (June 2004)  Andy Humm looks at where New York City is 35 years after the Stonewall riots launched the modern gay rights movement: A leader then, the city is a follower now.

12,000 NYC Taxis; Five Are Accessible  (May 2004)  Many New Yorkers gripe about the new taxi fare hike, but at least they can get into a cab - unlike the disabled. Andy Humm explains why, out of more than 12,000 taxis, only five are wheelchair-accessible.

The Fast-Changing Status of Same-Sex Married Couples in New York  (April 2004)  Andy Humm traces the fast-changing status of same-sex married couples in New York.

The Right of Religious Groups to Discriminate  (March 2004)  Andy Humm discusses the suit against the Salvation Army, and the impending passage in the City Council of the Equal Benefits Act to illustrate the clash between religious and civil rights. Also, links in the news on African-American unemployment, gay marriage (where the mayor, the governor and the attorney general stand), the lawsuit against the Salvation Army, and plans to protest the GOP convention.

Bill of Rights Resolution; Court Ruling On Banning Masked Demonstrators  (February 2004)  New York joins 250 other cities, towns and counties in passing a resolution defending the Bill of Rights from the Patriot Act. A federal appeals court rules on an 1845 New York City law banning demonstrators from wearing masks, last used against a KKK rally here in 1999.

Debating the USA Patriot Act. Also: The Proposed Marriage Amendment To The Constitution  (January 2004)  Andy Humm focuses on two federal actions (one passed, the other pending) and their effect in New York City - the U.S. Patriot Act, and the proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would limit marriage to heterosexual couples.

Civil Rights Bills. Also: The Effect Of Gay-Marriage Ruling on NY  (December 2003)  Andy Humm talks about the effect of the Massachusetts gay-marriage ruling on New York. Also: a first hearing in the City Council this month for a raft of civil rights legislation, including a bill that would require the City Human Rights Law be posted in every place of employment, housing, and public accommodation.

Discrimination After 9/11; Also: Bill On Domestic Partnership Benefits  (November 2003)  More than two-third of New York City’s Arabs, Muslims and South Asians said they experienced discrimination in the wake of September 11th, according to a new report. Also: A hearing on a bill to make private contractors with the city give benefits to domestic partners.

Bias Violence On Staten Island  (October 2003)  At the end of a month of bias-motivated violence on Staten Island, the City Commission on Human Rights has set up its first permanent office there.

Employing Non-Citizens  (September 2003)  It is against the law for employers to hire "illegal aliens." It is also against the law for employers to discriminate on the basis of national origin or citizenship status. How can employers obey both sets of laws? Andy Humm visits a workshop for employers conducted by the City Commission on Human Rights that helps them through the minefield.

The Harvey Milk School  (August 2003)  The Harvey Milk School, a public school primarily for gay students, is the subject of tabloid attention and conservative attacks once again. But it is also receiving scrutiny from civil libertarians, who frame the debate as a matter of civil liberties - for the non-gay students that they fear might be excluded from the school. Andy Humm, who used to work there, offers his analysis.

Gay Rights Advances  (July 2003)  Andy Humm details the recent landmark advances in gay rights.

Reactions to Police Killings of Unarmed Black New Yorkers. Also: Push to Repeal Patriot Act; Bishop Paul Moore  (June 2003)  Andy Humm reports the reactions among African-Americans and civil rights activists to the deaths of Spruill and another recent police victim, Ousmane Zongo.

Anti-Bullying Bills. Also: Push To Post Human Rights; Same-Sex Partner As Legal Spouse  (May 2003)  Andy Humm details the city and state anti-bullying bills.

New York Coalition Formed to Defend the Bill of Rights  (April 2003)  Civil liberties have come under such unprecedented attack, says Andy Humm, that a new coalition has been formed to protect them, the New York City Bill of Rights Defense Campaign. Also: Anti-sodomy laws are being selectively enforced in NYC two decades after they were ruled unconstitutional.

Restricting Demonstrations  (March 2003)  The court-approved police restrictions on demonstrators during the anti-war rally near the United Nations were nothing new in New York City. Andy Humm looks at gay and AIDS demonstrations from the past.

Controversy at the Human Right Commission  (February 2003)  The new human rights commissioners met for the first time last week and immediately confront controversy as demonstrators accused one commissioner of having terrorist sympathies. Andy Humm reports on the dispute and on the commissions plans for the year ahead.

The New Commissioners  (November 2002)  The Bloomberg administration has appointed 11 prominent civil rights advocates to the City Commission on Human Rights. Andy Humm explains who they are.

Discrimination at Brooklyn Eatery  (October 2002)  Andy Humm looks at the latest example of discrimination – a Brooklyn eatery treating its African American customers differently from whites and Asians – and wonders why there is still 12 vacancies on the city’s Human Rights Commission. Also: a new bill on domestic partnerships; a new appointment on the Civilian Complaint Review Board; a call to videotape police interrogations.

Civil Liberties since 9/11  (9/11 Special)  Andy Humm assesses the state of civil liberties since 9/11. Also: the 12 vacant seats on the human rights commission; the new local law about same-sex marriages.

Feminist Summit  (August 2002)  

The State and Human Rights  (July 2002)  

The Disabled  (June 2002)  

The New Human Rights Commissioner  (April 2002)  

Trying To Reverse the Decline Of The Human Rights Commission; Louima Convictions Overturned; The Death Of Sylvia Rivera  (March 2002)  

St. Patrick's Day Parade; Detention Policy Reversed; Human Rights Commission Criticized  (February 2002)  

The Civil Rights Agendas in 2002  (January 2002)  

Under Assault And On The Ballot  (October 2001)  

Asian New Yorkers  (September 2001)  

Anti-Catholicism  (August 2001)  

Transgender Rights  (July 2001)