Civil Rights

PA Candidate Looks To Expand CCRB Independence

NY1 News - read whole article and watch video

Public Advocate candidate Bill de Blasio proposed a measure Tuesday to give the Civilian Complaint Review Board more power to prosecute cases and greater independence from the police department.

The council member was joined on the steps of City Hall by other elected officials and community leaders calling for the reforms.

His proposal would also give the CCRB the power to initiate complaints, improve community outreach, establish minimum qualifications for investigators and maintain confidentiality in investigations.

Civil Rights

De Blasio Proposes Sweeping Reform of the Civilian Complaint Review Board

August 4th, 2009

NEW YORK - Candidate for Public Advocate Bill de Blasio today joined a diverse coalition of elected officials, criminal justice advocates, LGBT community leaders, and clergy and civic leaders to propose sweeping reforms to give the City's Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) greater power to prosecute cases and increased independence from the New York Police Department (NYPD). Last week, de Blasio initiated the first step in this reform process by introducing legislation in the Council to make the CCRB and other watchdog Citywide offices and agencies independently budgeted.

Councilmember de Blasio Introduces Legislation to Create LGBT Youth Office

July 29th, 2009

City Hall - Today, Councilmember Bill de Blasio, Chair of the General Welfare Committee, announced the introduction of a bill to create a division within the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene specifically to address the issues faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth in New York City.

Statement from Bill de Blasio on Racial Disparity in Rising Unemployment Rates

July 13th, 2009

"Right now, unemployment in New York City's African American Communities is a mounting crisis, and the disparity in jobless rates between white and black New Yorkers is truly disturbing. We must quickly develop an aggressive and comprehensive plan to address unemployment in our City, and give this massive problem the urgent attention it deserves.  Any plan for recovery must include preserving existing jobs, and supporting minority-owned businesses, particularly in this harsh economic climate.

Statement from Council Member Bill de Blasio Regarding Reported Attacks Against Members of the LGBT Community

July 2nd, 2009

"It is shameful and sad that at the close of a week when our City is supposed to be celebrating gay pride, two members of the LGBT community were brutally assaulted.  I am confident that the New York City Police Department will aggressively pursue both of these incidents, one of which has already been identified as a bias crime. These attacks demonstrate our ongoing need to make New York City a place where all people regardless of race, religion, or sexuality can feel safe and accepted.

Statement from Bill de Blasio on LGBT Pride March

June 28th, 2009

"This week we celebrate how far the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights movement has come, the victories we have had and the ongoing challenges we still face. I am extremely pleased that last week President Obama decided to include same sex couples in the 2010 Census, an important step that I called on the administration to take several months ago. While this is a significant win, we still face an ongoing battle over marriage equality here in New York State. Today I hope we are also sending a loud message to Albany that it is time for our policies in government to truly re

Statement from Bill de Blasio Regarding Inclusion of Same-sex Couples in 2010 Census

June 19th, 2009

“I applaud the Obama administration for including same sex couples in the 2010 Census, a move that is vital to fostering more openness and equality in our Country. In March, I called on the administration to take this important step and reaffirm the founding principle of our nation: that all American’s count, regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation. I am proud that with new leadership in Washington, our policies in government are reflecting our values as a society.”

Statement from Bill de Blasio Regarding the Death of Officer Edwards

May 30th, 2009

"The death of Officer Omar J. Edwards is a tragedy that we cannot walk away from. Anytime a life is needlessly lost in a police shooting, we as a City must look at the larger issues that need to be confronted in order to keep all New Yorkers safe. A part of this discussion must be creating real unity between police officers and the neighborhoods they serve by reforming the Civilian Complaint Review Board so that it is known, fair and accessible to every New Yorker in every neighborhood," said Bill de Blasio.

Statement from Councilmember Bill de Blasio on the Introduction of Residency Legislation

May 20th, 2009

"I am proud to be the sponsor of Introduction 992 which will give more City workers greater flexibility in choosing where they live. This legislation will give thousands of municipal employees expanded living options and help our City maintain a dedicated work force to keep New York running smoothly. These workers deserve the right to make their own decisions about where they live based on what is best for them and their families," said Councilmember Bill de Blasio.

Statement from Bill de Blasio Regarding the Assembly's Passage of Marriage Equality Legislation

May 13th, 2009

"I want to applaud the New York State Assembly for once again reaffirming New York's commitment to marriage equality," said Councilmember Bill de Blasio. "As the State Senate now takes up this important issue, we must continue the fight to ensure all New Yorkers are provided the same rights and privileges. Equality for all is the foundation of our society and now is the time to finally implement it as the central value of our Government."

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