February 12, 2012 · www.gothamgazette.com

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Community Members Struggle With Stop and Frisk

January 23, 2012 — Community members try to find a nuanced voice in their critique of the NYPD's stop and frisk program while dealing with the stigma of speaking out against the police.

Crackdown on Protests Could Spark More Scrutiny of Police

November 21, 2011 — For the last decade, New Yorkers and their political leaders have all but deified the police and Ray Kelly. Will the crackdown on Occupy Wall Street and recent scandals change that?

After Police Clear the Park, A Range of Reactions

November 16, 2011 — Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly held a press conference Tuesday to explain why and how they cleared Zuccotti Park. But many officials questioned their actions.

The Day at Zuccotti Park -- and Beyond

November 16, 2011 — The police crackdown on Occupy Wall Street set off a chain of events and sparked sharp rhetoric. We summarize what happened, highlight key coverage and round up the reaction.

Bloomberg, Quinn Defend City Funding of Groups that Discriminate

May 10, 2011 — The Staten Island St. Patrick's parade openly excludes gays. But Mayor Bloomberg and Council Speaker Quinn say that's no reason it should not receive city funds.

State Recognizes Same-Sex Marriages But Not Weddings

March 21, 2011 — Same sex marriage is recognized in New York State. -- just don't try to have the ceremony here. Andy Humm looks at the patchwork of laws.

Same-Sex Marriage, Abortion on Crowded Civil Rights Agenda

December 16, 2010 — Same-sex marriage may top the civil rights agenda in Albany, but other concerns, including abortion rights, also loom large. One in our series on challenges facing Gov.-elect Cuomo.

Beyond the Mosque: Bloomberg and New York's Muslims

November 16, 2010 — As much as they applaud Michael Bloomberg's support for the mosque near Ground Zero, many city Muslims wish he would do more on other issues that concern them.

Controversy Over Islam and Mosques Spreads Beyond Park 51

September 14, 2010 — The controversy over the proposed Islamic center near Ground Zero both reflects and fuels a new hostility toward Muslims and Islamic nine years after 9/11.

Governor Signs Bill to Combat Bullying

September 10, 2010 — It doesn't address cyberspace and won't take effect for two years, but supporters say the Dignity for Students Act signed by the governor will save kids from insults and attacks.

Behind the Hate Crimes on Staten Island

August 23, 2010 — As officials and residents grapple with bias-related violence on Staten Island, civil rights columnist Andy Humm takes the ferry to investigate the possible causes of the increase.

Action Taken on Bullying in Schools and No-Fault Divorce

August 23, 2010 —

The Price of Increased Surveillance

May 21, 2010 — The 82 police cameras in Times Square didn't thwart the May 1 bomb attempt. But in response, the mayor called for more cameras. Will technology keep us safe? Take away rights? Or both?

New Yorker Accused of Helping al-Qaida About to Go on Trial

April 16, 2010 — With a New Yorker accused of aiding al-Qaida set to go on trial here, his supporters are calling attention to the extreme form of solitary confinement he has lived under for 31 months.

Data on Bullying Remains Scant, as City Touts Its Efforts

March 02, 2010 — A new programs aims to teach students to stop harassing and begin respecting one another. The administration hails its success, but some experts have their doubts.

Brooklyn Community Splits Sharply Over Proposed Mosque

March 01, 2010 — In the late 1980s, Mayor Ed Koch chanted in Arabic, hailing the building of a mosque in Manhattan. A controversy in Sheepshead Bay reveals how much has changed since then.

Fighting Complacency on Same Sex Marriage

January 08, 2010 — The gay community needs to overcome the sense that legalization of same sex marriage is inevitable and mobilize a movement to make it happen.

City's Muslims Report Harassment by Police

January 04, 2010 — In Rockefeller Center, on the way home from school and even in their own homes, the city's Muslims say police harass them, threatening the ties between law enforcement and the Muslim community.

A Retreat on False Arrests from Chelsea to Bushwick

May 05, 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.

Police Charged with False Arrests of Gay Men at Adult Video Stores

February 02, 2009 — A spate of arrests for prostitution at gay video stores is prompting outrage and charges of police misconduct.

Term Limits as a Voting Right Issue

October 16, 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 29, 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 06, 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 17, 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 14, 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 11, 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 09, 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.

The Legislature Acts, Doesn't Act and Reacts

August 08, 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.

Co-op Disclosure Bill Stalls in Council

May 22, 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 17, 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 01, 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 16, 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 06, 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 15, 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 11, 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 10, 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 23, 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 16, 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 05, 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 09, 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 17, 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 06, 2005 —

Human Rights Law: Will It Become An Issue In The Mayoral Campaign?

September 16, 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 04, 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 06, 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 08, 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 16, 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 07, 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 08, 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 07, 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 11, 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 30, 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 05, 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 09, 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 04, 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 01, 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 08, 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 07, 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 02, 2004 — Andy Humm traces the fast-changing status of same-sex married couples in New York.

The Right of Religious Groups to Discriminate

March 02, 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 09, 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 06, 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 04, 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 06, 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 03, 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 02, 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 05, 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 01, 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 02, 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 05, 2003 — Andy Humm details the city and state anti-bullying bills.

New York Coalition Formed to Defend the Bill of Rights

April 02, 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 05, 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 05, 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.

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January 03, 2003 —

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December 03, 2002 —

The New Commissioners

November 01, 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 01, 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

September 11, 2002 — 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 01, 2002 —

The State and Human Rights

July 01, 2002 —

The Disabled

June 01, 2002 —

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May 01, 2002 —

The New Human Rights Commissioner

April 01, 2002 —

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

March 01, 2002 —

St. Patrick's Day Parade; Detention Policy Reversed; Human Rights Commission Criticized

February 01, 2002 —

The Civil Rights Agendas in 2002

January 01, 2002 —

Under Assault And On The Ballot

October 01, 2001 —

Asian New Yorkers

September 01, 2001 —

Anti-Catholicism

August 01, 2001 —

Transgender Rights

July 01, 2001 —